Vehicle Extrication Flashcards
Successful operation of the vehicle incident is defined by how ___ and ___ it was conducted
effectively and safely
The ___ should establish the level of capability at which the organization will perform technical rescue operations. Based on: (3)
AHJ-Types of hazards-Level of personnel training-Resources
___ should be available to review and inspect training documentation
Authorized rescue team members and personnel
Awareness level requirements (9)
-Size up-Recognizing the need-Establishing scene safety zones-Initiating site and traffic control/scene management-Identifying general hazards-Reporting progress to command-Managing environmental concerns-Rehabilitation -Supporting the IAP and operations/technician level rescuers
Operations level requirements
-Create IAP-Establishing fire protection-Stabilize vehicle-Isolate/manage hazards-Accessing a passenger vehicle to extricate victims-Operating extrication hand tools and equipment-Recognizing and controlling incident hazards-Disentangling, packaging, removing victim-Terminating a vehicle incident
Technician level requirements
must be able to apply all techniques from operations level to commercial or heavy vehicles
___ and ___ are the keys to effective response, organization, and management.
Planning and training
Primary entities in a standard extrication response plan (5)
-Extrication team-EMS-Fire protection-Police-Relevant outside agencies
___ is the key to successful response plan
Proper communication
The hazard and risk assessment survey should include (7)
-Traffic patterns-Weather-Terrain-Construction-Previously identified high-risk areas-Locations with decreased visibility-Alternate response routes
Comparing the risk to rescuers at the scene with the possible benefit of encountering those risks
Risk-benefit analysis (Awareness level)
Environmental factors that may influence a vehicle incident (3)
-Weather-Time of day-Terrain
Every year, approximately ___ firefighters die on roadways as a result of being struck by vehicles
6 to 8
Implement ___ and ___ to detour approaching vehicles around the scene hazards
signage and cones
___ the vehicle before rescue personnel work around or enter a vehicle involved in a collision
Stabilize
A suggested best practice is to have an ___ available for rescuers at every emergency incident in addition to any others that may be standing by to treat and/or transport the victims.
ambulance
The frequency with which the crews will need to be rotated will vary with (3)
-Conditions-PPE being worn-Activities they are engaged in
Every extrication operation requires an ISO. On vehicle incidents that do not exceed the span of control, the ISO functions remain with
the IC
A personnel accountability system is needed in any operation that required
rescuers or rescue crews to enter a hazard zone
One of the most important skills for rescue personnel at vehicle incidents is the ability to recognize
existing and potential dangers to themselves and others
From the standpoint of survival, ___ can be one of the most critical steps in the entire extrication operation
assessment (medical/trauma)
The most common method of organizing a rescue scene is to establish three operating safety zones:
-restricted-limited access-support
Zone where the rescue is taking place
Restricted zone (hot zone)
Immediately outside the restricted zone. Limited to personnel who are not needed in the restricted zone but who are directly aiding rescuers and the restricted zone. Rescuers involved in activities such as scene lighting and standing by with hose lines or hydraulic tools that are ready for use
Limited access zone (warm zone)
Zone that may include the incident command post, the public information officers (PIO) location, and staging areas for personnel and portable equipment
Support Zone (cold zone)
Who monitors the scene security barriers established at the outside perimeter of the vehicle incident to ensure that unauthorized people do not cross the line
Safety Officer
When establishing a scene security barrier, personnel should leave a controlled opening near the ___. The ___ should monitor this entry point
ICPAccountability officer
Personnel directly responsible for stabilizing crashed vehicles, responsible for packaging victims for removal from wrecked vehicles, and transferring them to EMS personnel
Rescue Group
Responsible for directing traffic and providing crowd control
Law enforcement
EMS personnel who are responsible for evaluating, treating, and transporting victims
Medical Group
Personnel responsible for providing fire protection at an incident
Suppression Group
The technical ability of the ISO must meet the technical nature of the operation or a ___ must be assigned to assist or assume safety officer duties
