Fire Service Rescue (5th Edition)
Chapter 9-Extrication from Vehicles
Test Review

  • Training and revision of techniques should be done often in regards to vehicle extrication.
  • Information gather for a vehicle extrication response should include: location, kind of vehicle, number of vehicles, condition of vehicle, number of injuries, special hazards, and calling party's name and call back number.
  • Size up of an accident theoretically begins on the training ground.
  • Extrication should not be attempted until fire is controlled.
  • Vehicle stabilization should occur before any other extrication activity.
  • Mechanical jacks should not be used for stabilizing vehicles (use hydraulic jacks).
  • When stabilizing vehicles, use rope ONLY in emergencies. The breaking point of rope is much lower than chains, which is the preferred item for stabilization.
  • When jacking buses, jack at the jack point at the front/rear wheels to avoid tearing metal.
  • A hydraulic tool inserted near the lock of a car door can pry it open quickly.
  • The safest way to remove a window without harming the victim is to cover it with contact paper or masking tape and use an automatic center punch.
  • Vehicle floor "pans" can be cut to gain access passenger compartment, however, they are usually only 1 layer thick and victims in contact with floor may be injured during cutting.
  • A vehicle's dipstick or antenna can be used to lift up the locking mechanism to open a locked door.
  • Short spine boards should be used when victims are sitting but victim must be moved to a long backboard for transportation.
  • Charged hoseline(s) should be laid at vehicle accidents to control any potential hazards.
  • Cribbing should be used between hydraulic rams and floorboard to prevent tearing through floor, when pushing dashboard up.
  • A portion of steering wheels should be cut away 1st to provide more room before trying to move steering wheels.
  • When pulling steering wheels, make sure to wrap the chain around the column above the tilting joint and do not pull any farther than necessary to free the victim.
  • Hydraulic tools which work best when opening may also be used to pull steering columns.
  • Hydraulic tools should be used as near the locking mechanism as possible.
  • To remove a victims head from a windshield, start by removing glass around neck and cut away the plastic inner layer with a knife.
  • Pedals can be pulled by wrapping a chain around the pedal and attaching to the door, then pull on the door to lift pedal.
  • Hydraulic rescue tools can move seats in 3 ways: by lifting seat off tracks, by pushing seat back, or by pulling seat back.
  • Impaled objects should ONLY be removed by physicians.
  • Openings in vehicles used for extrication should be wide and padded if possible.