SOUTH BEND — Being trapped in your car after an accident can be very unsettling, especially if you or someone else in the vehicle is badly hurt. However, local firefighters are trained to use special tools to help cut you out of a car.

Car extrications require a lot of specialized tools. To watch our live car rescue demonstration, click "Watch the Video."

South Bend firefighters simulated a two-car accident involving one car on its side and another where the victims couldn't open the doors.

Battalion Chief Mike Damiano said car extrication is a skill local firefighters have to use a lot.

"It varies," he said. "One week you could have no extrications, another week you could have five."

Damiano also said many patients are hurt and emotionally shaken after a crash, so firefighters and medics will always try to calm the entrapped patient during the rescue process.

"Either through contact physically — a lot of times we'll grab a patient's hand — and then verbal communication," he explained. "That's key right there because people, they're already traumatized being in the accident and verbal communication is a primary way of helping them."

The Tactical Rescue training involves more than car rescues. Monday South Bend firefighters demonstrated live water rescues in the East Race. Tuesday they showed a rope rescue scenario on top of a four story building. More special rescue events will be broadcast live during the morning show on Thursday and Friday.

Saturday May 24, South Bend firefighters will host an open house at their Central Station on Michigan Street from 1-4 p.m. You can stop by for free, bring the family and check out the special rescue equipment