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FDIC Itinerary: Brotherhood, Climbing, Giveaways, and of course Beer!

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It’s hard to believe that FDIC 2013 starts next week! We’ve worked up a tentative itinerary.  Paul Hasenmeiser and his crew from First Due Tackle will be in Indy for the annual firefighter pilgrimage.   There will be great training, networking, brotherhood, and giveaways.  Be sure to track us down we have a couple hundred new stickers and a few chips to giveaway.

Like our Facebook to stay update on our location

 +Wednesday April 24

  • Columbia Southern University Networking Social / 530 pm – 830 pm @ the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
  • Fire Service Warrior Meet Up / 5 pm – @ the Ram Restaurant and Brewery
  • FDIC FOOLS Brotherhood Bash / 5pm – @ Jackson St and Meridian St

+Thursday April 25

FREE GEAR FROM

The biggest giveaway we know of is coming out of the TECGEN XTREME booth.  (Booth 403).  Here are the details:

  • We will be in the TECGEN booth from 2 pm – 3 pm.
  • During our time in the booth they will be giving away branded collapsable water bottles to all visitors.
  • Some visitors during our time in the booth will randomly receive Camelback hydration packs.
  • Here is the best part; every visitor to the booth during the show will have their badge scanned.  TECGEN will then select 6 random winners who will receive a set of gear. Similar to what we will be wearing.

BE AT THE TECGEN BOOTH 403 @ 2PM

You’ll see us throughout the day as we drop in on some friends including:

We will wrap up the evening at the NFFF’s Stop, Drop, Rock ‘n’ Roll dinner and live auction / 7 pm – 11 pm @ the Indian Roof Ballroom.

+Friday April 26

Our main mission will be to climb in the FDIC 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb / 130 pm & the Lucus Oil Stadium.  We’ll be hooking up with The Fire Critic and Captain Wines for the climb.  W e’ll be sporting our TECGEN XTREME gear.  After the climb the FDT crew is hitting the road because a couple of them are on duty Saturday.  I’ll be around until the  Fire Critic and  Iron Firemen Meet Up / 830 pm @ the Hard Rock Cafe and then hitting the road for a late night drive back up to the Motor City.

Register To Climb

 There are still 84 Fallen Brothers that need to be honored at the stair climb.  Sign up now!  343, Never Forget!

Posted by on April 15, 2013 • Filed under: extrication, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, special-operations, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Southern Extrication School

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Extrication SchoolAre you going to the Southern Extrication School?  Better yet, have you registered?  The Darlington County Extrication Team has put together a power packed two days with some big names in the fire service.  Check them out below!  I hope to so you there, I will be!

Complete information available at Extrication Process & Southeastern Extrication School website.

Speakers and Presentations

EMS Aspects of Extrication: Fundamentals and Focus – Rommie Duckworthconnects core principles of extrication with a foundation of field trauma care. Presented in a way that everyone can understand this program delivers patient size-up, incorporation of medical considerations in the extrication approach, detection and management of life threats, basic and advanced assessment, and concerns for special patient populations.

High-Energy, High-Impact Training – Tim Sendlbach provides an overview of the skills and personal characteristics necessary to develop and deliver a HIGH-IMPACT training program for your department.  Training is considered the backbone of every progressive fire department.

Alternative Fuel Heavy Truck/Bus for First Responders – Matt Stroud discusses the knowledge necessary to properly mitigate incidents involving commercial vehicles that utilize modern hybrid and alternative fuels including: LNG, CNG, Hybrid, EV, Hydrogen fuel cells.

Instructors and Sessions

Res-Q-Jack Stabilization University – Cris Pasto presents training on all aspects of res-q-jacks, the most complete line of versatile rescue struts & jacks available today. The practical exercises will cover wheel-resting, side-resting, roof-resting, and over-ride vehicle stabilization and lifts. Exercises will also cover advanced roll-over & over-ride extrication tactics.

