EXTRICATION "QUICK TIP" #47 (THE REALISM APPROACH)

In relation to EXTRICATION, are you practicing/drilling for a "A" Plan door pop on an undamaged vehicle...or are we truly preparing our crew for the "real" extrication scene? Most of the time a extrication drill consists of a vehicle and 25 responders, each holding a tool while anticipating…GO!!! While that technique works “ok” for general tool use, it's incredibly low on the benefit scale when preparing your members for what they will encounter at 3AM. If you have low manpower, work the scenarios with LOW MANPOWER! If your Heavy Rescue is 15 minutes away, train that way.

One training technique that has worked wonders for my crew is the REALISM APPROACH. We stagger training response to mimic real world conditions. This training type will show our deficiencies. This is GOOD! If we can recognize our shortfalls then we have the opportunity to fix any issues. Fixing these issues is the whole premise of training. When training this way, we allow the 1^st due Engine Co. to arrive, size up the scene, and formulate a plan. They are allotted a specific time to complete unit specific functions prior to the next units arrival. When operating this way, it also allows the incoming crews to work “together” with on scene/operating crews. As the incident evolves, we add additional units (Ie. Engine, Heavy Rescue, Battalion, Truck Co, etc.) to create a flow in operations, plan transitions, and overall scene management.  When your training mix it up! On the next drill place the HR, a Medic Unit, or the Truck Co. as the first due unit. Cover high probability entrapment types to get your skills and team cohesion established. Then work into the bigger, advanced, and “lower” probability call types. Learn, Train, Speed…It works best in that order.

Don't forget to check out our 4 Hour HOT at FDIC 2016 (REAL WORLD, STREET SMART EXTRICATION) April 18th & 19th!

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