36 WINTER • 2011
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Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal
Extrication challenges Continued from page 35
could use from everything they had put out, and that is all they would be allowed to use for this evolution. My assistant chief gave his group a reciprocating saw, a haligan tool, a socket set and a sledge ham-
mer. I gave my group a hydraulic spreader, a hydraulic ram, a haligan tool and a reciprocating saw. Their requirements for this evolution was to remove the roof and the seats, which would also require lifting the vehicle off of its roof. Both groups gath-
ered their few tools and headed to the vehicles. We had already covered some basic techniques for cutting, lifting and stabilizing so the challenge was on. Both groups finished their exercise in pretty good time.The big surprise was the hand tool group actually finished before my group, who was using the power tools. Both of the groups enjoyed and learned from the challenge we put before them.The hand tool group was really excited that they completed the exercise in good time, that they were able to do the assigned task, and they beat “my” group. Again, this shows that even with little to work with, training can be made to challenge the rescuers and be a learning ex-
perience as well.The more you challenge the mind, the more your folks will think outside of the box, and when it comes to extrication, we need to be able to think outside the box.Tunnel vision only serves to reduce our capabilities and sometimes slow our rescue times. I must say that their final class exercise was a bit more challenging. We had a full size leisure van upside down on its roof, with a pickup under the hood, and another SUV on top of the van.The only thing they had to do, was be able to cut the roof off the leisure van. Well it’s time to wrap things up, so I guess we will look at how they
did that next issue. Until next time, stay safe, train hard, and maybe we’ll see you at the big one. If you have any questions or comments e-mail David Pease at Reds100@aol.com and visit the team website at www.RedsTeam.com.
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