EXTRICATION
already been developed, will greatly assist in the formation of a strategic plan. The incident commander now has a greater insight into what each agency can do and also what they require. They can, for example, immediately appreciate what access a paramedic will need; access can be gained and space created accordingly, without the need for prolonged discussion. Likewise, a doctor on scene will be more aware of what is involved in the removal of a vehicle roof. With this information they can make a more realistic clinical decision based on time. As well as assisting strategically, preplanning with other agencies promotes personal working relationships. Have you ever been on a scene where you know the first name of the doctor, paramedic or police officer? It may sound trivial, but I can guarantee it creates a much easier working environment for all concerned. CONCLUSION
For many years, I was satisfied by a good working relationship with other agencies on scene. We would get the job done safely, successfully and in good time. However, I did often find myself leaving an incident and asking myself 'Why did they do that?' or 'I wonder why they didn't consider this?'. More critically, as an incident commander, members of my crew would often ask similar questions, and sometimes I just didn't have the answers. This meant that there was a clear lack of mutual understanding in some areas. This is not a recipe for development. It was clear to me that there was a
need to further develop the training relationship. So, I picked up the phone and volunteered my time to train ambulance / paramedic crews in the issues surrounding technical rescue. This not only allowed me to pass on some knowledge, but allowed me to learn a vast amount of information regarding my local ambulance service. All of which, I have no doubt, assisted with the resolution of subsequent incidents. We must think wider than the technical and medical aspects of rescue, and even consider incorporating some agencies we may not readily expect to see at every scene. This will ensure that we are sharing and receiving the widest range of knowledge. Every agency is busy doing what they do, and very often time to get together may be limited. However I do think that the sharing of knowledge should not be confined to your department or service, but should cross the boundary into other disciplines.
"The only real security that a man can have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience and ability" HENRY FORD
You can follow Ian Dunbar's rescue biogs on http://blog.holmatro.com/