RTC 001: Procedure

Question 1

The LFB currently attends around how many road traffic collisions (RTCs) a day?

Answer 1

An average of 10

It is around three times more likely that firefighters will attend an RTC compared to incidents involving BA

Question 2

Under which act, is the senior officer in charge of operations including closing roads, moving vehicles, and the positioning of appliances?

Answer 2

Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004

Question 3

Generally at an incident, what do each of the emergency services deal with?

Answer 3

LFB
Deals with rescues, fires, fire prevention and hazardous materials

Police
Control traffic and monitor scene safety

Ambulance
Responsible for the treatment and care of any injured people

Question 4

What should crews be wearing when attending an RTC?

Answer 4

High visibility clothing

Question 5

After the scene has been assessed for potential hazards, the appliances should be parked in what position?

Answer 5

In a fend off position, to create a safe working area, providing protection from oncoming vehicles

FRU should be parked closest

All appliance lighting should be used to provide warning to other road users

Question 6

Why do the police often call the LFB to attend RTCs?

Three answers

Answer 6

Clear away debris

Wash down any contaminants

Removal of casualties from their vehicles

Question 7

What three factors are found at all RTCs where people are trapped in their vehicles?

Answer 7

The presence of a casualty requiring urgent hospitalisation

Difficulty in gaining access to the casualty

Restricted space in which to work

Question 8

What are the two phases of LFB operational procedure, that occur at an RTC?

Answer 8

Phase 1
Safety and scene assessment
Initial access to the casualty and stabilisation
Glass management and tool preparation

Phase 2
Space creation
Full access to casualty
Casualty immobilised and extricated

Question 9

What are the two safety zones that should be created on arrival to an RTC?

Answer 9

Inner Circle
Minimum of 2m around the vehicle
Only full PPE should be worn in this zone, and people directly involved with the rescue

Outer Circle
Where the IC can monitor the progress
Minimum of 5m around the inner circle

Question 10

List some hazards associated with RTCs?

Nine answers

Answer 10

Vehicle contents
Fuels
Stability
Sharp metals
Hot metals
Carbon fibres
Plastics
Electric and battery acids
Air bags

Question 11

What can be used to stabilise a vehicle?

Answer 11

Blocks and wedges

Question 12

What should be done before disconnecting the vehicle battery, which should be done at the earliest opportunity?
Four answers

Answer 12

Lower all windows
Move seats
Operate sun or convertible roofs
Use any other electrically operated ancillary equipment

The battery should be disconnected and positioned where they cannot accidentally come into contact with the battery terminals

Question 13

What are the three main types of glass that the LFB removes in RTCs?

Answer 13

Laminated
Normally found in the front screen of vehicles, but may be fitted in all windows of high spec cars

Toughened
Normally used for the side windows of vehicles and sometimes in the rear screen

Perspex
Not that common, but can be found in some security vehicles

Question 14

What are the four types of glass fixings in cars?

Answer 14

Rubber seal
Bonded
Hinged
Sliding

Question 15

What is created when laminated glass is cut?

Answer 15

Dust, which can become a hazard, so wherever possible, it should be left in place

Question 16

For effective space creation, what should firefighters do?

Five answers

Answer 16

Make sure stability is correctly thought about

Keep equipment in a safe area (tool dump) when not used

Place all debris in the correct area (debris dump)

Keep exit routes clear when extricating casualties

Keep clear of the inner zone when not required

Question 17

When working with cutting tools, firefighters should work in groups of two. What are the roles of each person?

Answer 17

Tool Operator
Consider the plan of action
Inform the IC if the plan is changed

The Second Firefighter
Responsible for assisting the Tool Operator
Provide a second set of eyes to look for any hazards and provide hard protection between the casualty and the cutting tools

Question 18

Name some parts of the car? Vehicle terminology

Answer 18

Car posts
A post - normally attached to the windscreen
B, C, D, E posts - the joins between the windows working towards the rear of the car

Sill - runs along the bottom of the vehicle

Shut lines - gaps where the vehicles doors shut against the bodywork

Question 19

Extraction can be divided into what two categories?

Answer 19

Immediate release

Controlled release

Question 20

When would firefighters need to perform an immediate release?
Six answers

Answer 20

A medical requirement

Fire

Submerged

Toxic atmosphere

Hazardous materials

Police directive

Question 21

What does ‘golden hour’ mean?

Answer 21

Refers to the likelihood that prompt medic attention may prevent the death of a casualty who has suffered a traumatic injury, is within the first hour

Question 22

At RTCs, how can time be saved off the golden hour, to speed up rescue operations?
Three answers

Answer 22

Setting up an equipment pool while the vehicle is being stabilised

Managing the vehicle glass as the shut lines are opened

Opening the door using the combi-tool while the roof is being removed with the sabre saw