Technical Safety Officer
Other duties of ISO (5) (some of the specific ones…not all)
-Ensure rehab established-Monitor scene and report status of conditions, hazards and risks to IC-Ensure personnel accountability system being used-Monitor radio communication-Evaluate hazards with helicopter landings
It is the ___ responsibility that the scene is secured and properly managed
IC’s
Responders positioning traffic control devices must wear
reflective clothing or vests
How to position signs (traffic control)
Well in advance of the accident, on the right side of the roadway no closer than 24” from the road edge
Use a minimum of ___ cones or reflective devices
6
The minimum level of emergency medical care that should be provided during technical search and rescue operations is
BLS
A ___ ensures that all personnel are trained to recognize and control the hazards and/or risks associated with vehicle rescue operations in order to minimize danger posed to victims and rescuers
safety program
The ___ is responsible for creating the IAP
IC
IAP’s usually contain the following elements: (7)
-Tactical worksheet-Incident briefing - serves as initial action worksheet-Incident objectives-Organization-includes units/agencies involved-Assignments-Support materials-Safety message
Incident priority that involves taking the necessary steps to prevent the situation from getting any worse
Incident stabilization
___ is responsible for coordinating the operation of the roadways
The Department of Transportation
According to NFPA 1670, extrication is defined as
the removal of trapped victims from a vehicle or machinery
Rescuers may turn down an assignment under the following conditions: (4)
-Violates safe work practices-Assignment is unsafe-Rescuer does not possess the necessary qualifications or experience to complete the assignment-Necessary equipment is defective or inoperable
Matching the ___ to the victim’s potential injuries minimizes trauma and maximizes their chance for survival
packaging and handling techniques
___ with victims is critical to their survival
Communication
Rescue vehicles need to be ___ to operate effectively, especially if these apparatus are used to supply power or operate hydraulic tools.
close to the scene (To some extent, those at the scene can be protected by positioning emergency response vehicles between the scene and any oncoming traffic to act as blocking or shadow vehicles)
The ___ should ensure that all personnel working in the action area are wearing proper and appropriate PPE
ISO
NFPA 1500 requires that ___ be worn in addition to the helmet face shield when performing extrication tasks
helmet goggles or safety glasses
NFPA 1500 requires rescue personnel to wear ___ inside their leather gloves or wear ___, if they are likely to contact bodily fluids
medical exam glovesemergency medical work gloves
APR’s should be worn only in controlled atmosphere’s where the hazards present are completely understood and at least ___ oxygen is present
19.5% (19.5%-23.5%)
Many vehicle hazards can be grouped into one of two categories: hazards from ___ and hazards from ___
energy sourcesbeneficial systems
Rescuers have to exercise further mitigation techniques on vehicles using ___. Once the vehicle is secured and ignition sources have been eliminated, rescuers should
alternative fuelslocate, access, and manually turn off the fuel at the tank shut off valve
The danger associated with hybrid vehicles is the ___. Systems may contain as much as ___ of DC current
high voltage stored within the propulsion batteries and running through wiring800 V
The most desirable method for disabling a hybrid electric vehicle is to ___. Then rescuer should disable the 12 V electrical system using ___
shutdown the vehicle with the switch and key system the same methods used to disable the battery in a conventional vehicle
Shutting down the high-voltage battery system consists of a more detailed operation. Some manufacturers recommend the use of ___ for shutting down the high-voltage system
10,000 V Lineman gloves
___ consists of two sheets of glass bonded to a sheet of plastic sandwiched between them
Laminated safety glass
___ is most commonly used in side windows and some rear windows
Tempered glass
Crushable bumpers are not a hazard until the fire is out. Beads of ___ form on the surface which is a corrosive substance
Hydrofluoric acid (flush these bumpers with copious amounts of water)
Any system or component of a vehicle that provides benefits to and/or enhances the safety and comfort of the vehicle occupants
Beneficial Vehicle Systems
The ABC’s of dealing with SRS
-Always respect the deployment path-Be aware that there is no way to make an undeployed airbag, ROPS, or SRS safe-Caution must be paramount in cutting or manipulating
