Training

Acceptance for training
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Possess or be able to obtain a First Aid certificate. Gain the endorsement of the unit Crew Chief. We also require a police background check .

Training period & requirements
Once in possession of a Trainee Licence you wiil need to complete the modular training programme detailed on the training record card. Therefore you need to collect 10 signatures from an Instructor or Crew Chief for attendance at :
8 race, rally or speed events with at least 3 from each of two of these disciplines. All 10 events within 2 years.
Attend 2 training days ( to include fire fighting ).
Each time you complete training you should have the relevant training section of the card signed.

The training card modules are ;

Medical equipment

Bag and mask
Assemble and test bag and mask ventilator with rebreathing bag, oxygen line attachment & endotracheal tube. Demonstrate the insertion of an oropharangeal airway.

Endotracheal tubes
Assemble and check the kit needed for Endotracheal intubation. Explain how to hand the equipment to a doctor and check a tube is correctly positioned and inflated.

Suction machine
Check the operation of the suction machine. Check the portable Entonox & oxygen cylinders. Explain the possible problems with Entonox.

Giving sets
Check the equipment needed for the administration of intravenous fluids. Explain how to assemble a giving set, the use of the different ports and how to differentiate the size of cannulae.

Collars, splints & burns kit
Assemble a cervical collar. show how to size and apply a collar and splints carried on the unit. Explain the steps taken when applying a KED and a hines splint and the difference between the support they provide. Check and explain the use of the units burns kit.

Stretchers.
Show how to dissassemble, reassemble & adjust the length of a scoop stretcher and how to release, remove and replace a cot from a unit . Explain the use of a vacuum matress, short spine board & full length spine board (if carried).

Mechanical equipment

Air saw & wrench
Outline precautions taken with air bottles, how to check, change and store bottles, hoses and tools. Connect & test the air - powered saw & wrench. Explain their operation , the precautions taken when using, putting down or passing air tools, the different properties of the saw blades & how to lubricate the tools.

Zip gun and helmet saw
Outline precautions taken with air bottles, how to check, change and store bottles, hoses and tools.Connect and test the zip gun & helmet saw. Explain their operation, the precautions taken when using, putting down or passing air tools, the properties of the chisels and how to lubricate the tools.

Hydraulic ram
Outline commands used when operating hydraulic equipment using a hand pump. Assemble & test the hydraulic ram, checking for leaks, eliminating air trapped in the system and topping up with fluid if necessary. Show how to add extension pieces to ensure the ram is the correct length for the task.

Hydraulic spreaders, cutters & equipment
Outline commands used when operating hydraulic equipment. Assemble the hydraulic spreaders, cutters & associated equipment. Reassemble with a hand pump & perform the checks listed above. Outline the safety precautions required when using hydraulic equipment.

Wedgie & pedal cutters
Outline commands used when operating hydraulic equipment using a hand pump. Assemble and test the wedgie & pedal cutters, checking for leaks, eliminating air trapped in the system & topping up with fluid if necessary.

Powered hydraulics
Show how to check and stsrt the hydraulic pump when cold and warm, check for leaks & operate the cutters, spreaders or combi tool. Outline the safety precautions when using powered hydraulics. Show how to add extensions to powered rams, attach chains to the spreaders & explain how they would be used.

Licence acceptance
Once this is complete, attend an approved M.S.A. Rescue Licence Assesment. The purpose of which is to demonstrate to assessors full familiarity and competence in the operation of all mechanical equipment and also the identification and preparation of medical equipment.

Maintenance of Licence
Attend and pass 3 yearly assessments. Satisfy crew Chief that training attendance & updates have been completed between assessments.