Interior Rescuer Duties

Interior Duties

• Unlock all doors/open all windows• Shut off ignition/remove keys• Assess the patient• Cut seatbelts if necessary• Cover the patient• Assume c-spine and airway control• Monitor the patient• Communicate with outside crew

Protect the patient

• Patient covers• Short backboard• Long backboard• Bag buster

Tools & Equipment

Tools & Equipment

• Hand Tools– Screwdrivers (straight/phillips)– Pliers – Linemans side cutters– Center punch– Wrenches– Socket set– Pry-axe– Pry bar– Hacksaws – others

Tools & Equipment

• Hydraulics– Power unit– Spreader– Cutter– Rams– Accessories

Tools & Equipment

• Other– Sawsall– Air-bags– Bull bags– Struts– Cribbing– Post covers– Chains

“Jaws of Life”

• Hurst tool invented by George Hurst in 1971

• For freeing racecar drivers• It “snatched” people from the

“Jaws of Death”, thereby calling it the “Jaws of Life”

Hand Signals

• Communications between operator of tool and operator of the power unit is critical.

Hand Signals

• By-pass valve ON (pressurize the system)– Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb

pointing upward

Hand Signals

• By-pass valve OFF (depressurize the system)– Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb

pointing downward.

Hand Signals

• SHUT-DOWN the system– Hand in front of the neck, with fingers

extended, moving hand back and forth.

Operational Safety Issues

• Do not place hands or body parts between the tool arms, blades etc.

• Do not use tool if missing or broken parts

• Do not lift or drag tools by the hoses• Do not use the tool as a battering

ram• Always stabilize and crib when lifting

Operational Safety Issues

• Keep body parts out from under the object being lifted

• Do not cut hard metals with cutting tools; seat belt bolts, nader pins, steering column

• Never store spreaders with tips touching and rams completely closed

Roof Flap/Removal

Roof Flap/Removal

• Quick access/egress for patient(s)• Remove windshield• Only three cuts on each side• Multiple tools make a quick job

Roof Flap/Removal

• Cover the patient and remove all glass• Cut A-post• Cut B-post• Cut a relief cut in front of C-post• Lift roof while creasing the crown with

board/pike pole• Secure the roof• Cover posts with hose sections

Roof Flap/Removal

• Avoid hatchbacks– Closed hatch means compressed

pistons– Secure with duct tape– Avoid cutting pistons

• Cut the rear posts while supporting roof

• Remove section out of action area

Roof Flap/Removal

• Hand tools– Remove plastic, rubber and aluminum

trim– Use hacksaw parallel to post– Keep lubricated while cutting

Roof Flap/Removal

• Hydraulic cutters– Make cut in lower middle of post– Avoid seat belt areas– Avoid beefed up intersections of roof

Door opening/removal

Door opening/removal

• Assess the door• “Try before you pry”• Protect the patient with a cover

and board• Make a purchase point• Open enough for access and

egress

Door opening/removal

• Type of vehicle• Door material• Strongest points are inner skin• Hinges

– Welded, glued, bolted

Door opening/removal

• Hinge side first or latch side first?– Determine the side with the easiest

access– Proper body positioning– Start high on the door and pry until you

reach the inner skin– Roll the door down off latch or hinge– Completely remove or displace enough

for access and egress

Power tools

• Do not use as a battering ram• Do not manhandle tool while

spreading• Keep hands clear of obstructions• Stand away from door, do not lean

against• Know the capabilities of your tool

Door Removal Video

Relocating the Dashboard

Relocating the Dash

• Steering wheels break free if impacted by driver– Energy absorbing

• Minimal support from A-post to A-post

• Lots of plastic

Dash lift

• Good alternative to steering wheel pull

• Open both doors when possible• Make a relief cut at base of “A” post• Place ram in door opening• Apply pressure while monitoring both

ends of the ram• May need to crib as you lift

Alternate Dash Lift

• Make a relief cut at base of A-post• Cut out section just below dash• Crib under A-post• Use spreader to lift dashboard

Third Door Conversin

• Hydraulic spreader/cutter– Make a wide relief cut at base of rear

panel– Crease the side of car with the spreader– Place tips in relief cut, and spread out,

creating a third door

• Saws-all– Cut out section to be removed

Odds & Ends

• Cutting/moving pedals• Cutting plastic• Moving seats