The victorious Royal Berkshire team in action with Packexe SMASH  View Video

Without exception, all these teams used the Packexe SMASH glass management system, recognising the advantages it gave them in both speed and safety, allowing them to use whatever extrication method was necessary – window removal, hydraulic cutting or spreading, sawing of windscreens or bodywork – without danger to casualties and rescuers from glass fragments.

This year’s extrication champions were Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue from the UK.  Paul Maynard, captain of the Royal Berkshire team said:

“RBFRS Rescue Team always have Packexe Smash as a first-strike tool, as it is the only way to manage glass effectively and maintain gold-standard patient care. We not only use it in competition but it is also on all our fire engines for all incidents that we attend.”

Packexe SMASH is put to good use by the Swiss team View Video

Neat use of Packexe Sharpswrap

Packexe also took the unique opportunity offered by the WRC to field-test Packexe Sharpswrap, which is due for launch in 2013.  This handy combination of extra-strong adhesive film with a re-usable dispensing handle quickly covers sharp edges and points to allow safe entry to end exit from the vehicle.  “The teams loved it,” says Packexe CEO Andrew Orchard.  “They kept coming back for more, and by the end of the contest our distinctive bright yellow handle was tucked into belts and pouches from all corners of the world.  An inspection of the towed-away vehicles revealed splashes of yellow Sharpswrap film everywhere you looked.”