EXTRICATION "QUICK TIP" #46 (MY FEET ARE TRAPPED)

If you have ran many entrapments, there is a high probability that you have experienced a trapped foot or two. Even with a dash displacement completed, many times the feet are still stuck in or under the pedals. So what are our options? 

 Hydraulic Cutters-too large, space too limited, and you may experience too much tool rotation.

Sawzalls-can come in handy if the patients extremities can be  protected and you have a experienced operator.

Pedal Cutters-The tool is just what the name implies. It can cut pedals...however, many times due to space, pedal strength, angle of the medal, and the swapping out of primary hydraulic tools, they aren't a sure thing.

Webbing- A piece of webbing? If you recognize early that the feet are trapped under or on a specific side of the pedal, you can EASILY do great things prior to removing the front door. But how?  This webbing method allows pedal displacement in multiple directions. The benefit is webbing is so flat and pliable that it can fit into almost any space regardless of how mangled or trapped the foot is. So with your webbing in a loop via water knot, place your webbing around the pedal requiring movement. Now you have options. Which direction does the pedal need to move.... Up? Left? Right? The picture shown is completing an upward pull by redirecting off the steering wheel. If you need a left or right pull just skip the steering wheel and go straight to the door frame. It's incredibly easy. Make a couple wraps on the door frame with the door almost closed, hold it with your hand, and open the door! If its a tough pedal, have someone else pull with you. Kazzzzaaaammmm!

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 lecturer, FDIC Lead HOT 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