Many collisions may result in victims becoming trapped. Anacortes firefighters are now using specific techniques to cut and remove vehicles from around these trapped victims. These new techniques are designed to ensure the safety of the rescuers and the victims, and to quickly remove those victims.
In order to improve proficiency in these specific extrication techniques, Anacortes Fire Department staff are undergoing an extensive three-part vehicle extrication program. This program encompasses: vehicle stabilization, electrical system disablement, glass removal, hazard identification and isolation, specific extrication techniques using hydraulic spreaders and cutters (Jaws of Life), and patient care.
This program is being taught to firefighters in three modules. Each module starts with classroom instruction covering a specific set of skills. The classroom instruction is concluded with video examples of both proper, as well as improper, extrication techniques. Once the firefighters have an understanding of what is expected, they travel to ALMAC Auto Wrecking in the Padilla Heights area for hands-on application of these extrication techniques.
This training was organized by Lt. James Wireman while the instruction is being conducted in-house to save money by firefighter Don Swain. Swain has experience teaching extrication — he previously worked as a firefighter at a busy department in Utah.