is that organizations that run technical rescue have some sort of EMS division or EMS training. Regardless, there should always be properly trained individuals performing these tasks, as it is defined by NFPA as a technical rescue. Extrication tools and equipment Rescue personnel use a number of powered rescue tools to extricate victims. There are three main types of powered rescue tools including: Hydraulic rescue tools – Rescue tools powered by a hydraulic pump. The pump may be powered by hand, an electric motor or a gasoline engine. They may be portable or mounted to a vehicle. There are 4 basic types of hydraulic rescue tools. They are extrication spreaders, extrication shears, combination extrication spreader/shears and extrication extension rams. Pneumatic rescue tools – Rescue tools that are powered by pressurized air. The pressurized air is sourced from SCBA cylinders, vehicle mounted cascade systems or vehicle mounted air compressors. Whizzer saws, Air bags, pneumatic rotary saws, air shores and air chisels are examples of pneumatically powered rescue tools. Electric rescue tools – Rescue tools that are powered by electrical power. These tools have been used with vehicle extrication tools first through power cords linked to electricity generators and more recently through batteries. These can serve as both a primary set of tools or as a redundant system alongside gasoline-powered hydraulic tools. Reciprocating saws, spreaders, shears, extension rams, and spreader/shears can all be electrically powered. The first step in an extrication is to size up the vehicle and to then stabilize the vehicle to prevent aggravating the injuries of the entrapped and to protect rescue workers. This is done by using stabilization tools including: Hydraulic and nonhydraulic jacks – Designed to lift the vehicle so cribbing can be placed. A vehicle must never be supported by only a jack and must be supported by cribbing. One inch of cribbing must be placed for every inch the jack lifts. Buttress Tension System – A buttress tension system is used to stabilize a vehicle resting on its side or top. It may consist of a minimum of three 4 x 4 inch posts wedged between the vehicle and the ground, or it may be a system composed of metal rods and straps. The exact placement varies by the condition and weight of the vehicle as well as what the vehicle is resting on. Wheel chock – Wheel chocks are used to stabilize vehicles resting