Public Safety and Justice Students Complete Extrication Training

Career and Technical Education students enrolled in the Public Safety and Justice program at Oswego County BOCES completed a vehicle extrication exercise as a component of the emergency management and response module.

Vehicle extrication is used to remove trapped passengers that have been involved in a motor vehicle accident when other methods of exit are impossible or unadvisable.

The extrication was coordinated with the support of the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, giving students an opportunity to apply current techniques practiced in the emergency response field in a controlled environment.

Acting as emergency first responders for the exercise the students, led by Instructors Randy Griffin and Shawn Tompkins, first assessed the mock accident scene and discussed how they would secure the area in an actual emergency.

The students examined the structural integrity of the damaged vehicle and then stabilized it at multiple resting points.

They discussed the best entry points for accessing potential victims and reviewed some of the hidden dangers that might impede a swift rescue and/or cause harm to rescuers and vehicle passengers.

Using tools such as a hydraulic cutter and spreader, a glass punch, glass saws, and a traditional axe, the students were able to perform the extrication and completely remove the top of the vehicle.

The developments in technology and design in the automobile industry over recent years have required that the program modify the methods and equipment used in vehicle extrication training.

The Public Safety and Justice Program Instructors are highly-trained professionals currently working in the field, which allows the program to stay current and better prepare its students for today’s workforce.

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