By Michael Daley
Departments that perform motor vehicle extrication in the communities they serve provide a valuable service to the people they protect. Today’s fire apparatus carries the most state-of-the-art equipment and tools available, all in the hopes of trimming valuable seconds off the clock, with rescuers hoping to make the most of the time they have to perform their duties. This is only part of the equation. To be truly successful, departments need to understand that efficiency, in any operation that we perform, relies on the entire team buying into the concept. Once we embrace team efficiency, we can perform anything.
Extrication efficiency begins in the station, with our personnel. It is imperative that all personnel be trained to perform to the same level, which includes in-house training as well as formal education and instruction at either your local academy or via a rescue training provider. Once the basic classes are completed, however, rescuers must understand that new vehicle technology is ever-changing. New rescue techniques are constantly under development, and classes are available on these concepts. Rescuers should continue their training in order to stay current on these changes.
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Photos 1,2. Departments have to be prepared for just about anything on the roads today. Training with various types of equipment and multiple types of vehicles keeps rescuers focused and prepared for any emergency they may encounter. Here, these firefighters are practicing their techniques with Electric and Hydraulic powered tools. |
After evaluating personnel, check the efficiency of your extrication equipment. How often is the equipment checked for operational problems? Is it daily, weekly, monthly, or only during alarms? Who is responsible for doing this check? Is there a standard checklist so that everyone will complete the same equipment maintenance list? These checks apply to all of our tools, including hand tools, pneumatic tools, electric tools, and hydraulic tools. Pneumatic tools are checked for air leaks, or any wear on the hammers or tool bits. Air supply lines are also checked for cracks or chaffing, and all connections should be clean and free of debris that would make them difficult to operate. Air bags should be checked for damage in the form of rips or wear on the lifting surface, and the connections should also be checked for debris and operation. Electric tools should be checked for damage to the power unit, or damage/fraying of the cords. For portable devices, batteries should be charged and ready for the next use, and sharp blades should be kept in the tools awaiting the next assignment. Check hydraulic tools for any leaks, any damage to the spreader tips or blades of the respective units. Also test the overall operation of the tool. Records of maintenance should be reviewed to ensure the tools have been serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. All fluids and fuels for power units should be filled and spare fluids should be kept with the apparatus, in the event of extended operations. This checklist is a basic, minimal list of items for review; your department may require more or less. One thing is certain: the preparation of our equipment is vital to our overall team efficiency.
After reviewing equipment look at your company’s efficiency at the rescue scene. Our success on-scene relies on our ability to perform every operation with the least amount of waste, no matter what we do. One example of this is when a rescuer is sent to retrieve a cutting tool, such as a sawzall. The rescuer not only brings a sawzall and a power supply, but also a spray bottle of soapy water to help the tool cut easier, and a piece of edge protection to cover the cut metal, protecting the rescuers and the victims from sharp edges. Moreover, he might bring an extra set of blades in the event the one in the tool dulls or breaks.
Another example is the practice of returning all of the tools to the tool staging area, so a tool does not become a trip hazard in the hot zone, and if someone else needs the tool he can find it at the staging area. Our stabilization officer adds to our efficiency by walking around the vehicle, rechecking the stabilization equipment and stopping all operations until the vehicle is safely restabilized. This practice also increases the safety of everyone in the area, which helps increase our overall efficiency.
These are just a few instances of situations where departments can increase their efficiency and decrease the time they spend extricating a victim during the GOLDEN HOUR. These time-saving practices are developed through constant practice, readiness and honing team skills and abilities. Take the time to practice new theories and operations in your training sessions, and not in the action circle. Too many people are depending on it, including our brothers and sisters.
Michael Daley has spent nearly 20 years in the Fire Service, serving as an officer in both career and volunteer departments. He is currently serving with Monroe Township (NJ) Fire District #3, and is an Instructor with the Middlesex County (NJ) Fire Academy, where he is in charge of Rescue Training Course development. Daley is also a rescue Specialist with New Jersey Task Force1, Urban Search and Rescue. Daley is also a H.O.T. Instructor for FDIC, FDIC West, and FDIC East.
