Multi Company Vehicle Extrication Drill

Lakeside Rescue 3, Medic 3 and Engine 26s along with Cal Fire Engine 3382 got some "hands on" training today to hone their skills in the art of vehicle extrication techniques. The drill was made possible with the donation of damaged vehicles by Vince Clark at RoadOne Towing in district 26. The crews were invited to the tow yard at 15289 Olde Hwy 80 and provided with several vehicles to dismantle.

Rescue 3 Captain Mark Grow explains the specialized equipment

This type of training is invaluable because it allows the crews to explore new techniques as well as share the tried and true methods in a non-emergency atmosphere where they are able to perfect the skills necessary for a successful patient rescue. Rescue 3 carries a full compliment of vehicle rescue gear including Holmatro hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams designed specifically to remove a twisted vehicle from around a trapped victim piece by piece.

Lakeside "Rescue Guru" Todd Welch provides some tips to Cal Fire personnel

Today's drill was attended by many of the apparatus that would typically respond to a vehicle rescue incident in districts 26 and 3 along the Interstate 8 corridor and surface streets. The response includes automatic aid units from the neighboring agencies of Cal Fire, El Cajon and Alpine. Multi-agency drills such as this provide a chance for all personnel involved to practice with the specialize equipment on Rescue 3.

 Vehicle properly stabilized for extrication work

Firefighter Chris Williams and Engineer Steve Schleif execute a dash roll on a side positioned vehicle

Submitted By: Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire District