By Chris Bavender
The 42nd annual Carmel Public Safety Day is set for Sept. 19 at St.Vincent Carmel Hospital. The event is designed to allow residents to learn about all the local agencies, businesses, organizations and services available relating to safety, health, and wellness.
Special demonstrations will take place throughout the day, including a Carmel Fire Department vehicle extrication, Carmel Police Department K-9 Unit, CPD SWAT rappelling and St.Vincent Carmel Hospital CPR.
The vehicle extrication always attracts a large crowd, said Keith Freer, CFD deputy fire marshal.
“The Carmel Fire and Police Departments demonstrate a full response to a vehicle accident with injury and occupant entrapment,” Freer said. “The vehicle is cut away from the patient who is trapped and then loaded on to an air medical helicopter (StatFlight).”
During the rappelling presentation, three to four different techniques are demonstrated.
“They rappel off the end of the ladder on the CFD Tiller (Ladder) Truck,” Freer said. “The public just observes this skill, they do not perform it.”
Other activities include a kids’ big wheel race, a family water balloon toss and a car seat clinic. Information will also be available on water, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
The main message Freer said he hopes those attending take away: “The knowledge that there are services ready and available to meet their safety, health, and wellness needs,” he said.
Public Safety Day kicks off at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. in the back parking lot of the hospital. Food will be served all day. Door prizes will be given out throughout the day. For additional information, visit www.carmelfd.com.
