Auto
Extrication: The Interior Rescuer Auto extrication is arguably one of the most dynamic and potentially hazardous incidents fire personnel will encounter. New technologies in vehicle safety restraint systems pose many challenges for us as rescuers. Vehicle manufacturers are continually upgrading their safety restraint systems to better protect the vehicle occupants. Unfortunately, some of these safety upgrades can be dangerous for rescuers if we are not properly trained to identify these issues.
In this article we will focus on the interior of the vehicle and some of the safety issues facing rescuers. A typical auto extrication operation calls for an initial scene size-up performed by the first arriving company officer. Specific crew responsibilities for extrication operations should be assigned at the beginning of the tour. The interior rescuer needs to be knowledgeable in regards to safety restraint systems, potential locations of pressurized gas cylinders, locations of air bags, smart air-bag technology, the 5-10-20 rule, and vehicle electrical systems including hybrid vehicles. The interior rescuer needs to have the proper tools to function efficiently. Tools such as a ‘V’ blade knife, bailing hook, shove knife, and a heavy-duty pocket knife or shears are essential. The interior rescuer should size-up the interior of the vehicle from the exterior prior to making entry. This is accomplished while other crew members are performing vehicle stabilization, securing the battery and electrical system, and stabilizing any hazards such as fuel leaks. The interior size-up should consist of following:
Once these issues are addressed, the rescuer can begin the process of entering the vehicle. The interior rescuer may have to work in close proximity to paramedics who may have begun patient care. The rescuer needs to determine where vehicle access can be made safely without compromising patient care.
Once these tasks have been accomplished, the interior rescuer needs to begin the “peel and peek” procedure. Before any cutting or spreading can take place, it is imperative that all rescuers are aware of the locations of pressurized gas cylinders and the seat belt pre-tensioners inside the vehicle. Interior trims must be peeled away in order to visually inspect the vehicle. It is of the utmost importance that we recognize early on in the rescue what extrication tasks need to be performed. This allows the rescuer to know exactly where they need to concentrate their interior operations. Once these cylinders are located, it should be remembered that the vehicle mirrors itself. Pressurized gas cylinder locations are the same on both sides of the vehicle. While cutting and spreading operations are taking place, the interior rescuer needs to communicate with the exterior firefighters. The interior rescuer is the eyes and ears of the exterior extrication team. They need to halt cutting or spreading operations if safety is compromised. The interior rescuer has many essential tasks to perform at an auto extrication incident. He sets the stage for a safe and efficient operation once stabilization of the vehicle is accomplished. Training with all company members and self-study on vehicle crash safety systems will give us all the level of competency required for a successful auto extrication operation. © Copyright Firenuggets.com 2008 • Click here for Terms and Conditions of Use
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