Members Take Vehicle Extrication Class

17 firefighters from four counties take Basic Passenger Vehicle Rescue and Alternative Fueled Vehicles & New Technology course at North Highlands Fire Department. Members from the North Highlands, Pawling, Millwood, Garrison, Cornwall and Carmel fire departments took the 6 night class.

Members of several Hudson Valley fire departments recently completed an intensive hands-on rescue training program hosted by the North Highlands Fire Department.

Seventeen firefighters representing departments from four counties participated in the “Basic Passenger Vehicle Rescue and Alternative Fueled Vehicles & New Technology” course, a six-night training program focused on modern vehicle rescue operations and emerging automotive technology.

Firefighters from the North Highlands Fire Department, Pawling Fire Department, Millwood Fire Department, Garrison Volunteer Fire Company, Cornwall Fire Department, and Carmel Fire Department took part in the specialized training.

Throughout the course, participants learned critical techniques for passenger vehicle stabilization, extrication, patient access, and scene safety. The class also focused heavily on the growing challenges posed by electric, hybrid, and alternative fueled vehicles, including high-voltage systems, battery hazards, and new rescue considerations involving advanced automotive technology.

Training officers said the program provided firefighters with valuable real-world experience and reinforced the importance of regional cooperation among departments. With modern vehicles becoming increasingly complex, firefighters must continuously train to stay prepared for emergency situations involving new technology.

The six-night course concluded with hands-on practical evolutions designed to simulate realistic crash rescue scenarios and strengthen teamwork between neighboring departments.