Firefighting crews from Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Station 22’s engine and truck received "hands on" training on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 to hone their skills in the art of vehicle extrication techniques. The drill was made possible with the donation of salvaged vehicles from Schnitzer Steel. The crews were invited to Schnitzer Steel’s yard in North Portland and provided with several salvaged vehicles to dismantle.

Realistic training such as this is invaluable to Portland’s firefighters because it allows the crews to explore new techniques, use specialized equipment in a non-emergency atmosphere, and perfect the skills necessary for a successful patient rescue.

Engine 22 and Truck 22 carry a full compliment of vehicle rescue gear including hydraulic cutters, halligan bars, chocks, pick head and pry axes, saws, spreaders and rams designed specifically to remove a twisted vehicle from around a trapped victim piece by piece.

Click here to view additional photos posted on PF&R's Facebook page. A special thank you to Schnitzer Steel Industrials, Inc. for allowing Portland firefighters to train at your Portland facility! 

More Information on Schnitzer Steel

Schnitzer Steel was founded in 1906 and has become one of the nation's largest recyclers of scrap metal, a provider of used and recycled auto parts, and a manufacturer of finished steel products. Schnitzer Steel’s corporate headquarters are based here in Portland, Oregon, and the company is split into three vertically integrated business units, the Metals Recycling Business, the Auto Parts Business and the Steel Manufacturing Business. Learn more about Schnitzer Steel by clicking here. 

  Portland Fire & Rescue We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  August 12, 2010