Vertical Crush

November 2025

One of the most common auto extrication tasks firefighters perform is a simple door pop. While the concept is straightforward, proper technique and tool placement often determine whether the evolution is smooth and efficient or a drawn-out struggle. There are multiple ways to pop a door, and every firefighter should know more than one so they can adapt to any scenario. This article focuses on one reliable option: the Vertical Crush.

After the initial size-up, the vehicle must be stabilized. Once that’s complete, the firefighter evaluates the door and forms a plan of attack. Before placing any extrication tools into operation, both glass and airbags must be properly managed.

First let's discuss glass management. Sometimes the glass has already broken during the crash, which makes the job easy; simply remove any remaining shards from the window opening. If the window is still intact, more planning is required. First, determine whether the glass is laminated or tempered because the type of glass dictates your options for removal. Tempered glass will shatter into small, dull pieces. Using a spring-loaded window punch placed in the lower corner of the window will break it safely, allowing the remaining shards to be cleared away. Another option to use on tempered glass is to insert the adze end of a Halligan into the gap between the door and the window, then twist side to side until the glass breaks. There are certainly other methods to take tempered glass, but one method to avoid is swinging any type of tool into the victim compartment like what is often done in the movies.

If the window is laminated, it contains an inner plastic layer that holds the shattered pieces together. This glass must be cut out rather than punched. Tools like the Glas-Master or power options such as a sawzall or impact drill with a Ripper Window Attachment can be used effectively. Regardless of the method, firefighters must remain mindful of patient location, blade placement, and any potential obstructions (such as deployed airbags) that could be struck during cutting.

With the glass managed, the next concern is the airbags, more specifically, undeployed airbags. If an airbag has already deployed, the cylinder has discharged and poses no additional hazard. However, if it remains undeployed, the charged inflator must be identified and avoided throughout the extrication. When setting up on a jammed door on the side with an undeployed roof airbag, it’s critical that the top tip of the spreaders does not crush against the stored gas inflator. The good news is that, at least through the 2011 model year, most vehicles do not have inflators above the front door window openings. The bad news is that many vehicles do have inflators mounted horizontally in the roof rail above the rear door openings. Performing a vertical crush in these areas could puncture a 4,000 psi inflator, creating a serious hazard.

The solution is simple but essential: perform a “Peel and Peek.” This means removing the plastic trim from the vehicle posts to expose hidden components before committing to tool placement. Common tools for this task include a small pry bar, large flathead screwdriver, or a FUBAR tool. None of these tools are specialty items and can be found at any hardware store if needed. Once exposed, the firefighter must perform a visual scan for inflators or airbag components. Some vehicles may not have airbag ID markings, so always assume airbags are present and stay out of deployment zones. This extra step highlights the importance of understanding how evolving vehicle design impacts our extrication tactics.