First Responder Trainees Conduct Extrication Training

Tilden firefighters and EMTs braved the heat during an extrication training for the new EMT trainees on Saturday.

Rich Lutz and Andrew Evans, both of Pierce, took charge of local trainees Michelle McIntosh, Kylie Thiemann, Jamie Fleetwood and Josh Bailey as part of EMT class curriculum. Other EMTs and firemen were part of the training as well.

Stephanie Thompson, EMT trainee supervisor,  said that the main reason for the class was because it is required for the trainees, but a great refresher for everyone, too.

“It kind of gave them a first hand perspective of what it’s like to be the victim in that scenario,” said Thompson. “They got to feel when the glass breaks and the medal cracking and breaking, what it would be like for somebody to be in that position.” ​ 
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Extrication training included learning how to get victims out of vehicles safely and efficiently. Those playing the victims were students going through the EMT class.
 
All four students dressed in full gear and used the opportunity as a learning experience. They also contributed to the extrication process. Each student learned how to open cars with the jaws of life and the instructors provided questioning of what to do while giving directional training.
 
Mike Krick, assistant fire chief, said that the most important thing to take away from the training is a great learning experience. With a controlled environment, everyone is allowed to stop and ask questions at any point. This provides a one on one training experience.
 
“We control every aspect so that each person can take their time to figure things out,” said Krick.
 
The training included a step by step process, Krick said. We had to figure out the best way to complete the task because each vehicle is a little different. The more training you receive with different models of cars, the better you are prepared he said.
 
“Some of them had never seen any of this before so it’s always good to know what’s going on,” said Krick. “It’s a lot of teamwork and a lot of communication.”
 
Two vehicles were used in the training exercise donated by Michelle McIntosh and her family. The drill took place on the edge of Tilden near Chris Hansen’s shop.
 
The trainees will finish their classes at the end of June and then complete the national registry test. The training process includes 155 hours of total class time.