Air Bag Training
 
By WGFC Volunteers
August 28, 2017
 

Monday evening found the volunteers at West Grove Fire Company engaged with their weekly training, this week's topic was on air bag operations. Air bags are a tool carried on Rescue 22 that will allow the lifting of heavy objects during a rescue operation. Tonight's training centered around becoming proficient in the operation of the air bag controller and well as a tactical objective of lifting an object (table) so as not to spill a cup of water. This requires leadership, coordination and devotion to getting the task completed. Tonight's objective was to lift the table 30 + inches without spilling the water. This was achieved using the various sets of air bags along with wood cribbing.

A great job by members of the training committee Matthew Glass and Mike Keiser in leading the training all while the line officers where holding their monthly meeting.
 
The initial raise using one air bag on each end of the table
The initial raise using one air bag on each end of the table
A little higher using cribbing and air bags
A little higher using cribbing and air bags
 
With a box crib at each end of the table adding additional height for the air bag.
With a box crib at each end of the table adding additional height for the air bag.
Final height reached using many pieces of cribbing in combination with the air bags to provide the lift during training.
Final height reached using many pieces of cribbing in combination with the air bags to provide the lift during training.