FIFD Drill in coordination w/FI School: Simulated Motor Accident

The Fishers Island Fire Department conducted a joint drill with the Fishers Island School to simulate a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, September 24. The purpose of the drill was to do a cross-curricular unit between physics, history, and language arts with FI School Science Teacher Michelle Zimberlin Wall, English Teacher Jess Hall and Social Studies Teacher Michael George. Students are learning about momentum and energy in car crashes and how to make cars safer so they can apply what they have learned to come up with a design solution to make cars safer for passengers and pedestrians.

THE SCENARIO

During the Fishers Island Fire Department drill that took place on September 24th, EMTs and firefighters responded to a simulated motor vehicle accident involving one vehicle and three patients (a pedestrian, a driver, and a passenger). In this scenario, the driver was under the influence and driving at an accelerated speed before striking a pedestrian, driving off the road and rolling over. The driver needed to be extricated from the vehicle, but the passenger had not been wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car, which then landed on top of the patient. The scenario was derived from a compilation of motor vehicle accidents that other agencies have responded to, making the emergency situation as realistic as possible for first responders. 

Students were on scene listening with a fire department pager prior to first responders arriving so that they could witness the drill from start to finish. Their observations included the initial dispatch and response, establishment of command and triage, arrival of emergency crews and vehicles, the evaluation and treatment of each patient, and extrication of the driver from the vehicle using life-saving equipment. Following the drill, students attended the debrief session at the firehouse to witness dedicated volunteers reflecting on what aspects went well during the drill and which areas needed improvement. The drill closed with a question and answer session.

Special thanks to the FIFD EMTs and firefighters who participated with FIFD Rod Rodriguez, Becky Walters, and Jess Hall, who led the drill for the FI School students and junior firefighters (in the yellow helmets). FIFD members participating in the drill included:

Photo Credit: Jane T. Ahrens

Please visit fishersisland.net to view more photos.