Randall Wells is a 27-year veteran firefighter and retired Special Operations Chief from the Denver Fire Department. Holding an associate’s degree in public service, Randall has spent his career specializing in technical rescue, auto extrication, and hazardous materials response. His extensive experience includes serving as an instructor at Red Rocks Community College Fire Science Program, Denver Fire Academy, and Academia de Bomberos Quintana Roo, Mexico.

As the lead instructor for Chop Shop Rx, Randall has trained responders both nationally and internationally, including in Mexico, the U.S., and Saudi Aramco. He also developed and facilitated the Denver Fire Chop Shop regional extrication workshop, bringing together specialists from across the fire service.

Beyond extrication, Randall is an NCR/UASI Command and Control Instructor and class developer, with expertise in urban rescue, swift water operations, and technical disciplines.

Certifications & Instructor Roles:

 Lead FDIC HOT Instructor for Modern Extrication
 CMCB Fire Instructor I & II
 Red Rocks Community College Fire Science Instructor
 Denver Fire Academy Instructor
 Instructor for Academia de Bomberos Quintana Roo, Mexico
 Chop Shop RX Lead Instructor (U.S., Mexico, Saudi Aramco)
 Denver Fire Chop Shop Regional Extrication Workshop Facilitator
 NCR/UASI Command and Control Instructor & Class Developer

Specialized Rescue Expertise:

 Swiftwater Rescue Technician I & II
 Dive Rescue & Sonar Body Recovery
 Technical Rescue: Trench, High-Angle, Confined Space, Structural Collapse
 Hazardous Materials Technician
 Lead Instructor & Facilitator for Bridge Collapse Extrication
 Urban High-Angle Tactical Solutions & High-Rise Rope Rescue

Randall remains dedicated to advancing extrication techniques, technical rescue
operations, and firefighter education through his teaching and instructor roles.

 CHOP SHOP RX

Course Description:
Chop Shop RX is an advanced hands-on extrication course designed to enhance firefighters'
skills in dealing with modern vehicle construction, hybrid and electric vehicles, and the latest
extrication techniques. This class emphasizes real-world scenarios and provides students with the
opportunity to apply knowledge in practical applications.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
 Identify and understand modern vehicle construction and its impact on extrication.
 Demonstrate effective stabilization techniques for various vehicle orientations.
 Utilize extrication techniques with efficiency and safety.
 Develop strategies for rapid patient access and removal.
 Apply knowledge of hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) extrication techniques.
 Recognize common hazards associated with advanced automotive technology.
 Work efficiently as a team in high-stress extrication scenarios.
 Ensure new construction changes are pointed out along with techniques to overcome
these changes successfully.

Class Overview:
 Dispelling outdated extrication myths and concepts

 Body mechanics, cut sequencing, cut direction
 Construction features and technique changes
 Fluidity of motion and common-sense approaches

Class Outline & Workstations:
 Group body mechanics
 Spread/cutter concepts and directions
 Cut sequencing
 Roof raise
 Side wall cut vs spread (old vs new)
 Dash displacement - tire side cuts & compartment cuts
 B post lay down
 Cut sequencing and fluidity of motion
 Ram migration
 Seat removal
 Cut locations with no workaround
 All concepts will point out past practices with all new changes
 Stabilization where appropriate
 EMS Patient removal

Required Equipment:
 Full PPE including helmet, gloves, turnout gear, and eye protection

Safety Plan:
 All vehicles will be made safe prior to beginning class. This includes airbag
identification, stabilizing, power shut-off, and addressing other hazards.
 Only one operator will be using the tools at a time.
 There will be two instructors: one next to the operator at the front and one at the rear.
 All members, including instructors, will be in full PPE, which will be checked at the start
and monitored for the duration of the class.
 One member will be assigned the safety officer position.

Class Safety Officer: Erik Herbst

Engineer Rescue 2, Denver Fire Department

Erik Herbst is a 27-year fire service veteran with 19 years in Denver Fire Special Operations, serving on Tower 9, Engine 1, and Rescue 2. With 17 years of Truck experience and 8 years as a founding member of Rescue 2, he brings extensive real-world expertise in auto extrication. Erik is an instructor for Denver Fire in-service training, Denver Fire Chop Shop, Chop Shop Rx, FDIC HOT, and Cody Fire School. He has trained agencies across the U.S. and Tijuana MX, as well as collaborated extrication training with vehicle manufacturers like Tesla, Honda, and Volvo. A member of FEMA's Colorado Task Force 1, Erik also serves on the Urban Search and Rescue Team. Erik's extensive hands-on experience and deep technical knowledge bring practical and real-world insight into perfecting the craft of auto extrication.

 CMCB Evaluator 2
 CMCB Fire instructor 1&2
 Pro Board Hazardous Materials Technician
 DRI Public Safety Diver
 ERDI Diver Technician 1&2
 ERDI Swiftwater Technician 1&2
 ISO Driver Operator
 West Metro Fire Rescue Technician Certification
 Denver Fire Tech Rescue Course Instructor
 Denver Fire Academy Adjunct Instructor
 Denver Fire Incumbent Training Instructor for Auto Extrication
 Original Cadre Denver Fire Chop Shop
 Original Member Chop Shop Rx
 FDIC HOT Instructor for Auto Extrication
 Cody Fire School WY HOT Instructor for Auto Extrication
 SCORE Racing International Contract Rescue Specialist

 

 

Class is Friday June 21 - Saturday June 22, 2024
This class is a 1/2 Day of Classroom Work on Day 1.
The second half of Friday and all day Saturday will be spent on the training grounds.
FULL PPE Including Helmet, Gloves, Turnout Gear and Eye Protection is Required.