Principles of Vehicle Extrication 3 rd Edition Chapter 6 Passenger Vehicle Extrication
Learning Objective 1 Describe each class of passenger and light truck. 6 1
Passenger vehicles are classified by wheelbase in the U.S. Microcars Less than 10 feet (3 m) in length Size limits occupant load Subcompact Wheelbase of less than 100 inches (254 cm) Compact Wheelbase between 100 and 104 inches (254 cm and 265 cm) (Continued) 6 2
Passenger vehicles are classified by wheelbase in the U.S. Midsize Wheelbase of 105 to 109 inches (265 cm to 278 cm) Full size Wheelbase of 110 to 114 inches (278 cm to 291 cm) Station wagons Extended passenger compartment Distinguished from hatchback, minivans, SUVs (Continued) 6 3
REVIEW QUESTION What is used by the NHTSA to classify passenger vehicles? 6 4
Passenger vehicles are classified by wheelbase in the U.S. Limousines Wheelbase of more than 114 inches (291 cm) Sports cars/ sports coupes Convertibles Two-seat roadsters, hatchback models, muscle cars Roof and rear window assembly Soft tops or ROPS (Continued) 6 5
Passenger vehicles are classified by wheelbase in the U.S. Roadsters Two-seat open vehicles Limited protection Lack roof, rear/side windows, passenger protection system Kit cars Assembled from donated components Presence of additional protection installed by owners 6 6
Minivans can have a variety of door configurations. 6 7
Vans are configured differently in various areas of the world. 6 8
SUVs are designed as station wagons built on a truck chassis. 6 9
Crossover SUVs (XUVs) are built on a car chassis. 6 10
Utility vehicles can be designed for both cargo and passengers. 6 11
Smaller motor homes are normally on a truck or bus chassis. 6 12
Pickup truck carrying capacities range from ½ to 1 ton. 6 13
REVIEW QUESTION What distinguishes station wagons from hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs? 6 14
Learning Objective 2 Identify safety features and concerns relating to passenger vehicles. 6 15
Seat belt and pretensioners can be hidden inside other vehicle parts. Lock belt during crash Hidden inside B-posts, center console Not easy to access Avoid cutting 6 16
SPRS are installed both inside and outside of vehicles. Outside Come out of front bumper and hood Air bags Under front driver, passenger seats Inside Tubular Motorcycle and air bag suits In rear passenger shoulder straps 6 17
Rescuers should understand the safety rules involved with the SPRS. The A-B-Cs of dealing with 5-10-12-18-20 Inch rule of thumb Cautions during extrication 6 18
Passenger restraint systems may be activated by extrication activities. Electrical wiring for air bags may be identified by yellow tape or tags. 6 19
Dangers from both HPS and ROPS devices can be mitigated. HPS ROPS Rescuer in deployment path Can deploy during extrication Mitigate by complete roof removal Mitigate by powering down or deploying 6 20
REVIEW QUESTION What steps should rescuers take in mitigating supplemental passenger restraint systems? 6 21
Other vehicle components can also be potentially dangerous. 6 22
Energy absorbing bumpers present danger during and after fires. 6 23
REVIEW QUESTIONS What can cause an active ROPS to extend? What hazards or difficulties can be caused by collision beams, hood and hatch pistons/rod/struts, suspension struts, and shock absorbers during a vehicle incident? 6 24
Learning Objective 3 Explain specific size-up concerns related to passenger vehicle extrication. 6 25
Electrical and alternative fuel systems present unique challenges. Electrical Onboard power inverters Equipped with several batteries Disconnect negative first Alternative fuel Check for propane or other LPG fuel cylinders Can increase potential danger 6 26
REVIEW QUESTION What hazards are created by vehicle electrical and alternative fuel systems during passenger vehicle extrication operations? 6 27
Learning Objective 4 Describe passenger vehicle stabilization methods. 6 28
Movement can be prevented with wheels chocks and cribbing. 6 29
Contours and materials can make stabilization on the side difficult. 6 30
Stabilization on the roof can require struts in addition to cribbing. 6 31
Stabilization for vehicles in other positions is dictated by situations. 6 32
REVIEW QUESTION What stabilization methods should be used during passenger vehicle extrication operations? 6 33
Learning Objective 5 Describe methods for gaining access into passenger vehicles. 6 34
Windows can provide one way to gain access to passenger vehicles. Remove side windows if door jammed Remove windshield if needed Reach through once open for lock/handle 6 35
Try to open doors normally first before prying. 6 36
Roof and floor panel removal techniques will vary by situation. 6 37
Learning Objective 6 Identify extrication tactics to be used on passenger vehicles. 6 38
Removing patients from a vehicle can involve different techniques. Cutting brake or clutch pedals Dashboard roll-up Removing seat backs or seats Third door conversion Removing or flapping roof 6 39
Extrication in every situation presents unique challenges. On side Challenge is stabilizing and packaging patients On roof Greater possibility of fire Complicated by structural concerns Other positions Every situation unique Extreme cases may require sacrificing a limb 6 40
Summary Rescue personnel must be familiar with the types of passenger vehicles, their anatomy, and their individual safety features and concerns. They must also be familiar with how and why vehicle occupants are injured in collisions. (Continued) 6 41
Summary The IC must assign a priority to each vehicle involved in the collision based on the potential for saving lives. Rescue personnel must then be capable of stabilizing the involved vehicles, gaining access to the trapped victims, and extricating them as quickly as possible. 6 42