City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) On a drizzling May morning, City of Talladega firefighters cautiously lifted a yellow school bus from a crushed Lexus sedan.  There were no passengers to rescue as this was a training exercise. The goal included teaching members of the Talladega Fire Department to properly utilize newly acquired, life-saving Paratech stabilization and heavy lift capable rescue equipment.

“Our firefighters completed extensive training, and they will continue learning via train-the-trainer sessions to ensure that every Talladega firefighter develops the muscle memory that comes with consistent practice,” said Fire Chief Danny Warwick. 

Following a collision, vehicle stabilization is an essential component of a safe extrication as unstable vehicles pose a serious threat to injured drivers and passengers as well as rescuers.

Assistant Fire Chief John Tyson added, “This equipment expands the capability of the department to mitigate emergency incidents involving large commercial vehicles, industrial accidents and structural collapse. It will enhance our capabilities and allow our firefighters to continue the mission of delivering the highest quality of emergency services to our community.”

City Manager Derrick Swanson, who observed the recent firefighter training session, stated, “Without pneumatic tools, this type of rescue effort would be exponentially more challenging and more hazardous. By providing firefighters and other city employees with the best possible tools and training, we ensure that they are well-equipped to serve our community.”