In 1984, Fire Chief Allan Dupuis of the Office of the Fire Marshal,
Ontario, Canada originated the concept of an International Automobile Extrication
Competition and Learning Symposium. The number of transportation accidents was increasing
both in Canada and the United States resulting in a higher number of deaths and serious
injuries. This prompted Chief Dupuis to provide a medium where an international forum of
experts could come together and exchange information, ideas, and life-saving techniques.
This medium would provide a wealth of information to all who attended. Everyone who
participated would teach, learn, share, and develop lasting friendships with their peers
from around the world.
The event was conducted in Canada in 1984, 1985 and 1987, sponsored by the Ministry of
the Solicitor General. It was co-sponsored by the Tampa Fire Department and the Orange
County Fire Department in 1986, and h~d in Orlando, Florida. In order to broaden our
geographical participation, it was held in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in August 1988. In October
1989, the event will be hosted by the Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue
Services, in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs sanctioned the Transportation Emergency
Rescue Committee in 1986. This provided a centralized coordinating body to promote the
furtherance extrication education. As our parent organization, the International
Association of Fire Chiefs offers new horizons to the competition and to the progression
of our efforts.
The overall mission of our committee is to serve as a competent source of guidance and
information on transportation emergencies for those involved in providing emergency
services.
We hope to accomplish certain goals which include.'
- Develop a set of suggested guidelines for vehicle extrication training
- Develop suggested guidelines to be met by vehicle extrication instructors,
- Develop a three-level suggested system for vehicle extrication training.
- Develop suggested safety guidelines for training.
- Disseminate information about vehicle extrication through a newsletter.
The committee members, which consists of a wide range of knowledge and technical
expertise, are to be congratulated for their dedication and sacrificial service. We are
committed to further the excellence of vehicle extrication training and safety. Hopefully,
this will ensure the enhancement of life-saving techniques in the challenging field of
auto extrication.
