First Aid for Colleges and Universities 10th Edition Chapter 30 © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Vehicle Stabilization and Extrication Slide Presentation prepared by Randall Benner, M.Ed., NREMT-P

Learning Objectives Discuss how to locate all victims of a vehicle accident. Discuss how to deal with dangers at the scene of a vehicle accident. Describe how to stabilize a vehicle. List the basic tools and equipment needed to rescue a victim from a vehicle. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Learning Objectives Describe how to gain access to a victim who is trapped in a vehicle. Describe and demonstrate how to stabilize a victim trapped in a vehicle. Describe and demonstrate how to remove a victim who is lying on the seat of a vehicle. Describe and demonstrate how to remove a victim who is lying on the floor of a vehicle. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Introduction Extrication is the process of removing a victim from a dangerous situation, typically from inside a wrecked vehicle. Most often, EMS and the fire department (FD) perform extrications. If EMS or FD have not arrived and the victim is in peril, the First Aider must think and act quickly to get inside the vehicle and save the victim. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Basic Guidelines First priority is to secure your own safety so that you can perform your duties You must ensure that –You can safely reach the victim –You can render first aid care –You can move supplies or equipment –You can safely enlist the help of others without risk to anyone © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Basic Guidelines Usually the victim can and should remain their vehicle If danger is present, follow these steps –Control hazards, stabilize the scene –Gain access to the victim safely –Perform life-saving skills –Remain with the victim until EMS arrives If the victim should be moved from the vehicle, consider the following factors –Your strength, the victim’s size and condition, the availability of others to help © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Basic Guidelines Deciding to stop at the scene –If you’re not directly involved in an accident, there is no legal obligation to stop. –Some people regard stopping to offer help a moral obligation. –Don’t stop if police, fire, or emergency personnel are already on scene. –First thing you should do if alone is call 911. –Assess the scene, stabilize vehicles, render any care that you are trained for and capable of doing. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Basic Guidelines Keeping yourself safe –Park well off the road. –Position markers, flashers and/or flares around vehicles. –Ensure all bystanders are safe. –Be careful to not accidentally ignite any spilled gasoline or other flammable fluids. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Basic Guidelines Locating all victims –Care for any victims found immediately. –If multiple victims are present, provide early triage. –Attempt to locate others. Ask coherent passengers if others were present. Ask witnesses if anyone left the scene. Search all around vehicles in high-impact collisions. Look for tracks in the dirt or snow possibly indicating someone has wandered away. Check for evidence in the vehicle of multiple victims (e.g., baby seat, multiple jackets, personal items, etc.). © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Basic Guidelines Dealing with dangers –Ensure that vehicle engines are turned off. –Move injured victims before attempting to extinguish any fires. –If victims are trapped, deal with fires first. –If electrical wires are down, remain clear of them. –Instruct victims to stay in car if electrical wires are in contact with their vehicle. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Basic Guidelines Stabilizing the vehicle –Determine the need for vehicle stabilization. –Ensure the gear selector is in park, block tires. –If airbags are not deployed, remove negative battery cable. Tools and equipment –Carry an assortment of hand tools in your vehicle (hammer, screwdriver, pliers, shovel, chisel, crowbar, car jack, rope or chain, gloves). © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Gaining Access to the Victim Attempt first to use the vehicle doors. If locked, instruct a conscious victim inside to unlock them. If victim is unconscious, break a side window. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Stabilizing and Moving the Victim Basic procedures –Conduct a primary survey of the victims. –Stabilize threats to the airway, breathing, and circulation. –If the victim must be removed, provide immobilization as best possible. –Monitor the victim until EMS arrives. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Stabilizing and Moving the Victim Removing a victim from the seat –Maintain stabilization of spine. –Apply an improvised or rigid cervical collar. –Instruct other rescuers to keep the victim's head and body aligned. –Use a backboard if available and you’re trained in its use. –Secure the victim to the backboard. –Remove the victim from the car to a safe location. –Continue to care for and monitor the victim until EMS arrives. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Stabilizing and Moving the Victim Moving the victim onto a backboard © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Stabilizing and Moving the Victim Removing a victim lying on the floor –Place the backboard on the seat. –Keep the victim’s head and body aligned. –With additional help, lift the victim by grasping their clothing at the waist, hips, and thighs. –Lift the victim carefully to a supine position on the backboard. –Secure the victim and remove them from the car to a safe location. –Continue to care for and monitor the victim until EMS arrives. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Removing a Victim From the Seat © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Summary The First Aider may find themselves the first one on the scene of an accident. When possible, leave the victim in the car and administer care until EMS arrives. Ensure that you account for all possible victims. Keep safety as a primary goal for yourself. Remove the victim from the car only when necessary. Address ABCs and monitor the victim until EMS arrives. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.