Vehicle Extrication

Course overview

Objectives Describe the anatomy of the respiratory system and the physiology of breathing Identify barriers the provider may encounter when managing an airway Content Safe Vehicle Extrication Role of EMS in Vehicle Extrication Provide patient care Perform simple extrication Personal Safety First priority for all EMS personnel Appropriate personal protective equipment for conditions Scene size up Patient Safety Keep them informed of your actions Protect from further harm Situational Safety Control traffic flow Proper positioning of emergency vehicles Upwind uphill Protect scene Use of lights and other warning devices Setting up protective barrier Designate a traffic control person 360 degree assessment Downed electrical lines Leaking fuels or fluids Smoke or fire Broken glass Trapped or ejected patients Mechanism of injury Vehicle stabilization Put vehicle in park or in gear Set parking brake Turn off vehicle ignition Cribbing Chocking Move seats back and roll down windows Disconnect battery or power source Identify and avoid hazardous vehicle safety components Seat belt pretensioners Undeployed air bags Other Unique hazards Alternative fuel vehicles Undeployed vehicle safety devices HAZMAT Evaluate the need for additional resources Extrication equipment Fire suppression Law enforcement HAZMAT Utility companies Air medical Others Extrication considerations Disentanglement of vehicle from patient Multi step process Rescuer intensive Equipment intensive Time intensive Access to patient Simple Try to open doors Ask patient to unlock doors Ask patient to lower windows Complex Tools Hand Pneumatic Hydraulic Other Determine number of patients implement local multiple casualty incident protocols if necessary Use of Simple Hand Tools Hammer Center Punch Pry Bar Hack Saw Come Along Special Considerations for Patient Care Removing Patient Maintain manual cervical spine stabilization Complete primary assessment Provide critical interventions Assist with rapid extrication Move patient not device Use sufficient personnel Use path of least resistance