Prehospital Emergency Care Practice Test: Basics of Gaining Access and Patient Extrication — Flashcards

Here are some tips for EMTs and paramedics when gaining access to and extricating patients:
Vehicles: Stabilize the vehicle by turning off the engine, shifting to park, and placing wedges in front of and behind a wheel. If the vehicle is on its roof, support it by building box cribs under the hood and trunk. You can also place airbags under the front and rear of the vehicle.
Windows: Use a spring punch on the corner of a side window to break it.
Patient access: Perform patient access as soon as the vehicle is stable and any external hazards are controlled. When breaking glass, do so farthest from the patient until they're adequately protected.
Extrication: The goal is to minimize injury to the victim. Use the path of least resistance that provides the least chance of further injury to the patient. If possible, remove the vehicle from around the patient and not the patient from around the vehicle.
Contact with medical control: In these situations, contact with medical control is vital. Be familiar with the agency's protocols for this situation.
Powered rescue tools: Rescue personnel use a number of powered rescue tools to extricate victims. These include hydraulic rescue tools, pneumatic rescue tools, and the Jaws of Life.