The Oconto Falls Fire Department has used a $15,000 donation from ST Paper to purchase equipment to stabilize vehicles at emergency scenes. The new air bags, struts and related equipment will be used to lift and steady vehicles involved in accidents.
Fire Chief Tim Magnin on Nov. 10 pulled the equipment from the storage areas on a fire truck to show Steve Lea, of ST Paper, Mayor Brad Rice and City Administrator Vicki Roberts. Magnin described how the equipment will be used, for instance, to prevent a vehicle from tipping into a ditch or rolling over. He said it takes only a short time to lift and secure a vehicle tightly.
“It’s solid,” he said. “It’s amazing.”
The department trained with the equipment during two separate drills, for a total of six to eight hours.
“It’s really very simple, very easy to do,” Magnin said.
During their training, firefighters even lifted a tanker truck full of water. According to Magnin, the large air bag can lift 32,000 pounds.
He said the equipment will be handy at accident scenes. He recalled one accident in which the department used the Jaws of Life when a dump truck was resting on a man’s arm. Magnin said the air lift would have been a better alternative.
Lea said he was surprised the equipment, including the square air bag, was so compact.
“With the little bit of stuff here, it’s amazing what you can do,” Magnin responded.
“I hope you never have to use it, but I’m glad it’s available,” Lea said.
According to Magnin, members of the department talked about purchasing the equipment for years but could not afford it. The $15,000 donation from ST Paper paid for the equipment and training.
“We appreciate all your support,” Magnin told Lea.
“Thank you is not enough,” added Roberts.
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