Down in the Ditch - Les Baker covers the topic of vehicles that come to rest in different positions in ditches of different sizes and configurations. Although this topic has received little attention over the years from the extrication community, local responders constantly find themselves facing these incidents. Instruction will cover scene assessment, set up, hazard control, and advanced techniques such as Hercules, Darlington Roll, tunneling, floorboard operations, etc.

Large Truck Tactics – Tim Rouse familiarizes the rescuers with different types, unique characteristics, and extrication techniques for dealing with large truck incidents. Students will be challenged with scenario based evolutions culminating in a mega scenario involving multiple entrapments designed to challenge even the most veteran responders.

Hand to Hand Combat – Jeff Pugh provides comprehensive training on the skills necessary to complete various tactics with minimal hand tools. Emphasis will be placed on tools such as hi-lift jacks, reciprocating saws, air chisels, etc.

Advanced Tactics – Randy Schmitz covers advanced tactics that are not used on a routine basis, but when needed are invaluable. These tactics include floor pushes, inverted patient removals, vehicle slides, tunneling, ram work, etc., all completed in a variety of scenarios. He also incorporates standard extrication best practices such as including scene safety, complex stabilization, and glass management into the training.

Man in Machine - Ed Henry discusses machine rescue calls such as a jumper impaled on a fence, a construction worker impaled on rebar, a pizza boy’s arm caught in the dough mixer, or the restaurant worker with his hand in the meat grinder. It’s technical rescue and it’s happening in every response area throughout the country. These types of calls will most likely require specialized training and equipment. This class covers NFPA 1670 – Standard for Technical Rescue, case histories, Crush Injury/Syndrome, tool and special equipment needs and rescue operations.

The registration fee for this school is $155 per person, which includes keynote presentations, one breakout session, all course materials, refreshment breaks, lunch on Sunday, Certificate of Completion, CEU Credits through Florence Darlington Technical College, a digital copy of all presentations for department and SES t-shirt. The breakout sessions are filling up fast and are filled on a first come first serve basis.

 

Posted by on January 19, 2013 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

2013 Annual Extrication Training Events

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Firefighters and rescue personnel should consider attending one of the annual extrication seminars and training events around the United States, Canada, and even around the world that offer different methods of instruction and knowledge.  I believe training outside of your region and comfort zone will further your extrication knowledge and keep you are the leading edge.  In addition, you are able to bring back fresh ideas and tactics to your department.  Below is a list of extrication training seminars and events for 2013.

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Southeastern Extrication School

  • Date: February 16, 2013 8:00 AM
  • The 5th Annual Southeastern Extrication School will be held at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology.

KCFTOA Annual PXT 201/202/401 Extrication Academy

  • Date: March 13 – 15, 2013 0800-1700
  • The King County Fire Training Officers Association Present: 2013 Advanced Auto Extrication Featuring the Puyallup Extrication Team and their Unique Teaching Style! Minimal class time with Maximum hands-on training takes you through modern extrication practices using hydraulic and non-hydraulic rescue tools. This 3 day class (PXT 201/202/401)covers vehicle construction, stabilization, disentanglement, and tool knowledge. Scenario based evolutions give the students practical solutions for real world problems. In addition, MGSTECH will give their extremely popular Hybrid and Alternative Fuel vehicles class with up-to-date information to keep first responders abreast of new changes. Lunch is provided. Full PPE is required. Questions regarding the Academy Contact: Lt. Mark Seaver 206.818.2491 mseaver@rentonwa.gov

Heavy Metal Rescue

  • Date: April 5-7, 2013 Corning, NY
  • Last year, T&R Rescue Solutions brought in seven instructors from all over the United States were brought together to help firefighters understand the capabilities of towing and recovery trucks, equipment, techniques and operators as responders in motor vehicle accidents involving trucks, buses, and industrial equipment.

