#131 Extrication Safety

Here are some safety tips to follow when responding to extrications.

• Size-up the area on arrival for FF safety (Identify the # of patients)

• Notify in-coming units of a confirmed entrapment and needs

• Provide Patient stabilization

• Utilize on scene EMT’s

• Always use cribbing prior to cutting

• Remove air from tires after cribbing

  • As you remove vehicle parts, the vehicle will become lighter and start to rise off of the cribbing. By removing the air the vehicle will rest on the cribbing and will prevent unnecessary rocking and movement to the patient

• Cut Battery cables prior to starting your cutting operations

• Cut at least a one-inch section out of both the positive and negative cable.

  • Simply disconnecting the cable may be ineffective since it can move back and touch the terminal causing a spark and/or reenergize the air bags.

  • This action can be done by the first due unit awaiting the rescue assignment

• On vehicles with proximity keys, remove the key to a remote area

• Always assume Air Bags are charged

• Remove plastic covers on the interior of the posts and rails

  • This will allow us to see the high pressure cylinders for side curtain air bags

  • Never cut a cylinder

  • Cylinders will be found in posts and rails

• Use the 5-10-20 rule for air bags

  • Stay 5-inches away from the side curtain air bags, Stay 10-inches away from the steering wheel air bag, and Stay 20-inches away from the glove compartment air bag.

• Some air bags will deploy more than once, so always assume they may deploy again

• The driver of the apparatus that the tools are pulled off of is responsible for the power unit and setting up the additional tools as determined.

• Additional tools should be set up in an area that is not going to interfere with the operation

• Officers should try to step back and direct firefighters using the tools

• Officers should be concentrating on the overall scene and Firefighter safety

• At night, or when needed, apparatus lights should be set up for visibility

• A thermal scan of the area should be done to look for additional victims

• A dry hose line should be deployed for firefighter and patient safety

• Access to the patient is priority. Take the “B” post off when it is in the way

• Roofs should not be folded, they should be entirely removed for efficient patient access