Pettis Co. Fire District to Conduct Vehicle Rescue Training

The Pettis County Fire Protection District will conduct vehicle rescue technician training this weekend.

Maurice Byrd, with the Pettis County Fire District, indicated the training is open to area fire personnel. The district is hoping to have the maximum number of 25 participants if possible. However, as of Thursday morning Byrd said 18 participants have signed up for the training class, with some spots still open. Byrd noted that participants must already be part of a fire department.

The vehicle extrication training class will deal with tools and techniques required to remove a trapped victim from a vehicle accident.

The Pettis County Fire District is conducting the course in conjunction with University of Missouri Extension Fire & Rescue Training Institute.

The Pettis County Fire Protection District says emphasis will be placed on proper use of powered and manual rescue tools & air bags. Coordination with EMS personnel, vehicle designs, ICS, and safety considerations for victims and fire staff are also included in the training class.

Byrd added that fire personnel from Smithton, Buffalo, and Johnson County Fire District #2 are participating in the training.

Information from the Pettis County Fire District indicates the training course meets several requirements for training, including Chapter 8 and 10 of NFPA qualifications.

The training course will take place at the Pettis County Fire Protection headquarters, located at 1608 Clarendon Road in Sedalia. The course is lead by Bruce E. Bjorge.

The course takes place from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. September 1 & 2.

The training is funded by a $58,000 grant from State Farm.

The grant was issued to FRTI in 2018 and funds 16 Vehicle Rescue and Vehicle Fire Fighting classes across Missouri.