When a 911 call comes in, first responders only have seconds to react. It's the training done beforehand that results in the best possible outcomes.

The Yonkers Fire Department hosted other departments from Westchester and Dutchess counties as well as parts of Connecticut for a day of collaborative training on Tuesday.

The goal of the Urban Search and Rescue Showcase at the Cross County Shopping Center was to prepare before the emergency to improve responses during one.

"It's a time to just look at stuff, share ideas and go over the equipment while we're not under any stress or any pressure," Yonkers Deputy Fire Chief Raymond Mahoskey said.

Drills included simulating pulling a victim from under a car, cutting through thick slabs of concrete and rescuing someone from high above the ground.

Officials said this type of work is particularly helpful during large emergencies when other departments are called to a scene for mutual aid and must immediately become familiar with another department's protocols and equipment to assist.