Extrication Drills

Extrication training is what my fire department is currently doing on our weekly drills. The first extrication drill focused on basic hand tools and then we moved up to air, hydraulic, corded, and battery operated tools. Cribbing was also covered, lift an inch, crib an inch. Also, never forget what the first step of gaining entry to a vehicle that was involved in a PI. The door handle, if it is locked and the window is down or shattered than press the unlock button. Once the door or roof has been opened, always check to see of the seat can be moved before rolling the dash. This all goes back to the “try before you pry” school of thinking.

Another topic that I will write a great deal more on is the use of boron steel in vehicles. Everything from reinforcing roof structures, a and b pillars, and side impact door beams can have boron steel sandwiched with traditional steel. The question is, can your department’s hydraulic cutters or combi-tools cut through boron? Few can.