Vehicle Stabilization

Vehicle Stabilization• Vehicles must always be stabilized

during extrication operations• Moving the vehicle with a patient

inside causes needless injury to both patient and/or rescuer

Vehicle Stabilization• Objectives

– Increase the number of contact points between vehicle and ground

– Secure well enough that vehicle movement is eliminated during extrication or patient treatment and removal

Vehicle Stabilization• Unstable positions

– On side– On roof– On embankments– One vehicle on top of another– Teetering on bridge– Rubble of a structure– On all four wheels

• Radial tires

Vehicle Stabilization• Cribbing

– Box cribbing– Step chocks– Wedges

• Others– Winches – Chains/ropes– Struts – Jacks

Sustained Access• After stabilization• Most common obstacle is glass

– Laminated• Windshield• Side windows

– Tempered• Side windows• Rear window

Breaking Glass• Safety precautions

– Wear protective gear with eye protection and gloves

– Cover the patient– Cover glass or place out of action

area– Keep your mouth closed– Respiratory protection if necessary

Breaking Glass• Tempered glass

– Spring-loaded center punch– Large flat screwdriver– Pick of a pry-axe– Antenna – Other sharp striking tools

Breaking Glass• Laminated glass

– Chop with a pry-axe– Glassmaster– Saws-all– Excaliber