Reducing extrication times with simultaneous activity
The Team Approach promotes simultaneous activity, but what does it actually mean?
‘Simultaneous activity’ or completing several tasks at once will mean that your extrication takes less time. For example, stability equipment must be prepared on arrival and positioned as soon as the area is declared safe. I have often witnessed rescuers waiting for the scene to be declared safe and then prepare stabilisation equipment. You must be ready to progress to the next phase of rescue as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. This rapid transition saves valuable minutes.
Ensuring phases of extrication ‘overlap’ reduces your on scene time
Effective use of staff
Have you ever seen a roof removed with the seatbelts still attached, or a door removed with the wiring loom still connected? Although instances such as these may only delay extrication by a matter of seconds, this has a cumulative effect and can result in valuable minutes being lost. Such events can be avoided if these things are managed by other crew members while the cutting is in progress. This method of working must form the basis of your training, and can only be achieved with teamwork, effective rescue tools and techniques. Simultaneous activity does not just apply to work within your own team, and the concept should be promoted to other agencies.
Cutting wiring looms on doors/tailgates during removal saves time
Tool requirements
The hydraulic tools you choose will allow more simultaneous activity to be completed. Tools should be light enough for one person to carry, set up and operate, and the ability to change tools under flow allows crew members to perform other tasks simultaneously. Using hydraulic pumps that can be positioned away from the scene of operations and have a low noise output will mean communications are not affected and casualty care is not hindered. There is no need to switch them off which also saves valuable time.
Low noise pumps do not hinder communications and casualty care. There's no need to switch them off.
Time is often wasted looking for assist tools that are required for cutting seatbelts, exposing interior trim or managing glass. The need for such tools to be readily available to all crew members and located in place where they can easily be reached will reduce your extrication time. How long do you normally spend looking for a seatbelt cutter or window punch?
Conclusion
For a seriously ill victim each second can literally mean the difference between life and death. Simultaneous activity will allow us to reduce the effects of new car technology and help keep our extrication times to the desired 20 minutes. We must have the right training, the best tools that are light and quiet, and the latest techniques, only then can we work smarter and achieve the desired outcome.
In essence we have to think at least one step ahead to ensure we work seamlessly……
As ever, your feedback is appreciated.
Ian Dunbar