Isaac Frazier's Blog (75)

This weeks tip covers the usage of heavy wreckers on the emergency scene. When teaching I make it a point to ask departments if they work closely/train with their local towing/recovery companies. Nationally the answer is often no. On incidents/extrication involving big rigs, this is one of the most under utilized pieces of equipment at our disposal. They can quickly stabilize or assist a lift to expedite the extrication process. But you must make it a point to train with the company often as…

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.…

What happens when you arrive on scene of an entrapment and have no struts or specialized equipment? Look at your apparatus and prepare for various stabilization scenarios. What do you have to stabilize until backup arrives? The picture shown, is a quick and easy Engine Co. stabilization. Is it better than a strut system? No. But it does work well with a couple wedges for a quick under equipped company. Backboard, come-a-long and wedges is a quick option. Just remember, not every department…

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.…

It's all about doing our part. $1,200 dollars from this weekends class donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. RFB

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.   

The time was 2:35am as the crew of Squad 4 was being diverted off a previous call. Dispatch relayed the information, “Squad 4 respond to a MVC involving three vehicles, with a confirmed entrapment.” This stretch of Interstate 95, has been a consistent location for bad entrapment crashes. As the officer on Sq-4, it was the moment of truth. Climbing off the rig, among a maze of damaged vehicles, I remained focused on the task at hand. Each member of the crew had a task.  After grabbing the…

Blowin' Smoke with Lt. Isaac Frazier

When securing battery power, quickly scratch through the letter B (on hood). This allows arriving units to see that battery power has been secured (This is not used on lightly damaged fender benders). This method is a good alternative to leaving the hood up, as it doesn't obstruct your view of the scene.…

As a good rule of thumb, cutting vehicle posts within 4 inches of the roofline or 4 inches from the rocker panel, will greatly increase your chances of boron/high strength steel avoidance.…