Thursday August 19th was the Cutchogue Fire Department's monthly in-house training night.

The topic of this month's training was a large scale vehicle extrication and mass casualty drill.

The night began with a presentation form the Suffolk County Police Department Aviation unit. A police medivac helicopter landed on the FD grounds for a show and tell presentation. Firefighters and EMS personnel reviewed medivac procedures with the pilots and flight medic and had the opportunity to get an up close view of the helicopter.

After the presentation, Volunteers from CFD and Greenport FD took part in the training that included a mock vehicle accident scenario involving both Firefighters and EMT's.

Using donated vehicles, firefighters to practiced their extrication skills using the Hurst, hydraulic rescue tools commonly referred to as the "Jaws of Life" carried on our Heavy Rescue Truck.

The scenario included a 3 car collision with multiple dangers and challenges and included a total of 11 patients.

Several Junior firefighters acted at the Victims for the nights drill each with a specified injury and role.

Working together participants were able to triage, extricate and package all patients in under 45 minutes.

Overall the drill lasted approximately 2 hours and gave firefighters a valuable opportunity to practice their skills and become proficient with the equipment we use as well as review procedures for a Mass Casualty Incident

Thank you to everyone who turned out for the nights training.

CFD and other local fire departments welcome the donation of used / junk cars to be used for training purposes such as these.

Any person interested in Donating a car for Training is asked to contact the Firehouse.