Specialized or not???

[billy]

Do you think that big rig and bus anatomy and extrication are specialized and should be reserved for certain units? What levels have you trained to? Any special eqt. added to your arsenal for these vehicles? <img src="eek.gif" border="0">

[MetalMedic]

Being from a volunter department, I don't think "specialized" units for Heavy Rescue is a realistic option. However, I do think that there needs to be a core of members who have some experience/training in Heavy Rescue that can provide some guidance in these situations. It is important to remember that school buses and big rigs are not just big cars. They will tax your knowledge and your resources. If anyone has not had a chance to attend a heavy rescue class, by all means get to one. You will be amazed at the differences.

[Litch]

Bus and big rig rescues require personnel with specialized training as well as large volumes of cribbing. Locally, a rescue task force made up of rescues and specially trained rescuers would probably be the best approach to this. No single company would be able to handle.

[lutan1]

As rescuers, we should be trained in ALL areas of extrication training including Big Rig and Bus.

We can't afford to wait for specialised response teams to arrive. This is especially the case in rural areas where resources can be far and few between at the best of times.

We had a neighbouring rescue unit respond to LPG transport truck roll over about 12 months ago. They had two rescue units on scene, and called for an additional "heavy rescue" unit, for their lifting bags. (Required a lift of approx 80 tonnes)

They waited 45 minutes for this truck and crew to arrive. We were 15 minutes away with the correct bags, but weren't called. We're not a "heavy rescue" crew! If all rescue units are trained and equipped to respond to these incidents, it is a far better outcome for all, especially the casualty. (We knew nothing of this job till the following mrning, or else we would have offered our services.)

Remember "Platinum Ten" and "The Golden Hour"- they all revolve around the casualty getting the best possible care- not waiting for special equipment or crews that think that they're "elite" and leave the big work to the big boys type of attitude...<br /> <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

[SCCARESCUE]

Since big rig and school bus accidents are not a frequent event in most jurisdictions, specialized units may not be practical. Remember, the key to a specialized unit is training and experience. Unless you show a number of responses over a given time, it will be hard to get members to commit to a special unit, go thru all the training required, and then keep updating that training.

You will see more participation if you make this sort of training a part of an larger, broader heavy rescue group. While big rigs and buses require a different tactical approach, the equipment needed at the scene is the same stuff you use for other types of heavy rescue. The more familiar you are with the equipment, the better you can adapt its use to these infrequent occurances.