Two car crashes. Two people trapped in the twisted metal. Two teams of firefighters cutting, pushing, pulling, and prying. Twenty minutes to get their victims to safety.
Screams for help will be coming from the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale today.
But no one will be in real danger.
In a series of fast-paced, real-life challenges, firefighters from around the world will compete to move victims -- played by actors and mannequins -- to safety during a four-day firefighter convention.
''It's a total exhilaration,'' Davie Fire-Rescue Chief Jorge Gonzalez said of the 2005 International Conference and Competitions. ''Firefighters are taken to the limit and maxed out in their abilities.''
The centerpiece of the convention is the 21st annual Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee International Extrication Competition, in which teams of six will destroy 110 vehicles in four days of events.
The goal: Be the team that can most safely and efficiently treat a car-crash victim in 20 minutes.
''It perfects your skills,'' said Joel Gordon of the Plantation Fire Department. ''It's a great time. We really enjoy it.''
As many as 600 firefighters will tear apart wrecks, ranging from cars smashed into barricades to multiple upside-down car pileups at the competition, which goes on today through Saturday.
The convention showcases speakers, workshops and an equipment expo.
The public will be able to view -- for free -- firetrucks on display.
Among the exhibits is an old New York City firetruck restored by a group of South Florida residents and retired New York firefighters.
The truck -- adorned with posters that include names and photos of firefighters who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks -- has been dedicated in their honor.
Other competitions will test firefighters' medical emergency training.
While many firefighters join in mock rescue scenarios this week, some of their counterparts are battling real emergencies in Louisiana and Mississippi, which were devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
In fact, some of the best competitors are now taking part in hurricane rescue efforts, participants said.
At the firefighters convention, many said they become so immersed in the competition scenarios that they forget it's fake.
''It really becomes so real that there are moments you have to bring yourself back to reality and remember it's just a competition,'' Gonzalez said.
Distributed by the Associated Press
