Auto Extrication Safety for the Rescuer Abbotsford Fire Rescue Training

Introduction Awareness class about Auto Extrication Safety Targeted at AFRS personnel that may be required to perform auto extrications

Learning Objectives Students will realize that undeployed or “Loaded” airbags are dangerous to rescuers Precautions need to be taken to be taken to prevent injuries during an auto extrication More education is needed in this matter

Topics of Discussion Vehicle Construction Safety Restraint Systems Airbag Requirements The Old Way Deployment Hazards Extrication Safety

Basic Vehicle Construction A, B, C, Posts

Safety Restraint Systems (SRS) Airbags –How do they work? Collisions –Sensors Locations Auto fires –System failure –Where are they?

Airbags

Safety Restraint Systems (SRS) cont’d Rollover Protection Systems –What are they? –Where are they? –How do they work?

Rollover Protection Systems (ROPS)

Safety Restraint Systems (SRS) cont’d Seatbelt Pretensioners –What are they? –Where are they? – How do they work?

Seatbelt Pretensioners

Which vehicles are equipped with SRS 1974 GM introduced airbags in Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs Since 1987, over 60 million vehicles have been equipped with airbags 1997 Side impact airbags introduced

Which vehicles are equipped with SRS airbags required in all vehicles airbags will be required in all vehicles

The Old Way Chop and Bend Roof Steering Column Getting in the car

Deployment Hazards Why are we worried? –SRS don’t deploy in 30% of crashes –They may “go off” at any time after the crash from a few seconds to a couple of days later

Deployment Hazards Airbag deployment –Speed 200 mph SMART system varies speed Dummy Tests

Deployment Hazards Compressed Gas Cylinders Pyrotechnic Devices –Inflation Devices –Seatbelt Pretensioners

Deployment Hazards

Deployment Zones –15 inches for driver side –20 inches for passenger side –5 inches for side airbags

Extrication Safety Scene Assessment –Assure general scene safety Traffic Chemicals & Fire Vehicle stabilization & Environmental hazards –Determine if vehicle is equipped with SRS –If unable to verify, assume it is!

Extrication Safety Even if there is little to no damage to the vehicle, evacuate occupants if airbags are present. Use extreme caution when retrieving items from the vehicle. Use your left hand to release the hood.

Extrication Techniques Cut the Seatbelt as close to the pretensioner as possible –Avoids whipping –Avoids further injury to patient If vehicle is equipped with power seats and windows, push them back and lower them

Extrication Techniques Disconnect Battery –Negative first –Be sure cables will not spring back to terminals –Check for metal intrusions to battery casing –Disconnect auxiliary electrical devices such as cell phones

Extrication Techniques STAY CLEAR of Deployment Zones!!!! –15 inches for driver side –20 inches for passenger side –5 inches for side airbags –ROPS

Extrication Techniques Do not cut or bend B and C posts or steering column Treat every undeployed “Loaded” airbag as if it is live

What This Means We are facing extreme danger at almost every incident involving a vehicle Stay clear of Deployment Zones Don’t just cut and bend THINK - Use common sense

What are we doing about all this? Getting the word out Researching the subject Developing a training program

What can you do about this? Pass this information along to your men Look for more information