Photo by Bill Carson/www.carsonphotos.net

Firefighters, rescue techs and emergency workers from across Tennessee traveled to Chattanooga to be state-certified by the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TARS) for a special extrication class that addressed big-rig wrecks. The class, held Sept. 22 through Sept. 24, started with several hours of classroom lectures. On the following two days, rescuers received hands-on training using numerous hand tools and hydraulic tools. The 60-person group was split into groups; within groups, attendees rotated positions, giving everyone a fair chance to learn each operation and technique.

State instructor Rusty Williams from Newport, Tenn., taught the class, which was sponsored by Hamilton County Rescue Squad. Doug Yates, owner of Yates Wrecker Service in Chattanooga, provided his yard and the vehicles to train on. Several of Yates’ wreckers were also on hand to assist with operations and set up.

There were several different scenarios, all of which included at least one semi and a car: mixer rolled over on a car; semi truck on a car; a semi driver trapped in a cab almost entirely surrounded by trees and barricades. The more obstacles, the more evaluations and opportunities to try new things. This was a training class, but it was also an opportunity to use the imagination. No extrication is text book and no extrication happens the same way every time. Instructor Williams was assisted by five additional instructors who really made their groups think.

Everyone in the class appeared to learn a wide variety of new techniques, and with this knowledge, they can return to their departments and pass on what they learned to their fellow rescuers.