In an emergency car crash scenario, initial key players are police officers and first responders, including firefighters and paramedics. These individuals have just minutes to respond when someone’s life hangs in the balance. But key responders following those crucial initial moments also play important roles in clearing the roadways and making them safe for motorists again.

Among those important responders are tow truck operators. Muhlenberg Job Corps Center CDL-B Instructor Chris Brumfield, addressing his CDL-B class about crash scene towing, said, “Rule #1 when arriving at an emergency site is to make sure you and your truck are out of harm’s way. Safety should always be the first priority. You are responsible for your safety and your truck’s safety, so don’t let someone put you in a situation you are uncomfortable with.”

Tow truck companies and operators are responsible to clean up debris from the vehicle they tow from the scene of a crash. Most tow companies have contractual agreements with law enforcement agencies and are on an area tow lists. These companies are inspected and are required to carry certain items with them, including, at a minimum, a shovel, broom and a super-absorbent material that can be spread to absorb harmful and hazardous liquids.

Muhlenberg Job Corps Center believes that better knowledge of a variety of situations leads to a better employee. It is important to train for real-world scenarios because it gives students an idea of what they will likely encounter in their jobs. Scenario training also gives students the opportunity to think critically so when they are faced with a new problem they can come up with their own solution.

By:  Jacob Groves