About this Event
Auto X West is an intensive, hands-on vehicle extrication workshop designed specifically for firefighters operating with small crews, limited staffing, extended response times, and the unique challenges faced by rural and combination fire departments.
This three-day workshop will move beyond basic tool operation and focus on practical, realistic extrication strategies that can be applied when personnel and resources are limited. Participants will work through vehicle stabilization, access, disentanglement, tool selection, crew coordination, and problem-solving in challenging extrication scenarios.
The course begins with an evening session on Friday, September 25, followed by two full days of hands-on training on Saturday and Sunday. Participants should arrive prepared to work, communicate, and operate as part of a small extrication team.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Friday, September 25, 2026 - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Evening classroom and course orientation
Saturday, September 26, 2026 -8:00 AM -4:00 PM
Full day of hands-on vehicle extrication training
Sunday, September 27, 2026- 8:00 AM -4:00 PM
Full day of advanced hands-on scenarios and practical application
COURSE FOCUS
• Small-crew and rural extrication operations
• Vehicle stabilization and hazard management
• Efficient tool selection and deployment
• Creating access and managing limited working space
• Vehicle displacement and disentanglement techniques
• Crew coordination, communication, and task prioritization
• Practical problem-solving in realistic extrication scenarios
• Building safe and repeatable extrication processes
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This workshop is intended for firefighters, company officers, rescue personnel, and instructors who want to strengthen their vehicle extrication knowledge and improve their ability to operate effectively with limited staffing.
LOCATION
Colorado River Fire Rescue - Station 41
1850 Railroad Ave.
Rifle, Colorado 81650
TUITION
$450 per participant
Attendance is limited to 32 participants to support an effective instructor-to-student ratio and maximize hands-on training time.
Participants should bring their own structural firefighting PPE, including helmet, gloves, eye protection, turnout coat, turnout pants, and boots. Additional course information and any specific equipment requirements will be provided to registered participants before the workshop.
For registration questions or additional information, contact:
Bill Smith
[email protected]
970-625-1243
Event venue & nearby stays
Colorado River Fire Rescue Station 41, 1850 Railroad Avenue, Rifle, United States
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