Page 29 - UFRA Straight Tip Spring 2021 - Volume 22 Issue 2

Once the front of the door has been forced away from the vehicle, place the spreader between the door and the B-post; spread the door forward, push- ing the latch off the Nader pin.
A hallagan tool can be used to create an insertion point for the spreader.
Using the spreader, expand the opening to expose the door hinges and bolts.
Russell Young is a retired battalion chief and assistant training officer for the Orem Fire Department, where he was responsible for extrication and am- bulance driving operations. He is the chief of the Duchesne Fire Department. Russ has been a paramedic for over 22
years. He has a BS in emergency services management, is currently completing his MBA and MPS, has over 26 years of experience in fire and emergency medical service, and is a UFRA training program manager.
If the door does not slide open easily, then the track mechanisms are out of alignment, and the door cannot be moved rearward. Rescuers must force the door from the tracks or cut through the pivot arms of the door in order to complete removal.
If the vehicle door is inaccessible or too damaged to force open, don’t waste time trying to remove it; front or rear roof flaps and total roof re- moval may be the safest, most efficient way to rapidly access the trapped victim. Always practice, train, and consider plan B.
Stay Safe... Chief Young
Spring 2021 | 27
photography by Day DeLaHunt