Extrication "Quick Tip" #41 (INVERTING THE LIFT)

At this point in the "Quick Tip" series we have covered many different methods and extrication tactics. If you haven't been following, take a look back and review many of the dash displacement methods in this series. While teaching Tactical Extrication Courses, students typically get the dash lift down pretty quickly. However, when the vehicle is on it's roof or side, many have issues completing a successful dash displacement. As shown in the picture above, completing an inverted dash displacement/lift is possible with a couple relief cuts. The dash displacement shown doesn't vary much from the dash lift when a vehicle is on all four wheels. I personally like to...

• Make a relief cut above and below the door hinge (Creates a window/flap)
• Grab the flap you have created and fold/rotate it out (Allows room for the 3rd deep relief/sever)
• Place spreaders in the opening (Make sure spreaders are angled for a good straight push or tearing of the A post out and away can occur)
• Displace

One of two things will typically happen at this point. You will get dash downward dash movement freeing your trapped patient, or your will get upward movement of the floor creating much needed space in the occupant area (also freeing trapped patient) as shown below. So next time your crew is operating in the junkyard, steer away from the common door pop, put that vehicle on it's roof, and practice inverted evolutions.  

ISAAC FRAZIER is a Special Operations Lieutenant with St. Johns County Florida’s Heavy Rescue “Squad 4”. First due to the deadliest stretch of roadway in the nation, Frazier teaches from personal street experience providing tried and true tactics. Frazier is the owner of Tactical Advantage Training and creator of the course Tactical Extrication. Frazier travels nationally sharing his passion teaching fire and extrication courses. Frazier is a FDIC instructor, Fire Engineering Contributor, Fire Officer II, FL Paramedic, Special Operations Officer, Florida State Instructor, FLUSAR Tech, Diver, and FL Hazmat Tech.  www.TrainTacticalAdvantage.com