Lethbridge College EMT students practice extrications in Pincher Creek

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Lethbridge College students
practice extrications
C. Davis photos

The Lethbridge College Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) graduating class was in Pincher Creek on Thursday, May 10, practicing vehicle extrication under the guidance of Pincher Creek Fire Chief Dave Cox and Lethbridge College Chief Instructor Lan Ngo.

Lan Ngo

"They come out to get some Guidance form Chief Cox to understand how to extricate the patients from vehicles properly without incurring further injuries," Ngo said.  "It's part of their class.  They have about two weeks left, and then they graduate and then they go to practicum.  They usually go for a hospital practicum or an ambulance practicum."

Chief Cox said "The goal of this class is to teach the students patient management.  They will not necessarily be the ones doing the extrication."  He explained that on-scene the firefighters generally do the extrication.  The EMT's manage the trapped patient when possible and when it is not too dangerous for them to do so, making sure they aren't hurt by the extrication process any more than necessary, calming them, and attending to and anticipating their medical needs.

Patient management
C. Davis photos

Reminder: This is Emergency Preparedness Week in Pincher Creek.

At noon, Saturday, May 12 Pincher Creek Emergency Services and the Cowley Fire Department will be testing our communities’ emergency alert sirens which are located in Pincher Creek, Cowley and Lundbreck at the fire halls.  This is a test only, but in future the sirens will be used in an actual disaster to garner attention and volunteers.

For more information read Emergency Preparedness Week to be held May 6 to 12