Heavy Extrication (07TA)

Heavy Extrication — 4-Hour Hands-On Training (HOT)

Rescuing a person trapped in or by a large commercial vehicle is one of the most demanding scenarios a responder can face. Without prior training on this type of incident, even experienced rescuers can find themselves overwhelmed.

This 4-hour hands-on evolution puts students directly into five realistic scenarios, each designed to replicate incidents they may actually encounter. Working alongside instructors, students assess each situation, identify access points and alternatives, and use the latest rescue tools to solve the problem in front of them. Vendor-supplied equipment — gear most departments don't have in their own inventory — is available at every station.

Instructors emphasize problem-solving over rote technique. Students are encouraged to try approaches they believe will work, learning best practices through guided trial in a consequence-free environment.

The five evolutions include:

• Overrun: A 12,000–14,000 lb commercial vehicle resting on top of a smaller vehicle. Students perform the lift.

• Semi cab extrication: For most students, this is the only opportunity to practice cab extrication in a structured training environment.

• Side underride: A vehicle trapped beneath a trailer with limited working space on all sides.

• Rear underride: Students lift the trailer five independent ways, learning the strengths and limitations of each method.

• Heavy wrecker integration: Students work in direct partnership with a rotating wrecker operator — a critical and often-overlooked skill.