The members of the Epworth Fire Department completed an all day course on vehicle stabilization and extrication on Saturday, February 13th, 2010. Sandry Fire Equipment with instructors, Bob Sandry and Ron Shanahan conducted the training which included class room education and then training evolutions on six different vehicles. Firefighters were able to use newly purchased extrication struts that were obtained through a Dubuque Racing Association Grant to stablilze vehicles. All members were able to use TNT rescue equipment to cut apart the vehicles, gaining access to the patients trapped inside the vehicles. The training was held at the Dubuque County Firefighters Association Training Center in the arena area. Members were able to learn new techniques and then practice them on various different vehicles. The vehicles were placed in different positions and included one vehicle being turned on the side. The vehicles were donated by Wenzel Towing of Dubuque. The training center provides for an excellent learning atmosphere and works well for these types of sessions. About 30 members of the Epworth Fire Department attended the training, giving up their Saturday to enhance and practice extrication skills.
