Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, Emergency Services and Police will be conducting a road crash rescue training day at the Berrimah Fire Station Special Operations Building on September 11.

Station Officer Anthony Miles, NTFRS Transportation Rescue Officer, said the training and practical skills session is designed to better prepare first responders for the advances in new car technology.

“Many newer cars have strengthened frames that Emergency Responders have found difficult to cut through.

“Getting an injured person into a position where they can receive medical treatment is a priority for every Officer at a crash scene and this exercise gives the trainees several new and improved skills in overcoming the challenge of ultra high strength steels in new cars.

Station Officer Miles said the crews will be learning and practicing new skills such as:

· Cross ramming: where the vehicle damage is pushed away from the casualty to immediately free up space allowing for better medical intervention.

· Tunnelling, where crews can gain access to a vehicle through a boot or rear window.  This technique is especially handy when doors are not accessible, or to overcome the advances in new car construction

· Trialling a range of fully battery operated hydraulic rescue equipment including the “Jaws of Life”

“The training is also a very good opportunity for the crews to discuss road crash rescue techniques and advancement in other jurisdictions to improve their own skills.

“Our core responsibility when attending a serious road crash is to get medical attention to the injured so every skill, every improvement in equipment and every addition to our knowledge can help us save a life.”