Extrication Incident Management Flashcards
What is the goal of incident management at an extrication emergency?
The purpose of incident management is organization to enhance safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. To achieve this, single and unified command structures are used. Priorities are:
* Safety and survival of first responders
* Prevent further injuries to others
* Rescue victims that can be saved
* Recover the remains of others
What are the main NFPA standards for rescue / extrication?
- NFPA 1006 - minimum standards for professional certification in technical rescue
- NFPA 1670 - training standards and response levels
What are the primary hazards at vehicle rescues / extrications?
The primary hazard is traffic! Other hazards include:
* Fire
* Vehicle fluids such as gasoline
* Sharp objects
* Bloodborne pathogens
* Environmental conditions (i.e. weather)
* Utilites such as downed electrical wires
* Undeployed airbags
* Energy-absorbing struts
How do you isolate hazards at vehicle rescues?
- Establish traffic control
- Extinguish any open flames immediately
- Isolate spilled fuels and other ignition sources such as downed power lines before beginning other operations
- Disconnect vehicle batteries
- Deactivate undepoloyed airbags
- Protect shock absorbers and struts from excessive heat and/or physical damage
- Remove all trim to expose components such as safety restraint systems (peal and peak)
- Avoid pyrotechnic seat belt pretensioners
What is an Incident Safety Officer (ISO)?
An incident safety officer (ISO) must be established at every extrication operation. This person performs an ongoing assessment of incident actions and conditions. They are appointed by the incident commander (IC) and if not appointed, the IC assumes the role of the ISO as well.
What should be assessed during incident size up?
- Scene - observe the situation and identify hazards to determine if any additional resources are needed (i.e. hazmat, utility companies, etc.)
- Vehicles - number, size, type, stability, and condition (i.e. rollover, side, front or rear impact)
- Patients - number and condition (i.e. recovery or rescue). Remember that patients can extend beyond the vehicle! You need to assume that someone was in every seat and search the surrounding around in case they were thrown from the car.
When does size up begin?
Prior to arrival on scene!
What are the two methods of patient removal during extrication?
- Normal (standard) - in this case the patient is not in a life threatening situation and rescuers can take the time to first remove the vehicle or machinery components away from them for the safest possible extrication.
- Rapid - in this case the situation is life threatening so the quickest possible patient removal is the priority.
What are control zones and how are they set up at vehicle rescue emergencies?
Emergency responders typcially secure an incident scene by establishing a control zone. This is done by cordoning off the scene by typing rope, fireline, or caution tape to a stationary object. Within a control zone, there can be several areas:
- Hot zone - This is where trained personnel are working; high hazard area.
- Warm zone- This is immediately outside the hot zone. Here, people here support those in the hot zone by providing tools, lighting, and fire protection.
- Cold zone - This is farthest from the hot zone and may include the incident command post, locations of rapid intervention crews, rehabilition area, and staging areas for equipment.
What is the correct size of each control zone?
Each one should have a radius of 20 - 25 feet.
What is a shadow vehicle?
A shadow vehicle is an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck, that’s strategically positioned at an incident to block the roadway.
What are flaggers and channelling devices?
They are both tools for traffic scene control:
* Flaggers - these are people that wear reflective vests are direct traffic
* Channelling devices - these are equipment such as cones that direct traffic without the need for personnel to be in the dangerous area
