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The Hidden Hazards of Extrication

© Robert Moyer

The Hidden Hazards of Extrication

As the first in responders to a motor vehicle accident, we must conduct inner and outer hazard checks of the vehicle(s) involved. After finding and disabling any hazards, our personnel begin to stabilize the vehicle and patient. We let the Medics begin their assessment of the patient and we, as rescuers, jump into the process of extrication. The crew assesses the situation inside the vehicle for supplemental restraint locations, so we can tell which devices have deployed and the ones that have not. This allows myself, as the Captain, to make an informed decision on which procedure to use for extrication. The other members of the extrication team must be alert to the dangers of any undeployed restraints. The first order I usually give is to disconnect the battery. But disconnecting the power supply to the vehicle does not always take away all of the hidden hazards confronting the rescuers and myself. Such hazards include, but are not limited to; the capacitor reserve time on the airbag system, location of the battery and power cables, and seat belt tensioners.

The rule for supplemental restraints, such as airbags, is the " 5, 10, 20" rule, which tells rescuers to allow 5 inches of clearance for side impact devices, 10 inches for the steering wheel airbag, and 20 inches of space for passenger side airbags. Don't forget the delay time on airbag systems.

That leads me to say that you must disconnect the battery negative side terminal first, provided you FIND THE BATTERY. For example, the battery location of late model Olds Auroras and Buick Rivieras is under the backseat. The seat is not bolted but simply swings forward. The positive cable can be disconnected in the engine compartment at the term but even if it is disconnected under the hood, the positive feed runs along the top of the passenger side rocker panel and through the engine bulkhead to the engine compartment. If a rescuer were to attempt a dashboard lift on the passenger side and the positive cable was not disabled or removed, serious problems could occur. The best procedure for disconnecting the battery is to do so at both terminals under the seat, as well as in the engine compartment. Other locations for the battery are in the trunk (BMW) or the front wheel well access panel (Chrysler's Cirrus and Breeze models). The best thing to do is visit your local car dealership and view the latest technological features in these vehicles.