Corona Firefighters’ Auto Extrication Seminar

  • Date: April 12-14, 2013
  • The Corona Firefighters’ Auto Extrication Seminar trains Firefighters in the “art” of removing the vehicle from the patient. Their seminar is often referred to as “the best extrication training in the Western United States”.  For more info, contact Dan Fagan CFA Local 3757 d.fagan@cfa3757.org

Northern Ohio FOOLS Heavy Rescue 101

  • Date: April 19&20, 2013
  • There will be cars, buses, commercial, advanced techniques, newest equipment, Brotherhood, and a great time. Friday evening is typically a classroom session. Saturday is the hands on training part of Heavy Rescue 101.

Crash Course by Howell Rescue Systems

  • Date: May 4&5, 2013
  • Crash Course is a two-day extrication course. It is ONLY held once a year in the spring, and is the undisputed national leader in extrication training.  This course is an intense two-day, all hands-on class involving multiple extrication techniques

Bowling Green State University Heavy Rescue

  • Date: May 6-9, 2013 08:00-17:00
  • The first day of this class will be spent reviewing extrication principles, new vehicle technology, and commercial vehicle/bus familiarization. Days two, three, and four will be held at a commercial vehicle/ heavy equipment facility. You will be challenged to work individually and in teams to respond to increasingly complex rescue scenarios. These scenarios may include; car/truck underride, partially submerged vehicles, commercial truck, school bus, basic rope haul systems, heavy lifting, and torch use. Safety will be stressed at all times

Big Rig Hots

  • Date: June 19-22, 2013 Leduc County, Alberta Canada
  • This learning and hands on training symposium will provide an opportunity for firefighters from all over Canada to witness and participate in extremely complicated large vehicle rescue and extrications. Participants of this symposium will have the opportunity to be involved in four workshops involving complicated stabilization and extrication Techniques that demonstrate: “Cab Extrications”, “Under-Runs”, “Overturns”, and “Dealing with Cement Mixers”.

Crunch Time Extrication Symposium

  • Date: September 27-29 Roscoe,IL

RESCUE DAYS

  • Date: October 4-6, 2013 Geldern, Germany
  • RESCUE DAYS is the worldwide largest training event on technical rescue. WEBER HYDRAULIK initiated a seminar series more than 10 years ago and are continuing it with RESCUE DAYS as an annual highlight.  RESCUE DAYS should be on every firefighter’s bucket list!

So-Cal Auto-X Academy

  • Date: TBA

So-Cal Big Rig Rescue

  • Date: TBA
  • The second annual Southern California Big Rig Rescue Academy will be hosted by the Riverside County Fire Department at the Ben Clark Fire Training Center in Riverside, California. The 3 day So-Cal Big Rig Rescue Academy is packed full of the most current heavy lift and big rig extrication techniques.  The academy curriculum is taught by the industry’s leading instructors and delivered through 80% hands-on instruction.

Southern Region Advanced Auto Extrication Seminar

  • Date: TBA

 

 

Posted by on January 17, 2013 • Filed under: extrication, rescues, special-operations, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Telsa Motors Extrication Training Video

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Telsa Motor Extrication Training Video Ron Moore Fremont

  • Ron Moore and Brock Archer have been working with Tesla Motors to develop some training for first responders.  Below is a detailed breakdown of the free extrication training video on Telsa Electric Vehicle:

  • The project involves the creation of an approx. 30 min long Electric Vehicle Response Video. The video uses the Tesla Model S as an example, but addresses general EV response considerations. Some of the topics covered are… basic electrical concepts, how electric vehicles work, high voltage component locations and their function, stabilization considerations (specific to EV’s), high voltage shut-down procedures for EV’s, and more…

Telsa Motor Extrication Training Video Ron Moore Fremont Brock Archer

  • The NFPA has supported the creation of the training video by contributing graphics, video clips and animations from their EV Safety Training program.
  • The video includes a hands on instructional demonstration (cutting on a Model S) of some special considerations that must be maintained when an extrication assignment is received for a vehicle that utilizes high voltage components.
  • The video is part of a training package that, with Tesla Motors support, Brock Archer will be releasing in mid Dec 2012. The training package includes the 30 min training video, a Tesla EV Response Training Presentation, a ground breaking ERG that’s complete with suggestions for UHSS and high voltage workaround techniques, and a Model S quick reference card. The entire package will be completely free and first responders will be able to download the material online.

