Chapter 38 Highway Safety and Vehicle Extrication Flashcards
CRITICAL DECISION MAKING
Patient priority is an important consideration in rescue operations. More time is available to gain access to a stable patient more than to an unstable one who needs quick transport. Scene decisions are based both on the type of entrapment and on the patient’s condition. Your responsibility as an EMT is to represent the patient’s needs in the rescue effort. For each patient described here, determine whether the extrication must be done quickly because the patient is unstable or if more time is available.
Your patient was involved in a head-on crash. The patient is unresponsive with a rapid pulse.
A patient involved in a head-on crash who is unresponsive with a rapid pulse is an unstable patient and requires a quick extrication.
CRITICAL DECISION MAKING
Patient priority is an important consideration in rescue operations. More time is available to gain access to a stable patient more than to an unstable one who needs quick transport. Scene decisions are based both on the type of entrapment and on the patient’s condition. Your responsibility as an EMT is to represent the patient’s needs in the rescue effort. For each patient described here, determine whether the extrication must be done quickly because the patient is unstable or if more time is available.
Your patient was driving a car that was rear-ended with minor-to-low moderate damage. She is alert and oriented. Her pulse is 80; respirations are 16. The car’s frame has shifted so none of the doors will open.
A patient who was rear-ended, alert, and oriented with stable vital signs is a stable patient with time available for the extrication.
CRITICAL DECISION MAKING
Patient priority is an important consideration in rescue operations. More time is available to gain access to a stable patient more than to an unstable one who needs quick transport. Scene decisions are based both on the type of entrapment and on the patient’s condition. Your responsibility as an EMT is to represent the patient’s needs in the rescue effort. For each patient described here, determine whether the extrication must be done quickly because the patient is unstable or if more time is available.
Your patient was a front-seat passenger who was thrown into the backseat. You can reach only the patient’s upper body, but you find a rapid pulse and clammy skin. The patient is alert and talking with you.
A patient thrown from the front to the backseat during a collision with a rapid pulse and clammy skin is an unstable patient and requires a quick extrication.
Short Answer
If your EMS unit is first to arrive on the scene, what initial actions should you take?
Your role is the scene size-up, which involves scanning the scene for hazards, the number of patients, degree of entrapment, vehicle instability, and any risks to the rescuers posed by traffic. Although the EMS focus should be on triage-treatment-transportation, all ICS roles must be carried out by the first arriving EMTs if establishing Command. Whoever establishes Command must maintain it until it can be transferred to another agency or a higher-ranking official.
Short Answer
What gear should be worn at the scene of a highway incident to improve your visibility to others?
ANSI safety vests and helmets should be worn at the scene of a highway incident to improve your visibility to others.
Short Answer
What gear should be worn during a vehicle extrication?
EMS or firefighter turnout clothing, including a helmet and eye protection, should be worn during a vehicle extrication. Match the protective gear worn by others at the scene.
Short Answer
What must be done to deactivate automobile air bags?
To deactivate the automobile air bags, disconnect the battery.
Short Answer
You have arrived at a crash, and all the doors look jammed. What steps should you take to gain access? In what order?
First try simple access methods such as opening the door or rolling down a window. If those are unsuccessful, use complex access methods involving tools such as a spring-loaded punch, axes, or saws designed for window glass to gain access to your patient or patients. Protect patients from breaking glass.
Critical Thinking Exercises
Rescue scenes require decision making of a type that more “normal” calls may not require. The purpose of this exercise will be to consider how you might make decisions specific to a rescue scene.
With knowledge of your own community, which of the ten types of rescue specialty teams are needed, and who provides the service? Do you or your dispatch agency know how to contact them for response in a timely manner? Have you trained together so you understand each other’s roles?
Types of rescue specialty teams include vehicle rescue, water rescue, ice rescue, high-angle rescue, hazardous material response, trench rescue, dive rescue, backcountry or wilderness rescue, farm rescue, and confined-space rescue. One or more of these may be active in your area, depending on the characteristics of your community.
Critical Thinking Exercises
Rescue scenes require decision making of a type that more “normal” calls may not require. The purpose of this exercise will be to consider how you might make decisions specific to a rescue scene.
After considering the safety of yourself and others, what should be your primary goal at the scene of a vehicle collision?
After considering the safety of yourself and others, your primary goal at the scene of a vehicle collision is assessment and care of the patient.
