How often should vehicle extrication competency training be scheduled to maintain proficiency?

Scheduling vehicle extrication competency training annually is essential for maintaining proficiency because it aligns with the time needed to ensure that skills and techniques are fresh and effective without overwhelming personnel with overly frequent training sessions. Annual training allows for sufficient time to master the necessary skills and provides a structured opportunity to refresh and update knowledge as new techniques or technologies may emerge.

While more frequent training, such as monthly or quarterly, might seem beneficial, it is often not practical or necessary for most responders to engage in such high-frequency training for extrication skills, especially if they are already trained and have the necessary experience. Biannual training could also be effective; however, an annual schedule strikes a balance that helps ensure team readiness without causing training fatigue or resource strain. Such a schedule also allows for adequate time to assess individual and team performance, incorporate feedback, and integrate new practices into the training curriculum.