Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation

Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation is a new book from Rescue Consultant Ian Dunbar in partnership with LUKAS Rescue GmbH. Released at the end of June 2020, the 290-page hardcover book provides comprehensive guidance for those involved in the rescue of persons from road traffic collisions.

The author has drawn upon nearly three decades in emergency response as an operational fire officer, consultant, author, and educator; spending the last twenty years focussed solely on vehicle extrication. He has worked with emergency responders in over 100 countries worldwide.

In addition to covering the technical aspects of extrication, safety, vehicle construction, technology and electrification along with a wide range of technical processes and evolutions, Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation looks in detail at other factors that contribute to safe and successful outcomes. These include extrication planning, human factors (such as decision making and situational awareness), training (how we can improve our approach to training and preparedness). Ian says “There is very little guidance or structured training when it comes to extrication planning and we should formalize this in our approach from this point forward.

Extrication planning, along with other ‘human factors’, is an area where we can make marginal gains in the field of vehicle extrication and in this book, I will consider extrication plans, how they are contrived, communicated, delivered and if necessary, changed in order to adapt to the dynamic situation.”

Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation: A New Approach

Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation is based on a revised version of the team approach to vehicle extrication – The Team Approach v2.0 which Ian Dunbar originally conceived in 2016 and has continued to develop. This new approach considers our increased understanding of modern vehicles and the patient. Both of which (along with our skills, abilities, tools, and equipment) have advanced greatly in the last 30 years since the original team approach was developed.

Ian says “with so much changing in the world of vehicle extrication such as construction, alternative fuels and safety systems and with our ever-increasing knowledge of the medical aspects of rescue, it is my view that the current version of the team approach is simply no longer fit for purpose. It is for these reasons that at the core of this book, is a revised approach to vehicle extrication which has the aim of; enhancing the safety of all personnel on scene, reducing extrication times (therefore time on scene) and improving patient outcomes. For some, these changes will mostly reflect their current working practices, but my experience leads me to believe that for most, it will represent a new approach and possibly a new way of thinking, especially around processes like vehicle relocation. The Team Approach v2.0 is not a huge departure from our long-held doctrine but after more than three years of delivering this new approach around the world, the level of engagement and positive feedback would suggest that it does represent much-needed progress.”

Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation: Truly Multi-Agency

Because vehicle extrication is a truly multi-agency process, Vehicle Generation has been written not only for fire and rescue personnel but also with prehospital clinicians in mind and considers paramedics and doctors who routinely respond to the scene.

Ian says “I have been lucky enough to work with paramedics and doctors from all over the world. I make a conscious effort to ask them about their own training and preplanning for attendance at road traffic collisions and it ranges from zero to very little. Most of the training they have received has been down to their own endeavour, initiative, time, and cost. There simply is very little statutory training for pre-hospital clinicians in dealing with road traffic collisions. It would be easy to spend the next few hundred pages just considering the technical aspects of rescue, but this would be completely inappropriate and for that reason, I have written this book with pre-hospital clinicians in mind. Whether you are a paramedic or doctor who practices in the pre-hospital environment, there is no aspect of extrication that does not apply to you; you are a fundamental part of the process.”

Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation devotes a whole chapter to prehospital clinicians and covers aspects such as PPE, scene safety, scene integration with technical rescue services, your vital role in conceiving and delivering the extrication plan and other considerations such as positioning and how you can assist with a post-incident debrief.

Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation: Technical Processes and Evolutions

Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation provides comprehensive guidance on many of the most practiced technical evolutions and processes used during vehicle extrication. In the book, they are presented as ‘datasheets’ each of which has a web link to take you directly to an instructional video and pdf download. You can print the pdf and use it during training sessions rather than getting your book dirty!

Some of the biggest discussions around vehicle extrication relate to what are the best techniques. Ian says “It really doesn’t matter how you choose to perform a certain technical evolution; it is your decision. If it is safe, patient-centred and expedient, just do it. You should always try and refine your methods and ensure they align to modern construction and therefore maintain relevance. Always ask yourself ‘could I do this better?’ Don’t be fooled into thinking that because it seems to work well, it cannot be improved.”

So, Why ‘The Next Generation’?

Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation is written not only with current emergency responders in mind but considers the future practitioners in both technical and medical aspects of vehicle extrication.

Ian says “The title of this book; Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation, reflects my belief that we need to make some subtle yet fundamental changes to our approach to vehicle extrication; an approach which has generally remained the same for three decades. I simply do not accept that emergency responders from all agencies should be trained in the same approach that was first taught in the 1990s. We must evolve to more adequately prepare not only current emergency responders but also the next generation of rescuers.”

Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation available from lukas-store.de/en/home/

“Having spent 30 years as an operational firefighter, and qualified road traffic collision instructor, the work of Ian Dunbar has always been part of my continual professional development. Ian’s work globally has put in up there with the world’s most respected extrication specialists – a recognition he truly deserves. His attention to detail, ability to develop new techniques and unwavering passion to improve extrication has been responsible for advancing the skills of rescuers globally. This latest book from the pen of Ian Dunbar is a ‘must-have’ for all rescuers – it will ensure that casualties receive only the best chances of survival.” Duncan J. White, Group Editor, MDM Publishing Ltd – publishers of International Fire Fighter, Asia Pacific Fire, Gulf Fire & UK Fire magazines

For more information, go to www.lukas.com/rescue