vehicle rescue class

Camano Island Fire and Rescue (ICFD#1) Camano Island Fire and Rescue (ICFD#1)

Vehicle Rescue ClassVehicle Rescue ClassBy: AC Darin ReidBy: AC Darin Reid

January 2005Version 05-2

Island County Fire District #1, Camano Island Fire & Rescue NFPA 1670 8/16/2010

A 16 Hour Didactic and Practical Training CourseA 16 Hour Didactic and Practical Training Course

VEHICLE RESCUE CLASSVEHICLE RESCUE CLASS

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

Page 3:Page 3: Administration/PréparationAdministration/Préparation

Page 4:Page 4: Section 1:Section 1:Scene Safety, Size-up and Vehicle StabilizationScene Safety, Size-up and Vehicle Stabilization

• Evaluation Sheet: 1-1.1, PgEvaluation Sheet: 1-1.1, Pg .33.33 • Airbag Handout Airbag Handout B, Pg.42B, Pg.42 • Stabilization QuiStabilization Qui z, Pg.34z, Pg.34

Page 11:Page 11: Section 2:Section 2: Airbags ROPS & Passive Restreint DevisesAirbags ROPS & Passive Restreint Devises

• Airbag Deactivation TimeAirbag Deactivation Time s, Pg.52s, Pg.52 • Airbag QuiAirbag Qui z, Pg.49z, Pg.49

5:Page 25: Section 3:Section 3:Hybrid VehiclesHybrid Vehicles

Page 30:Page 30: Section 4: Section 4: Orientation to Hand, Electric, Hydraulic and Pneumatic ToolsOrientation to Hand, Electric, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools

Page 35:Page 35: Section 5:Section 5: Techniques of Gaining AccessTechniques of Gaining Access

Page 39:Page 39: Section 6:Section 6: BusesBuses

Page 41:Page 41: Section 7:Section 7: Definitions/GlossaryDefinitions/Glossary

Page 46:Page 46: Section 8:Section 8: Task Sheets, QuizzesTask Sheets, Quizzes

Page 52:Page 52: Section 9:Section 9: Handouts A, B & C Handouts A, B & C

Page 84:Page 84: PDF Section:PDF Section: Hybrid ERG’s: Insight, Civic, Prius, 2004 Prius, Escape, Hybrid ERG’s: Insight, Civic, Prius, 2004 Prius, Escape, Silverado/Sierra. Other: Metro BusSilverado/Sierra. Other: Metro Bus

Back Cover:Back Cover: Class CD - PowerPointClass CD - PowerPoint

Island County Fire District #1, Camano Island Fire & Rescue Page 2 NFPA 1670 8/16/2010

Prerequisites

References

Materials Needed for a

class of 24 students

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Handout

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Class Goal

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Must have vehicle rescue PPE that meets NFPA 1500 standards.

Ron Moore’s “University of Extrication, NFPA 1670, National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, Carbusters 1,2 and 3, Airbag Institute.

Training videos, VCR, LCD Projector, dry erase board, pens & eraser, training room & grounds, student handouts, evaluation materials and written tests, 8 wrecked cars, stopwatch, whistle, One Rescue Unit with vehicle extrication tools, rehab fluids, lunch, attendance roster, turnouts for all students and instructors, 12 volt battery & cables, 8 assistants

PowerPoint Slide 1 – Opening slide

Class Outline

Self and have the learners do the same. Why do they want to learn about vehicle rescue?

Learners on practical and written testing.

PowerPoint Slide 2

Sections of this program have been developed by BC Ron Moore of McKinney Texas Fire Department and AC Darin Reid of Camano Island Washington Fire & Rescue.

Any portion of this PowerPoint may be used for nonprofit instruction providing credit is given to its developers

PowerPoint Slide 3

In accordance with NFPA 1006 and 1670 the learner, having a minimum training level of Firefighter, shall effectively participate in, perform and/or supervise a technical vehicle rescue event including stabilization, hazard analysis, risk assessment, extrication practices and procedures so that access could be safely gained to a patient compartment of a motor vehicle.

Candidates that his will involve outdoor practical time and that full turnouts will be required.

PowerPoint Slide 4


INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION 10 10

ADMINISTRATIONADMINISTRATION

PREPARATION – Vehicle Rescue Class

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Present Objective 1

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What we will be covering:• Scene Size-up, Safety & Stabilization • Technology Update: Airbags, ROPS and Pretensioners

(Passive restraint devices)• Orientation and later use of hand, electric, hydraulic and

pneumatic tools• Hybrid Cars• Extrication Techniques• Buses

PowerPoint Slide 5

1. Given classroom lecture and discussion, learners will be able to: (NFPA 6-2.2, 6-3.3, 6-4.2)a. Recognize the importance of scene safety, giving a scene report

and using the incident command systemb. Identify the duties of a stabilization leaderc. Identify types of stabilization equipmentd. Recognize the importance of proper stabilizatione. Describe safety precautions for batteriesf. List potential battery locationsg. Perform hazard control assessmentSo that the learner will complete the test to a performance of at least 80% accuracy.

PowerPoint Slide 6

2. Given a scenario and the appropriate stabilization equipment, the learner shall stabilize a vehicle in place so that the vehicle will remain in the position that it was initially found and then gain access to the patient, so that the learner will be able to pass task sheet #1-1.1 with 100% accuracy.

PowerPoint Slides 7-31

The three initial arrival phases:• Arrival• Stabilization• Passive Restraint Devices/Battery

PowerPoint Slide 32


SECTION 1 – Scene Safety, Size-up and Vehicle StabilizationSECTION 1 – Scene Safety, Size-up and Vehicle Stabilization 55

PRESENTATION 60 Minutes

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Phase 1: Arrival:

Apparatus parking considerations; mitigating hazard control: • Scene placement of vehicles for responder protection• Park away from power lines (PCB), damaged poles, unstable trees• Watch for a possible hazardous materials situation

PowerPoint Slides 33

Video (Explain how headlights hurt FF scene visibility)

PowerPoint Slides 34 – 39 (Case Study: Meth lab in PT Cruiser)

PowerPoint Slide 40

Scene size-up:• Number/type of vehicles• Blocking/non-blocking, wheels up/down and lanes affected• Call and initiate/establish command• 360O walk around• Plan to stage/base/standby incoming apparatus, with

considerations for:o Equipment needed at the sceneo Traffic controlo Keeping space available for medic unitso Confirm the need for advanced rescue tools

PowerPoint Slide 41

Plan to stage/base/standby incoming apparatus, with considerations for:• Equipment needed at the scene, such as lighting, hose line, etc.• Traffic control• Keeping space available for medic units• Confirm the need for advanced rescue tools

PowerPoint Slide 42

Patient considerations/needs:• Make contact with patient. This may require breaking glass.• Determine the patients probable needs:

o ALS vs. BLSo Possible need for a Helo LZo Mitigate ABC problems

PowerPoint Slide 43


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Phase 2: Stabilization

PowerPoint Slide 44

ALWAYS wear full structural firefighting turnouts and helmet when on an accident scene, and approved goggles and gloves when using equipment. Same goes for hands-on drills.

1. A Stabilization Leader: A firefighter whose primary job is to mind scene, emergency responder and firefighter safety by ensuring that all of the details of scene safety, stabilization and passive safety device location are tended to.

2. Usually one of the first onscene

PowerPoint Slides 45 – 50 (Case study: No deployment of Suburban SRS)

The duties of the Stabilization Leader:• Grabs the Stabilization Pack • Does a 360O walk around assessment (identify hybrids)• Stabilize vehicles• Gain initial access to patient compartment• Sets E-Break, puts car into park or gear and turns off ignition• Move electric seats back (ease of extrication & to move away

from undeployed airbags in case of accidental deployment.)• Disconnect batteries• Mark undeployed airbags with tape to serve as a reminder

(Airbag recognition covered in detail in Section 2)• Locates/marks pretensioners by removing molding

(Pretensioners covered in detail in Section 2)• Does not have to do all of the stabilization duties him/her self,

but is responsible to see that delegated duties get done• Good candidate to become safety if one has not already been

appointed


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PowerPoint Slides 51 - 52

A stabilization pack and contents:• Checklist• Terminal wrench• Terminal puller• Socket wrench with sockets• Box wrenches• Handheld cable cutters• Marking tape• Scissors• Flashlight• Phillips & flathead screwdrivers• Window punch• Duct tape

PowerPoint Slide 53 - 57

Vehicle Stabilization: Upright on level surface• Prevent horizontal movement

o Use of cribbing and/or step chocks In front & back on flat surfaces Downhill side on sloped surfaces

o Utilize vehicles own mechanical system Place transmission in park For manual transmissions, put in reverse gear if

vehicle is facing downhill and in low gear if vehicle is facing uphill

o Use of rope, wincho Tie off vehicles to trees, apparatus, other vehicles involved

• Prevent vertical movemento Step chocks (usually need 4)

Upside down or upright OK to lift car to put in place

o Cribbing in box formation is OK, but takes time and small wedges may be needed

o Jacks• Deflate tires (this may upset tow truck drivers)

o Pull or cut stemso Push or remove valve

• Watch for “vehicle weight loss”. Can be caused by the removal of anything from doors to patients from a car. By deflating the tires and resting the vehicle on it’s body instead of it’s shocks, you will solve this problem



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Stabilize vehicle(s): On edge.• “Tension Buttress” stabilization

o Commercial types Adjustable length by pin or pneumatic Quick to setup

o Homemade 4x4 styles• Tie off with rope to stationary objects


Stabilize vehicle(s): On roof.• Roof spin• Seesaw • Needs more cribbing unless the roof is flattened

o When stabilizing a vehicle on it’s flattened roof, plan for the possibility that the car may have to be lifted up to remove patient(s)

o Consider the greater potential for the release of fuel, oils & water.

