Fire Prevention Open House by Rescue Captain Julius Marosfalvi Jr October 12, 2008
On Monday, October 6, 2008, families from all over attended the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company Open House during fire prevention week. Support from the community was outstanding with over 200 people attending.
From coloring images of fire trucks to extinguishing grease fires, there were many activities for children of all ages. Youngsters and parents enjoyed climbing on newest fire engine, a 2008 Marion Pumper Tanker. Many of the kids took turns learning how to put out a fire using water fire extinguishers while others had a chance to spray targets using a fire hose from an engine. Some of the older kids had a chance to learn how to safely extinguish a grease fire in frying pan. Still others had the opportunity to observe firefighter don their firefighting gear and air packs and see first hand how firefighters perform a search and rescue through a room that may be filled with smoke.
But the highlight of the evening was a demonstration of how firefighters use the jaws of live to rescue individuals involved in automobile accidents. Rescue 68 made a dramatic entrance as it arrived to the mock accident scene in front of the fire house. As the siren wound down, crews began the careful process of stabilizing the vehicle on wood block. Firefighters then used the jaws of life to pry off the doors of the crashed vehicle in order to gain access to the simulated patient. Firefighters then cut away the roof to provide adequate space for medical personnel to prepare for the removal of the simulated patient. The final portion of the demonstration involved a procedure referred to as dash roll which is the process in which the dashboard and the entire front of the vehicle is pushed off a patient that may have otherwise been pined in the driver's seat. When the demonstration was complete, the crew took time to pose for pictures.
The event was an excellent way to kick off fire prevention week as well as a great opportunity for the public to meet their local firefighters.
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"Protecting Your National Heritage" P.O. Box 62 630 Valley Park Road Valley Forge, PA 19481
