Vehicle Extrication Response

Auto Extrication
Auto Extrication is the process of removing a vehicle from around a person who has been involved in a motor vehicle crash, when conventional means of exit are impossible or inadvisable due to injuries suffered. A delicate approach is needed to minimize injury to the victim during the extrication.

The Oxnard City Fire Department traffic collision response or “TC” is comprised of an Engine Company and a Truck Company. The closest engine to the incident responds and is responsible for patient care and fire suppression. The closest Truck Company responds from Station 1 or Station 8 and performs the extrication using the heavy equipment carried on a Truck Company. If upon arrival of the incident or notification to dispatchers that victims are trapped with heavy damage, the traffic collision will be upgraded to a “TC HEAVY RESCUE” and an additional two Engines, Truck Company, and Battalion Chief will respond.The heavy equipment used for extrication comprise of both hydraulic and hand tools. Some hydraulic tools carried on Truck Company’s are: the spreaders (commonly referred to as “the jaws of life”), cutters, rams, combi-tool (combination Cutter/Spreader) and the hydraulic units to power these tools. Extrication tools are extremely powerful and must be used with CAUTION, with some tools generating 207,600 lbs. of FORCE!

Auto extrication calls and techniques are ever changing with the creation of newer vehicles and there technologies. With more hybrid and electric vehicles on the road, Firefighters are always continuing their training and education.