Local Emergency Personnel Work Together During Extrication Training

By Adam Johnson, NRP, PR County Director of Emergency Medical Service Operations

One of the largest strengths in a community, aside from its members, is when community assets like law enforcement, fire/rescue, and emergency services all train together to improve skills and knowledge.

On Wednesday, October 19th, the Broadus Fire Department hosted an extrication training class at the Powder River Landfill. Included in this training were Powder River Sheriff's Deputies and Powder River EMS, as well as representatives from Montana Highway Patrol and VFD members from around the county.

Firefighters, deputies and EMS personnel came together to learn and use standard equipment, procedures, and the immediate medical conditions patients may encounter when involved in a motor vehicle accident and performing extrication from vehicles.

The training focused on motor vehicle accidents, and best practices to remove patients safely and securely to reduce further injury and ensure maximum success during these types of events.

The training was led primarily by Assistant Fire Chief Clint Pedersen and Firefighter/EMT John Herman, who ensured all vehicles were properly stabilized to reduce risks to all personnel. Powder River Director of EMS Adam Johnson and Powder River Paramedic Captain Cressi Johnson assisted with medical insights concerning injuries and conditions that could be seen during the training, as well as conditions that might be seen out on area roadways during real life scenarios.

All participants were placed in protective equipment and were instructed on the proper extrication techniques of stabilizing vehicles using tools such as cutters and spreaders (commonly called Jaws of Life, which are used to create openings for patient removal). The group was also trained to take off doors when needed, and how to look for greater hazards such as airbag triggers for airbags that have not deployed.

The medical discussions focused specifically on injuries commonly seen in motor vehicle accidents such as head and neck injuries, and lower leg injuries to the tibia and fibula. These injuries are commonly called tib/fib injuries, which occur when a patient slides down in the seat and their knees contact the dashboard. Ensuring an appropriate understanding of responders that pelvic injuries are highly common and need special attention was also addressed.

Participants were engaged in these activities and had simulated patients what were stitched together by DVM Clint Pedersen and DVM/EMT Alyssa Riley of the Broadus Vet Clinic to add a sense of realism to the training.

Participants were assigned a scenario where they had to assess the situation, stabilize the vehicle, perform appropriate extrication maneuvers, and address the identified simulated medical situations. Participants were also instructed in the best use of cervical collars, long spine boards, Kendrick extrication device (KED), SAM Pelvic splints, the appropriate medical interventions, other assets and definitive care for the simulated patients.

Assistant Fire Chief Pedersen said "This was a great training and there will be more to come."

Powder River Sheriff's Department, Broadus Fire, and Powder River EMS will be ensuring appropriate training for all responders in each department of their specific disciplines. Wednesday's training is the first in a long line of training for our community assets to improve communication, response, skills, and services to Powder River County.

Community members that are interested in joining any of these departments are encouraged to do so by reaching out to the specific agencies. The more personnel that are educated, trained, and skilled at responding during emergency situations, the higher the rate of success and improved outcomes which will be seen.