District 2 Potlatch team assists in emergency readiness drills for car crash

Several members of the D2 maintenance team in Potlatch volunteered in emergency preparation drills today (Friday, May 13) for the students at Potlatch High School. Approximately 200 students attending the junior-senior high school witnessed the emergency scenario.

ITD’s Bud Converse fFirefighter), Brad Rode (fire captain) and Ty Winther (EMT), pictured left to right below, volunteers with the Potlatch Rural Fire District, assisted Potlatch Ambulance, the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Life Flight and the school with the drills, designed to ensure preparedness for a crash event.

Using two donated cars, five high school students donned makeup to give the appearance of injuries, then acted as injured passengers. Some got extricated from the wrecked vehicles. As part of the presentation, a deputy performed field sobriety tests on one student participant. That student was then arrested on suspicion of impaired driving, cuffed and placed in the back of a patrol unit. Potlatch EMS provided medical assistance and transport to the football field. Life Flight then landed and loaded a student participant for transport to the Idaho Transportation Department shed near Potlatch.

The event is presented about every three to four years, and coincides with graduation season as students make driving choices that may involve distraction or impairment.

“We hope this will help have an impact on students and families in their decision-making while planning their activities and operating vehicles,” said Rode. “We enjoy participating in these scenarios. It is great training and it raises awareness around the community as we, and our partners, do our part to help reduce fatalities on our roadways.”


Published 05-06-16