Learn safe and effective windshield removal techniques, key safety tips, and best practices for vehicle rescue operations.

Overview and Precautions

Methods for Removing the Front Windshield

1. Using a Glass Cutter
2. Using a Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall)
3. Using an Axe

Important Considerations

• Complete removal of all glass pieces is not necessary.
• The most critical cuts are around the A-pillars.
• Upper and lower glass fragments are less important.
• Clear the A-pillars to expose the plastic interior for better visibility.

Instructions for Firefighters

• Work from outside the vehicle whenever possible.
• Complete the task in one go—avoid leaving glass on the hood.

Glass Management Safety Tips

• Wear safety glasses, Nomex hood, and protective gear, ensuring buttons are fastened.
• Cutting at the wrong angle may cause glass shards to fly toward your face.
• Glass shard projection distance:
  • No wind: Shards may fly 5–10 feet (1.5–3 meters).
  • Strong wind: Shards may travel 15–20 feet (4.5–6 meters).

Rescue Procedure

Confirming the Patient’s Safety

• Before breaking the glass, make sure the patient is covered properly.
• Ensure everyone inside the vehicle understands that the glass will be broken.

Starting the Process

• Use a glass saw to create an initial hole.
• Cutting at a steep angle reduces effectiveness—use an upward stroke when cutting.

Safety Measures While Cutting

• Move your arm away from your body so that glass shards pass by you.
• If chewing gum or tobacco, keep your mouth closed to prevent inhaling debris.

Cutting the Glass

• Start by creating the first hole as far as possible on the glass.
• Cut toward the glass edges and keep moving when reaching a corner.
• Rotate the saw blade quickly to ensure a clean skim along the A-pillar.

Dashboard Considerations

• Adjust the saw’s angle based on the dashboard’s shape.
• Follow the dashboard and hood lines while cutting.

Glass Removal Process

When Reaching the Corners:

• Support the glass from the outside with your hand.

Working from the Outside:

• Always try to work from outside the vehicle.
• Be cautious of the airbag deployment zone.

Controlling the Glass:

• While holding the glass, rest your arm on the hood for better control.
• A second person should assist in removing the remaining glass.

Interior Plastic Trim Removal

• When done correctly, the plastic trim should be visible from the outside.
• A small pry bar is very helpful for this task.

Steps to Remove Plastic Trim:

1. Insert a tool behind the plastic trim and pry it slightly to check for hidden hazards.
2. Pop the clips securing the trim.

Seat Belt Clip Considerations

• If there’s a pin on top, remove it to release the clip.
• Check the ignition mechanism and confirm the male part fits inside the clip.

Side Impact Airbag Curtain

• These are usually slightly colored and can be popped off with a pry bar.

If There’s an Explosive Charge:

• If visible, use a tool, grease pencil, or marker to mark a clear cutting path.

This version keeps the technical details intact while making the content clearer and easier to understand. Let me know if you need further refinements!

Reference Video

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)

Related posts:

Essential Vehicle Rescue Techniques for Accident Sites Changes in Materials Due to Fire Damage Vehicle Rescue Techniques: Glass Removal and Cutting (Part 1) Train Rescue Vehicle Extrication (Steering Wheel and Pedals) Names of Car Parts Rescue Operations for a Person Trapped Under a Vehicle Vehicle Rollover Rescue Vehicle Rescue Rollover２ Stabilization of Overturned Vehicles Vehicle Rescue Techniques: An Overview Vehicle Rescue Techniques – Creating Access Points for Rescue (Part 2)