Pyrotechnic device usually located near the bottom of the B post at the base of the seatbelt
Seat belt pretensioners
If the pre-tensioner is heated during the vehicle fire, it can ___
explode
Most modern airbag systems detect the following:
-Occupants weight and position-If seatbelt is buckled-Vehicles speed and area of impact
Rescuers suggested minimum safety zone distances
-5” for side impact and knee-10” for driver frontal airbags-12”-18” for impact curtains-20” for passenger frontal airbag
___ can cause these systems to detonate without an electrical source
Static electricity
___ airbags deployed at a standard rate every time
Single stage
___ airbags utilize sensors that will detect the rate of speed, impact, and weight of the occupant. It will then use this information to determine if the airbag should deploy using its full capacity for diminished deployment
Dual stage
Dual depth systems work the same as dual stage systems, but have___
two airbags
Front impact airbags deploy in ___ at speeds in excess of ___ with an inflating force of over 3000 PSI
.05 seconds200 mph
The sound of airbag deployment is in the range of ___
165 to 175 dB
Electrically activated airbags continued to be armed until the reserve power is drained… amount of time varies from ___, average time is less than ___
one second to 30 minutesfive minutes
Aftermarket systems such as entertainment systems, computers, and video games can ___ electricity through the vehicles electrical system which will keep the airbags energized
backfeed
The powder that comes off when airbags deployed contains sodium azide which converts to sodium hydroxide upon deployment and can cause minor irritation of the
throat and eyes and may cause asthma attacks
Sodium azide canisters that have been opened without the airbag deploying can be
extremely toxic
Each airbag operates ___, so accidentally activating one of them does not activate both
independently
The primary hazard of most vehicle incidents is the potential for
fire
It is recommended that at least one, ___ hose line be charged and ready for use by at least two firefighters equipped with ___.
1 1/2”full PPE, including SCBA
Best and most appropriate form of fire protection of vehicle incidents
Preconnected hose line, preferably foam capable
If natural gas or propane cylinders are on fire you should
not extinguish them until the containers are cooled and valves and fuel source can be turned off
Two foam types that may be used to extinguish vehicle fires
-AR-AFFF-AFFF
Emergency responders should look for ___ that would indicate that an alternative fueled vehicle is involved
identification methods (logos/badges)
Fuel that doesn’t react to standard firefighting extinguishment methods
Alcohol Fuels
Ethanol and methanol fires burn ___ and produce ___ smoke
bright bluelittle
In the presence of a natural gas fire, it is recommended to ___ as long as no lives or exposures are threatened
allow the fire to burn off all the fuel
Control a LNG (liquified natural gas) fire by using ___ or ___ on the surface of the fire
Purple K dry chem or high-expansion foam
Third most common vehicle fuel type after gas and diesel
Propane
Colorless, odorless, non-toxic fuel that should not be extinguished in vehicle fire
Hydrogen (allow fuel to burn off)
Yellow liquid with an odor of cooking oil that is non-toxic, biodegradable and sulfur free
Biodiesel
Use copious amounts of water and/or foam on electrical vehicle fire unless
vehicle is plugged in and charging
Recommended extinguishing agents for following battery pack/system fires-Lead-acid-Nickel metal hydride-Lithium-ion
-Lead acid-CO2, foam or dry chem-Nickel metal hydride-Class D-Lithium-ion-dry sand, powders
When responding to a collision involving trucks, one of the most critical size-up factors is
locating the driver/operator of the truck
Bill of lading is usually found in
a pocket on the drivers door
Standard face shield sizes are
4” and 6” (6 inch shield is more desirable)
Do not cut ___ cables in an airbag system, as it may deploy the airbags
yellow colored or yellow tagged
The ___ should train its members to implement appropriate components of local, state/provincial, or federal/national response plans
organization
Designed to be applicable to small, single-team incidents that may only last a few minutes as well as complex, large-scale incidents involving several agencies
NIMS-ICS
Most commonly used functional groups for vehicle incident (7)
-scene control-vehicle stabilization-victim access and disentanglement-medical trmt-extrication-triage/trmt-transportation
On larger, more complex incidents, ___ should coordinate the operations of the various functional groups
Operations Section Chief
Two generally accepted ways of promoting easy identification of command and group supervisors
