Drill Of The Week: Company Level Drill – Vehicle Extrication

Brought to You by the SUFD Fire Academy

NFPA 1500 (2002 edition) calls for the establishment of an annual proficiency evaluation for all members of the department. These proficiencies are to be determined and established by each jurisdiction and are specific to each job position within the department. Once established, each member will be responsible for maintaining these skill levels. Annual evaluations will be conducted to validate the ability to perform these skills. These evaluations are designed to validate competency in basic skill levels as well as identify opportunities for training at both the individual and company level.

This week’s drill involves the following knowledge/skills: vehicle construction, use of hand and power tools, use of PPE, safety procedures for rescue tools, stabilization techniques, and capabilities and limitations of rescue tools.

The company will extricate a victim entrapped in a motor vehicle as part of a team once the vehicle is sized up for hazards, stabilized, and the patient is assessed for injuries. The company will free/remove door, perform dashboard roll-u,p and remove the roof of the vehicle using hand and hydraulic tools.

For step-by-step procedures for vehicle extrication, evaluation criteria, and safety precautions, as well as more company level drills, visit the SUFD Fire Academy.

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