Berwyn Fire Company Earns Vehicle And Machine Rescue Certification

BERWYN, PA - The Berwyn Fire Company recently received certification as a Vehicle and Machine Rescue department with training to properly respond to emergency situations that involve rescues from heavy truck collisions.

The certificate is essential because busy highways including Routes 202 and 422, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike are in Berwyn's response area.

While Berwyn first responders are tasked to respond to fire and medical emergencies on a frequent basis, the potential for train-related incidents is also a hazard as SEPTA and Amtrak run through the Tredyffrin-Easttown community.

In addition, manufacturing facilities like Johnson Matthey and Wallquest on Devon Park Drive in Tredyffrin Township present increased risks for confined space rescue and crush injury situations.

]The training helps ensure successful rescue outcomes, according to a news release provided by the fire company.

The fire company recently responded to these calls:

• On Jan. 15, the fire company responded to a pickup truck flipping over and striking a utility pole in the 1300 block of Berwyn Paoli Road. Crews secured the scene to prevent fluids from leaking out of the truck. The driver was treated in Paol Hospital for minor injuries.
• On Jan. 28, the fire company was dispatched at 3:28 a.m. to a fatal crash at an underpass on Route 422 westbound between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and First Avenue. The crews contacted an extrication, provided lighting, and cleaned up the debris.

The Office of the State Fire Commissioner, the Bureau of EMS from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Rescue Task Force of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council created the program.

This certification is an upgrade from the first-level certification the department achieved in 2019 for basic training.

The fire company thanked the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, especially the Rescue and EMS leadership for guidance through the application and inspection process.

The certification requirements include having equipment, staffing, training, and education requirements.

Berwyn Battalion Chief Evan Brazunas and Berwyn Captain Joshua Lichman for coordinating all the necessary documentation to achieve this recognition.