South Carolina Emergency Personnel Receive Training in 18-wheeler Accident Extrication
Truck accident lawyers often see the kind of severe injuries that occur in 18-wheeler accidents and the challenges in rescuing the victims from the mangled wreckage. Emergency responders in South Carolina are undergoing a special training program that will help them conduct extrication and rescue activities on victims of 18-wheeler accidents.
The name of the program is Big Rig Rescue, it was developed by Billy Leach Jr., an emergency services provider with 30 years of experience. Leach regularly conducts training for 18-wheeler accident rescue, including recent sessions in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. 
According to Leach, it is very important for emergency rescue personnel to be able to work with the kind of complex extrication equipment used in large-truck accident rescue. Serious accidents involving 18-wheelers are less frequent than those involving passenger cars; this means rescue personnel often has less practice with the complex extrication equipment and processes used. If used properly, the equipment and procedures can save precious lives. The program includes 24 hours of training and aims to cut down on the amount of time taken to rescue victims of an 18-wheeler accident from wreckage. The program also involves the participation of towing and recovery personnel and rescue equipment companies.
Victims involved in a collision with a big rig can end up with a condition called Crush Syndrome. This is a medical condition that usually follows severe, crushing injuries. Victims suffer from shock and the kidneys can quickly fail. Victims injured in an 18-wheeler accident can suffer injuries similar to those suffered by earthquake survivors trapped under debris or construction workers involved in a trench collapse. Not only does rescue of such victims take time, but the kind of medical care given to the victims immediately after is also very important.
Truck Accident Rescue
Because of the severity of injuries in an 18-wheeler accident, rescue personnel often find themselves faced with serious challenges. For some of them, it could be their first experience with an 18-wheeler accident wreck, and they may not be prepared for the extent of damage to the vehicles or the severity of the victims' injuries. Regular rescue equipment may be inadequate to help victims. A program like Big Rig Rescue is, therefore, essential training for emergency rescue personnel across the country, especially those who serve high truck traffic areas.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, a truck accident lawyer may be able to help you recover damages for your injuries. Contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer, at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.
