A recent vehicle extrication class sponsored by a collision repair shop proved popular with more than just local emergency responders. Two television crews also showed up, although for a slightly different reason.

Extrication trainer Toby Chess reports emergency vehicles - including 18 fire trucks - lined the street in front of the training, held at Paramount Auto Body in Reno, Nevada on August 11. That street parallels Interstate 80.

Passing motorists were so curious about why the 18 trucks were assembled they contacted local television news outlets. Two news crews arrived to find no emergency but dozens of local first responders taking advantage of the free training that Chess and several sponsors have been traveling around the country providing.

To see television news coverage of the training click here: http://www.kolotv.com/home/headlines/53014982.html

The training helps first responders extricate crash victims from late model vehicles, many of which incorporate high strength steels that are difficult to cut through, making timely extrication especially difficult. First responders often don't have access to such critical training.

Paramount Auto Body is owned by brothers Steve and Tim Waldren, who shut down shop production early to help set up the training. Kent Automotive paid Chess’s expenses so he could conduct the training. Enterprise Rent-A-Car supplied food. Chris Andreoli, of Progressive Insurance, stepped in at the last moment to help supply three late model vehicles (2005 model year and later) for the training.