Vehicle Stabilization
Vehicle Stabilization• Vehicles must always be stabilized
during extrication operations• Moving the vehicle with a patient
inside causes needless injury to both patient and/or rescuer
Vehicle Stabilization• Objectives
– Increase the number of contact points between vehicle and ground
– Secure well enough that vehicle movement is eliminated during extrication or patient treatment and removal
Vehicle Stabilization• Unstable positions
– On side– On roof– On embankments– One vehicle on top of another– Teetering on bridge– Rubble of a structure– On all four wheels
• Radial tires
Vehicle Stabilization• Cribbing
– Box cribbing– Step chocks– Wedges
• Others– Winches – Chains/ropes– Struts – Jacks
Sustained Access• After stabilization• Most common obstacle is glass
– Laminated• Windshield• Side windows
– Tempered• Side windows• Rear window
Breaking Glass• Safety precautions
– Wear protective gear with eye protection and gloves
– Cover the patient– Cover glass or place out of action
area– Keep your mouth closed– Respiratory protection if necessary
Breaking Glass• Tempered glass
– Spring-loaded center punch– Large flat screwdriver– Pick of a pry-axe– Antenna – Other sharp striking tools
Breaking Glass• Laminated glass
– Chop with a pry-axe– Glassmaster– Saws-all– Excaliber