First Responders Get Hands-On Training

By Nadia Crow, Reporter

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By KCRG Intern

Story Created: Oct 16, 2012 at 5:21 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 16, 2012 at 6:36 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -"Chaos" best describes the scene at a multi-vehicle accident. There's debris from the wrecks, possible injuries and plenty of uncertainty. That's why a couple dozen emergency responders participated in an afternoon training exercise in Cedar Rapids.

Both the Cedar Rapids Fire and Area Ambulance respond to the same emergency calls together. For veterans and rookies alike, organizers say the drill gave them the opportunity to practice life-saving skills.

"We're trying to get a routine set in, everything has a protocol but you don't do that every day,” said Cedar Rapids Fire Department Captain Jason Andrews.

"Get to know each other, what their capabilities are, what stresses them, how we can make this a good outcome,” said Cedar Rapids Fired Department and Area Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Brad Wisnousky.

Emergency responders say you can help, too. First, try to give as much information to dispatch as possible, especially the correct address. And if you're helping someone, don't move them or pull them out of the car.

Next Article Rollover in Downtown Iowa City

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