Patient Access and Rescue Techniques

Patient Access and Rescue

• Simple access to patients requires hand tools like sledgehammers, window punches, glass saws, Halligan, or pry bars.
• Complex access requires special tools like reciprocating saws, hydraulic rims, spreaders, and cutters.
• Consistent communication with patients during rescue is crucial to avoid further injury.
• Gain access to patients depending on incident type and patient injuries, and begin emergency medical care as soon as possible.
• A team member should stay with the patient to direct rescuers during disentanglement, performing a primary assessment and crucial interventions before disentanglement.

Disentanglement and Packaging

• Disentanglement involves freeing a patient from the area or object they are trapped in.
• Prepare for removal by maintaining control of life-threatening conditions, addressing wounds, and stabilizing suspected fractures and spinal injuries.
• Expedite removal if the patient is deteriorating rapidly or if additional hazards are present.
• Packaging involves preparing the patient for movement as a unit, using backboards or similar devices, and carrying by hand or using a basket stretcher.

Vehicle Anatomy and Structural Components

• Use standardized terminology when referring to specific vehicle parts.
• Label left and right sides of the vehicle, not relative to the rescuer.
• Roof posts or pillars provide vertical support and are typically labeled as A, B, C, and so on.
• The engine compartment and passenger compartment are separated by the bulkhead and firewall.

Alternative Powered Vehicles

• Alternative powered vehicles can be electric, liquid petroleum, compressed natural gas, ethanol, biodiesel, or hybrid.
• Electric vehicles are powered by hydrogen fuel cells, all-electric batteries, or a combination of hybrid gasoline and electric power.
• Rescue personnel can secure the electrical system by disconnecting the batteries and high voltage systems.
• Be aware of hazards like leakage of chemicals from damaged battery packs, toxic gels, liquid, or gases.

Safety Concerns and Hazmat Procedures

• Alternative powered vehicles present a range of safety concerns and special challenges.
• Follow tips for managing alternative power vehicle hazards, such as looking for specific markings, ensuring ignition is off, and stabilizing the vehicle.
• Be aware of toxic vapors, gases, or fumes, even if no fire is present, and avoid contact with leaking fluids.
• Determine if the high voltage battery pack has been disabled and the 12-volt source removed.
• Call for a HazMat team and set up a safety zone around the perimeter if necessary.

Vehicle Extrication and Hazmat Incidents

• Vehicle extrication may require specialized teams to manage Hazmat incidents.
• Be aware of additional hazards from the vehicles involved, including fire hazards, electrical hazards, fuel sources, and liquid runoff.
• Follow proper size-up and evaluation processes, and consult the ERG to identify pertinent data.
• Trained responders can assist operations and technician-trained responders by gathering information, sealing off the perimeter, and consulting the ERG.

Tools for Access

• H tools for access include striking tools, leverage, prying or spreading tools, cutting tools, lifting, pushing, and pulling tools.
• Examples of striking and leverage tools include hammers, axes, pry bars, and Halligan tools.
• Examples of cutting tools include saws, reciprocating saws, and hydraulic cutters.

Patient Access and Rescue

• Simple access to patients requires hand tools such as sledgehammers, window punches, glass saws, Halligan, or pry bars.
• Complex access requires special tools like reciprocating saws, hydraulic rims, spreaders, and cutters.
• Consistent communication with patients during rescue is crucial to avoid further injury.
• Access to patients should be gained depending on incident type and patient injuries, and emergency medical care should begin as soon as possible.
• A team member should stay with the patient to direct rescuers during disentanglement, performing a primary assessment and crucial interventions before disentanglement.

Disentanglement and Packaging

• Disentanglement involves freeing a patient from the area or object they are trapped in.
• Prepare for removal by maintaining control of life-threatening conditions, addressing wounds, and stabilizing suspected fractures and spinal injuries.
• Expedite removal if the patient is deteriorating rapidly or if additional hazards are present.
• Packaging involves preparing the patient for movement as a unit, using backboards or similar devices, and carrying by hand or using a basket stretcher.

Vehicle Anatomy and Structural Components

• Use standardized terminology when referring to specific vehicle parts.
• Label left and right sides of the vehicle, not relative to the rescuer.
• Roof posts or pillars provide vertical support and are typically labeled as A, B, C, and so on.
• The engine compartment and passenger compartment are separated by the bulkhead and firewall.

Alternative Powered Vehicles

• Alternative powered vehicles can be electric, liquid petroleum, compressed natural gas, ethanol, biodiesel, or hybrid.
• Electric vehicles are powered by hydrogen fuel cells, all-electric batteries, or a combination of hybrid gasoline and electric power.
• Rescue personnel can secure the electrical system by disconnecting the batteries and high voltage systems.
• Be aware of hazards like leakage of chemicals from damaged battery packs, toxic gels, liquid, or gases.

Safety Concerns and Hazmat Procedures

• Alternative powered vehicles present a range of safety concerns and special challenges.
• Follow tips for managing alternative power vehicle hazards, such as looking for specific markings, ensuring ignition is off, and stabilizing the vehicle.
• Be aware of toxic vapors, gases, or fumes, even if no fire is present, and avoid contact with leaking fluids.
• Determine if the high voltage battery pack has been disabled and the 12-volt source removed.
• Call for a HazMat team and set up a safety zone around the perimeter if necessary.

Vehicle Extrication and Hazmat Incidents

• Vehicle extrication may require specialized teams to manage Hazmat incidents.
• Be aware of additional hazards from the vehicles involved, including fire hazards, electrical hazards, fuel sources, and liquid runoff.
• Follow proper size-up and evaluation processes, and consult the ERG to identify pertinent data.
• Trained responders can assist operations and technician-trained responders by gathering information, sealing off the perimeter, and consulting the ERG.

Tools for Access

• H tools for access include striking tools, leverage, prying or spreading tools, cutting tools, lifting, pushing, and pulling tools.
• Examples of striking and leverage tools include hammers, axes, pry bars, and Halligan tools.
• Examples of cutting tools include saws, reciprocating saws, and hydraulic cutters.

Learn about the different tools and techniques used in patient access and rescue, including simple and complex access methods and the importance of communication during rescue.