• Tension Buttress good for all of this


Improper stabilization and how it could be harmful to the victim(s) and responders:

• Improper stabilization allows for any horizontal and/or vertical movement after responders get onsceneo Any movement of the vehicle may cause injury to the victim

by allowing the victims body to move, in turn allowing broken bones, torn vessels, organs and/or nerves to cause further injuries, ranging from LAC’s to paralysis.

o Movement of a vehicle that is unplanned may trap or injury responders, possibly resulting in injury.

o Movement may also slow down rescue efforts.

PowerPoint Slide 71

Rescue 42 Video


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PowerPoint Slide 72

Phase 3: BatteriesWhy a connected battery could be harmful:

o Keeps airbags charged to deployo Is a spark hazard for flammable liquidso Allows for the car to be started by a patient

PowerPoint Slide 73

Battery access procedures:• Engine compartment & battery access

o open at latch - Hood Toolo open at hingeso access through hood structureo access through fender/wheel well

PowerPoint Slide 74

• Undercarriage opening, (vehicle on edge): o enter through floorboard o This involves drive shaft, exhaust and catalytic converter, floor

pan removal

PowerPoint Slide 75

• Trunk forcible entry o rear seat 'pass-thru' feature to get to trunko also allows access to passenger compartmento Drill or punch out lock and turn with screwdrivero Cut around lock


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Battery/electrical system shutdown• Disconnect or cut Negative cable followed by the Positive cable• Cut same cable twice to remove section• MAY be more than one negative or positive battery cable


Enhanced Safety Glass (ESG)1. Designed to deter car jackers, decrease interior noise, reduce IR

heat-creating rays and be tougher to break with fewer shards.a. Currently only in newer Euro importsb. “Big 3” offering around 2005

2. Center punches do not work, similar to windshield3. Best to use a glass saw, Sawzall with Milwaukee Axe Blade (6-8

tpi) the Excalibur blade, or Lenox 9” x 0.62 Demolition blade.

PowerPoint slides showing the steps of Scene Safety, Size-up and Vehicle Stabilization

Each learner performs the job according to the listed procedure under the supervision of the instructor.

Objectives and safety concerns. Summarize key points.

That student will be evaluated by completing a written and practical exam

Each learner individually using evaluation sheet 1-1:1

Written test for SECTION 1 – Scene Safety, Size-up and Vehicle Stabilization after doing practical exam. The learners have 20 minutes to complete the test and will hand them in for instructor grading

PowerPoint Slide 81 – 82

Slide 82, MPEG Roll-Over Video

PowerPoint Slide 83


APPLICATIONAPPLICATION ((practical application:practical application: 45 Minutes) 45 Minutes)

EVALUATIONEVALUATION

Present Objective 2

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1. Given a scenario and the appropriate tools and marking tape, the student shall locate and mark any undeployed airbags, ROPS and all pretensioners in cut zones

2. Given classroom lecture and discussion, learners will be able to: (NFPA 6-3.3)

a. Identify features and hazards of undeployed airbagsb. Identify possible locations of pretensionersc. Identify the hazards of pretensioners

So that the learner will complete the test to a performance of at least 80% accuracy

PowerPoint Slide 84

Slide MPEG Video

PowerPoint Slide 85

Driver's Frontal Airbag• All cars since 1990 model year are required to have automatic

restraints (either airbags or automatic seat belts). Since the 1998 model year, all cars are required to have airbags for both drivers and front seat passenger

PowerPoint Slide 86

Culpepper, VA Incident, March 1990• First collision in U.S. between two vehicles where both were

equipped with driver's airbags; a 1989 Chrysler LeBaron coupe and Chrysler LeBaron convertible

PowerPoint Slide 87

Slide Airbag Video

PowerPoint Slide 88

How does an airbag work?1. When a frontal or near frontal crash occurs at speeds comparable

to 10 – 14 mph, crash sensors trigger a chemical in the airbag module causing deployment.

2. When crashing into movable barriers or objects that give way, speeds must be higher to get a response.

3. When the detonator fires an igniter, solid propellant contained in the airbag begins to burn, producing hydrogen gas.

PowerPoint Slide 89

Currently, a car may have as many as 12 airbags in 16 locations.


SECTION 2 – Airbags, ROPS and Pretensioners 5 minutesSECTION 2 – Airbags, ROPS and Pretensioners 5 minutes


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Read FF Injury article, refer to Handout A

PowerPoint Slide 90

MPEG Video of Dayton Ohio FF injury

PowerPoint Slide 91

Airbags can be found at the driver's steering column, below the column at the driver's knees, in the dash on the passenger's side, at the knees of the passenger side, in the driver and passenger-side front doors, within the outer edges of the driver and passenger's front seats, in the driver and front passenger roofline/A- and C-pillar area and, for rear-seat occupants, along the outboard edges of the rear passenger seats or rear doors on both sides of the vehicle. Just think, if it were possible for one vehicle to have an airbag in every possible location, we'd encounter 16 different bags

PowerPoint Slide 92

2002 BMW 745 Series:This car carries driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, rear door-mounted passenger airbags, driver and front passenger head tubular airbags, rear passenger head-mounted curtains, and now driver and front passenger knee airbags

2004 BMW models have rescuer information labels.

PowerPoint Slide 93

Deployed Airbag Contents:• Front Possibilities:

• Sodium Azide – Which can reach temperatures in excess of 12000 but temps of 300 – 400 more likely

• Sodium Hydroxide • Cornstarch or talcum powder• Nitrogen Gas• Potassium Chloride (a table salt substitute)

• Popular for sides:• Hydrogen Gas


Front Seat Passenger Hazards• child safety seat concern• unrestrained or out-of-position passenger seat occupant airbag cut-

off switches provided by automaker or aftermarket retrofit


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PowerPoint Slide 100

Passenger Cutoff Switch• provided by automaker or as aftermarket installation• commonly found on 2-dr pickup trucks & now other vehicles• passenger airbag remains loaded despite deployment of driver's

frontal airbag

PowerPoint Slides 101 – 107

Case Study #4: Truck with airbag cutoff switch, Case Study #5: Chevy Malibu with crash and front airbag that did not deploy appropriately

PowerPoint Slides 108 -114

Windshield 'Spider Web' vs. Airbag 'Spider Web'• patient direct contact = spider web, generally round, possibly w/

hair/blood• airbag cover direct contact = spider web pattern of broken glass,

possibly with distinct line from edge of cover impacting laminated windshield glass


'Loaded' Airbags• undeployed airbag unit after crash• recommended 10" - 18" - 5" guideline

o typical driver's airbag deploys 10 inches from steering wheel unit

o typical passenger airbag deploys 18 inches from instrument panel unit

o typical side impact airbag is 5 inches in thickness and deploys from seat, door, or roofline


Deactivation times of airbags once power is cut:1. Some vehicles may take 30 minutes:

a. Bentley & Rolls: 30 minutes (NHTSA)b. Some Porsches & all VW Cabriolets: 20 minutes (NHTSA)

2. Most take 3 minutes or less, with a few hovering at 10 minutes.

Steering Column Airbag Containment Devices: designed to limit deployment depth of airbag. NOT RECOMMENDED



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SMART Airbag Systems• will not deploy in frontal crash under conditions of empty

passenger seat or occupant weighing less than 40 lbs• passenger airbag remains loaded despite deployment of driver's

frontal airbag


The "Hidden" Airbag• airbag concealed under instrument panel• no airbag cover door installed in instrument panel• airbag deploys through along pre-stressed seam in dash • GM Cadillac division utilizes "Active Instrument Panel" design• entire top of dash raises and passenger airbag deploys from

underneath


Side Impact Airbags/Curtains:• Side airbags are stored either in the seat, door, or around the

door frame and deploy when sensors detect a serious side impact.


• In serious frontal impacts, the occupant compartment doesn't stop immediately; it slows as the front-end of the car crushes. Because of this front-end crush, there is time, typically 60-70 milliseconds, for the airbag system to determine the crash severity, inflate the bags, and create a buffer in front of the occupants before they have moved very far forward. The exception to this can be unbelted occupants who have moved forward due to pre-impact events.


• In the case of serious side impacts, however, there is very little crush space, so the side airbag sensors must determine the crash severity and inflate the bags much faster, typically 20 milliseconds. Side airbags, commonly referred to as SIPS bags (Side Impact Protection System) are smaller than frontal bags, too. They're 6-20 liters versus 40-70 liters for a driver airbag and an average 150 liters for a passenger bag. The first generation of side airbags was designed primarily to protect people's chests. Newer SIPS bags now provide protection to the head as well. These are referred to as head-torso airbags. Newer side-impact roof-mounted airbag designs also provide head protection.


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• They're 6-20 liters versus 40-70 liters for a driver airbag and an average 150 liters for a passenger bag. The first generation of side airbags was designed primarily to protect people's chests. Newer SIPS bags now provide protection to the head as well. These are referred to as head-torso airbags. Newer side-impact roof-mounted airbag designs also provide head protection.


Side Airbag vs. Side Curtain:• Side airbags deploy and deflate instantly, offering brief

initial impact protection.• Side curtain airbag stay inflated for a longer period of time

than the side airbag. This protects the head in roll-over accidents.

• Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) - Currently in some Honda vehicles, this side-occupant detection system will not deploy if the seat sensors find that you are leaning against it.


Hazards of Side-Impact Airbags:• May cause injuries themselves, though should be less critical

for adults than without the airbag.• Example: Children that are not restrained or positioned

correctly.


NHTSA MPEG Video of side-impact bag and child seat


Fire engine roll-over bag (Pierce)1. When it senses a roll, the Pierce Side Roll Protection System:

• Tightens the seat belts • Lowers the seats to their lowest position • Locks the seats down to eliminate movement • Inflates tubular side airbags


Car ripped in half, minor injury


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Video, MPEG of car ripped in half on Cultis Bay Road


Locating undeployed airbags: Look on the steering wheel hub, instrument panel, dashboard, windshield, drivers side B-post or on the side or back of a seat for a label with the following:

1. Supplemental Inflatable Restraint or SIR2. Supplemental Restraint System or SRS3. Supplemental Inflatable Protection System or SIPS4. Head Protection System or HPS 5. Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System

(OPDS)6. Airbag


Roof-mounted Side Impact Airbags:

• BMW Head Protection System ( HPS )• from A-pillar to roof rail above center of rear window, 5" x 38"

tubular airbag• deploys diagonally across window area of front door• Airbag ID on A-pillar: 'HPS' plastic button or 'AIRBAG' on long

plastic strip


Each Slide correlates to each bullet below:160. Roof-mounted side impact airbags appeared with the 1998 model

year BMW vehicles.

161.BMW calls this airbag design their “inflatable tubular system” 162.The airbag fills with stored gases released from a small cigar-

shaped cylinder mounted along the firewall at the level of the upper front door hinge.

163.This BMW sedan has a total of eight (8) airbags. In this rear-end collision, ALL airbags remained loaded.

164.The most popular roof-mounted airbag designs deploy downward to cover most of the front and rear door window areas.

165.Airbag IDs for roof-mounted airbags will be located on the interior trim of one or more of the roof pillars or along the headliner.


166.All side-impact airbag systems (seat, door or roof-mounted) use stored gas inflator modules containing pressures up to 3,000psi.

167.This VW Passat deployed both the passenger front seat airbag and the roof airbag along that side. Both airbags filled with gases that were released from stored gas cylinders.

168.This stored gas inflator module is shown secured directly to the inside of the rear roof pillar; exactly in our “Cut Zone”.

169.A close-up look at this Saturn side impact airbag system clearly shows the stored gas inflator module on the C-pillar.

170.Once the impact sensors detect the collision, the gas flows from the stored gas canister into the bag which deploys down from the roofline.

171. This Mercedes sedan has the stored gas inflator module for the roof airbag secured directly to the A-pillar; again, exactly within our cut zone!

172.Extrication personnel must “strip the trim” of all roof pillars prior to cutting in order to avoid cutting into the inflator canister.

173.The stored gas inflator modules of this Mercedes vehicle are positioned along the rear edge of the roof.

174.This brand new Audi A6 sedan with 2.3 miles on the odometer was struck pulling out of the new car dealership.

175.The roof airbag system deployed down to approximately the level of the door sills.

176.In addition, the driver’s seat-mounted airbag deployed.

177.Both frontal airbags and both passenger side-impact airbags remain loaded.

178.Both roof-mounted airbags deployed during the impact and rollover.

179.$65,000 vehicle totaled.


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PowerPoint Slides 180- 183

Knee Bags: 1. Kia Sportage 4x4 SUV "Knee" Airbag unit

• Airbag remains attached to plastic dash trim panel• Deploys 3-5 inches towards driver's lower leg and knees to

keep them from going under the dash.• Why? Does not meet crash tests without it

181.The KIA knee bag is permanently mounted to a panel beneath the steering column. There are two airbag IDs.

182.The KIA knee bag never touches the driver. It pushes the instrument panel knee “bolster” panel outward to contact the river.

183.Note that in this 40mph off-set frontal crash test, the front tire tore through the floor pan and entered into the front floorboard area.

PowerPoint 184

The 7-series 2002 BMW sedan introduced the first “dual frontal knee airbags” in the U.S.

• The knee bag ID consists of the word AIRBAG branded into this panel.

• The driver’s knee bag is behind a large panel that occupies the area below the steering column, also keeping occupants from going under the dash.

• In addition to conventional dual frontal airbags, this vehicle has airbags in all four doors, a separate roof airbag for each front and rear seat occupant, and a frontal knee airbag for the driver and passenger; a total of 12 airbags.


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Dual Action Airbags1. One inflator inflates a bag in 2 stages2. Second stage should go off in 50 – 150 ms of first stage3. 2nd stage controlled by a computer, slim chance that it will not go

off, but if it doesn’t:a. 2nd stage only has no more than enough gas to fill the bag,

no extrab. Depending on manufacturers, first stage uses 50 – 70% of

the total bag volume size, with second stage having 30 – 50%


Is the air in the vehicle safe to breathe after airbag deployment?

1. Yes, but after 20 minutes in an enclosed environment, asthmatics may experience problems.


Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners

1. At the same time that frontal airbags are deploying, “seatbelt pre-tensioners” will be activated if they are present in the vehicle

2. Seatbelt pre-tensioners are devices attached to the seatbelt system that use an explosive charge to pull up to 6” of slack out of the seatbelt.• typically located on or within B-pillar or rocker channel• pretensioner consists of pyrotechnic device, cable and piston

designed to function when frontal airbags • deploy to pull slack ( 3 to 6") from seatbelt assembly• front seat units located near seatbelt re-coiler spool along

rocker channel or inside B-pillar• rear seat pretensioner units located under rear window deck strip interior trim material off any roof pillar before cutting


Active Roll Over Protection System (ROPS or RPS)• Used on convertibles (Active means not in place until needed)• 2 types: Pop-up and flip-up


In the event of a rollover, convertibles typically are designed with a roll bar system to maintain survivable space for the occupants.


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What models of vehicles that currently have them• Porches Boxster• Newer BMW Convertibles• Newer Mercedes Hardtop & Convertibles

1. Extends app. 10” from the deck• Newer Volvo Convertibles

1. Extends 20” from the deck


What causes activation• Volvo & BMW:

1. Inclinometer2. G-Sensor (weightlessness)

• BMW’s system deploys when:1. Vehicle approaches a lateral (sideways) angle of 62

degrees2. Vehicle approaches a longitudinal (end over end) angle of

72 degrees3. Vehicle experiences a lateral acceleration of app. 3 G’s4. Forward roll-over5. Weightlessness for 80ms1. If car vertically stabilized?


ROPS Tech Facts:2. Backup power supply

• Volvo & Mercedes have reserve power for 5 secondso Mercedes has a manual deployment switch which takes 4

seconds for deployment.• BMW has reserve power for 1 second• Porsche has reserve power for? Second


Case Study #6: Porsche Boxster


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What’s in the works:

MPEG Stallone Video


OnStar:1. The private call center uses GPS satellites to pinpoint the vehicle’s

location and communicates directly with the vehicle occupants through a special cellular phone link.


The Presidential 1. In Japan, a Toyota vehicle known as the “Presidential” has frontal

airbags installed in the front seat seatbacks.


Carpet Airbags


Aircraft Airbags• Airbag in seatbelts• Inflator in seatbelt• All sizes of aircraft• Automatic Chute Deployment Device


Pedestrian airbagoDesigned to meet upcoming standardsoEurope has a high death rate for car vs. pedestrian


WIPS – Whiplash Protection SystemoCurrently in newer Volvos


Polycarbonate/Vehicle GlazingoBeing developedoDifficult Access (removing door may be easier)oAdds to vehicle structural integrity



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Review: Emergency Procedures for Airbag-equipped Vehicles• battery access• electrical system shutdown• begins capacitor "drain time"• logging of capacitor drain time start• "scanning" for airbags by checking for airbag IDs or deployment

panels• front door- inside panel above armrest• front seat-outboard edges• B-pillar/rocker channel area• opposite side top of D-pillar, C-pillar, B-pillar and A-pillar• dashboard along front passenger area• steering column/knee area• VIN plate/windshield decal• rear door- inside panel above armrest• rear seat-outboard edges• remain clear of 10" - 18" - 5" airbag inflation zones• use caution with jammed door and loaded side impact airbags in

jammed door• use caution during cutting of door's electric cable • loaded airbag door disposal: armrest positioned facing up• avoid seatbelt pretensioners when cutting roof pillars; remove

interior trim to expose inner pillar• rescuer placement with ROPS

PowerPoint slides showing the steps of Emergency Procedures for Airbag, ROPS & Pretensioners-equipped Vehicles.

Each learner observe a demonstration of the above procedures as demonstrated by the instructor on a demo car



Each learner individually using evaluation sheet 1-2:1

Written test for SECTION 2 – Airbags and Passive Restraint Systems after doing practical exam. The learners have 20 minutes to complete the test and will hand them in for instructor grading



APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

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Objective 3

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1. Given classroom lecture and discussion, learners will be able to: (NFPA 6-2.2, 6-3.3, 6-4.2)

a. Recognize a hybrid car from a non-hybrid carb. Name the current models of hybrid carsc. Identifiable markingsd. Identify the types of hazards presented by hybrid carse. Describe safety precautions for batteriesf. List potential battery locationsg. Perform hazard control assessment

So that the learner will complete the test to a performance of at least 80% accuracy.


2. Given a scenario and a hybrid car, the learner shall identify the differences between a hybrid car and a non-hybrid car.


