Chief Concerns Richard Marinucci
Being from the Metropolitan Detroit area (the Motor City), the organizations I have been affiliated with have had access to newer model cars for practice and also valuable information on changes in automobiles that can affect response and performance. Not every part of the country is so fortunate.
Having these resources nearby was very helpful in practicing and improving extrication techniques and capabilities. As new challenges arose because of changes in manufacturing and materials, fire departments in this area could “work” on late model vehicles, those most likely to be involved in a wreck, vs. an older model from a junkyard.
Even with some of these resources, it is difficult to keep up. In the not-too-distant past, there were basically two ways to power automobiles— gasoline and diesel. Today, you can get these plus electric (EV), hybrid, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and more. Each creates different challenges for extrication and other responses, like vehicle fires. In addition to the fuel variances, vehicles continue to use new materials, both metal and plastic, in their construction. The electronics on cars are very sophisticated and require responders to have some working knowledge of them. Added all together, there are no longer any simple car extrications or car fires.
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Knowing what you are facing in any type of emergency is critical to providing quality service that makes a difference to those involved in the emergency and to those responding so they can minimize their risks while doing their job. The fact that just this one aspect of the job has gotten much more complicated challenges organizations to stay current in all aspects of the job. When looking at responses involving vehicles, consider the extrication possibilities and fire hazards. And, since you will most likely be working on a roadway, creating the proper work zone is essential.
There must be a difference in approach depending on whether it’s a fire or an extrication. An extrication involves emergency medical services with a chance to positively affect the outcome. Anyone trapped in a vehicle is most likely injured. The extent of the injury determines the pace and extent of the operation. If the injuries are minor, there must be a conscious effort to be methodical in the approach. There is time to think things through and slow down so no careless action leads to a responder injury. In cases where circumstances are more “life and death,” there is a need for quicker action. The ultimate speed results from the competence of the responders and the equipment available. This is an area where practice makes for better performance and proper tools enhance capabilities.
To be good at extrications, firefighters need to know as much about the vehicles as possible. There are factors to consider such as the materials being used in the manufacturing process, potential hazards from safety features such as supplemental restraint systems (air bags), items under pressure (cylinders), and anything else that may be unique to certain vehicles. The age of the vehicle offers clues to the potential complexity. Modern cars have more considerations. How the vehicle is propelled is important. EVs have a lot more to consider regarding electricity. Natural gas and propane offer other challenges. There is a lot to know, and the job is getting more complex. It is imperative to study, practice, train, and learn as much as possible prior to response.
One could argue that more variety in equipment is needed as automobiles evolve. There are varying approaches to extrication, and not all situations can be handled with the same tools. Through the years, many techniques have been developed and one size does not fit all. This puts added burdens on departments to acquire tools and to train to maintain competence. This requires more time, which is getting harder and harder to find, and more space, which also is getting more difficult to find. Time management is important and must be a factor in expected responses. Those jurisdictions with many miles of highways and interstates probably can expect more emergencies involving extrication.
Regarding the tools and equipment, budget for changes and upgrades. A possible consideration for space saving is to convert to battery power. This eliminates the need for gasoline cans among other space-saving possibilities.
Research is needed to stay current. You can get information from professional journals, conferences, workshops, and professional association. You may also consider getting information from nonfire sources, as they may offer new ideas and different perspectives. Look within your network and investigate what resources are available in your community. As with all aspects of this job, you must stay abreast of the world around you and be aware of things that can change your approach to the job.
Vehicle fires also require constant evaluation of techniques and approaches. The variety of automobiles presents different threats to responders. For example, compressed gases such as propane and natural gas have obvious issues to consider. The batteries in electric vehicles have different safety considerations. They also, most likely, will have access challenges.
There are commonalities in all vehicles. First, and most important, is that the products of combustion that are given off in these fires are not good for your health. There are many known carcinogens in the smoke. If you match this with the fact that autos that have burned are not rebuilt, there is nothing to save and, therefore, nothing to risk. As I often ask, if a car burns, what happens to it when you are done? The answer is always that it ends up in the scrap yard. If it is going to be trashed, why expose yourself? I realize that there needs to be an effort made, but it should be very calculated with maximum protection for firefighters.
No one needs to be told of the changes in automobiles in the past few years. This should change the way departments plan and prepare for incidents involving vehicles. If you haven’t reviewed your current approach, training, and policies, now is a good time to do so.
RICHARD MARINUCCI is the executive director of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) and chief (ret.) of the White Lake Township (MI) Fire Department. He retired as chief of the Farmington Hills (MI) Fire Department in 2008, a position he had held since 1984. He is a Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment and Fire Engineering Editorial Advisory Board member, a past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and past chairman of the Commission on Chief Fire Officer Designation. In 1999, he served as acting chief operating officer of the U.S. Fire Administration for seven months. He has a master’s degree and three bachelor’s degrees in fire science and administration and has taught extensively.