Telsa Motor Extrication Training Video Ron Moore HV Battery

Posted by on November 15, 2012 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Extrication and Physical Fitness

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The fire service has a spark going around about firefighters getting into better physical condition to improve their health and on-the-job performance. Extrication is just like any discipline in the fire service because it requires the tool operator to flex, bend, and hold fairly heavy tools in awkward positions.

Over 50% of firefighter line of duty deaths are attributed to a sudden cardiac event. The number of line of duty deaths in the fire service have been on the decline over the past few years, but the percentage of firefighters dying from sudden cardiac death is fairly consistent year in and year out (NFPA, 2010).

Wixom Crossfit TACFITCardiac muscle is part of our bodies that needs to be kept in shape the most! Why so many line of duty deaths that are cardiac related? Part of the reason is the change needs to start with the firefighter!  The interesting thing I found out is it is tough for a command level officer to get the rank and file excited about fitness and lifestyle changes. A few years back after a standard two story residential structure fire almost everyone of us were wiped out. My chief noticed this and started to a weight loss challenge to try to get guys to start working out and getting in shape. No one really took the idea and ran with it. The change in fitness needed to come from within the rank and file firefighters!

Follow BoronExtrication.com on Facebook!

Now fast-forward to a few months ago when one of my department’s inspectors was out doing a final with a new business when the inspector was asked by the new business owner about how the department’s firefighters are training to be ready for the J O B! The new business owner just happened to be Bob Budai, owner of Functional Strength Training/FunStrength Gym in Wixom, Michigan. Since his business is in Wixom and he likes to help people get in better physical condition he set up a night that six of the Wixom Firefighters meet up and we work through the TacFit program. Like many of the Cross fit style gyms out there FunStrength Gym is no different. It’s packed full talented instructors who even formed Team FST and won the “2012 TACFIT Fire Fighter 95-Day First Alarm Challenge”!

Wixom_Fire_Crossfit_Exercise_Training_Ground_TiresA few other firefighters and I decided to take our fitness one step farther. My department has a training ground with a large open space, burn building, and a four story training tower. A perfect place to set up a workout program with minimal startup costs. A local tire dealer donated several frontend loader tires and a couple jump boxes and kettle bells were purchased. The exercise equipment along with a few items from the department’s physical agility test provided a very intense workout program at the station.

So the question is have you started to make the lifestyle change and help the fire service reduce cardiac related line of duty deaths? If you are asking yourself where to start the question is simple, the Internet!

The Combat Position: Achieving Firefighter ReadinessChristopher Brennan, founder of the Fire Service Warrior has a bunch of training classes, articles, and his book The Combat Position: Achieving Firefighter Readiness. Brennan has enlisted Lieutenant Brian Brush from Lakewood, Colorado to help him Forge Fire Service Excellence. I got a chance to meet Lt Brush at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Stop, Drop, Rock ‘n’ Roll at FDIC.

TACFIT Firefighter was designed by firefighters Christian Carson and Ryan Provencher to provide a comprehensive health and fitness program to augment the occupational training of firefighters. All of their programs are based on the principles of Circular Strength Training, providing a holistic and health first approach.