The definition of a hybrid vehicle:

1. A hybrid vehicle is one that combines a smaller-than-normal internal combustion gasoline engine with the electric motor of an electric-powered vehicle. The electric motor is energized by a newly designed high-voltage battery pack. The gasoline engine and the electric motor work either separately or together to provide power to the drive wheels of the vehicle.

2. Fuel motors stop when parked and electric runs the vehicles up to about 15 mph, where the gas/diesel engine then takes over.


Hybrid Manufacturer’s and model names:1. Toyota Prius & SUV Highlander, 2005, Priapus - 20052. Honda Insight, Civic & 2005 Accord 3. Ford Escape4. Saturn – SUV VUE, 20055. Chevy - Equinox 2005, Malibu & SUV Tahoe, 20076. Lexus – SUV RX400h, 20057. GMC – Silverado, 2005

a. GM Silverado course: http://www.gmstc.com, click on Emergency Personnel Training

8. FYI – Toyota Rav4EV (all electric)

Identifiable markings: Hybrid only on the rear of all vehicles



SECTION 3 – SECTION 3 – Hybrid VehiclesHybrid Vehicles 55


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The Silent Hybrid1. Prius gasoline engine will shut off when vehicle stops in traffic

such as while waiting at a traffic lighta. If Prius accelerator pedal is depressed, once silent electric

motor instantly comes to life to power the drive wheels and move Prius forward

b. Gasoline engine remains ‘off’


1. Honda Insight’s Auto Idle-Stop mode may shut off the engine under certain conditions when the vehicle stops, driver shifts to neutral, and takes foot off clutch

c. Engine will instantly start if clutch is depressed and shift lever is moved to first gear


Toyota Prius “READY” Light1. Small green “READY" LED light at base of windshield in the

instrument panel


Silverado – Engine Start/Stop1. During coasting, when vehicle is traveling below 15 mph2. During breaking3. While in Drive with the vehicle stopped4. While in Park


Damaged Battery Pack1. No emergency responder should ever disassemble or remove the

metal cover of high-voltage battery pack2. The local Toyota or Honda dealership can be notified and request

made for proper battery disposal to be completed by an authorized battery recycling agency


Potential HazMat Considerations1. According to one of the information sheets available for Panasonic

nickel metal hydride batteries;a. battery fire will produce toxic fumesb. when water is used on a Ni-MH battery fire some

hydrogen gas may evolve



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Emergency Response Guides (ERG’s)1. Found on Internet2. Found at car dealer

Identifiable Markings (Hybrid)


Battery types/locations:1. Lead acid

a. Runs the lights, radio and other 12 volt accessories2. Nickel-Metal Hydride

a. Powers the electric motorb. From 44 to 300 volts, 77 amps.c. 2004 Prius is 500 volts at motor, 201 volts in lined. Exempt from MSDS


Battery dangers1. Leaking with metal contact causes hydrogen gas

a. Flammableb. Poisonous

1. Exposure concerns for you and patient2. NEVER cut high voltage battery cables

a. Explosion & Electrocution potential

PowerPoint Slides 286 – 296

Voltage cable dangers1. All high voltage cables are orange in all vehicles2. While low amperage, high voltage3. Spark potential


Approach dangers:2. If there is no fire, battery leak or smoke, you may approach the

vehicle3. Smoke or fire visible: BA’s needed4. Battery leakage of Nickel-Metal Hydride would be an electrolyte

gel of potassium hydroxide that reacts violently when coming in contact with zinc, aluminum and tin.

a. Treat as hazmat (ERG for potassium hydroxide is guide #154 and guide #115 For hydrogen gas)

b. Hydrogen gas, which is poisonous and highly flammable if it comes in contact with metal, is the concern.


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5. Do not use flares6. Vehicles are usually silent when stopped, but will move with

ignition on and the accelerator pedal is depressed


On Arrival:• Disengaging the high-voltage (HV) battery:• For all, turn off the ignition key and remove it

1. Toyota Prius:a. Turning off key. b. Place shifter into park. c. Disconnect 12 volt battery located in left of trunk behind

cover. HV cables, airbags & fuel pump now disengaged.(90 sec SRS delay and 5 min. HV delay)

d. If the key cannot be removed:e. Raise the hood and access the black plastic component

labeled ‘IGT’ relay or the 20amp HV fuse and remove them.

f. Disconnect 12 volt battery g. HV cables, airbags & fuel pump now disengaged.h. As a last resort, disconnect the orange service plug at the

high-voltage battery pack. Linesman’s gloves are recommended by Toyota to do this.

i. 2004 Prius: Smart key button under steering wheel turned off or keys 20 feet away.


Honda1. Insight & Civic

j. Turn off key. This kills all high-voltage power to the cables as well as killing the power to the airbags and seat belt pretensioners.

k. Second Choice: Do only if key fails. l. Remove under-hood fuse box cover.m. Unscrew Main Fuse #1 with Phillips screwdriver and

remove.n. Disconnect the ground of the 12 volt battery.o. Put shifter into neutralp. Last resort: turn off the battery module switch at the HV

battery. 2. Honda Accord:

i. Unknown



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Silverado – Stabilizing Vehicle & HV1. Place in Park or Neutral2. Set parking break3. Turn off ignition, remove key4. Chock wheels5. Turn off the APO button in cab:6. To neutralize the HV batteries, use the service disconnect

switch (SDS) located behind a marked removable cover on the right end of the Electrical Storage Box (ESB)

7. Disconnect next the 12 volt battery under the hood. This neutralizes the airbags (SRS, SIRS)

8. HV Battery cut-off switch:• Automatically triggered when an airbag deploys from

frontal impact, when impact to the passenger door is detected or when the hood or doors are ajar

PowerPoint Slide - 313

Ford Escape1. Put the sift lever into Park2. Remove the ignition key to disable the HV battery3. Disconnect the 12 volt cable, which also disables the HV

battery4. Has a user-friendly HV Service Disconnect Switch located on

HV battery cover, bottom right


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Vehicle Construction:1. Honda Insight2. Toyota Prius


Firefighting techniques for hybrid cars:1. Use standard car fire guidelines2. Use lots of water, fire can be overwhelmed3. Cool adjacent battery cells4. Crews will not get shock5. Do not remove metal cover of high-voltage battery pack


General Hybrid crash procedures:

1. Vehicle stabilization. . .2. Access to passenger compartment . . .3. Shift gear selector lever . . .4. Turn key OFF and remove from ignition . . .5. Smart keys need to be 20+ from dashboard receiver,

preferably flipping switch... 6. Check that green light goes out . . . 7. Disconnect/shutdown 12v battery . . . 8. Flip Silverado, Insights or Escapes HV battery switch….


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Hybrid vehicle: Safety Features:

1. Both hybrid vehicles-a. dual frontal airbags

2. Side impact airbags-a. Insight: noneb. 2001 Prius: optional c. seat-mounted

3. Pre-tensioners-a. Prius and Insight-

i. driver and front passenger’s belt1. side-impact collision beam-

a. Prius front door-i. one per door

b. Prius rear doori. two collision beams

c. Insight front door-i. two in each door


Alternative Fuel Vehicles:1. In addition to Hybrids, which have a standard combustion engine

and the alternative fuel of battery power, there are a few other types of cars out there with alternative fuels:

a. LPG – Became big in the gas shortage of the ‘80’si. Treat as any LPG response

b. Hydrogen – Being used in vehicles in LA Cityc. CNG – Compressed Natural Gasd. Methanol / Ethanole. All Electric

PowerPoint slides showing the details of hybrid cars



That student will be evaluated by completing a written exam.

Written test for SECTION 4 – Hybrid Vehicles. The learners have 20 minutes to complete the test and will hand them in for instructor grading




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Section 4 – Orientation to hand, electric, hydraulic and pneumatic tools.1. Given classroom lecture and discussion, learners will be able to:

(NFPA 6-3.3, 6-4.1, 6-4.2)a. Identify the different types of tools used for vehicle

rescueb. Identify uses for each toolc. List the methods for starting hydraulic power plantsd. List the general care and maintenance for forcible entry

toolsSo that the learner will complete the test to a performance of at least 80% accuracy

Learners out to an area where all of the equipment listed below has beenlaid out


The 5 main classifications of vehicle rescue tools:1. Hand2. Hydraulic3. Pneumatic4. Electric5. Fuel


Some types of hand tools and possible uses:1. hammer2. pry bar3. hack saw4. glass punch5. Halligan

a. Widening door gaps to access hingesb. Point into metal to use as an anchor

6. knife/belt cutter7. cable cutter

a. Battery cablesb. Door wires

8. come-a-long9. windshield saw10. rescue spanner11. hay hook (windshields)12. axe


SECTION 4 - SECTION 4 - Orientation to Hand, Electric, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools. Orientation to Hand, Electric, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools. 1515

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The types of hydraulic tools:1. Power Plant:

a. 5,000 to 10,500 lbs. Pressureb. Vegetable oil – biodegradablec. Single-phase: One tool at a time, may have 2 connectionsd. Bi-phase: Two tools at once e. Tri-phase: Three tools at oncef. Quad-phase: Four tools at once

2. Spreaders3. Cutters4. Combination5. Rams6. Pedal cutters


Specialty Pumps

1. Air Powered, Hydraulic Driven• 125 psi

2. Air/Hydraulic• 10.500 psi

3. Slower action time than gas or Diesel units• Can be used indoors, lightweight


Pump Stages

1. Single Stage:.a Slower reaction time for opening & closing

2. Two-stage pump:.a Quick reaction time opening and closing.b Remember: WAIT for it!


The types of hydraulic tools:• Spreaders• Cutters• Combination• Rams• Pedal cutters



