EMS CareĀ EMR Chapter E32 |Vehicle Extrication describes the methods and processes that need to be used by EMR personal when dealing with Motor Vehicle Crashes. The course deals with details on vehicle stabilization for different vehicle types . It then further discusses ,how the patients need to be extricated. The course also deals with handling of Electric Vehicles
The lessons covered are
- Preparing for the rescue
- Sizing up the scene
- Vehicle stabilization
- Extrication and Transporting, and
- Special considerations in regards with electric and hybrid vehicles
To get credit for this course, you must watch all the lessons in their entirety, the course review, and pass the quiz at the end with a score of 75% or better.
An Excerpt from the course on Vehicle Extrication
Stabilizing a common passenger vehicle that is found resting on its side is slightly more complicated than the normal position.
Start by following all the standard safety procedures. Once you have performed a complete survey of the interiors and exteriors of the vehicle, you may begin with the operation.
In this case, it is important to position an officer at the front or rear of the vehicle. The officer should position a free hand on the vehicle to look and feel for movement or shifting of the vehicle.
After positioning the officer, build up cribbing under the hood and rear section of the vehicle using step chocks, wood cribbing, and wedges.
Once the foundation seems sturdy, place a tensioned buttress strut at a solid section of the undercarriage at the front of the vehicle. Adjust the strut height to maintain an angle of not less than 45 degrees to the vehicle and lock it into place.
Now, move to the opposite side of the vehicle. Measure and then mark a purchase point location in the hood. Create a purchase point in the hood by using the spike end of a Halligan bar and by rotating the tool 180 degrees and prying or pulling down on the bar to create a lip on the top of the purchase point.
Place the tip of the strut into the purchase point, adjust the strut height, and lock it into place. Attach the hooks of the ratchet strap to the base of each strut. Double-check the placement of the struts before ratcheting.
When you feel the placement is correct, tighten the ratchet strap, to lock the struts into place. Once this is done, reseat all cribbing to make sure that the vehicle is stabilized
