EXTRICATION

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INTRODUCTION 

Optimal patient care requires that the EMT-I understand the principles of extrication.  The following topics

will be discussed during this lesson:

 

                       Stages of Extrication

 

                       Techniques of Lifting/Moving Patient

 

                       Techniques of Extrication

 

                       Motor Vehicle Accident Scene Safety

 

 

LESSON OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson the participants will be able to:

 

1.         State the five stages of extrication.

 

2.         Describe three lifting techniques that should be used when moving or lifting a patient

 

3.         Discuss measures that rescue workers should take to provide safety at a MVA.

 

4.         Understand the common injuries associated with vehicle restraint  devices.

 

 

SKILLS 

Use of Basket-Type Stretcher

 

 

KEY VOCABULARY 

The following terms will be used during this lesson:

 

                       MVA                           Motor vehicle accident

 

                       TA                               Traffic accident

 

                       Extrication                    Disentanglement; freeing from entrapment

 

 

 

 

 

KEY CONCEPTS 

The following section provides information and space for taking notes on the key concepts discussed by the instructor.

 

  STAGES OF EXTRICATION

     Gaining access

 

     Treatment of injuries

 

     Disentanglement of vehicle

 

     Preparation for removal of patient

 

     Removal of patient

 

 

Golden Rule: 

Mechanism of injury should raise index of suspicion for specific injuries.

 

 

  LIFTING TECHNIQUES

     Bend at knees/  Lift with legs, not back

 

     Obtain adequate help

 

 MVA SCENE SAFETY

    Flare Patterns

·          Place at adequate distance from incident

·          Avoid placing near flammable liquids

 

    Vehicle Placement

·          Uphill & upwind

·          In front or behind scene/Out of traffic lanes

 

    Traffic Control

·          Wear visible clothing/Use flashlight

·          Stand out of traffic lanes if possible

 

    Control of Fire Hazards

·          Park away from fuel or flammable liquid

·          Remove patient to safe area ASAP

 

 

COMMON INJURIES

    Unrestrained victim

·          Dashboard injuries

·          Ejection

 

    Lap belt

·          Facial, head or neck injuries

·          Abdominal injuries (especially if improperly positioned)

 

    Cross-chest belt (injuries less common)

·          Neck or spinal injuries

·          Clavicle fractures  

 

    Air bags (injuries less common)

·          Leg, pelvis, abdominal injuries

 

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