A rollover is a situation where a vehicle is upside down. In a rollover accident, the vehicle becomes unstable, making rescue operations and contact with the injured more challenging.

Stabilization should be the top priority before rescue!

Rescue Team Activities

Ensure Surrounding Safety

• Use cones and other markers to create a safety zone.

Check the Accident Vehicle

• Confirm the number of vehicles involved and check for oil leaks.

Confirm the Injured (Rescue Targets)

• Determine the number of injured and their condition.

Vehicle Stabilization

• Use wheel chocks, step chocks, cribs, air mats, etc., to secure the vehicle.
• The front and rear of the vehicle move easily, so stabilize the front and rear properly.
• Sedans and wagons are particularly unstable; using rescue supports or power shores is effective for stabilization.

Vehicle Positioning

In many rollover situations, the front of the vehicle dips, and the rear lifts due to the weight of the engine at the front. This makes the rear more prone to movement, requiring thorough stabilization of the vehicle’s rear.

When rescuing from the back door, position rescue supports carefully to avoid hindering the rescue process.

The best stabilization method is depicted in the diagram below.

Door Opening and Initial Entry

Confirm Door Opening

• A team member enters to make contact with the rescue target, stopping the engine if possible and preventing airbag deployment.

Cervical Spine Protection for the Injured

• Apply a neck collar. If necessary, provide oxygen and warmth.
• If the injured person is in a bad position, several team members should assist in positioning them supine (lying on their back).

Confirming Rescue Method

• Depending on the vehicle type and extent of damage, rescuing from the back door is often the easiest for minivans.
• Flatten the seats when rescuing from the rear.
• When opening the door using spreaders or reciprocating saws, protect the injured with blankets to prevent glass and debris from scattering.
• Insert a backboard and proceed with the rescue operation.
• Implement full spinal immobilization.
• Provide necessary emergency treatments such as IV preparation, oxygen administration, respiratory management, bleeding control, and fracture stabilization.
• Transfer to an ambulance.

Expanding the Interior

When the vehicle is severely deformed, the injured may be trapped by the steering wheel or dashboard. Expanding the interior space may be necessary.

• Stabilize the Vehicle
• Cut the B-pillars and C-pillars on both sides of the vehicle
• Cut the upper frame of the driver’s and passenger’s seats
• Open the door from the hinge and cut the A-pillar
• Expand using a ram cylinder

Vehicle Rollover Technique

When a driver is injured and trapped in a rollover, they may be suspended by the seatbelt. Using a hose can quickly and safely lower the patient onto a backboard.

Reference page: Learn essential traffic rescue techniques, including vehicle stabilization, victim assessment, airbag protection, and safe victim extraction to save lives.

References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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