Specialized or not???

[billy]

Do you consider big rig and bus anatomy and extrication as specialized rescue? Should every rescuer be trainined in the topics, or only certain units? What level of training should be provided?

[Knighthawk]

I my opinion I don't think a "big rig" or bus should be a specialized rescue. However special consideration need to be given in the case of an extrication involving a charter or school bus. I think most tractors of the big rigs are fiberglass for the most part at least the newer models are but I could be mistaken.

Any dept. wether Fire, Ambu., or Rescue, that runs extrication should members trained at least with an awareness level. I beleive I have heard from other people that a cut in the wrong area can do ALOT more harm than good.

[BigC96]

This type of vehicle extrication can seem specialized at times due to the type and size of the vehicles, and with all the new vehicle safety systems that are available the old days of simple metal relocation is a thing of the past. Vehcile extrication is becoming more of a specialty rescue than high/low angle rescue is. Once you tie a figure of eight its hard to forget it but to maintain currency with all this new technology that is a real challenge.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Big C

[benford1]

Some people may think that school bus extrication is a very technical and specialized rescue scenario when it's really not that difficult.

One of the main things to remember about bus extrication is the way the thing is constructed. School buses are designed to withstand rollover situations with the passenger area being able to hold the weight of the bus on its top.

Two of the best tools I have found are a haligan tool and a recip saw with a demolition type blade. Use the haligan to make a purchase point and then cut from that hole to open the passenger area. With a long enough blade, you can cut both layers of the roof with one cut and create a nice opening for patient removal.

Ever squad that has school buses in their area needs to train at least anually for a school bus extrication. And guess what? That is everyone! The training needs to include both class room and hands on training, covering the different types of buses and the way they may be constructed.

Be safe and train hard!

[Roy NZ]

We are presently reviewing this also. We have found it is better to have a lot of appliances carrying (and trained in)standard rescue equipment that can respond quickly and make a start.

Heavy Rescue tenders and crews specially trained to preform extrications at truck/bus type of accidents should be positioned to provide back up to the lighter rescue tenders.

It is not practical to try and equip and train all personnel that respond to extrication type calls in heavy rescue. Of course this all depends on the size of the brigade.

Hope that helps