09/05/2026
Earlier this week, Streator Firefighters spent time at the Public Safety Training Complex sharpening their vehicle extrication skills.
A specialized focus of this week’s training was deploying and operating our new Rescue Jack stabilization struts, giving our crews another tool to safely stabilize vehicles and create a secure working environment during complex extrications.
Crews worked through several extrication concepts, including “marrying” two vehicles together for stabilization, gaining access to the passenger compartment, and lifting/displacing the dashboard to free an entrapped patient.
But vehicle extrication is about much more than operating rescue tools. Crews also practiced EMS patient care and removal, working through how we protect, package, and safely remove an entrapped patient while extrication operations are taking place.
Throughout the scenarios, members acted as Incident Command and Incident Safety Officer responsibilities, reinforcing scene organization, communication, accountability, hazard recognition, and overall operational safety. The goal is to train the entire response — from establishing command and stabilizing the vehicle to extrication, patient care, and ultimately getting the patient safely to the ambulance.
And Mother Nature added another element to the training — heat. With intense temperatures throughout the week, crews trained with appropriate safety precautions, hydration, and rehab measures in place.
Emergencies don’t wait for ideal weather. Training in challenging conditions, while managing those risks appropriately, helps ensure our firefighters are prepared when our community needs us.
Train hard. Train smart. Stay ready.
The Desire to Serve, The Courage to Act. 🚒