PRESENTATIONPRESENTATION 60 Minutes60 Minutes

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The types of pneumatic (air) tools:1. Chisel2. Air pillows (bags)

a. High Pressure (app. 180 psi)i. 1” thick, 2 – 20” lift, stackable

b. Low Pressure (app 7.5 psi)i. 1.2 - 4” thick, 43” lift, not stackable

Some types of traditionally hydraulic style rescue tools can instead be ran pneumatically


The types of electric tools:1. Reciprocating saw (Saws-all)

a. Two typesi. AC

ii. DCb. Minimum Power:

i. 9 AMPS orii. 24 Volts


2. Reciprocating Saw Bladesa. Variety

i. Metal Cuttingii. Demolition

b. Thicknessesi. 0.50”

ii. 0.62”3. Grinder4. Drill5. Router6. Some types of traditionally hydraulic style rescue tools can instead

be ran electrically


Types of Horizontal stabilization tools:• Rescue 42• Res-Q-Jack• Quik Strut• 4 x 4 wood• *To be used at 50 – 70 degree angle, but don’t waste time• Also used for tension buttress


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And what about the Plasma and SLICE cutters?• Plasma:

o A constricted cutting arc is created by this machine. A high velocity jet of ionized gas removes molten material from the application.

o Use on conductive metal less than 1” thick and requires compressed air and 110 electricity to operate

PowerPoint Slides – 243

• SLICE:oCuts, burns or pierces virtually any metallic, non-metallic

or composite material about 3” thick and requires oxygen and 12 volts to operate.


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Starting and operating procedures for the Bi-phase hydraulic power plant:1. Check fuel (straight gas, no mix)2. Check hydraulic oil. If there is not enough, the power plant will

not operate the tools correctly3. Check motor oil4. Turn fuel switch counter-clockwise to open5. Push red lever to choke, pull on cord6. Push choke lever back to FAST once engine starts7. Check fuel (mix, 40:1)8. Check hydraulic oil. If there is not enough, the power plant will

not operate the tools correctly9. Turn fuel switch counter-clockwise to open10. Turn red button to “on”11. Push choke lever.…..

How to hook up the hydraulic cables and tools:1. Be careful not to put the ends of the hoses in dirt2. Do not loose the caps

Do not try to connect two hoses together (2 – 75’ & 1 – 100’)

PowerPoint slides showing the Orientation to Hand, Electric, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools.

Each learner puts into operation each piece of equipment according to the listed procedure under the supervision of the instructor.



Each learner individually using evaluation sheets 1-3:1, 1-3:2 and 1-3:3

Written test for SECTION 3 – Orientation to Hand, Electric, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools after doing practical exam. The learners have 20 minutes to complete the test and will hand them in for instructor grading



EVALUATIONEVALUATION 20 Minutes 20 Minutes

Present Objective 5

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Practical applications of vehicle extrication: gaining access.

3. Given a scenario, a team of 3 – 6 firefighters, the appropriate tools and vehicle(s), the student shall be able to complete objectives 1 – 4 and demonstrate the appropriate techniques for gaining access to a trapped patient in a car, so that the learner will be able to pass task sheets #1-1.1 to 5-1.1 with 100% accuracy.

Carbusters Videos 1, 2, 5.

While it is possible to give a PPT presentation on how to gain access to vehicles, I find it better to use video. Most of the list of items below are some “points of interest” taken from Ron Moore’s student handbook and are to be considered as reminders when doing the practical application portion of Section #5. The PPT program that goes with Section 5 does have the pictures needed to teach most of this portion if video is not an option.

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1. removal of patients and components from damaged vehicle lightens vehicle

2. 4-door vehicle glass, doors, B-pillar, and roof removal = 350+ pounds of weight

3. tire deflation-• valve stem removal• valve stem cutting • tire chuck air removal• valve core removal

PowerPoint slides that will walk you through the techniques of gaining access.

1. Windshield laminated glass removal2. Vehicle on 4-wheels, stand-alone evolution

.a shaving crème application

.b all edges of windshield cut for total removal

.c Windshield shards may pose health risk. Consider using masks when cutting glass.

3. Vehicle on 4-wheels, combined w/ roof removala. lower edge cut from A-pillar to A-pillar along defroster

area of dash


SECTION 5 – SECTION 5 – Techniques of Gaining AccessTechniques of Gaining Access

PRESENTATIONPRESENTATION 1.5 Hours 1.5 Hours

Explain 1. Door-a. door setup techniquesb. forcible entry tools, door squeeze, squeeze fender,

window squeezec. force door at latch, hardtopd. downward and outward actione. force door at latch, "convertible"f. no roof structure to stiffen B-pillarg. force door at latch, vehicle rolloverh. upside down work, window frame removal to minimize

ground contacti. force door at hinge, "loaded" side impact airbag in doorj. force or cut off hingesk. "vertical crush" evolutionl. move door down and out, away from patientm. force top-side door, vehicle on edgen. work area elevated 8' off groundo. deactivate safety lock & latch assemblyp. cutting and disconnecting of cog mechanisms inside safety

latch assemblyq. widen doorr. steady brute force, pulling tools. remove doort. cut or spread at hingesu. sever wiring harnessv. door placement in debris pile


1. Sidewall evolutions-a. seatbelt pre-tensioner identificationb. remove interior roof pillar trim panels for visual inspection

i. total sidewall removal with doors attached to B-pillarfront door open at hinges, rear door open at latch, B-pillar cut & rolled out

ii. "double-wide" door opening on front door hingesrear door open at latch, B-pillar cut top & bottom, sidewall open on hinges of front

iii. 3-door conversiontotal sidewall removal on 2-door vehicle

2. Roof evolutions-a. vehicle on 4-wheels, roof flip, flap, or flopb. roof panel flapping difficult with power sunroof featurec. vehicle on 4-wheels, total roof removal, C-B-A cutd. begin cutting rear pillars and work forward e. vehicle on edge, C-B-A cutf. cut high side pillars at roof rail to avoid pillars wheng. roof is peeled downh. vehicle on roof, total roof removali. cut roof pillars on one side at roof rail, other side cutj. along door edge

3. Pedal-a. move pedal

i. side movement, lifting movementb. remove pedal

i. cut through steel shaft of brake or clutch pedal by cutting and sawing

4. Steering wheel-a. remove steering wheel ring/spokes (driver's airbag

i. equipped)b. avoid tool/personnel entering 10" airbag inflation zone c. cut wheel or spokes and bend away from patient

5. Steering column-a. move steering column

i. pull columnii. push column

iii. lift column

b. remove steering columni. cut at tilt joint/ knuckle joint if present

ii. saw through column from bottom side while applying pull from top side


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6. Dash-7. move dash, "roll" dash

• diagonal push/spread action

8. move dash, "jack" dash• remove door• squeeze fender over wheel well• cut Upper Rail• cut A-pillar between hinges• crib under A-pillar• vertical lift of dash and firewall

9. Front seat-• remove back of front seat

o cut/disconnect at hinges

• total front seat removalo remove from floor assembly

• rear seat bench removalo simulation of access to Buick Park Ave/Olds

Aurora rear seat batteries

• Fender Hinge Cut



That student will be evaluated by completing practical stations in groups taught by assistant instructors to the skill satisfaction of the assistant instructors.

Have assistant instructors evaluate the learners individually by using the knowledge of the assistant instructor


APPLICATIONAPPLICATIONEVALUATIONEVALUATION



PresentObjective #6

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Overview of vehicle extrication involving school & transit buses: gaining access.


Types of buses commonly dealt with:Gaining access of:

• School buses• Transit buses


School Buses:1. The tools you should use:

a. Hydraulic Cuttersi. For I-beams, u-channel

b. Rescue Air Chiseli. For rivets

ii. Sheet metal2. Others?

Speed: Simpler, uniform construction offers a faster access time


Transit BusesThe tools you should use:

1. Everything you have!2. Rescue Air Chisel: Not much help. The plastic or aluminum skin

was glued to the framing. This hampered accessing the beams that needed to be cut.

a. Newer school buses may be this way


3. Reciprocating Saw:a. Used heavily but kept bending bladesb. Slow – angled tubular steel posses problems

4. Hydraulics:a. Necessary for cutting the tubular reinforcement beams, but

is not the only tool to do the trick

Speed: Possibly much slower.1. Tubular reinforcement beams were more difficult to cut, plus

glued panels made accessing them difficult.


SECTION 6 – SECTION 6 – BusesBuses

PRESENTATIONPRESENTATION 20 Minutes20 Minutes

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Conclusion:• Learning how to use all of your tools to their best capabilities and

being proficient at gaining access to civilian vehicles will help you overcome the diversities of bus construction.

• Adapt, improvise and overcome

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AIRBAGSAirbags were first introduced in the early 1970s, and became mandatory in the mid to late 1980s in order to meet requirements for Supplemental Restraint Systems. When first introduced, airbags were designed to protect only the driver in a frontal crash in conjunction with the seatbelt, today's seatbelts go far beyond that protective level.

AIRLIFTSAirlifts are installed in the rear of vehicles to increase carrying capacity. They are also installed in customized vehicles in order to allow a vehicle that has been "lowered" to be temporarily raised when required. Airlifts are compressed air cylinders, which may explode in fires. Vehicles with airlifts may suddenly drop up to eight inches if the air line ruptures or is severed.

AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS Automatic door locks are now standard on many vehicles and are being added to many more in an attempt to prevent vehicle theft, hijacking, or ejection of occupants. Vehicle doors will automatically lock when a designated speed (around 15kmh) is reached. On some vehicles the doors will automatically unlock when the ignition is turned off, or the battery is disconnected, others remain locked.

AUTOMATIC ROLL BARS (ROPS) Automatic roll bars are now housed in the back of the front seats of some convertibles, these devices automatically deploy upward in rollover accidents in order to prevent crushing of the occupants. Rescuers must be aware of the possibility of these devices being present in newer convertibles. Seat relocation maneuvers in some rescue activities could inadvertently deploy the automatic roll bars, causing serious injuries.

Battery Locations Traditionally, a battery is located in the engine compartment, where rescuers may quickly locate and disconnect it. With the advent of maintenance-free batteries and lack of space in today's vehicles, batteries can be found anywhere in the vehicle, and in some cases they may be obstructed from view. Batteries in the engine compartment may be located under the air filter or the washer reservoir, in the corners under braces, or in the wheel well. Have you taken yourfront tire off to check your battery? Besides the engine compartment, rescuers may find batteries under the driver's seat, under the rear seat, or inside the trunk. Rescuers need to totally shut down the electrical system in order to avoid accidental deployment of airbags. Batteries that are not readily accessible under the hood or in the trunk will delay rescue. When vehicles with the battery located in the passenger area are in an accident, risky extrication methods must be undertaken to gain access before the battery can be disconnected, both rescuer and occupant safety are jeopardized. Keep out of the airbag travel zone.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) As with LPG, CNG-fuelled vehicles are a mix of manufactured and converted vehicles: mostly light trucks, buses, cars and taxicabs.

CapacitorsWhen airbags were first introduced, manufacturers quickly became aware of a problem of batteries being destroyed before the airbags had deployed. A new device called a capacitor was introduced to provide a back-up power source. Disconnecting the battery (ies) no longer fully de-energizes the electrical system that is utilized for airbag deployment. Initially capacitors held an electrical charge for up to 30 minutes, and many vehicles on the road today still have this type of capacitor, but the capacitors on most late model vehicles will release their charge in three minutes or less.


SECTION 7 – SECTION 7 – Definitions/Glossary Definitions/Glossary

Curtain Head Impact Airbags In an attempt to reduce lateral movement of the head in side impact accidents, the curtain type head impact airbag has been introduced in some high-end cars. These airbags extend along the full side of the vehicle, and deploy downward approximately 15 inches from the interior roof rail, covering the side windows.

Door-Mounted Side Impact Airbags Another variation of the side impact airbag is the door-mounted version. These airbags are unlike the varieties listed above, and do not extend over the windows, but are also designed to prevent lateral movement of the body.

Dual Batteries Heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses have traditionally had multiple batteries, but more light-duty vehicles and cars than ever before are now being equipped with multiple batteries. Increased demand for electricity in vehicles for high-powered sound systems, air conditioning, daytime running lights, cell phones, video players, laptop computers and portable fax machines have made dual batteries a necessity. Unlike most heavy-duty vehicles, which usually have their batteries together, car and light-duty vehicles with multiple batteries may have them installed in different locations. Additional batteries are normally installed after the vehicle manufacture, and are put wherever space can be found. Rescuers must consider the possibility of multiple batteries in any vehicle, and must ensure that after disconnecting a battery that all electrical systems are dead. Vehicle models which may not normally have dual batteries, but which have had additions such as large sound systems and offices added, may have been retrofitted with a second battery not readily visible.

Dual Stage Inflators The latest development in airbags is dual stage inflation bags. These bags may deploy at different levels based upon a number of variables, which sensors detect, such as passenger size and position, seat belt usage and crash severity. Dual stage inflation charges vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and vary from 50/50 to 70/30. Some designs automatically deploy both phases, a millisecond apart, while others may deploy only one phase under certain conditions.

Electric Vehicles A number of vehicles powered by electricity (batteries) are now available. The fuel system on these vehicles does not have the same explosive threat of other fuel systems but the potential for toxic vapors and other hazards such as battery acid is much higher, particularly in a fire situation. Rescuers must not become complacent that electrical systems are low powered and not hazardous. The voltage on electric vehicles can run as high as 300 volts and can result in electrocution. The batteries of some of these vehicles contain a gel, which should be considered more toxic than battery acid, as it adheres to the skin and continues to burn until fully washed off or neutralized.

Frontal Airbags Frontal airbags are designed to deploy in frontal and near frontal crashes (off-set frontal) to protect the driver and front seat passenger. These airbags are normally housed in the steering wheel, and in the dashboard on the passenger side. Most vehicles have a number of sensors that detect the rapid deceleration, and deliver an electrical charge to the inflator module. Airbag inflation time ranges from .012 seconds to .05 seconds. Airbags immediately begin to deflate upon full deployment.

GAS STRUTS Gas struts have been in vehicles for many years in various locations, they are commonly found in shock absorbing bumpers, as well as hood, hatchback and trunk lid supports. Gas struts may explode in fire situations and may expel part of the "ram" portion if cut while under pressure. They can also cause a hood, hatchback or trunk lid to unexpectedly fly open when it is being forced.


Gasoline - Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) Ethanol is added to gasoline to oxygenate it and enhance vehicle performance and reduce vehicle emissions. The normal amount added is 10% so it should pose no more of a threat than gasoline does at an accident scene.

Head/Thorax Side Impact Airbags Unlike most other airbags, the head/thorax side impact airbag deploys from the side seam of the seat. This airbag deploys upward to cover the entire side of the door and window opening up to the roof rail. There are other similar bags that do not deploy as high and therefore only provide protection to the body, but not the head.

High Pressure Rescue Pillows/BagsBags that are approximately 1” thick that can be placed under items that needs to be lifted. They operate at pressures of approximately 180 psi and can be stacked to manufacturers recommendations. Lift is usually limited from 2 to approximately20 inches.

Horizontal StabilizationPreventing the vehicle from rolling or sliding across the horizon. E-Brakes, cribbing in front and behind tires and placing the vehicle in park or in gear (for manual transmissions with the engine off) are good for this.

HPSHead Protection System

Hybrid Vehicles Many feel that this is the car of the future as it utilizes electricity and gasoline. This vehicle uses a regenerative braking system that constantly charges the batteries when braking, in this way they do not require an outside power source. The challenge for the rescuer, with this vehicle design, is that it has all of the safety features of a normal vehicle and the hazards of both the electric and the gasoline vehicles. These vehicles have two operating power systems and in some accidents only one may be disabled, thereby allowing the other to engage or disengage unexpectedly.

Knee Airbags Knee airbags were introduced in one product line in the late 1990s, with other manufacturers expected to follow this lead in the near future. These airbags are designed to prevent front seat occupants from "torpedoing" forward under the dash in a frontal accident. The airbags run across the vehicle under the dash and steering column and extend down approximately five inches when deployed.

Laminated Side and Rear Windows In an effort to reduce vehicle thefts, theft of vehicle contents, and occupant ejection, laminated side and rear glass is becoming more popular. This glass known as Enhanced Protective Glass (EPG) has been used in vehicle windshields for over 60 years.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG or Propane) Some vehicles are manufactured to burn LPG or propane, while others have been converted. Most vehicles fueled by LPG or propane are fleet-owned, but there are many vehicles owned by private citizens that have been converted to use this fuel.

Low Pressure Rescue Pillows/BagsBags that are approximately 1.2. - 2 - 4” thick that can be placed under items that needs to be lifted. They operate at pressures of approximately 7.5 psi and can be stacked to manufacturers recommendations. Lift is


usually limited from 17 to 43 inches.

Methanol (methyl alcohol) Methanol fuel systems are not widely used but are out there and should be treated with caution. It is harmful if it is absorbed through the skin or inhaled, structural firefighters clothing is not recommended for protection.

Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)Currently in some Honda vehicles, this side-occupant detection system will not deploy if the seat sensors find that you are leaning against it.

Polycarbonate Windows (Lexan) Polycarbonate windshields, side and rear windows are now being introduced in some high- end vehicles in an attempt to reduce vehicle weight and improve occupant safety. The strength of polycarbonate windows provides manufactures with opportunities and freedom in designs that were not previously available. Polycarbonate glazing is fast becoming a major structural component in many vehicles providing not only glazing, but also vehicle body strength.

Roll Over Protection System (ROPS)Automatic roll bars are now housed in the back of the front seats of some convertibles, these devices automatically deploy upward in rollover accidents in order to prevent crushing of the occupants. Rescuers must be aware of the possibility of these devices being present in newer convertibles. Seat relocation maneuvers in some rescue activities could inadvertently deploy the automatic roll bars, causing serious injuries.

SATELITE TRACKING SYSTEMS Satellite tracking systems are now becoming available on some vehicle lines. These systems automatically report to a control centre when an airbag is deployed, or may be used by the driver to call for assistance in emergency situations. The control centre notifies the appropriate response agency to respond to the incident. Fire departments, police, ambulance and rescue societies are traditionally dispatched to a street address, however they may now be only provided with map coordinates. Response agencies must be readily able to translate map coordinates into a street location in order to affect a timely response.

SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERS Airbags are designed to work in conjunction with seat belts; however the explosive force with which airbags deploy can cause severe injuries if the vehicle occupant is not in the correct position. Many of today's vehicles are equipped with seat belt pre-tensioners to automatically tighten seatbelts, and thereby ensure the occupants are in the proper position before the airbag deployment. Pre-tensioners are powered by one of two sources, a pyrotechnical/mechanical device or electrical activation. Mechanical/pyrotechnical pre-tensioners remain active even when the entire electrical system is deactivated. Seatbelt pre-tensioning systems may be accidentally deployed while cutting a post or working around the seatbelt buckle. Remove the interior trim before cutting the seatbelt anchor post to see what is under it and keep in mind that a pre-tensioner is an explosive device. The seatbelt buckle type of pre-tensioner pulls on the buckle by means of a small cable. Keep your fingers clear. Anytime the pre-tensioners deploy, the seatbelt may tighten to the extent it is uncomfortable. This puts pressure on the patient's chest, and when combined with being forcefully hit by the airbag, may be mistaken for a more serious injury.

Security SystemsThe high incidence of vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles has caused some owners to devise ingenious devices to prevent these thefts. Two of these systems, which could prove dangerous to rescuers, are a high voltage electrical system, which shocks anyone who touches the vehicle, and a flamethrower, which expels


high-powered flames along the lower rocker panels when activated.

SIPSSupplemental Inflatable Protection System

SIRSupplemental Inflatable Restraint

Stabilization LeaderA firefighter whose primary job is to mind scene, emergency responder and firefighter safety by ensuring that all of the details of scene safety, stabilization and passive safety device location are tended to. Usually one of the first onscene.

Tension Buttress StabilizationPreventing the vehicle from rolling or sliding across the horizon. Usually adjustable and 3 to 8 feet in length used to keep a car on it’s side from falling over or stabilizing it on uneven terrain. Struts can supply both horizontal and vertical stabilization as well as the ability to lift.

Tubular Head Impact Airbags The principal behind this type of head impact bag is the same as the curtain design above. The tubular head impact bag deploys downward and forward from the centre post at the roof rail and runs across the window partially covering it.

VEHICLE GLAZING Vehicle glazing is a very integral part of today's car design and is critical in helping to absorb and distribute the load generated by a vehicle accident. Changes in the use of glazing material in car designs have only started, with much more to follow. Present safety glass in rear and side windows is easy and quick for rescuers to remove with limited movement of the vehicle and little risk to vehicle occupants. Traditionally, rescuers quickly insert a medical aid member through a side or rear window to assess and stabilize the occupants, and to advise the rescuers on the effect the rescue efforts are having on the patient. Laminated glass will require sawing or some other form of cutting before anyone can be inserted into the vehicle. Lexan windows are not readily breached or removed, and therefore extrication must be initiated to either remove the window or open the door without the benefit of a medical aid member inside the vehicle. These new glazing methods are designed to provide greater occupant safety, but will delay rescue and may cause rescuers to commence rescue operations without a full assessment of the patient's condition.

VEHICLE OWNER MODIFICATIONS Rescuers should be aware that some modifications made by vehicle owners, could be dangerous to them.

Vertical StabilizationPreventing the vehicle from bouncing up and down on its springs. Step chocks and stacked cribbing under the car are good for this.


1-1.1 VEHICLE STABILIZATION Evaluation Sheet: 1-1.1Standard Area: Motor Vehicle Accident Scene

Candidate: Date: SS#:

SECTION: 1-1.1NFPA

TASK: Stabilize a vehicle at an accident scene

PERFORMANCE OUTCOME:

CONDITIONS: Given a scenario and the appropriate tools and equipment, the candidate shall demonstrate the ability to:

NO. TASK STEPSFIRST TEST RETEST

Pass Fail Pass Fail

STABILIZATION

1. Ensures scene safety

2. Stabilize the vehicle

3. Turns off the ignition

4. Position patient(s) seat

BATTERY

5. Checks all battery locations

6. Disconnects battery cable

7. Becomes a safety officer if one has not been established

AIRBAGS/PRETENSIONERS

8. Locates and marks pretensioners

9. Locates and marks airbags

RETEST

APPROVED BY: RETEST

EVALUATOR:

Evaluator/Candidate Comments:

Evaluator (Print & Sign) Date Candidate Date

Re-Test Evaluator Date Re-Test Candidate Date

Section 1: Scene Safety, Size-up and Vehicle StabilizationSection 1: Scene Safety, Size-up and Vehicle Stabilization


Written QuizWritten QuizName: _______________________________________ Date: ________________ Score:Name: _______________________________________ Date: ________________ Score:

________________________

Please circle the best answer.

1. Of the following choices, what should be your first consideration when arriving first onscene of a motor vehicle accident with a rescue vehicle?

a. Making contact with injured parties.b. Parking your apparatus in a safe location as close to the scene as possible.c. Park as close to the scene as possible so your equipment is readily available.d. Always avoid parking on skid marks. They are used as evidence by the law enforcement.

2. Where can you find the location of a car battery?a. Under the hood.b. In the trunk.c. Under the back seat.d. All of the above.

3. True or False: There may be more than one ground or positive wire connecting the battery to the car.a. Trueb. False

4. What may happen if you do not deflate vehicles tires to rest the body onto stabilization chocks?a. The vehicle may vibrate too much when you use the reciprocating saw.b. When the vehicle experiences any weight loss, it may lift off of the chocks and become unstable.c. Extrication of the patient may be more difficult because the car is resting up too high.d. Nothing.

5. What is the job of the stabilization leader once the vehicle has been stabilized, the battery has been cut and all undeployed airbags and pre-tensioners have been located?

a. Immediately climb inside and stabilize the victims head.b. Report to the Paramedics for your next assignment.c. Replaced all unused stabilization equipment back into the rescue unit.d. Become the Incident Safety Officer if one has not already been appointed.

6. Which of the following tools are carried in the stabilization pack?a. Cable Cutters, Scissors, Terminal Wrench, Marking Tape, A Ratchet & Sockets.b. Cable Cutters, Scissors, Terminal Wrench, Marking Tape, An Egg Timer.c. Cable Cutters, A Whistle, Terminal Wrench, Screw Drivers, A Ratchet & Sockets.d. Cable Cutters, Scissors, Terminal Wrench, Marking Tape, A Slim Jim.

7. If you first locate the cars battery under the hood, is it still a good idea to open and check in the trunk?a. Yesb. No


8. Which procedure is in the appropriate order:a. Turn off the engine, cut or disconnect the positive battery cable followed by the negative and

finally move the electrical seats back.b. Move the electrical seats back, cut or disconnect the positive battery cable followed by the

negative cable and then turn off the engine.c. Turn off the engine, move the electrical seats back, and then cut or disconnect the negative

battery cable followed by the positive cable.d. Turn off the engine, cut or disconnect the negative battery cable followed by the positive cable

and then move the electrical seats back.

9. To stabilize a vehicle involved in an accident, it is OK to tie it off to:a. Fire apparatus.b. Other vehicles involved in the accident.c. Large trees.d. All of the above.

10. When giving your scene size-up, you should always:a. Request that incoming units close off the road.b. Request Puget Power.c. Advise incoming units of how many vehicles are involved and if any parts of the roadway are

blocked.d. All of the above.


TECHNICIAN AIRBAG QUIZ:

1. Airbags are designed as a _____________ safety system for use in combination with seat belts.a. Primaryb. Supplementaryc. Secondaryd. Tertiary

2. _______________ safety features help drivers prevent accidents.a. Activeb. Dynamicc. Passived. Static

3. The airbag control module deploys the front airbags and pyrotechnic seat belts in _____________ or near ______________ collisions within an angle of about 60 degrees.a. side-impact, side-impactb. rear-end, rear-endc. head-on, head-ond. three-quarter front impact

4. Whether or not an airbag deploys during a collision depends on the vehicle’s ______________.a. speedb. sizec. direction of movementd. change in velocity

5. What would most likely cause an airbag to deploy?a. a potholeb. a curbc. a walld. a cat

6. Airbags can also deploy when the change in velocity is ____________ instead of deceleration.a. slowing downb. crossing the center linec. skidding sidewaysd. acceleration

7. What is an example of change in velocity that is acceleration?a. Vehicle backing into an objectb. Vehicle moving forwardc. Vehicle hitting a parked card. Vehicle hit while standing still

8. Do not install ______________ on vehicle equipped with side airbagsa. Aftermarket seat coversb. Luggage racksc. Trailer hitchesd. Bumper stickers


9. Do not deploy airbag and pyrotechnic seat belts ________________.a. in a parking lotb. in the vehiclec. while wearing cottond. while wearing gloves

10 . Early model mechanical and later model electrical seat belt tensioners are not ________________.a. interchangeableb. deployablec. replaceabled. moveable

11. After deployment of a driver airbag, the airbag control module must be ______________.a. repairedb. recalibratedc. replacedd. disconnected

12. When the detonator fires an igniter, solid propellant contained in the airbag begins to burn, producing _________________.a. argon gasb. nitrogen gasc. sodium azided. potassium nitrate

13. All male airbag and pyrotechnic seat belt wiring harness connectors that attach to the vehicle harness have a ___________ that connects both terminals together when the harness connector is disconnected.a. short circuit bridgeb. protruding wirec. capacitor connectiond. circuitry switch

14. Front passenger airbags are vented using: a. Porous fabric sectionsb. large discharge points’c. Nylon coated ventsd. A filter screen

15. _____________ help prevent the front passenger from sliding beneath the dash panel during a front impact.a. Knee bagsb. Airbagsc. Headrestsd. Crumple zones


16. The _____________ from the control module does the following during front or side impact airbag deployment: unlocks the doors, switches on the interior lights, and shuts off the fuel pump relay. a. warning lightb. crash signalc. collision alarmd. impact sensor

17. Why does the side curtain airbag stay inflated for a longer period of time than the side airbag?a. To hold the occupants head in placeb. To protect occupants in the event of a rear-end collisionc. To keep occupants from movingd. To protect occupants in the event of a roll-over after the collision

18. Each of the ___________ operates independently of the other, and is designed to respond to lateral forces only.a. front crash sensorsb. side crash sensorsc. rear crash sensorsd. overhead crash sensors

19. After a crash signal has been sent, the enginea. can be started immediatelyb. cannot be restartedc. can be started after five minutesd. can be re-started after fault memory has been cleared

20. The rear pyrotechnic seat belt is equivalent to: a. a mechanical ball-type tensionerb. a tube-type tensionerc. a miniature rotary engined. an electrical ball-type tensioner


Handout A: Air Bag Deactivation Times


Acura

Integra (MY 87-94) -1.5 min.