FitDeck Extrication FirefighterWho cannot take the word of a Navy SEAL? For starters, Navy SEALS are example of peak physical condition that is why this next resource is so valuable! FitDeck is an inexpensive, the size of a deck of cards, and easy to use at home or anywhere. Former Navy SEAL Phil Black came up with the idea to create FitDeck after combining the fun of a card game he used to play in college with the rigors of his Navy SEAL training. Just in case you are wondering a little more about Black’s background, as usually, this former Navy SEAL has a packed resume that includes Yale University, Harvard Business School, U.S. Navy SEAL and Navy SEAL Instructor, former Goldman Sachs Investment Banker, Certified Personal Trainer, Firefighter, Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, husband, and father of four boys.

FireFighter-Fit is an origination that has a strong Facebook page that posts workout videos, pictures, and provides motivation for firefighters to get started with an exercise program and keep going. Stop by and like their Facebook page.

The guys over at Fire Due Tackle are no different.  They are working to get the message out about firefighter endurance and being fit for duty!

The bottom line is we need to be in the best physical condition possible to perform at our peak. People’s lives are often on the line that could include ours if we do not prepare for all aspects of the job. Your extrication skills can only improve if you train hard on the fundamentals and advanced techniques. However, if you are not in the proper physical condition that could be the weakest link in your training.

 

Posted by on September 17, 2012 • Filed under: extrication, firefighter-safety-health, special-operations, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Northern Ohio Fools Heavy Rescue 101

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Like most extrication folks, I’ll never miss a chance to cut up some cars and even better yet, cut up some school buses. So I jumped in my car and drove down to the Huron County Fairgrounds in Norwalk, Ohio for the Northern Ohio Fools Heavy Rescue 101. Paul Hasenmeier invited me down and I was glad he did. The Northern Ohio Fools put together a top notch training opportunity! There were a bunch of different extrication stations that student we free to rotate thru as they wanted. Included in the stations, a garbage truck under ride, school buses, semi tractor and trailer on a vehicle, all levels of vehicle extrication with over 30 vehicles to cut up. All the major hydraulic tool companies had their local dealers there. The event was broken up into a classroom that covered New Vehicle Technology on Friday evening and then an all day hands on training on Saturday. The best part of all, it was free with just a $10 donation to the Northern Ohio Fools!

Click on over to the Boron Extrication Facebook and like it to see more pictures.

Paul Hasenmeier and I in front a bus he set up to have a victim trapped between the top of the seat, roof of the bus, and the Jersey barrier.

 

Also check out the Northern Ohio Fools.

Posted by on April 16, 2012 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Extrication Train the Trainer in the Detroit Area

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If you are looking for a train the trainer extrication course in the Detroit area, look no further!  Brock Archer, Ron Moore (from Firehouse Magazine and the University of Extrication) and myself are teaching a 5 day extrication course.  The classroom portion will be at the Ann Arbor Fire Department and the hands on training will be by Detroit Metro Airport.  Brock will be bringing his West Coast extrication knowledge to the Motor City! Ron Moore will also be presenting, I have stated this before, every firefighter needs to see Ron present in person!  This will be a course that everyone will be talking about!

Check out the flyer below and the course outline and contact me with any questions.

Extrication FDIC Train the Trainer Ron Moore Brock Archer Detroit

Posted by on March 12, 2012 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium Training App

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John Shafer over at the GreenMaltese.com posted about the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) offers first responder safety training.  This training equips first responders with the knowledge they need to confront a growing number of automotive accidents involving AFVs.

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium’s First Responder Safety Training features a suite of modern technology products and training for electric drive vehicles. Participants learn important information needed to safely respond to accidents involving these vehicles. These topics include key vehicle and fuel properties and characteristics, vehicle components, vehicle identification and recommended first responder procedures. The suite of products includes:

  • Instructor manuals
  • Participant manuals
  • Workshop booklets
  • Quick reference guide
  • Mobile device app
  • Online training (for Electric Drive only)>/li>

 This first responder quick reference guide, developed by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), is a tool for emergency personnel who need to access information about alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles at an accident scene. This app contains information on advanced technology vehicles such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery, and fuel cell electric vehicles, as well as vehicles powered by alternative fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, natural gas, propane, and hydrogen. You will find detailed, vehicle-specific information including identification mechanisms, disconnect procedures, and other special concerns. Although similar, each vehicle has distinct differences that make it unique, and first responders need to know and understand these differences. The NAFTC understands the hazards that alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles could pose to emergency personnel, and this app, along with our entire suite of First Responder Safety Training products, provides first responders with the information needed to safely respond to an accident involving one of these vehicles. This app can be used on both the iPhone and the iPad.

