The weekly drill topic for Monday night November 4 was vehicle extrication. Personnel focused on vehicle stabilization and disentanglement using wooden cribbing, reciprocating saw and the battery-operated spreaders, cutters and ram from Rescue 85.

Stabilization is a prerequisite to virtually all rescue operations, especially involving a vehicle. Working on a stable platform is safer for both the rescuer and the patient. Further, having a firm surface allows many rescue tools to function and achieve their maximum efficiency.

Extrication involves removing the vehicle from the patient instead of the opposite. This generally requires the use of powered mechanical assist tools that spread, cut and push. In this case, members used a battery powered electric saw with a metal cutting blade, plus a battery powered spreader, ram and cutter. Battery power has replaced engine driven hydraulics and hard-wired electrical power as the motive force for many items currently in use. Battery power is faster and more convenient than previous options. Powered hydraulic equipment is still carried and remains a viable option.