1. Vehicle Rescue and Extrication (Fire Fighter I)
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CHAPTER 26
Vehicle Rescue and Extrication
(Fire Fighter I) 1

2. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Describe the two types of motor vehicles.
Describe a vehicle anatomy.
Describe the four different types of alternative fuels that power motor vehicles.
Describe the extrication tools that are used for accessing locked compartments in a motor vehicle.
Describe how to gain access to a victim of a motor vehicle collision. 2

3. Introduction
Beginning fire fighters must understand the process of extrication.
Most fire departments are involved in some part of the extrication process.
Members of special rescue teams should complete a course in rescue techniques. 3

4. Conventional Vehicles
Most vehicles on the road
Use internal combustion engines
Burn gasoline or diesel fuel
Hazards
Fuel leaks
Short circuits
Battery acid leaks 4

5. Alternative-Powered Vehicles
Powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane
Cylinders usually in trunk
Identified by CNG sticker
Courtesy of DOE/NREL, Credit - Warren Gretz 5

6. Electric-Powered Vehicles
Contains a large number of batteries
Hazards posed by:
Large amount of energy stored in batteries
Potential electrical shorts 6

7. Hybrid Vehicles
Battery-powered electric motors and a gasoline-powered engine
Hazards are same as gas- and electric- powered vehicles.
Fire fighters should become familiar with features. 7

8. Alternative-Powered Vehicles
May be powered by four types of fuels:
Blended liquid
Compressed gases
Electric and gas hybrid combination
Fuel cells
Crashes involve hazards not typically encountered. 8

9. Blended Liquid Fuel-Powered Vehicles
Combination of gas and another flammable liquid
Identified by placards or designations
Crashes are handled the same manner as conventional vehicles 9

10. Compressed Gas-Powered Vehicle
Three forms:
Compressed natural gas (CNG)
Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Liquefied petroleum gas (propane)
Rescuers need to identify and mitigate hazards. 10

11. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Two separate systems to power drive train
Fuel-driven power train
Electric motor
Components continue to change 11

12. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Crashes contain similar hazards as conventional vehicles.
High-voltage battery packs located under/behind rear seats of trunk.
Personal protective equipment may be required to disconnect or remove fuses. 12

13. Fuel Cell-Powered Vehicles
Generate electricity though chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen gases to produce water
Issues need to be worked out before fuel cell- powered vehicles are widely produced. 13

14. Responding to the Scene
Safe response includes:
Picking the best route of travel for the time of day
Driving in a safe manner
Knowing limits of your vehicle
Keeping seatbelts fastened 14

15. Principles of Gaining Access and Disentangling the Victim
Use these techniques
Stabilize
Bend, distort, or displace
Cut or sever
Disassemble 15

16. Tools Used in Extrication
Stabilizing tools
Cribbing
Rescue lift air bags
Step blocks
High-lift jacks and stabilization jacks 16

17. Tools Used in Extrication
Displacing, bending, distorting tools
Hand tools, such as pry axe, short pry bars, long pry bars, hacksaws, screw drivers, hammers, and Halligan tools
Power tools. such as hydraulic rams and hydraulic spreaders 17

18. Tools Used in Extrication
Cutting tools
Hand tools
Axes
Bolt and cable cutters
Hacksaws
Power tools
Air chisels
Rotary or reciprocating saws
Hydraulic cutters 18

19. Tools Used in Extrication
Tools for disassembling
Same tools used for construction and repair
Mechanic’s toolkit contains an assortment of wrenches and screwdrivers 19

20. Gaining Access to the Victim
Open the door
Easiest and simplest way to gain access
Try all doors.
Try the outside and inside handles at the same time if possible. 20

21. Terminating an Incident
Includes removing the vehicle and equipment from the scene and ensuring it is left in a safe condition
Return to the station and fully inventory, clean, service, and maintain all equipment
Some items will need repair 21

22. Securing the Scene Law enforcement will secure the scene
Vehicles will be removed by a tow agency
Fluids spilled will be cleaned by towing agency
Exception to procedure is a fatality 22

23. Summary Motor vehicle design is evolving.
Alternative-powered vehicles may be powered by CNG, LNG, or propane.
Electric-powered vehicles are powered by batteries.
Hybrid vehicles use a battery-powered electric motor and gas-powered engine. 23

24. Summary There are six main parts of a vehicle.
Four techniques may be used for gaining access to and disentangling the victim.
Tools for stabilization and cutting are used for extrication. 24