-colored vests-marking a specific location/vehicle as the ICP
Who initiates the ICS
first rescuer or apparatus arriving on scene
Creating a verbal or written IAP is necessary at
all incidents
Effective and standardized approach for developing the IAP and for all command and general staff personnel to understand their responsibilities in this process
NIMS Planning “P”
The ___ develops and implements the initial written IAP with assistance from the ___ when needed
ICOperations Section Chief
The ___, or if assigned, the ___ maintains the situation status information and the resource status
ICPlanning section
To restore normal traffic flow through the area, personnel should
remove all traffic control components in reverse order
Incident that causes a person to have abnormal physiological and psychological reactions…can occur with a single incident or from cumulative events over time
Critical incident (CIS)
Agencies should offer, at least ___, joint-training exercises to achieve interagency cooperation and effectiveness
ANNUALLY
___ should be able to complete the necessary NIMS-ICS forms for an IAP
Operations and Technician level rescuers
The IAP is based on information gathered during
the incident size-up
It is ___ responsibility to make changes to rescue tactics if status updates show little or no progress in affecting a rescue or extrication
the IC’s
Vehicles designed to only handle basic extrication and life-support functions, carries only basic hand tools and small equipment
Light rescue vehicle (stabilize the situation until more appropriate equipment arrives)
Light rescue vehicles can be built on ___ chassis
1 or 1 1/2 ton
Vehicles capable of handing the majority of vehicle rescue incidents. Often dual purpose with ff equipment too
Medium rescue vehicle (specialized units may often be medium rescue: Hazmat, Water, Technical rescue…)
Additional equipment carried by Medium rescue vehicles (5)
-Hydraulic spreaders/cutters-air bags-power saws-acetylene cutting equipment-ropes and rigging
Units that must be capable of providing the support necessary to extricate victims from almost any entrapment
Heavy rescue vehicles (sometimes oriented more toward firefighting than smaller units because they have more space)
Additional equipment carried by Heavy rescue vehicles
-A-frames/gin poles-Cascade system-Larger capacity generators-trenching/shoring equipment-small pumps and foam equipment-Large winches-Hydraulic booms-Large quantities of rope/rigging-Air compressors-ladders
Light, medium, or heavy rescue that is specifically designed to serve as both a structural firefighting pumper and a rescue vehicle
rescue engine
Built by commercial truck manufacturers. Most commonly used chassis for rescue vehicles. All light and medium chassis and a large percentage of heavy.
Commercial chassis
Chassis built by manufacturer who specializes in fire apparatus chassis, designed to withstand the heavy use of the emergency service
Custom chassis
Compartmentation most commonly found in smaller rescue units. Advantageous because personnel do not have to enter vehicle to access equipment
Exclusive exterior compartmentation
Compartmentation where entire inventory accessible from the inside of the vehicle out of the weather…can sometimes transport personnel. Having to enter the vehicle for tools may slow procedures
Exclusive Interior compartmentation
Third type of compartmentation offering the benefits of both styles
Combination compartmentation
Convert vehicle’s DC into AC, fuel efficient, produce little or no noise but limited power generating capacities and limited range
Inverters (alternators)
Most common power source used on emergency vehicles. They can be either portable or permanently mounted
Generators
___ generators usually have larger capacity than portable, but tend to be noisy during operation, making it difficult to communicate near them. Exhaust fumes may contaminate the scene unless they are positioned downwind
Vehicle-mounted
For safety reasons, the ___ should not be removed from the drum (winch)
last layer of cable
When operating the winch, position it
as close to the load as possible
Winch danger zone is
a circle around the winch with a radius equal to the length of cable
Vertical lifting device that consists of a single pole that is supported by guy wires to both sides of the vehicle
Gin pole
Vertical lifting device that consists of two poles attached some distance apart on the apparatus roughly forming the letter A
A-frame (use stabilizers when using if provided)
Gin poles and A-frames are not designed to withstand
lateral (sideways) stress
Assist in vehicle stabilization, removal of heavy vehicle components, and raising/lowering personnel and equipment. Lifting capabilities of up to 18 tons or more.