 

Posted by on February 1, 2012 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Moditech Extrication Training Magnet Labels

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moditech rescue extrication training Magnet labels airbag

So you cannot get a late model vehicle with all the new airbags and the hidden stored gas inflators.  Not to mention all the Ultra-High Strength Steel (UHSS) used in the body structures.  No problem! Moditech has created a very simple training tool that can be used as an evolution evolves.  Magnet labels displaying safety components using the identical symbols used in the Crash Recovery System . One of the best uses of this tool would be for a safety officer to slap the magnet on that causes the extrication crew to switch to a plan B or C.  The magnet labels are a little pricey at $335 US, but I think the labels can serve as a very useful tool to transform the old junkers we get to cut up during training.  

You get all of the magnets below in your set from Moditech:

  • 2 x Battery. moditech rescue extrication training Magnet labels bag
  • 4 x Sensor.
  • 4 x Cylinder.
  • 4 x Stored gas inflator.
  • 1 x Curtain airbag left-hand side.
  • 1 x Curtain airbag right-hand side.
  • 1 x Seatbelt pretensioner.
  • 1 x Seatbelt pretensioner (mirrored).
  • 4 x Reinforcement.

 moditech rescue extrication training Magnet labels

Posted by on November 9, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Laminated Glass Poses Significant Danger

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Here is a simple question for you. Does your rescue truck or the truck that carries the extrication equipment have N95 masks? If it does not, it should. Have you ever noticed how long glass dust lingers in the air? Did you know that TERC sanctioned extrication challenges it is mandatory for all rescuers and the live patient to wear an N95 dust mask while removing glass? When I was watching the Roadway Rescue team cut apart a Ford Transport for a new DVD series late last year everyone made sure they were wearing a mask whenever glass was broken or removed. Take it from the guys that do it day in and day out, wear a mask and make sure your patient has one too.

If you are still thinking that you don’t need a mask, just check out the Material Safety Data Sheet on Silica below. I found the MSDS and another important reason why we should were a mask on an article that my friend Randy Schmitz wrote for Firefight ring in Canada. Randy contacted some glass makers and found out that modern “laminated glass is made up of 70 per cent silica and other raw materials. Modern laminated windshield glass is made of poly vinyl butyral, iron oxide, silica sand, soda ash, dolomite and limestone”. That should prompt every rescuer to wear a N95-style dust mask when working around glass dust and particles. Two important points to leave you with:

  • Do not rely on your sight to determine if dust is in the air.
  • Respirable crystalline silica dust may be in the air without a visible dust cloud.

Check out Randy’s article called Extrication Tips: Raising the roof (Laminated glass removal poses significant danger) for extrication techniques to minimize glass dust during extrication.

 

 

Material Safety Data Sheet on silica:

OSHA regulatory status
This material is considered hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
Potential health effects

Inhalation:

