Berwyn Volunteers Stage a "Rescue" in Radnor

Volunteers from Berwyn Fire Company joined their brother and sister first responders from neighboring communities at the Radnor Fire Company by pulling two cars apart in a rescue demonstration for hundreds of spellbound kids and parents.

The demonstration was part of Radnor Fore Company's annual open house and  demonstrated how fire and rescue crews from departments all over Chester and Delaware Counties work together on roads like the Blue Route, U.S. 202, 422, The PA Turnpike and Schuylkill Expressway.

Using the "Jaws of Life" tool as well as power saws, hydraulic cutters and human strength first responders from Berwyn and Broomall Fire Companies showed how quickly they work to free victims trapped inside vehicle in a wreck.  In this case one sedan "rear-ended" another sedan, leaving the front cars trunk in the air, resting on the rear car's hood.

It took less than five minutes from the time the volunteer first responders arrived on the scene until the doors, windshields and roofs were gingerly cut away from the cars.  While there were no victims in the demonstration cars the reality is that people are often trapped in these kinds of accidents.

Firefighters emphasized the critical role wearing seatbelts plays in saving lives in these kinds of accidents.

In addition to the car rescue demonstration firefighters showed visitors how sprinklers work, gave kids a chance to operate fire hoses to put out controlled hay fires, and demonstrated how quickly house fires spread in a dramatic demonstration that you can see here on TE Patch.

Berwyn Fire Company will host an open house this coming Saturday from 3-5 p.m. at the Berwyn Fire Company station on Bridge Street in Berwyn.  Students from Conestoga High School will play a big part in building a model house that will be set on fire in a demonstration at the Berwyn Fire Company during Saturday's open house.