Physical Burden of Rescue Operations
Safety is the principle consideration of any rescue scene. All rescuers have well-established operating procedures for ensuring a safe system of work. This starts before you have even left your fire department in the form of pre-planning and training. Before you arrive you will probably have had a dynamic safety brief and put on your personal protective equipment.
Once you step off the fire truck you will be exposed to all kinds of hazards. Your procedures kick in and you avoid, reduce or eliminate any potential hazards and get on with the process of rescue. Of course we know that this is a dynamic process and safety is never actually taken care of; it should be monitored continuously.
I have just read an interesting report** into firefighter deaths and injuries and a startling figure was:
“The major types of injuries received during fire ground operations were: strain, sprain, muscular pain (55.3%)”
Obviously this statistic reflects the full range of firefighting and rescue activities. However, it is something that should be borne in mind when performing vehicle rescue operations.
Phsysical burden
A closer look at the processes involved in extrication quickly reveals the very real potential for such injuries. Most applications involve use of a tool at, above or below waist height and indeed very often above head height. Very rarely do we use extrication equipment in what we could describe as a physiologically ‘neutral’ or ‘natural’ position. Now figure in the fact that extrication sometimes requires work in areas that are difficult to access and that working in or near a vehicle is effectively a confined space, all of which places a physical burden on the body.
In my view the process of extrication can be directly aligned to sports. When playing sports we often put our bodies on the line and maybe take more risk in order to have a favourable outcome, therefore increasing the chances of injury. In addition, very often though prior to playing sports we would normally warm up: not a luxury you have as an operational firefighter/rescuer.
Think about the best position
So what can operational rescuers do? Well, I think a yoga session prior to extrication is out of the question ;-) Seriously though, when performing extrication, think about your own position and whether the task you are completing could be done more safely and efficiently from an alternative location. Think about how often you rotate the use of equipment and when you allow others to use the tools.
Lighter tools
A principal consideration, however, should be what tool you choose for the required application. Smaller, lighter tools are more ergonomic, easier to carry and easier to position. Ultimately they mean less burden for the operator. Due to technological advances the days of ‘only the biggest tool will do’ are behind us and sometimes (as a rescuer) it is difficult to not immediately pick up the biggest tool.
Train on tool handling
The key message here is that we have great knowledge and understanding of the major risks on scene, but sometimes we lose focus on the less obvious issues. Make tool handling part of your training. Because 55.3% of injuries could be avoided with a little more consideration for our own wellbeing and by choosing the most suitable equipment.
As always I welcome your feedback!
Ian