Hydraulic cranes
Hydraulic cranes attached to heavy rescue units have 3 disadvantages
-Initial cost-Additional maintenance-loss of space for tools
Most common size for wooden cribbing
4x4, 18-24” long
Way that some agencies identify different lengths of cribbing
Paint the ends (don’t paint anywhere else though…slippery)
Advantages of plastic cribbing (2)Disadvantage of plastic cribbing (3)
-Twice as strong as wood-impervious to fluids-no warning prior to failures-slippery when wet-more expensive/harder to replace
Most common application of cribbing in vehicle extrication is called
box crib
Minimum of ___ overlap on all four corners (box crib)
4”
Max height of a box crib
three times the shortest width (or 4’ in 4x4 systems, 6’ in 6x6 systems)
Difference between shims and wedges (cribbing)
Shims used singularly to take up space between cribbing and objectWedges usually inserted in pairs on opposite sides to tighten cribbing
How to provide better footing when using plastic step chocks
intentionally scratching/roughening new surfaces
Do not install step chocks where they ___
interfere with the swing of the vehicles door
Rope that is not ideal for vehicle stabilization because it stretches under load
nylon rope
Use only ___ chains in vehicle extrication. The best chain for rescue work is ___. The minimum size generally used for extrication operations is ___
steel alloyGrade 80 (Grade 8, Grade T)3/8”
Tubular webbing is woven in two ways. Generally, the ___ is stronger and more resistant to abrasion than the ___.
spiral weavechain weave
Two types of webbing are tubular and flat. Most webbing used for lifting and pulling operations starts at about
2” (strength requirements for webbing are the same as for chain)
Webbing is susceptible to (3)
-uv light-abrasions-chemical degradation
A ___ may be the weak link in a tensioned buttress system
ratchet strap
The most common and basic hand tools are
striking tools
When used correctly, ___ are safer than striking tools because of the absence of ballistic movement
prying tools (don’t use prying tools as striking tools unless designed for that purpose)
Use ___ when the material must be cut in a controlled fashion or where space does not allow the use of larger tools
snipping tools
Increase the cutting efficiency of any saw by periodically spraying the surface of the material being cut with (3)
bee’s wax, water based cutting fluid, soapy water
In some cases, especially when working close to a trapped victim, it is better to ___ rather than use a power tool to cut it
disassemble a part of the vehicle
Easiest jacks to operate since they can be elevated or depressed simply by turning a threaded shaft
Screw jacks
Two most common types of screw jacks used in extrication
bar screw jack and folding screw jack
Excellent tool for stabilizing loads but impractical for lifting
Bar screw jack
Jack considered safe only for light loads. Top and bottom plate separated by levers that move when threaded shaft is turned. Fit into relatively small spaces
Folding screw jack
Good medium duty jack, but the least stable under load. Can be used for limited spreading and pulling in absence of hydraulic ram
Ratchet jack
Short-handled shovels with a blade that can be swiveled 90 degrees to form a hoe
Trenching tools
Used when the scene is beyond the effective reach of stationary lights or when additional lighting is needed
Portable lights
All power cords must be equipped with
ground fault circuit interrupters
Most common size electrical/extension cable
12 gauge, 3 wire type
Signaling devices that are most commonly used at the scene of an incident are usually
audio or visual in nature
Voltage detection devices will not detect electricity in ___ nor will they detect ___
enclosed conduitDC electricity
Saw that is easy to control and well suited for cutting metal or wood (easier to control and safer than circular saw)
Reciprocating saw
A reciprocating saw may be required when ___ or ___
