Principles of Vehicle Extrication

Question 1

What are the phases of extrication?

Answer 1

1. Hazard control & incident stabilization
2. Gaining access & patient assessment
3. Disentanglement
4. Patient packaging
5. Extrication

Question 2

What is extrication?

Answer 2

The removal and treatment of a patient trapped by machinery or equipment.

Question 3

What is disentanglement?

Answer 3

The manipulation of vehicle or machinery components to provide for the removal of packaged patients.

Question 4

What is rescue?

Answer 4

The removal of a patient from an untenable or unhealthy situation or atmosphere.

Question 5

What types of respiratory protection is used at rescue or extrication emergencies?

Answer 5

• SAR - supplied air respirator
• APR - air purifying respirator
• PAPR - powered air purifying respirator
• SCBA - self contained breathing aparatus

Question 6

What are the 4 priorities of scene safety?

Answer 6

1. Your safety
2. Your partner’s or crew’s safety
3. Bystanders’ safety
4. Patient’s safety

Question 7

What are the 4 priorities at extrication emergencies?

Answer 7

1. Life safety - ongoing assessment of hazards and implementation of NIMS/ICS
2. Incident stabilization - ongoing scene control, vehicle stabilization, elimination of ignition and other energy sources, fire protection, and hazmat control as needed
3. Property & environmental conservation - the use of nondestructive methods wherever possible, protection of unsecured property after the incident is controlled, and implementation of containment strategies
4. After action review - post incident analysis for continuous improvement

Question 8

What are the 4 priorities for stabilization?

Answer 8

1. Self
2. Scene
3. Vehicle
4. Patient/s

Question 9

What are the roles & responsibilities for extrication emergencies?

Answer 9

1. Rescue
2. Law Enforcement
3. EMS
4. Fire Suppression - remember that NFPA requirement is to have at least 1 person in full PPE, including SCBA, with a charged hoseline
5. Others - utility companies, state or local DOT, towing and recovery companies

Question 10

What skills are necessary for rescue personnel to perform extrication safely?

Answer 10

• Resist the urge to rush in
• Perform a thorough size up to understand the situation, recognize hazards, and determine safety needs
• Devise and implement a plan
• Make informed decisions