A Letter to All Concerned Citizens

Safe And Fast Extrication, Inc. (hereinafter referred as SAFE) is a non-profit 501©3 organization dedicated to saving lives and reduce the suffering of victims of vehicle crashes by bringing qualified, trained, and certified rescue personnel to the scene of a vehicle crash.

Federal regulations and public demand have driven manufacturers to make changes and improve vehicle safety and design.  Because of the technical vehicle rescue challenges of today, ongoing vehicle extrication research and development is needed to provide the scientific strength to support the emergency extrication services.

In 2003, fatal crashes in Wisconsin have reached an all time high with over 830 deaths.  It is estimated that a person is injured every 8.3 minutes and an average of 2 people are killed every day in Wisconsin.  Further, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 6 and 14.  The lives of your family and friends are important to you as they are to the people here at SAFE.

Wisconsin is currently without a comprehensive vehicle extrication training program.  The National Curriculum for Emergency Medical Technicians and First Responders training does not include vehicle extrications.  Similarly, Wisconsin Administrative Code requires that all new firefighters be trained to meet the minimum standard of Firefighter Level 1, which does not include vehicle extrication training.  In addition, there is a failure to provide universal extrication research and training for special extrication situations involving mass transit, motor coach, school bus, semi-truck, and para-transit equipped vehicles.  Currently, rescuers without formal extrication training or certification are required to perform vehicle extrications on a regular basis.

Wisconsin citizens must demand to be recipients of creditable and accountable extrication services when lives are in jeopardy.  Emergency personnel must be properly trained to save those precious seconds that can mean the difference between life and death.

The problem is complex and SAFE believes in a strong community partnership in order to achieve our mission.  SAFE and the Medical College of Wisconsin Neuroscience Research Laboratories, leaders in crash research, have joined together to explore a multi-disciplinary approach to this problem.  Safe And Fast Extrication is honored to be recognized by the AAA of Wisconsin, State Medical Society, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Independence First, and Wo/Men Highway Safety Leaders, as well as many paramedics, firefighters, EMTs and first responders, who contribute, benefits and share in its mission.

By working together, we can make saving lives a priority.  SAFE is calling on all concerned individuals, organizations, manufacturers, businesses, and regional and international extrication experts in order to help Wisconsin implement a state of the art extrication educational program that meets the needs of those we ultimately serve, the people of Wisconsin.  Let us add you to our community of SAFE supporters so that information can be shared and exchanged among all who share our vision for increased safety on our roadways.  Together we will help save more lives…maybe even your own.

Your support is critical!  Thank you for your support and BE SAFE!

Sincerely,

John Olshanski
Executive Director and Founder
Safe And Fast Extrication. Inc.