The Tools We Use For Extrication

 

Vehicle Extrication is a task that the Brentwood Fire & Rescue Department is charged with occasionally performing throughout the year. Extrications can vary from simply assisting someone with opening their door to complex procedures to remove a patient from a serious car accident. Firefighters in Brentwood are trained and proficient in whatever situation they may potentially be dispatched to. Successful extrications require a myriad of tools, equipment, and people. This station life entry will show and describe some of the tools necessary to successfully, and safely, extricate patients from their vehicles.

 

 

The first thing that needs to be done for a successful extrication is vehicle stabilization. Cribbing, as shown above, is used to stabilize a vehicle. This is important in order to ensure the safety of both the patient and responders alike. An un-stabilized vehicle can shift at any time, but proper application of cribbing can prevent that.

 

 

 

The tool shown above is called a “Glass Master” and is used to remove the front windshield in a situation where the roof of the car needs to be removed.

 

 

 

This is a portable generator to power the hydraulic equipment. This can be removed from the truck and taken to any place that extrication is needed. While Rescue 1 has a built in hydraulic power plant, this unit can be used if the tools are needed further away from the truck than the pre-connected lines can reach. Additionally, E1 and E4 both carry portable units so they can begin extricating prior to the arrival of the Rescue.

 

 

A “RAM” is used to push a dashboard away from a patient. The tool extends in a straight line using hydraulic power.

 

 

Officially, this tool is known as “The Spreaders”, but you may have heard of them referred to as the “Jaws of Life”. Spreaders are used to displace (or open) doors, move dashboards and many other tasks that require moving two things further apart. This is a multi-use tool on any extrication.

 

 

If a door post, door frame, or roof removal is needed, the cutters are the tool that will be used. These are, essentially, big scissors.

 

 

This is a very brief description of how extrication is done here in Brentwood.  Without the proper tools, extrication is much more difficult. With the tools shown above, the Brentwood Fire & Rescue Department is better prepared to face a situation we may be called to.