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Evolutions in Extrication
1-14-06
HALIFAX, VERMONT
Evolutions:
This page is dedicated to the steps used to extricate a
victim from a motor vehicle accident. This page will build an incident
from dispatch to clean up. showing the steps as building blocks called
evolutions.
T.E.R.C. scenario:
A scenario was staged to demonstrate the execution of extrication evolutions
on a late model Ford Crown Victoria that had been involved in a high speed
roll over, causing extensive damage to the driver side operators compartment
with roof, dashboard and steering column compression.
A late model Ford
Crown Vic. in sound condition was used. This model car is used in
many states as patrol cars. Knowing the construction of a car before it
is deformed in a collision can be helpful in extricating a patient
after an accident.
The car: The body of the car was
in good condition, showing no damage or significant rust. A 200 lb.
practice dummy was placed in the drivers seat, air bags were deployed and
the roof and dash board were crushed, coursing entrapment.
Apron arrival on the scene: Command
was established and dispatch was notified of entrapment. IC was established
and a size up was performed. IC was informed that one victim was found
and mutual aid would be deeded. Med. flight should be notified and the
local trauma team should be put on stand by. Red, yellow and green zones
were established. A hot team was assembled and evolutions were started.
The car was blocked and chocked, air was removed from the tires. Access
to patient was established through the rear door The seat belt was
cut off and staged for use as a sling then the patient was covered
with a Ballistic Blanket and stabilized.
Extrication:
Battery and windshield and glass was removed. The roof was removed
by first removing the inside plastic thereby exposing any obstacles then
cutting the A, B and C posts and carrying the roof over the back of the
vehicle. Sharps where then covered with Extrication Guards. It was decided
that a side removal and a dash displacement would be needed. A box crib
was built under the "A" post at the rocker channel. Access was made into
the engine compartment for fire suppression by crushing between the front
fender well and the top of the fender then spreading the hood up.
The windshield glass was removed using a re-sip saw with an
ax blade. The glass on the hood was covered with a Ballistic Blanket.
The drivers side door was cut off at the hinges after the spreader
made a purchase point by spreading between the upper window frame and the
sill. then spreading the door panel away, exposing the hinges. Removal
of the B post and rear door completed the side removal. The dash board
displacement was executed by cutting a V wedge out of the A post above
the lower hinge . Using that purchase point the 28" spreader, lifted
the dash. All sharps were covered with EXTRICATION GUARDS.
WILL SCHWARZ
from TNT Rescue Systems conducted the side removal and dash displacement.
The Seat back was cut to aid in patient removal and all sharps were covered.
Paul Yamamoto from TNT
Rescue Systems instructs a newbee how to remove a "B" post.
Frank Maltese shows the proper placement
of a spreader when performing , Extrication.Com's
modified dash displacement.
The modified dash roll
was initiated by Ron Shaw. This evolution displaces the dash board with
the door attached. There by saving the time and hazards of removing the
door at the hinges.
The Modified dash lift: After proper
stabilization and cribbing. Crushing and cutting is performed on the front
fender support and the door is pulled open as far as possible. Two parallel
cuts about 2.5 inches apart are made below the bottom hinge. Care must
be taken when using a hooked cutter since it has a tendency to pin itself
in to the seat bottom and can trap the operators hand between the handle
of the cutter and the seat. Once the cuts are made the spreader clamps
on the metal between the cuts and pulls the metal to the side forming a
purchase point for the spreader to lift the dash.
The extrication took well under the 20 minutes required to keep
with in the GOLDEN HOUR.
Thirty nine personnel from Halifax, VT., Marlboro, VT. and Coldrain,
MA. participated in the exercise. In total the drill lasted six hours
and covered all aspects of extrication including hybrid vehicles.
Thanks to( Mitchell Green, Lewis Sumner and Carl Barman) the Selectman
of Halifax Vt . for supplying a late model constable's car and the use
of the town garage on a miserable rainy day. Wayne Courser operated
the town loader to crushing and move cars.
Frank Maltese conducted the drill and scenario. Will Scharz and Paul
Yamamoto of Marshfield Rescue Supply provided the T.N.T.
Rescue tools and instruction on there use. Lunch was donated by the Price
Chopper of Brattleboro, Brattleboro Food COOP and Shaws, Wilimington,
Vermont. Lunch was prepared and served by Bobie and Sam Groves of
Dinners Ready. CribPac.com supplied "S" pac cribbing kits, EXRTICATION
GUARDS and BLANKETS.
We came away knowing much MORE .......
Frank
Maltese 1-24-06
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