Vehicle extrication is the process of removing the vehicle from around a person that has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, when conventional means of exit are impossible or inadvisable.Extrication involves utilizing chocks and bracing for stabilization and hydraulic tools.
The basic extrication process consists of [but not limited to] six steps:
The protection of the accident scene
Avoid a risk of another collision
- Marking out the scene with cones or flares [not advisable if gasoline is leaking]
- Llighting
Acoid risk of fire
- Switching off the ignition
- Putting vehicle in park
- Disconnecting the battery
- Placing absorbing powder on oil and gasoline pools
- Fire extinguisher and fire hose kept ready to use
Patient Triage
Patients categorised according of severity of injury and initial medical assessment.
Stabilisation of the vehicle
This is to avoid the movements of the vehicle itself and the movements of the suspension.
Opening Of The Vehicle & Deformation of The structure
For example removal of window to allow the intervention of a first responder, of a paramedic or of a physician inside the vehicle to better assess the patient and begin care and also to release a possible pressure on the casualty.
Removal of a Section
Usually removal of the roof or door to allow for safe removal of the accident victim while respecting the head-neck-back axis
Removal of the Patient
The required steps are done only when required. In less complicated cases, it is possible to extricate the casualty without actually cutting the car, such as removing a patient from the side door or another part other vehicle.
Before beginning the mechanical operation, a medically trained person enters the cabin to perform
- The first aid
- Mid-level assessment
- Stopping the bleeding
- Putting a cervical collar on the patient
The deformation of the structure and the section of the roof take several minutes. This pre-extrication time can be used for medical or paramedical acts such as intubation or placing an intravenous drip.
The last step is usually performed with a long spine board
