Currently, there are over 850, 000 vehicle trips taken daily in and through the City of Burnaby, representing approximately 25% of all vehicle trips taken in the Region. Burnaby's transportation network includes local roads, connectors, arterial and high speed, high volume freeway corridors. There is not only potential for accidents; horrific crashes are a reality.
The Burnaby Fire Department responds to all motor vehicle accidents and is responsible for the extrication of any patients. At any motor vehicle accident, the B.F.D. must stabilize all hazards such as fuels or fire, stabilize the vehicles involved, and then decide the safest way to cut, pull, and remove the vehicle away from the trapped patient(s). Many times these vehicles are inverted, on their side, or off the roadway. This work is done with the knowledge that any wrong move, or any second wasted will affect the patients chance of survival.
The auto industry continues to improve occupant safety, resulting in these safety features becoming a hazard and an obstacle to both rescue personnel and patients. Undeployed air bags can activate at any time during a rescue, injuring both patients and rescue personnel. Micro alloy steels have shear strengths in excess of 50, 000 pounds, requiring the use of advanced hydraulic cutting tools. As the automotive industry implements technological changes, the Burnaby Fire Department, through ongoing education and equipment upgrades, continues to provide the safest and most expedial extrication procedures possible.
