All Blog Posts Tagged 'tactical' (58)

This weeks "Quick Tip" is covering a quick method to mitigate fuel line issues. Some methods such as tunneling and  "through the…

In extrication you will find thousands of names for each individual method. Many times I think we get consumed with the "cool" names and start lose focus on the goal/purpose of the given method. I challenge you to research your choice methods…

Many times there are situations in which the "chosen ones"-the spreader and cutter are not the best option for freeing a heavily trapped patient. When faced with heavy side intrusion, we need to consider cross ramming. It is incredibly beneficial when the side causing entrapment is against an object or when extremities are pinned in an…

Many years ago I got into a habit of using a stopwatch to time fire and extrication evolutions. At first many thought it was to show how "fast" we were compared to trucks or to test my crew. But after doing it for a while firefighters realized that it wasn't a test at all, but a method we could use to evaluate and speed up if…

On April 14^th 1912, a screeching sound awakened many on an “unsinkable” ship. This couldn’t be happening! They’d said it was impossible; that the ship was unsinkable. When I think of training, I consistently relate it in many ways to the events leading up to the Titanic’s tragic night.  The source…

If you follow Tactical Advantage Training, you have seen me post, “Wolves don't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.” For the modern fire service, I believe this motto is incredibly fitting.  So…

This weeks quick tip refers to what I call "Fast Shears". While working on extrication scenes we all know there is a long list of objects that will need to be cut (seatbelts, various plastic, wiring, wiring boots, weather stripping, patients clothing, etc). Many times they are small and "annoying" objects that don't warrant the psi and time taken using hydraulic cutters. Everyone claims to carry trauma shears or a cutting device, however more often…

While speed during extrication is often critical, it comes at a high price without efficiency.  We must first learn the tools, develop skills, learn the how’s and why’s, practice teamwork, train, become efficient, with the result being speed of the operation.  Speed is the rate of one’s activity, in this case extrication skills.  Whether at a fire, during an extrication, or on special operations, it takes efficiency and training to foster speed. In referencing the…

I am a firm believer in the phrase "Never say never, never say always". Just remember each technique you are currently using was more than likely created from firemen trying something new. Extrication Quick Tip #11 is showing a directional pull of a steering wheel using hydraulic speaders, chain, and an A post. This technique is quick and easy to set up with limited…

When it comes to extrications involving "big rigs" our methods must change due to vehicle size, load, and weight. This leads into the X Method for stabilizing tractor trailers (rolling). Obviously if lifting is involved then struts, more cribbing, etc. will be used. I will often see crews attempting to control horizontal movement (rolling) by small wedges or chalks. After training one of the ways we found to increase stabilization on the horizontal plane is with (2)…

As I prepare for another weekend of travel teaching Tactical Extrication, I am already thinking of how much I will miss my wife and two young children. While traveling, this feeling arrives like clockwork. Then I had an epiphany. My thoughts instantly went to our troops and their families. I am leaving for a couple days to teach something that I am very passionate about, as…

One of the most beneficial and under-used techniques is suspension capture.  Capturing suspension is the method of taking away suspension rebound when a load is to be lifted off a vehicle. This technique is extremely beneficial in numerous situations such as under-rides, tree on vehicle, etc. If the suspension is not captured, the vehicle will "chase" the load during the lift until normal suspension height is reached. When the suspension is captured an almost instant separation of load and…

Many times while performing dash displacement/lifts firefighters encounter resistance. Often this stems from tie downs "strapping" that are located under the dashboard in the area of the center console below the radio housing. Typically there is one on each side (hidden behind plastic) and if possible need to be cut to get full range out of your dash lift.…

Do you currently stage your equipment/tools on extrications? If not, it is a great method to reduce extrication times. Far too often, we see rescuers going back to the apparatus to get additional equipment throughout the call. My driver is the tool runner. After we start operations, he will continue to bring the tools, light the scene, and fill in where needed. Stage the tools you may need for the rescue at hand, it will greatly increase your overall scene time.…

On many entrapments, pedal-foot entanglements can be a common problem. This method is an easy alternative to cutting. Prior to removing the front door, loop the pedal to be displaced with webbing. Then wrap the excess webbing on the door frame (with the door almost shut). Hold the webbing wrap and open the door to displace the pedal towards you. This method can be also used on the passenger side door for displacement in that direction.…

Not all responders are blessed with the newest equipment. If a high strength post is too much for your cutter, attempt a pie cut as shown. Many times this will allow you to "cut around" the stronger portions of the post.   

Apparently, it has become our mission as grandparents to provide our grandson with the Christmas season’s hottest toy.

Many of you will remember the great Zhu-Zhu shortage of…