RTC: Road Traffic Collisions

Question 1

Extraction can be divided into what two categories?

Two answers

Answer 1

Immediate release (extraction)

Controlled release (extraction)

Question 2

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

Three answers

Answer 2

Clear away debris

Wash down contaminants

Removal of casualties from their vehicles

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Phase 1
Safety and scene assessment
Initial assessment of casualty
Stability
Glass management
Tool preparation

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

Question 4

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

Answer 4

A ‘fend off’ position, to create a safe working area and protection from oncoming vehicles

Question 5

Which appliance should be parked closest to the RTC incident?

Answer 5

The FRU appliance

Question 6

Should appliances have their lighting switched on or off?

Answer 6

On, providing warning to other road users

Question 7

List some hazards associated with RTCs?

Nine answers

Answer 7

Vehicle contents

Fuels

Stability

Sharp metals

Hot metals

Carbon fibres

Plastics

Electric and battery acids

Air bags

Question 8

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

Answer 8

The presence of a casualty requiring urgent hospitalisation

Difficulty in gaining access to the casualty

Restricted space in which to work

Question 9

What are the four types of glass fixings in cars?

Four answers

Answer 9

Rubber seal

Bonded

Hinged

Sliding

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Low all windows

Move seats

Operate the sun roof (if convertible)

Use any other electrically operated ancillary equipment

Question 11

When disconnected, where should the car battery be placed?

Answer 11

In a position where it cannot accidentally come into contact with the battery terminals

Question 12

The LFB currently attends how many RTCs a day?

Answer 12

An average of 10

Question 13

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

Answer 13

Setting up an tool dump 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

Question 14

What does ‘golden hour’ mean?

Answer 14

Refers to the likelihood that medical attention received in that initial hour of the incident, will prevent the death of a casualty who has suffered a traumatic injury

Question 15

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

Answer 15

A medical requirement

Fire

Submerged in water

Toxic atmosphere

Hazardous materials

Police directive

Question 16

Name some key parts of the car when referring to RTCs?

Three answers

Answer 16

Car posts
A post - attached to the windscreen
B, C, D, E posts - the joints between windows working from front to back

Sill - runs along the bottom of the vehicle

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

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Tool Operator
Consider the plan of action
Inform the IC if the plan changes

The Second Firefighter
Responsible for assisting the Tool Operator
Looking for hazards
Providing hard protection between the cutting tools and the casualty

Question 18

For effective space creation, what should firefighters do?

Five answers

Answer 18

Make sure stability is correctly thought about

Keep equipment in a safe area (tool dump)

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 19

What is created when laminated glass is cut?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

What are the three main types of glass found in car windows?

Three answers

Answer 20

Laminated
Normally found in the front screen

Toughened
Normally used for the side windows and sometimes the rear window

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

Question 21

What can be used to stabilise a vehicle?

Answer 21

Blocks and wedges

Question 22

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

Answer 22

Inner Circle
Minimum of 2m around the vehicle

Outer Circle
Minimum of 5m around the inner circle

Question 23

What should all firefighters wear when attending an RTC?

Answer 23

High visibility clothing

Question 24

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

Answer 24

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