(MY 95-97) - 3 min.

Legend (MY 87-88) - 15 sec.

(MY 89-92) - 30 sec.

(MY 93-94) - 2 min.

(MY 95-97) - 3 min.

LegendCoupe LS

(MY 91) - 2 min.

(MY 92) - 30 sec.

(MY 93-94) - 2 min.

(MY 95-97) - 3 min.

Sedan STD (MY 94) - 2 min.

(MY 95-97) - 3 min.

NSX (MY 91-92) - 30 sec.

(MY 93-94) - 90 sec.

(MY 95-97) - 3 min.

Vigor LS (MY 92-94) - 30 sec.

(MY 95-97) - 3 min.

Vigor GS (MY 93-94) - 90 sec.

(M 95-97) - 3 min.

SLX (MY 96-97) - 15 sec.

Audi

(MY 89-95) - 10 sec.

(MY 96-97) - 3 sec.

Bentley and Rolls Royce

(MY 90-93) - 30 min.

(MY 94-97) - 6 min.

BMW

(MY 86-93 and MY 94 for the '7-Carline') -20 min.

Hyundai

(MY 94-97) - 30 sec.

Isuzu

Impulse and Stylus

(MY 89-94) - 10 min.

Rodeo (MY 89-97) - 15 sec.

Trooper (MY 89-95) - 2 min.

(MY 96-97) - 15 sec.

Jaguar

XJS (Up to MY 96) - Mechanical air bags

(MY 97) - 60 sec.

Sedan Models (MY 89-97) - 60 sec.

X100 (MY 95-97) - 60 sec.

Jeep and Eagle

Grand Cherokee(Laredo)

(MY 89-94) - 2 min.

(MY 95-96) - 90 sec.

(MY 97) - 15 sec.

Cherokee and Wrangler

(MY 89-94) - 2 min.

(MY 95-96) - NA

(MY 97) - 15 sec.

Vision (MY 89-94) - 2 min.

(MY 95-97) - 90 sec.

Land Rover

(MY 94-97) - 10 min.

Lincoln

(MY 1985-89) - 0 sec.

(MY 90) - 15 sec.

(MY 91-97) - 1 min.

Mazda

MX-5 (MY 95-97) - 10 min.


Airbag Handout B

RONALD E. MOOREUniversity of Extrication Editor

At crash scenes, any undeployed airbag is commonly referred to as a "loaded" bag. We know from real-world experiences of fellow rescuers that loaded airbags can be deployed unintentionally by the actions that we take as a vehicle is pried and cut open. If a loaded side airbag were to deploy during an extrication, for example, the inflated bag could strike and injure a responder or suddenly inflate against a patient at a critical moment. As emergency responders, the quick visual scanning of a vehicle to determine that front and side-impact airbags are present within the crashed vehicle is critical. Responders not only must visually locate the airbags, they must determine if the bag is deployed or loaded.

Airbag LocationsBefore we explain a recommended procedure to use to identify where airbags are, let's review possible airbag locations. Airbags can be found at the driver's steering column, below the column at the driver's knees, in the dash on the passenger's side, at the passengers knees, in the driver and passenger-side front doors, within the outer edges of the driver and passenger's front seats, in the driver and front passenger roofline/A- and C-pillar area and, for rear-seat occupants, along the outboard edges of the rear passenger seats or rear doors on both sides of the vehicle. Just think Ð if it were possible for one vehicle to have an airbag in every possible location, we'd encounter 15 16 different bags! If they all deployed at once, the occupants would feel like they're in a bag of marshmallows during the crash.

Airbag ID LocationsThrough the 1999 model year, it has held true that every airbag in a vehicle is indicated by the appropriate airbag ID. Remember, our goal is to quickly look for these airbag IDs as we size-up the collision vehicles. Potential places to look within a vehicle where you may find an airbag ID includes:• Steering wheel horn button area (driver's front airbag systems).• Front dash near the glove compartment (passenger front airbag


systems).• Dash below the driver's knees (Kia's knee airbag).• In armrest area of front or rear door panels (door-mounted side-impact airbags).• Outer edges of front or rear seats (seat-mounted side impact airbags).• Top of A-pillar (BMW's Head Protection System side-impact airbags).• B-pillar (good location for factory-installed adhesive airbag advisory labels).• C-pillar (Audi's side-impact airbag system in rear seats).• VIN plate along the driver's side of the dash at windshield (frontal and side- impact airbag systems).

Airbag ScanningThis new process of scanning for airbag IDs allows the rescuer to follow a systematic method of looking for and locating airbag IDs as well as the individual airbags themselves. Similar to an EMS responder learning to conduct a primary and secondary survey of a patient, airbag scanning allows the responding firefighter, EMS provider or extrication technician the ability to survey the vehicle without fear of missing any critical IDs in the process.

As you quickly scan the vehicle to determine if airbags are present, remember the location and status of each airbag as it is pinpointed. Always complete a full scan regardless of the discovery of airbags at any one location. In a real-world crash response, airbag scanning begins after it is determined that it is safe to work around, touch and enter the crashed vehicle. For our training purposes, we will learn how to scan on a late-model vehicle that has not been involved in a crash scenario. This allows us to focus exclusively on the steps required to master this new skill.

These protocols are written for a four-door sedan situated on level ground. (The sales lot or showroom of a new car dealership is an excellent location for this training.) Once you become comfortable with airbag scanning, the procedure can be applied to vehicles other than sedans and can be used successfully at real-world responses as well.

Procedural Guide for Airbag Scanning:Front & Roofline

• 1. Approach the selected training vehicle from the driver's side:– a. Open driver's front door.– b. Inspect edge of driver's door near Nader latch mechanism (look for factory-applied adhesive airbag system decals). Figure #1 in Diagram– c. Inspect inside of door trim panels along armrest for "SRS" letters imprinted in material (indicates presence of door-mounted side-impact airbags). Figure #2– d. Visually scan outside edge of seatback, starting at top headrest area and scanning to bottom hinge area (search for seat-mounted side-impact airbags). Figure #3– e. Scan lower edge of seat cushion and seat trim material beginning at hinge and progressing to front edge of seat. Figure #4– f. Scan along rocker channel (panel) and seat-adjustment track from front of seat edge back toward base of B-pillar. Figure #5– g. Scan B-pillar from bottom to roofline with special attention near latch/lock mechanism (common location for factory-applied adhesive airbag decals). Figure #6– h. Scan across vehicle to inside trim at top of A-pillar on opposite side of vehicle (BMW's Head Protection System "HPS" button at top of A-pillar). Figure #7– i. Scan from passenger's side to driver's side across dashboard and steering column (dual front driver and passenger airbags). Figure #8– j. At driver's instrument panel, look below column for possible knee-airbag system (Kia knee-airbag system). Figure #9– k. Scan along driver's side of dash along base of windshield area until VIN plate is located at base of left A-pillar. Figure #10– l. Scan VIN plate for airbag ID (SRS ID near VIN plate or small windshield decal). Figure #11


– m. Scanning is now complete for all front and front/side-impact airbag systems.– n. Note any deployed or loaded airbags discovered during scanning.

Procedural Guide For Airbag Scanning: RearNOTE: The only rear-seat side-impact airbag system currently available is provided in selected 1998 and 1999 model year Audi sedans. Audi rear-seat airbag ID labeling consists of a cloth tab sewn into seatback cushion and two-color adhesive labels applied to the C-pillar below the door-latch mechanism.

Complete rear airbag scanning procedures are introduced at this time in anticipation of future side impact airbag systems that may be installed in rear door, seat or roofline locations.

• 2. Move to rear door on the driver's side of the vehicle:– a. Open rear door.– b. Inspect edge of door near Nader latch mechanism (factory-applied adhesive side-impact airbag IDs).– c. Inspect inside of door trim panels along armrest for SRS letters imprinted in material.– d. Scan outside edge of seatback, starting at top and scanning to bottom hinge area (side-impact airbag IDs).– e. Scan lower edge of seat cushion and seat trim material beginning at hinge and progressing to front edge.– f. Scan along rocker channel (panel) from front of seat edge toward base of C-pillar.– g. Scan C-pillar from bottom to roofline with special attention near rear door latch/lock mechanism.– h. Scanning is complete for rear outboard passenger side-impact airbag systems.

RecommendationsUpon completion of airbag scanning, report your findings on the presence of airbags, their locations and their deployed or loaded status to your crew leader, operations officer, command and the EMS sector officer as described in your department's incident command guidelines. Practice this scanning sequence on a training vehicle until you can assure yourself that you are systematically looking at all possible airbag ID locations. Once comfortable and proficient in this process, full front and rear scanning should be completed within an elapsed time of 30 seconds.


Handout C: GM Air Bags & Pretensioners


vehicle rescue class

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