MVA Safety and
Principles of
Extrication
McLANE/BLACK LAKE FIRE DEPT
Presented by: Captain Casey Sobol
DRILL OUTLINE

Preparation
 Response
 Assessment
 Hazard Control
 Support Operations
 Gaining Access
 Emergency Care

Disentanglement
 Remove and Transfer
 Termination
Training Objective:
The student will demonstrate a basic understanding
of passenger vehicle extrication and the
associated tools and techniques through
participation in class discussion and practical
activities.
PREPARATION

Proper Training
 Proper Equipment for the conditions and
situation
RESPONSE TO THE
SCENE

Follow all Dept. response policies
 Remember, this is NOT your emergency.
You have been called to assist someone
else.
 If we can’t arrive safely, we are no help.
 Be preparing mentally enroute to the call.
SCENE ASSESSMENT
AND HIGHWAY
SAFETY

Warning on-coming traffic
– Set-up appropriate warning devices such as
flares, strobes, traffic cones well ahead of
accident scene


At least 400’ before the accident
Don’t use flares in cold, foggy conditions!!
– Request additional units if necessary

Protecting the Scene
– Park apparatus in a “defensive position”
– Your engine is the best road block
DON’T BECOME A VICTIM
Dozens of Firefighters and EMT’s die every
year across the U.S.A. while operating at
MVA’s.
 Never turn your back to on-coming traffic
 Always remain in radio contact with person
doing traffic control
 Always leave yourself a way out.

Scene Hazards

A 360 must be completed prior to any
other activities being performed.
– Downed Power Lines
– Unstable Structures and vehicles
– Hazardous Materials
– Other?
OTHER ASSESSMENT








Victims outside vehicles (ejection)
Hot and Cold zones around accident
Size-up before beginning activity
“READ THE WRECK”
Additional Resources?
Full protective equipment a must!!
Set-up Tool Staging Area (Engine Operator or per
dept. SOP’s)
Supplemental Safety Systems
Supplemental Restraint
Systems

Air Bags – Deployed or not? Location?
– Front Impact Bags – Do Not put yourself between
undeployed bag and patient.
– Side Impact Bags – Normally curtain type from ceiling
or side of seat mounted. Cylinder for systems normally
in A, B, or C post. Avoid!! Pull off trim to expose and
identify location before cutting.
– Rear seat bags – Newer high end cars.
– NO universal marking system. Most, however use
SRS, HPS, IC, SIPS, or “Airbag”.

Static Electricity can cause air bags to
deploy.
 Remember the 5-10-20 Rule:
– 5” away from side air bags
– 10” away from steering wheel air bags
– 20” away from front passenger air bags
Air Bag Deactivation Times – Cutting the
battery cables doesn’t always work! The
system can still hold a charge! Vary
depending upon make, model of vehicle.
Some older vehicles can hold a charge for
up to 20-30 minutes.
 Battery locations – Vary based upon make,
model. Batteries can now be found under
hood, in the trunk, in the wheel well, and
behind the rear seat.

Hybrid Vehicles
Avoid ORANGE wires – They are part of
the high voltage system!
 Turn off ignition and remove key to render
car safe.
 Remember, the SILENT CAR. It may be
running and can move even if you don’t
hear it!
 High voltage systems are very safe.

Seat Belt Pre Tensioning
Seat Belt Pre-Tensioner systems – Designed
to pull back seatbelt upon impact in
coordination with airbag system. A part of
the total SRS system.
 Normally found mid-height or near the floor
in the door post. Contains an explosive
charge similar to shotgun shell. Avoid
cutting into this as it may go off.

SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Lighting
– Scene
– Extrication Area
– Patient Assessment

Helicopter LZ – Review LZ set-up and
video (optional)
GAINING ACCESS
Hand Tools – Types of hand tools
 Power Tools - Types of Power tools
 Normal Means – Unlocked or open doors
and windows, “Try before you pry”
 Alternate Means – Front and rear windows,
locked doors and windows

EMERGENCY CARE

Patient Assessment – 90 second survey.
Determine ALS vs. BLS and Rapid
extrication vs. routine.
– Upgrade early, upgrade fast.
– MOI??

Coordination with extrication personnel
 Patient Immobilization
DISENTANGLEMENT

Coordinate with EMS personnel regarding
route of removal.
 STOP, LOOK, THINK, PLAN OF
ACTION, ACT

Disentanglement techniques
– Door Removal
– Roof opening and removal
– Seat Displacement
– Steering Wheel Cutting
– Steering Wheel Displacement
– Pedal Displacement
– Dash Roll-up
Remember,
when performing
extrication operations on
a vehicle, for every action,
there is a Reaction.
REMOVAL & TRANSFER

Assisting with Victim Removal
– Coordinated
– Be Prepared
– Good Communications
– Transfer of pt. Care
– Proper documentation and pictures (if possible)
TERMINATION OF
INCIDENT

Scene Clean-up
– Inventory equipment
– Check equipment function
– Place apparatus back in service
– Decon all equipment as necessary per
department SOP’s