Except the ESUs job IS extrication / rescue and not traffic control, so that throws that argument right out.
Anyways, everyone is missing the main thing about this thread:
Some old bat sucked at driving that lead to a situation that cost someone their life, and all she gets is a slap on the wrist. That should irk everyone. Evil old ladies. It's a darn conspiracy.
NYPD ESU have Tac Medics (one did ride alongs on my bus while they went through medic school), they perform SWAT type functions as well. I've done many standbys for barricaded EDP's, and have seen ESU do their thing. Extrication is just another of their functions.