Advanced Extrication: Tunneling

Training Minutes: Fishers (IN) Battalion Chief Clinton Crafton and company demonstrate some of the concerns and hazards to overcome in a trunk tunneling operation.
These videos are for training demonstration purposes only. When you perform these techniques at emergency scenes and evolutions, be sure to wear full PPE and adhere to your agency's procedures and policies.

[@johnsommer1609]

“Expose the speakers. So generally speaking...” lol nice

[@MB12116]

Note, make sure the trucks have multiple recip saws

[@andyoxleyonhistravels]

Should really be using a full safety visor when using this sort of equipment.

[@johnwanjala4311]

When do you resort to tunnelling, is it bcoz the vehicle is sandwiched btn two obstacles or what? Otherwise Good video

[@andyoxleyonhistravels]

You would never be able to cut away a seat with a casualty in it as all you would do is cause more damage so its not really a training video of what you would do.

[@bchowmein1711]

On the contrary. When access is not permitted due to side impact, trunk tunneling is a very effective way to access patients. In this case, an extra FF would hold C-spine while the seat back is cut out, after which other FF's could then slide in a spine board behind the patient, package then extricate.

[@andyoxleyonhistravels]

​@bchowmein1711 No you would not be able to cut away the seat like they show in the video and manage the casualties c spine effectively. But you are correct that when side access is limited tunnelling is a good method through the rear of the vehicle.

[@bchowmein1711]

@@andyoxleyonhistravels just curious, have you been trained in Auto Ex, or are you an instructor? Please explain your alternative method, we are all here to learn. Ive done this exact method and maintained c spine, and loaded on spine board without issue (altho they dont show it in the vid). As well, there are life over limb principles here. We absolutely train to minimize risk and consequence to patients... But we are also talking about pieces of metal coliding at high speeds, so theres not always a one size fits all approach.