Extrication Techniques Flashcards
What is an inner versus an outer survey?
When assessing the need for extrication, inner and outer surveys done by two different crew members to thoroughly assess the scene.
The inner survey is conducted in the area immediate around the vehicle/s to:
* Assess the condition and position of vehicle/s
* Determine extrication tasks that may be required
* Note any hazards
Meanwhile another crew member conducts an outer survey to check for:
* Other vehicles that may not be visible
* Victims who might have been ejected from the vehicle/s
* Damage to structures or utilities that may present a hazard
What are the best ways to gain access into a vehicle for patient assessment and treatment?
- The fastest way is through the doors. Always remember to try before you pry!
- The second best option is through the windows
- Then remove the roof
- The least preferred method is through the floor (tunneling)
What are 5 techniques to remove patients from a vehicle?
- Displacing pedals
- Seat removal
- Removing or flapping the roof
- Third door conversion
- Dashboard roll-up
What unique challenges are associated with vehicles on their side or inverted, on roof?
- On side - challenge stabilizing the vehicle and packaging patients
- On roof - greater possibility of fire and structural concerns
What two common cribbing techniques are used for vehicle stabilization?
When is fire protection a particularly high priority?
When a vehicle is on its side.
What needs to be done as you lift a vehicle?
You must crib as you lift to maintain stability and capture progress.
What type of lever is most efficient at moving an object vertically?
A class I lever in which the fulcrum is somewhere near the middle with the load and applied force on opposite sides.
What type of lever is used to move objects horizontally?
A class II lever in which the load is in the middle and the fulcrum and applied force are on opposite sides. A good example of a class II lever is a wheelbarrow:
What type of lever is used when force may be sacrificed for distance?
A class III lever in which the applied force is in the middle and the load and fulcrum are on opposite ends. A good example is a shovel:
What type of rope is used for slings that function as anchors?
There are 3 common types:
* Braided
* Cable laid
* Strand laid
Note that synthetic slings are also used.
When should a chain sling be used?
Their use is limited due to the heavy weight, so they are best for rugged applications. Remember that all chains must be rated for rescue and multiple chains and hooks must be of equal or greater rating when combining to ensure that capacity isn’t compromised.
What door removal technique creates a wider opening on two-door vehicles for passenger removal?
Third door conversion. This is essentially cutting away the portion of the car where there is no door by:
1) Making 3 cuts
- at the top of the B post
- parallel to the C post, towards the rear tire (do not cut all the way down)
- parallel to the rocker panel, starting from the opening created by the driver or passenger door and towards the rear tire
2) Making 2 crimps to score the metal
- along the B post cut
- along the rocker panel cut
3) Using the spreaders to fold the “door” down
- start by inserting the spreaders in the window to push down and create a purchase point at the top of the B post near the relief cut
- work the spreaders top to bottom to push the “door” down
What are the two primary strategies for roof removal?
- Full removal - this offers more workspace for medical personnel and is a good option when there are multiple patients
- Flapping - this is a good option when there’s fewer patients with lower priority injuiries. It also eliminates the need to remove the windshield. However, if you choose this technique then you need to make sure that the roof is tied down or it can flap in the wind!
What is a risk of roof removal?
It compromises the structural integrity of the vehicle.
