Douglas firefighters train to crash when the vehicle accidents in Georgia rise

Douglas, Ga. (Walb) – According to the latest state data, Georgia recorded almost 400,000 motor vehicle accidents in 2024 and marked an increase of 4% compared to the previous year. Nationwide, firefighters are cut more than 275 times a day from destroyed vehicles from destroyed vehicles.

In order to prepare for these moments, the Douglas fire brigade organized a practical victim training that brought in firefighters from all over South Georgia.

The departments of Atkinson, Berries, Coffee, Brantley and others took part in the intensive exercises to simulate real emergencies.

“We have more than just our new recruits here,” said fire chief Casey Wright. “This is how we learn to open vehicles that are involved in accidents and to free the victim effectively and efficiently. The faster we can get them out, the faster we can bring them to a medical facility.”

Keith Harper, who has been a firefighter for five years and serves the city of Douglas, says that the training has already proven to be useful for emergencies in real life.

“It was quite a experience,” said Harper. “You learn while you go. It is a job that we take very seriously, and we are always there to help someone without getting it in the way.”

Wright, a 30-year-old veteran of the fire brigade, says that no two crash scenes are ever the same, and this is exactly why the ongoing training is of crucial importance.

“I have cut out a lot of people over the years,” he said. “Every crash has its own circumstances, depending on the type of effect. It is never routine.”

Since crash-related rescues are becoming more common, Douglas's fire brigade managers say that preparation contributes to saving life and ensuring that the crews are ready for most seconds.

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