Emergency Response Rescue Protocols

Rescue Situations

• Most common rescue scenario for EMTs is Motor Vehicle Crashes (MVC).
• Key priorities during a rescue: ensuring personal safety and preventing further harm to the patient.

Initial Response Considerations

• Questions to evaluate upon dispatch:
  • Is the patient ill or injured?
  • What is the mechanism of injury (MOI)?
  • What is the location and time of the incident?
  • Is the weather a factor?
  • Are there reports of entrapment or hazardous materials?

Access Challenges

• Potential access difficulties may arise in various settings, including:
  • Utility work above or below ground.
  • Construction zones involving heavy equipment.
  • Elevated work by painters using ladders or scaffolding.
  • Maintenance on antennas and water towers.
  • Industrial sites with complex hazards.
  • Intersections known for serious collisions.

On-Scene Protocol

• Conduct a comprehensive 360-degree assessment upon arrival at the scene.

Resource Allocation

• Extra resources for emergencies may include:
  • Extrication team.
  • Fire department and law enforcement.
  • Hazardous materials team.
  • Utility companies and air medical evacuation.
  • Swift water rescue teams when vehicles are submerged.

Hazards for EMTs

• Major risks include being struck by moving vehicles at accident scenes.
• Always treat downed power lines as electrically alive; maintain a secure perimeter of at least 75 feet.
• Move away from downed power lines by shuffling with small steps to avoid electric shock.

Vehicle Incident Protocols

• Traffic should be rerouted at least 50 feet away from wrecked vehicles.
• Forceful entry tactics for residences require checking for open or unlocked access points first and using proper techniques when breaking windows.

Extrication Process

• Patient care remains the main function during extrication, with fundamental components involving:
  • Scene size-up.
  • Vehicle stabilization.
  • Gaining access to the patient.
  • Disentanglement of the patient from the vehicle.
  • Safe removal of the patient.

Patient Safety

• Maintain manual spinal stabilization during the entire extrication process and manage immediate life threats.
• Use the path of least resistance during extrication to minimize further injury.

Definitions

• Access: Ability to enter an enclosed area to reach a patient.
• Disentanglement: Removal of a vehicle from around a patient.
• Extrication: Process of removing a patient from a dangerous or entrapment situation.
• Hazardous Material: Any toxic, flammable, or explosive substance that poses risks when exposed.
• Incident Commander: Individual in charge at the scene, overseeing coordination and communication.
• Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT): Specialized tactical law enforcement unit.
• Technical Rescue Group: Team of trained individuals for specialized rescue scenarios.

Conclusion

• A thorough understanding of the principles of access and extrication is vital for EMTs to ensure efficient patient care and safety during incidents.