1. MVA Safety and Principles of Extrication

2. PREPARATION Proper Training
Proper Equipment for the conditions and situation

3. RESPONSE TO THE SCENE Follow all Dept. response policies
Remember, this is NOT your emergency. You have been called to assist someone else.
If we can’t arrive safely, we are no help.
Be preparing mentally enroute to the call.

4. SCENE ASSESSMENT AND HIGHWAY SAFETY

5. Warning on-coming traffic
Set-up appropriate warning devices such as flares, strobes, traffic cones well ahead of accident scene
At least 400’ before the accident
Don’t use flares in cold, foggy conditions!!
Request additional units if necessary
Protecting the Scene
Park apparatus in a “defensive position”
Your engine is the best road block

7. DON’T BECOME A VICTIM
Dozens of Firefighters and EMT’s die every year across the U.S.A. while operating at MVA’s.
Never turn your back to on-coming traffic
Always remain in radio contact with person doing traffic control
Always leave yourself a way out.

8. Scene Hazards
A 360 must be completed prior to any other activities being performed.
Downed Power Lines
Unstable Structures and vehicles
Hazardous Materials
Other?

9. OTHER ASSESSMENT Victims outside vehicles (ejection)
Hot and Cold zones around accident
Size-up before beginning activity
“READ THE WRECK”
Additional Resources?
Full protective equipment a must!!
Set-up Tool Staging Area (Engine Operator or per dept. SOP’s)
Supplemental Safety Systems

11. HAZARD CONTROL
Stabilize vehicles – Create a safe platform for extrication work. Cribbing, struts, etc. ~Practical Activity~
Fire prevention and control – pull and maintain charged, manned hoseline.
Traffic Control – Traffic control must always maintain radio contact with command or those working at scene.

12. Supplemental Restraint Systems
Air Bags – Deployed or not? Location?
Front Impact Bags – Do Not put yourself between undeployed bag and patient.
Side Impact Bags – Normally curtain type from ceiling or side of seat mounted. Cylinder for systems normally in A, B, or C post. Avoid!! Pull off trim to expose and identify location before cutting.
Rear seat bags – Newer high end cars.
NO universal marking system. Most, however use SRS, HPS, IC, SIPS, or “Airbag”.

13. Static Electricity can cause air bags to deploy.
Remember the Rule:
5” away from side air bags
10” away from steering wheel air bags
20” away from front passenger air bags

14. Air Bag Deactivation Times – Cutting the battery cables doesn’t always work! The system can still hold a charge! Vary depending upon make, model of vehicle. Some older vehicles can hold a charge for up to minutes.
Battery locations – Vary based upon make, model. Batteries can now be found under hood, in the trunk, in the wheel well, and behind the rear seat.

15. Hybrid Vehicles
Avoid ORANGE wires – They are part of the high voltage system!
Turn off ignition and remove key to render car safe.
Remember, the SILENT CAR. It may be running and can move even if you don’t hear it!
High voltage systems are very safe.

16. Seat Belt Pre Tensioning
Seat Belt Pre-Tensioner systems – Designed to pull back seatbelt upon impact in coordination with airbag system. A part of the total SRS system.
Normally found mid-height or near the floor in the door post. Contains an explosive charge similar to shotgun shell. Avoid cutting into this as it may go off.

17. SUPPORT OPERATIONS Lighting
Scene
Extrication Area
Patient Assessment
Helicopter LZ – Review LZ set-up and video (optional)

18. GAINING ACCESS Hand Tools – Types of hand tools
Power Tools - Types of Power tools
Normal Means – Unlocked or open doors and windows, “Try before you pry”
Alternate Means – Front and rear windows, locked doors and windows

19. EMERGENCY CARE
Patient Assessment – 90 second survey. Determine ALS vs. BLS and Rapid extrication vs. routine.
Upgrade early, upgrade fast.
MOI??
Coordination with extrication personnel
Patient Immobilization

20. DISENTANGLEMENT
Coordinate with EMS personnel regarding route of removal.
STOP, LOOK, THINK, PLAN OF ACTION, ACT

21. Disentanglement techniques
Door Removal
Roof opening and removal
Seat Displacement
Steering Wheel Cutting
Steering Wheel Displacement
Pedal Displacement
Dash Roll-up

24. Remember, when performing extrication operations on a vehicle, for every action, there is a Reaction.

25. REMOVAL & TRANSFER Assisting with Victim Removal Coordinated
Be Prepared
Good Communications
Transfer of pt. Care
Proper documentation and pictures (if possible)

26. TERMINATION OF INCIDENT
Scene Clean-up
Inventory equipment
Check equipment function
Place apparatus back in service
Decon all equipment as necessary per department SOP’s

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