Extrication Spokane Expo 2008

Published July 8, 2008
By Staff Sgt JT May III
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A terrible car collision has just occurred and mother and son are pinned within the twisted metal. The element of time in this situation is non existent, seconds feel like minutes while minutes feel like hours. Even though fire fighters train regularly for these scenarios, few are trained in advanced auto extrication due to manning and budget.

With the increase of serious vehicle accidents, the Fairchild Fire Department and Region 9 Fire Council felt something had to be done, and decided to host joint advanced auto extrication training. David Killpack, 92nd Civil Engineer assistant fire chief proposed Fairchild serve as the location for the exercise while Bob Ladd, Spokane County Fire District 8 division chief of training worked the logistics issues. After months of meticulous planning the Extrication Spokane Expo 2008 was created.

Auto extrication is the process of removing a person from a vehicle that has been involved in a motor vehicle accident when conventional means of exit are impossible.

Prior to this class, there was no advanced auto extrication training in this region. The class hosted nine fire departments from Spokane County's fire districts 1, 4, 8, Spokane International Airport, Spokane Valley, Stevens County Fire District 1 and Ferry/Okanagan district 14. Twenty-four students attended this training with a quarter of the students coming from Fairchild. The students were divided up and placed on integrated teams to foster teamwork and exchange ideas.

"This is significant because it's an opportunity to forge and strengthen the relationship between the FAFB Fire Department and other area fire agencies", said Mr. Ladd.

Instructors from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho came at their own expense to ensure the students were getting the most up to date training. They provided personal situations they had experienced, and served as a breadth of knowledge.

The class provided eight intense scenarios which included heavy-lift/air bags, hydraulic tools, hand tools, tension buttress systems, Murphy's Law, car top vs. pole, floor entry, and loose pole on top of car. The training spanned across two 10-hour days, with sweltering temperatures in the mid 90's. The firefighters battled the heat while learning invaluable advanced life saving techniques.

The training was a success and most likely will become an annual event. The training saved the Air Force $12,000 because the six individuals that went through from Fairchild can train other Airman. Mr. Killpack said, "More with less without sacrificing quality of service."

Mr. Ladd said, "Within the fire service, we all have the same goals protect life, property, and the environment. Where we differ is in our experience, resources and capabilities, organizational structure, and training, we often face the same types of incidents and threats. By working and training together, we can gain from the strengths and experiences of other agencies and don't have to face these common threats alone."