Cozumel, Q.R. — Island emergency services personnel participated in a practical vehicle extraction and urban rescue course. The course was taught by the American instructors Cory Rice and Marko Turner, specialists from Sullivan County, Missouri.
Mayor Chacón Méndez received equipment for the firefighters of the Civil Protection department, donated by Cory Rice, Fire Chief in Sullivan.
“Our friend Cory also offered training for our people. Thank you very much for your support and love for our land, Cozumel,” the mayor stated.
The training took place at the Baaxa Reciclajes WT Cuzamil facilities where 30 Cozumel firefighters participated in a comprehensive exercise. The exercise included real-life rescue protocols for vehicle accidents involving trapped occupants.
The Cozumel Director of Civil Protection, Firefighters and Lifeguards, Alfredo Arellano Villaseñor, explained that this training reinforces knowledge and allows for the adoption of new techniques that are refined each year, ensuring faster, safer and more effective interventions for the benefit of the community.
During the course, firefighters worked with state-of-the-art hydraulic equipment, including the “jaws of life”, capable of cutting and separating metal structures to free trapped victims more quickly.
They also used sledgehammers, metal bars, a halibut and power saws to practice cutting metal, removing rear window glass and windshields. Island emergency personnel also worked on conducting 360-degree inspections to assess vehicle condition and the number of victims.
The instructors emphasized the importance of understanding the characteristics of modern vehicles, including electric and hybrid ones, to know how to intervene safely.
Currently, electric and hybrid model vehicles are operating on the island, requiring firefighters to master special protocols for handling lithium-ion batteries, safe battery disconnections, and fire prevention.
Similarly, scenarios were conducted with two types of vehicles, a compact car and a pickup truck, to simulate real-world conditions and allow more firefighters to practice.
Mayor Chacón Méndez says the exercises help to strengthen the capabilities of the fire department through specialized courses, donations of updated equipment such as the Holmatro hydraulic system, and training that will improve emergency response, guarantee the safety of Cozumel families, and protect lives in the face of any eventuality.
