| Continuous training is part of the culture at the West Grove Fire Company, and our first responders continued that commitment recently when on-duty crews conducted training on a new grip hoist.
A grip hoist is a hand-operated, portable manual winch used by fire departments and USAR teams for heavy-duty lifting, pulling, and stabilization. It allows a single firefighter to maneuver heavy objects in any direction without relying on motorized winches or electricity. The device relies on internal gripping jaws that alternately clamp and pull the wire rope, operating like a "mechanical hand."
Unlike standard come-alongs, the grip hoist works horizontally, vertically, or at an angle, with a theoretically unlimited pulling distance depending on the cable length. For rescue scenarios, it can be used to upright rolled-over vehicles, stabilize cars pinned beneath heavy trucks, or pull vehicles away from embankments. In structural collapse situations, it can be used to move, lift, or stabilize heavy debris, concrete, and beams during confined space or building collapse rescues. And the grip hoist is mechanically safe: The heavier the load, the tighter the jaws grip the cable, and all models include built-in overload protection to keep operators safe.
Last week, WGFC crews gathered in the West Grove Station parking lot to discuss and demonstrate the grip hoist, which will be used in vehicle rescue stabilization situations. This equipment was recently placed in service on the first-out engine, and all crews are continuing to train and review various scenarios for its use. Then, on June 16, firefighters from both West Grove and Avondale came together for a second training session to share knowledge of the grip hoist and expose to the tool to a new group of first responders.
Continuous training assures that WGFC first responders are at the ready in any situation and we are fortunate to have the support of leadership and the community to purchase, train on, and use the latest equipment to respond in emergencies. While the two companies have always trained and responded together throughout their history, these sessions are taking on new meaning as the West Grove and Avondale fire companies are merging together to form Southern Chester County Fire Rescue, a new organization expected to operate beginning January 1, 2027. For more information on SCCFR, see the link below. |
