Intro
Last year (2004) our department received a call from Todd Hoffman asking if he could teach a class on automobile air bags and vehicle anatomy to the Las Vegas Fire Rescue (LVFR) personnel. Todd stated that he teaches classes all around the U.S. for Free! Our first thought was that there had to be a catch. No one calls a fire department and asks to teach a class for free without wanting something in return. Myself and a couple of other chiefs from LVFR discussed our options and decided that we would give Todd a chance.
First Class
We consulted with Todd and decided that he would provide the same class over a three-day period. The course curriculum consisted of new vehicle anatomy, air bags, and hybrids.
At the conclusion of the first day I received a phone call from one of our personnel that attended the class. This person has an extensive background in extrication and an above average knowledge of vehicle anatomy. The phone conversation started out with, "WHERE DID YOU GET THIS GUY?" Since I deal with Firefighters on a daily basis I didnt think that the conversation started out well. I explained how Todd called our department, what he wanted to offer, and that we didnt have much to lose since the class was free. When I finished explaining he said, "I have attended many classes that deal with extrication and vehicle anatomy and this was by far the most informative class that I have ever had in fact, probably the best." Coming from this person was quite a compliment.
The next day I attended the class and was blown away on several accounts. First, I was amazed how much I thought I knew about vehicles and realized how much I didnt know. Second, I was impressed with Todds teaching ability and demeanor. Finally, I was amazed that we were receiving this class for free. This was one of the best classes that I had ever taken related to vehicles and extrication.
On the final day I sat down with Todd and we discussed the possibility of him teaching a hands-on class to our Technical Rescue Team. He stated that he has taught several hands-on classes and that he would come back to LVFR.
6 Months Later
Since our department was so impressed with Todds class we decided to invite the neighboring Technical Rescue Teams to our training. All of the technical rescue teams in the Las Vegas valley are responsible for many disciplines. The discipline that each team performs the most often is extrication.
Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, Clark County Fire Department, and Henderson Fire Department participated in the class. As I said before, firefighters sometimes are a challenge, especially when it comes to sharing information that they perform on a routine basis. I heard a few folks say under their breath as they entered the classroom, "Extrication, I do it everyday what is this guy going to teach me?"
Each class began in the classroom. Todd briefly discussed new vehicle anatomy, with the primary focus on extrication techniques. We then proceeded to the drill field where several extrication scenarios awaited.
The scenarios that Todd developed evolved from basic door removal and advanced to one vehicle on top of two others. Each scenario a little more challenging than the previous.
The final scenario involved all three departments challenging their teams extrication abilities and to see how they measure up compared to national standards. Each team was required to perform the same extrication techniques on like vehicles. The results were favorable and it gave each department an opportunity to evaluate their effectiveness in teamwork and equipment.
The goal of Todds class is to share his expertise and most importantly get people to communicate and share ideas. Todd realizes that there are many ways to teach students how to stabilize a vehicle, tear off a door, roll/lift a dash, and remove a roof. Providing hands-on training generates discussion and develops new and innovative ideas to what can be a difficult and challenging emergency. Todds goals were accomplished each day and the students all left with a smile on their face and feeling of accomplishment. In all, over 120 firefighters participated in tearing up over 30 vehicles.
Conclusion
Las Vegas Fire and Rescue is extremely grateful that Todd Hoffman contacted our department and was willing to share his expertise. The information that he provided was meaningful and relevant to what we do as emergency responders.
Todd is definitely a rare individual that is compelled to provide a service that will improve safety to firefighters and civilians. Since Todds class our personnel have implemented many of the techniques that were presented, all with positive results.
Todd is a friend to Las Vegas Fire and Rescue and a friend to the fire service. We are fortunate that this rare individual is part of our emergency community and we are indebted to his dedication and passion to improving firefighter safety.
Jay Acebo
Las Vegas Fire and Rescue
Battalion Chief - Special Operations
(702) 229-0903 (702) 303-0793
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