Vehicle Rescue Techniques for safe, swift, and efficient emergency response. Key procedures include victim rescue, vehicle stabilization, and firefighter support to save lives.

Traffic Rescue Operations Manual

Overview

In traffic accidents, vehicles often get severely damaged, making rescue efforts challenging. Firefighters frequently encounter tragic and shocking scenes at accident sites. Despite the severity, many victims still require urgent assistance.

This guide outlines the techniques for conducting safe, reliable, and swift traffic rescues, which can occur anywhere across the country. It focuses on how to rescue trapped victims efficiently and securely.

Key Procedures for Rescue Teams

1. Initial Safety Measures:

• Perimeter Setup: Use cones and flares to create a safety zone to prevent secondary accidents.
• Vehicle Inspection: Check for oil leaks or other hazards. Oil and gasoline leaks can cause fires and must be dealt with immediately.

2. Vehicle Stabilization:

• Stabilize the Vehicle: Use wheel chocks and step chocks to prevent movement. Consider deflating tires if necessary.
• Battery Disconnection: Disconnect the battery to avoid short circuits and fires. Always remove the negative terminal first. Be cautious with European vehicles, as the seat height may lower when the terminal is removed.

3. Assessing Victims:

• Victim Assessment: Identify the number of victims and their injury severity to prioritize rescue efforts.
• Door Opening: If doors are jammed, use hydraulic tools or break windows to access victims.

4. Secondary Safety Measures:

• Engine Shutdown: Ensure the engine is off to prevent secondary accidents. Many modern cars have push-start systems.
• Parking Brake: Engage the parking brake to stabilize the vehicle. Be aware of different types, including lever, pedal, and electric parking brakes.

5. Airbag Protection:

• Airbag Covers: Place covers over airbags to protect victims from accidental deployment during the rescue.

6. Victim Approach:

• Cervical Protection: Use neck collars to protect the cervical spine. Administer oxygen and keep the victim warm if necessary.
• Full Spinal Immobilization: High-energy impacts can cause spinal injuries. Use full spinal immobilization techniques during transport.

7. Rescuing the Victim:

• Rescue Execution: Tailor the rescue method to the victim’s size and the vehicle’s condition. Perform necessary emergency medical procedures such as oxygen administration, bleeding control, and fracture stabilization.

8. Transport Preparation:

• Ambulance Loading: Safely transfer the victim to the ambulance while ensuring continued care and immobilization.

Firefighting Team Procedures

1. Safety Measures:

• Perimeter Setup: Establish a safety zone using cones and barriers.
• Fire Prevention: Set up hoses and fire extinguishers to quickly address any fire hazards.

2. Vehicle Inspection:

• Joint Inspection: Work with the rescue team to inspect the accident scene for hazards.
• Battery Disconnection: Prioritize battery disconnection if the rescue team is already assessing the scene.

3. Hazard Mitigation:

• Leak Management: Handle gasoline and other hazardous leaks promptly to prevent fires.

4. Support the Rescue Team:

• Assistance: Aid in victim transport and use privacy sheets when necessary.

Battery Removal Instructions

Open the Hood:

• Locate the hood release lever inside the vehicle.
• Pull the lever to pop the hood open.

Remove the Negative Terminal First:

• Identify the negative terminal, usually exposed without a cover.
• Loosen the nut and disconnect the terminal. If it’s stuck, wiggle it gently to remove it.
• Insulate the disconnected terminal with electrical tape to prevent accidental contact.

Why Remove the Negative Terminal First?
Removing the negative terminal first cuts off the electrical flow from the battery, preventing accidental shocks or short circuits. It also reduces the risk of sparks or fires.

Importance of Vehicle Stabilization

Stabilizing the vehicle at an accident scene is crucial to prevent further movement, which can increase risks to both rescuers and victims. Use step chocks, cribbing, and wheel chocks to stabilize the vehicle. In some cases, deflating tires may be necessary.

Key Points:

• Place Chocks: Position chocks under the pillars for maximum stability.
• Consider Terrain: Assess the slope of the road and ensure the engine is off and the parking brake is engaged.

By following these procedures, rescue teams can conduct efficient and safe traffic rescues, minimizing risks and saving lives.

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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