  1. Silicosis: respirable crystalline silica (quartz) can cause silicosis, a fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs. Silicosis may be progressive; it may lead to disability and death.
  2. Lung cancer: crystalline silica (quartz) inhaled from occupational sources is classified as carcinogenic to humans.
  3. Tuberculosis: silicosis increases the risk of tuberculosis.
  4. Autoimmune and chronic kidney diseases: some studies show excess numbers of cases of scleroderma, connective tissue disorders, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney diseases and end-stage kidney disease in workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica.
  5. Non-malignant respiratory diseases (other than silicosis): some studies show an increased incidence in chronic bronchitis and emphysema in workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica.
  • Eye contact: crystalline silica (quartz) may cause abrasion of the cornea.
  • Chronic effects: The adverse health effects  – silicosis, lung cancer, autoimmune and chronic kidney diseases, tuberculosis.
  • Signs and symptoms of exposure: Generally, there are no signs or symptoms of exposure to crystalline silica (quartz).
  • Inhalation: No specific first aid is necessary since the adverse health effects associated with exposure to crystalline silica (quartz) result from chronic exposures. If there is a gross inhalation of crystalline silica (quartz), remove the person immediately to fresh air, give artificial respiration as needed, seek medical attention as needed.
  • Eye contact: Wash immediately with water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

Precautions during handling and use:

  • Do not breathe dust.
  • Use adequate ventilation and dust collection. Keep airborne dust concentrations below permissible exposure limit (PEL).
  • Do not rely on your sight to determine if dust is in the air.
  • Respirable crystalline silica dust may be in the air without a visible dust cloud.
  
   

 

 

 

Posted by on March 26, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Extrication of a Patient with a Pole Embedded in Car

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A video of an extrication where a car was embedded around a metal traffic signal pole was post on YouTube a couple of years back.  The extrication was handled by the Santa Fe Spring Fire Department and LA County Fire Department. What is good about the video is how much of the extrication process that was recorded.  The video is a great training aid because it makes you think about having a plan A, B, and maybe even C and D.  This was an actual extrication.  So if in the video you would have done something different than please post a comment. I always like to hear the different approaches and techniques that other departments would have used.  A comment was posted on YouTube that there was some cutting and spreading done with the vehicle glass still in place.  However, what is the first thing you notice about the glass?  Tinted?  Aftermarket tint?  I would say definitely aftermarket tint because at 1:46 in the video you can see two firefighters handle the shattered rear glass in one piece.  It’s a great video, give it a look and let me know what you think?

Posted by on February 19, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, training-fire-rescue-topics, vehicle-operation-ambulances • Tagged: , , , , ,

Do you know where the battery is?

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One job that needs to be completed on the scene of an extrication is securing the power source.  A simple task that even the newest probie should have no issue completing.  However, I have to ask, do you know where the battery is?  Now some of you will say it’s either in under the hood or in the trunk.  That’s a safe assumption. Just remember that automakers position the battery in different locations in vehicles based on weight distribution, cost of running cables, and sometimes, batteries are put the only place they fit.   Took a quick look at the battery locations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the first two images and the E-Class in the the third.   Just to clarify, we are only talking about the standard 12 volt car battery, not hybrid batteries.

High-end cars like Mercedes-Benz and even domestic brands like Lincoln and Cadillac cover up most of the engine compartments with plastic covers.  The automakers view it as an “under the hood beautification”.  Check out the engine compartment of a 2009 Cadillac CTS-V in the image below.

Posted by on December 15, 2010 • Filed under: extrication, patient-management, rescues, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

SHADE Acronym

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I spend a great deal of time researching extrication on the internet and one topic specifically, Extrication Teams.  I ran across the Puyallup Extrication Team’s website and there are some very useful, free, information available!  Check out their site and make sure you review the information under the “STUDENT HANDOUTS” tab on the header on the top of the page.  One handout that is a quick easy read is the image below, SHADE Acronym.

SHADE Acronym

The San Diego Operational Area North Zone Website has a great 25 page Extrication Training  Manual that really brakes down the SHADE Acronym.

Posted by on December 2, 2010 • Filed under: extrication, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Body Structure

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The Body Structure of the 2011 Honda CR-Z is made up with 45% high-strength steel (590 MPa or above).

