The Paradise Valley Fire Department has put out a somewhat unusual call … thy are on the lookout for those old cars and pickups you’ve come to hate … too recalcitrant to run and of such sorry disposition that no one, not even the most shady of disreputable used car salesmen or the most reputable scrap dealers see any hope of its redemption.
And so it sits, a derelict, useless. An eyesore, taking up space as it rusts all too slowly back into the Earth, an object of everyone’s scorn.
But deep in its tangled and corroded electrical system, a dying spark remains. And in it the fading memories of the once dependable work truck or family sedan, too long relegated to the rust bin, there stirs a wistful hope.
“If only I had more to give,” hope whispers feebly.
Donated to Paradise Valley Fire, you’ll have the deep satisfaction of knowing the useless old bucket of bolts will be ripped apart piece by raggedy piece until it’s a shattered shell of the rig it was once.
But the glimpse of the serious and studious way those ripping away at her give Old Betsy the assurance that her destruction isn’t wanton, but with a deep and meaningful purpose.
And so it is, for those who seem to be working in a haphazard frenzy are actually engaged in learning a fast paced ballet dedicated to saving the lives of those involved in vehicle collisions who are trapped inside a vehicle.
Extrication, as it’s called, isn’t as intuitive as it would seem. It’s not about pulling the victim from the wreckage, but about keeping the victim stable while selectively, safely quickly cutting the wreckage away from the victim. Learning the skills necessary to conduct a safe and successful extrication requires hands-on training, strict attention to detail and a lot of repetition, and having enough vehicles to train on is essential.
If you have a vehicle you would be willing to donate, please reach out to our chief at (208) 304-4565. Vehicles must have current registration.
As always, those of Paradise Valley Fire truly appreciate the continued support from their community.