Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — The Jackson and Summit Fire Departments are collaborating with START Rescue to host a specialized Large Vehicle Rescue Training Program this weekend (September 12-14) at the City of Jackson Department of Public Works located on 515 Water Street.

JFD Assistant Chief Joe Smith and SFD Captain Aaron Osburn told WKHM that the response from rescue personnel with crashes involving bigger vehicles like semis requires a different level of training than ones that occur between traditional vehicles.

The program aims to bring the area’s fire and rescue personnel together and combine classroom instruction with live, scenario-based exercises at designated training grounds to manage complex emergencies involving large commercial vehicles. Participants will also gain hands-on experience on rescues that require specialized disentanglement techniques.

This training program hopes to help the collaborative effort that takes place during rescues with heavy duty vehicles goes as smoothly as possible for the safety of the public and first responders.

Personnel taking part in the program will also learn about large vehicle design and construction, scene safety and stabilization, patient access and removal, and effective use of rescue tools to address a training need for the region.