GALLERY: First responders get hands-on-training

"Chaos" probably best describes the scene at a multi-vehicle accident. There's debris from the wrecks, possible injuries and plenty of uncertainty.

That's why a couple dozen emergency responders participated in an afternoon training exercise Tuesday in Cedar Rapids.  The Cedar Rapids Fire Department and Area Ambulance respond to the same emergency calls together.  For veterans and rookies alike, organizers say the drill gave them the opportunity to practice life-saving skills.

"We're trying to get a routine set in, everything has a protocol but you don't do that every day,” said Cedar Rapids Fire Department Capt. Jason Andrews.

"Get to know each other, what their capabilities are, what stresses them, how we can make this a good outcome,” said Cedar Rapids Fire Department and Area Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Brad Wisnousky.

Emergency responders say the public can help, too.  First, try to give as much information to dispatch as possible, especially the correct address.  And if you're helping someone, don't move them or pull them out of the car.