 

2011 Honda CR-Z Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure

2011_Honda_CR-Z_High-Strength_Steel_Body_Structure_ACE

 

 

Most likely you looked at the image above and asked why does the windshield interface matter during an extrication?  The 2011 Honda CR-Z has a thin A-pillar design that measures 108.8 mm in minimal thickness to improve forward visibility.  Why it really matters is the A-pillar get strength through the use of high-grade, high-tensile steel of class 780MPa.

Also make sure you read through Honda’s Emergency Response Guide ERG.

Source of images and information: Honda Media Newsroom

Posted by on November 16, 2010 • Filed under: extrication, fire-rescue-topics, rescues, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt First Responder Labels

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General Motors (GM) has set a new bench mark for US automakers and all foreign automaker.  General Motors has been very proactive with training First Responders on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.  There is an awareness training program that is visiting major US cities.  For those of us who don’t or can’t make it to one of the programs GM has put together a 26 page Emergency Response Guide (ERG).  The really cool part of the ERG is pages 16-18.  These pages display labels that are located throughout the vehicle just for us!  Check it out!

Download the 2011 Chevrolet Volt Emergency Response Guide (ERG)

2011 Chevrolet Volt High Voltage Labels First Responder

2011 Chevrolet Volt High Voltage Labels First Responder

2011 Chevrolet Volt High Voltage Labels First Responder

A good friend that I met in EMT class, Eric Leung, who is a Firefighter/EMT in the neighboring city of Novi sent me this picture  of the First Responder label on a Volt.  General Motors has been offering up drives of Volts at Detroit area suppliers who played key roles in the vehicle development.  The label below is mounted on a plastic shield called the sight shield.  The sight shield mounts to the GOR which is the Grill Opening Reinforcement.  I moonlighted for a company designing and packaging sight shields over 10 years ago.  A part of the car that never gets any respect!

2011 Chevrolet Volt High Voltage Labels First Responder Firefighter Eric Leung Novi Fire

Posted by on November 12, 2010 • Filed under: extrication, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, rescues, special-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

OnStar, GM will give Volt first responder training

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The Detroit News has an article today about GM’s plan to offer training to first responders.  I spoke with Ron Moore last month from Firehouse.com’s University of Extrication and he told me that he recently visited the GM proving grounds to cut up a new Chevrolet Volt. Aside from all the battery and electric concerns.  He said that this vehicle has some really strong Dual Phase steel to consider also.
GM is offering training on the new Chevrolet Volt for first responders. If you are having trouble watching the video, click here.

During the past several months, Chevrolet has collaborated with first-responder representatives from national safety organizations to develop educational materials for firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and emergency dispatchers nationwide. This will help ensure the training meets the needs and answers the questions their colleagues are likely to have about electric vehicles.

 

Their feedback is being incorporated into training materials that will be available on the tour and posted on a targeted Web site for departments unable to attend the training sessions. 

The training will include animation and illustrations of the Chevrolet Volt, highlighting locations of high-strength steel, cut points for extrication, first-responder labeling, automatic and manual electrical shut-off and more. 

Notice the last sentence in the quotes?  There are going to be cut points for extrication and first-responder labeling!   A true step in the right direction to help us get our patients out quickless. 

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Posted by on June 2, 2010 • Filed under: extrication, fire-rescue-topics, rescues, special-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Overcoming Extrication Challenges with Boron and UHSS Guide

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Firefighters are always looking for information to improve their skill set. The long over due Overcoming Extrication Challenges with Boron and UHSS Guide is Here! It is a working draft. I will be adding user submitted techniques and revising the guide often. Only the latest guide will be available to download. Right now the guide is available from Google apps and I will also make a PowerPoint and PDF for you as well.

Overcoming Extrication Challenges with Boron and UHSS Guide


Written by firefighters for firefighters. Please feel free to contact me at ffsmitty900@gmail.com with any suggestions or comments.

Posted by on October 29, 2009 • Filed under: extrication, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,