EXTRICATION "QUICK TIP" #52 (EXTRICATION CHALLENGE)

This week’s “Quick Tip” is simple…GET TO AN EXTRICATION CHALLENGE!

A couple months ago, I had the opportunity to assess at a North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) Extrication Challenge. This particular event really drove home the importance of attending. To be honest, I like what Dan Zinge (NAVRA Founder & World Rescue Organization Chair) and his entire team stands for. I can clearly see that he wants the best for us as rescuers and the patients we protect. That being said, the competitions are much more than just competing. They are a venue that harbors training…PERIOD. Attending the competition allowed me to be around like-minded/passionate rescuers, while providing endless possibilities to learn and share information. Day 1 was a full day of training, followed by 2 days of competing. If you have not had the opportunity to assess, spectate, or compete, it’s almost impossible for me to explain all of the benefits. Nevertheless, I will put it like this. Is there anywhere else that you can watch international teams tackle challenging scenarios in person, under real time? While I’m blessed to have the opportunity to travel nationally teaching, assessing was an incredible opportunity to meet many new friends, gather new information, tips, and techniques. So if you haven’t had a chance to attend, the NAVRA National Extrication Challenge & Training Symposium (navraus.org) will be held on May 10-13, 2016 in Clearwater, Florida. As if coming down to Florida to log some beach time isnt enough, twenty of the best extrication teams will compete to see who will represent North America at the 2016 World Rescue Challenge in Brazil. Come May 10-13^th, you know where to find me….

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 lead HOT instructor, FDIC lecturer, Fire Engineering Contributor, Fire Officer II, FL Paramedic, Special Operations Officer, Florida State Instructor, FLUSAR Tech, Diver, and FL Hazmat Tech.  www.TrainTacticalAdvantage.com