First responders need to train for any situation, from floods to fires and everything in between. That includes a profoundly unpredictable element – electricity.
The Rapid City Fire Department hosted a special training teaching emergency responders how to deal with crashes and other incidents involving electricity risks.
The drill started with a simulated 911 call. A drunk driver has struck a power box. As a result, electricity is coursing through the scene, and a full response is needed. Because of the shock risk, that means the crew includes power company workers.
Amanda Haugen is communications specialist for West River Electric. She said if you’re in this situation, its better to be safe than sorry.
“Always stay in your vehicle," Haugen said. "That’s the safest thing for you until the linemen come and turn the power off. If you do need to exit your vehicle, it’s only when its on fire. Only touch the car, nothing else at the same time, and you bunny hop. Bunny hop as far away as you can and if you don’t think you’re far enough just keep going.”
In this situation, a training event hosted by the Rapid City Fire Department, it takes circular saws, the jaws of life, and commercial window breakers to safely pull the driver and passenger from the car, and only after a long delay waiting for the power to be safely shut off.
RCFD training captain Michael Bartling said these calls take serious communication.
“This is a very low frequency, but high-risk call," Bartling said. "So, this rarely happens, but when it does it takes a lot of coordination and practice to make sure we pull this off without someone being very injured.”
Officials say in total, the rescue takes a response from the fire department, police, the city, and electrical companies to make sure nobody is injured beyond the victims of the crash.