cutting overhead or in areas with limited space
When equipped with metal cutting blades, ___ are extremely effective at bus and passenger vehicle extrications
reciprocating saws
Gasoline powered reciprocating saws have the following disadvantages (3)
-Heavier-May not be used in confined or oxygen deficient spaces-Produce CO
Because abrasive blades can degrade when exposed to hydrocarbon vapors, do not store them in the same compartment with
fuel containers
When cutting metal, keep at least one ___ standing by
charged hoseline (apply fine mist to cool blade while cutting)
Tool of choice for many rescuers due to their superior cutting ability and lightweight design. Used extensively during impalement and industrial entrapment responses
Portable band saws
Advantages of portable band saw over reciprocating saws, grinders and hydraulic cutters (4)
-minimal vibration-minimal heat-rarely spark-will not cause object to fracture
The versatility of uses, speed, and superior power of these tools has made them the primary tools for most extrication situations
power-driven hydraulic tools
First powered hydraulic tool available for extrication
spreaders
Some models of cutters cannot cut ___ or ___
case hardened or high-strength low-alloy steel
Cutters are limited because
materials that they cannot cut are often located at potential impact points and corners of compartments…prime cutting locations
Originally designed to cut reinforced steel bars in construction…can cut virtually anything that will fit between the blade and the anvil
pedal cutters
Designed primarily for pushing operations, but can pull. Especially valuable when it is necessary to push objects further than the max opening of spreaders
Rams
Closing force is usually about ___ (rams)
half the opening force
Unlike conventional hydraulic rams, telescoping rams cannot be used for
pulling
In two and three stage rams, after the first stage, the pushing force decreases by ___ for each additional stage
half
Prevent any ___ from contacting the piston section of the ram
metal
Two manual hydraulic tools used most frequently in vehicle extrication
hydraulic jack and Porta-Power system
Excellent devices for many heavy lifting situations when used in conjunction with appropriate stabilization
Hydraulic jack
Auto body shop tool that operates by transmitting hydraulic pressure from a hand-operated pump through a hose to a tool assembly…time consuming
Porta-Power tool system
Tools that use the energy of compressed air for power
Pneumatic tools
___ can be especially effective for cutting through the roof, roof support posts or doorjambs, seat bolts, and door lock assemblies. Good for cutting medium to heavy-gauge sheet metal and popping rivets and bolts
Air chisel
Extremely useful for disassembling vehicle components. Chief disadvantage is noisy
Air ratchets or Impact wrenches
Air driven cutting device with several advantages over other types of power saws. Cuts case hardened locks and steel up to 3/4” thick. Much quieter than other power saws
Pneumatic whizzer saw
Never work under a load supported only by ___
lifting bags/cushions
Avoid exposing pneumatic bags/cushions to materials hotter than ___
220 degrees
A lifting bag’s weight limit ___ as the height of lift increases. Max lift capacity is generally rated at ___
decreases1”
Formula to determine lift capacity of a high-pressure lifting bag
Length x Width x Operating pressure = Lifting Capacity
Primary advantage of low/medium pressure bags over high pressure lifting bags
much greater lifting height range
Portable manual hoist with traversing wire rope used for lifting, pulling, and securing objects
Griphoist
One of the most commonly used mechanical advantage systems used in low-angle (15-40 degree) vehicle rescue
three to one system to deploy equipment/resources down and bring victim/rescuers back up
Open acetylene cylinder valves no more than
3/4 of a turn
Do not use acetylene at pressures greater than
15 psi
