Traffic Rescue

In Japan, 2,610 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2022, underscoring the severity of vehicle accidents as a primary cause of injuries and fatalities. In rescue situations, delayed evacuation can be fatal for individuals trapped in vehicles, making vehicle stabilization crucial in rescue operations.

Importance of Vehicle Stabilization

Vehicle stabilization forms the foundation for rescue teams to work safely and provide help. Unstable vehicles pose risks of unexpected movement or tilting, endangering both rescuers and victims during the operation.

Key Considerations for Stabilization

Several factors must be considered for effective vehicle stabilization:

1. Resting Position: The vehicle’s current position (e.g., on its side, flipped) affects how it should be stabilized.
2. Shape: The design and damage level of the vehicle play a critical role in determining stabilization techniques.
3. Size: Different techniques are required for stabilizing larger versus smaller vehicles.

Two-Phase Approach to Stabilization

Effective stabilization for a crashed vehicle allows for safe and swift rescue operations, using a two-step approach:

Primary Stabilization

Primary stabilization aims to secure the vehicle in a flat, stable position relative to the ground. Key steps include:

• Tools like Step Chocks, Wedges, and Blocks: These tools create stable contact points with the vehicle, preventing it from sliding or moving.
• Creating Ground Stability: Establishing secure contact points with the ground to hold the vehicle in place.

Secondary Stabilization

Once primary stabilization is in place, secondary stabilization secures the vehicle in three-dimensional space to prevent movement. Key tools include:

• Rescue Struts and Power Shores: These devices secure the vehicle by connecting it firmly to the ground or other fixed points, preventing vertical or horizontal movement.

Practical Points for Effective Stabilization

• Skills and Knowledge: Rescuers must have the necessary skills and knowledge for primary and secondary stabilization and understand when and how to use each tool.
• Planned Equipment Placement: Unplanned equipment placement can hinder the rescue and create risks, making it impossible to reposition equipment if needed.

Vehicle Weight

During stabilization, rescuers must also consider the vehicle’s weight and positioning relative to the victim. Some rescues may involve lifting the vehicle to reach the victim.

Weight Guide:

• Compact Car: Approx. 2,000 kg
• Mid-Size Car or Sedan: Approx. 2,500 kg
• Small Trucks, Vans, SUVs: Approx. 3,500 kg
• Large Trucks: Approx. 10,000 kg

NFPA 1006 Standards

The NFPA 1006 standards prepare rescuers for the varying challenges and risks in rescue operations. These standards offer professional guidelines to ensure the safe, efficient performance of firefighters and emergency responders, addressing awareness, operational, and technical skill levels across all rescue types.

Vehicle & Machinery Rescue per NFPA 1006
This section provides guidelines for stabilizing and rescuing occupants from vehicles and small machinery safely at accident sites:

1. Stabilization: Prevent vehicle movement during rescue operations.
2. Maintaining Stability: Ensure that rescue actions don’t compromise vehicle stability.
3. Risk Minimization: Prioritize rescuer safety by reducing risks.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Types of Stabilization Equipment: Understanding the range of stabilization tools.
• Best Stabilization Points: Knowledge of optimal points for stabilizing vehicles and machinery.
• Surface Suitability: Recognizing suitable surfaces for stabilization.
• Local Protocols (AHJ): Following policies from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Vehicle & Machinery Structure: Familiarity with structural strengths and weaknesses.
• Tools and Hazard Mitigation: Correctly selecting tools to neutralize potential hazards.

Stabilizing Unstable Vehicles

Stabilizing vehicles that are structurally compromised is essential to the success and safety of rescue operations. Deformed vehicles present unique challenges based on their position, shape, and size. Proper stabilization is the foundation for protecting rescuers and victims in these scenarios.

Common Stabilization Techniques

• Box Cribbing: Arranging wood or plastic blocks around the vehicle to support and secure it.
• Struts: Using telescopic supports to stabilize specific parts of the vehicle.
• Step Chocks: Utilizing wedge-shaped chocks to support vehicle inclines.
• Wedges: Driving wood or plastic wedges under the vehicle to lock it in place.
• Shims: Thin plates inserted for fine adjustments.
• Ratchet-Lever Jacks: Using jacks to lift the vehicle with adjustable height.
• Stabilizer Jacks: Strong jacks for enhanced stability.
• Ropes, Chains, Cables: Tethering the vehicle to fixed structures.
• Winches: Pulling or securing the vehicle in specific positions.
• Ratchet Straps: Tightening straps to hold vehicle parts firmly.
• Tow Trucks: Lifting and securing entire vehicles.

Sequential Rescue Steps:

1. Size-Up: Assess the situation and vehicle.
2. Vehicle Stabilization: Use appropriate tools and techniques to stabilize the vehicle.
3. Vehicle Extrication: Begin breaking down barriers to reach victims.

Vehicle Positioning in Rescue

During stabilization, the rescue leader must consider three possible movement directions for the vehicle:

1. Horizontal Movement: Forward or backward movement along the vehicle’s length, or sideways movement.
2. Vertical Movement: Upward or downward movement relative to the ground.
3. Rotational Movement: Side-to-side rocking or turning.

Common Vehicle Positions Post-Collision

After an accident, vehicles may come to rest in one of the following positions:

1. Upright on all four tires.
2. Rolled onto its side.
3. Inverted, resting on the roof.
4. Positioned atop another vehicle or object.

In each of these situations, effective stabilization and structured steps are critical for a safe and successful rescue.

Car Accident Video

Related posts:

Vehicle Stabilization in Normal Position Vehicle Stabilization After a Rollover Swift Water Rescue – Swimming Rope Rescue CBRNE Door Control in Firefighting Vehicle Extrication (Steering Wheel and Pedals) Names of Car Parts Rescue Operations for a Person Trapped Under a Vehicle Vehicle Rollover Rescue Vehicle Rescue Techniques: An Overview Essential Vehicle Rescue Techniques for Accident Sites Vehicle Rescue Techniques: Glass Removal and Cutting (Part 1)