First responders undergo accident training

First responders representing four fire departments within Division 15 of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System [MABAS 15] joined together in a week long certification course.
The Coal City Fire Protection District hosted the 40 hour Vehicle and Machinery Operations [VMO] class that teaches firefighters and paramedics the art of removing a car from a victim involved in an accident.
The Illinois State Fire Marshals certification class was completed Friday, Sept. 25 with a final exercise that was based on a multiple vehicle accident scenario.
The group of 20 participants worked together on the scenario utilizing the skills they had learned in the previous four days, as well as completing a written certification exam conducted by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office—Division of Personnel and Education.
The training involved 20 individuals representing the Coal City, Braidwood, Dwight and Plainfield Fire Protection Districts.
The final event was made possible through partnerships with Broadway Auto Salvage and Shopwerks in Braceville. The businesses provided old vehicles for the class members to utilize in their training, and Shopwerks the space necessary to complete the various tasks assigned to the first responders.
Coal City Fire Protection District personnel report without community support from organizations and businesses like these, the department would have difficulty providing this type of valuable training for firefighters who serve and protect their communities.
Through its membership in MABAS 15 the Coal City Fire Protection District provides several of these classes annually to assist in firefighter training throughout the area.