Auto extrication training available for volunteer fire departments through new program

Volunteer fire departments in Saskatchewan that don’t have access to auto extrication training and equipment will now be able to get it.

The Transportation Rescue Extrication Program, also known as TREX, will ensure firefighters have the skills and tools needed in the event of a collision.

The program is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and SGI, which provided one-time funding of $5.6 million.

Wayne Rodger, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s fire marshal, said there’s an uptick in volunteer fire departments interested in the program.

“(They) are seeing the potential for the additional training (and) the upgrading of equipment that is hard to get on limited dollars that they operate on,” he said during a demonstration of the TREX program Friday.

According to Rodger, the program is critical because cars are much stronger.

“We have newer vehicles that are salvaged, so (firefighters) get the experience of getting into or practising on these newer vehicles so they get that set experience,” he said.

Rodger believes this is a perfect fit for volunteer fire departments in rural communities.

“The sizes of the communities that are approaching us to be involved in this is varied, from some very small departments to some well-established departments that are looking for some augmentation of some of their equipment,” he said.

Rodger added it’s important to learn on newer vehicles because they’re different from vehicles from 10 to 15 years ago.

“(It’s important) for the firefighter to be able to react to that (technology) and not be put into a position where they are having challenges in gaining access to that patient that is involved in an accident just because the vehicle is really difficult to get into,” he explained.

Rodger said 45 firefighters from nine volunteer fire departments will be at the first training in Regina this weekend. They’ll first learn the theory of extrication and then break into six designated pits.

“They’ll get a very broad spectrum of different collision types that they would normally expect to find on the roadways,” he said.

It’s estimated the firefighters will go through 40 vehicles this weekend.

According to Rodger, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is hoping the program will address the lack of equipment and show fire departments in communities what they’re capable of doing.

“If they have that support and if it’s just an equipment and training issue, we’ve got the back stock to help them out,” he said.

Applications for the program will remain open until all of the funds are used.