STUDY SHEET FOR HAZ MAT AND EXTRICATION

In both haz-mat and extrication situations the primary concern is safety. Scene size up is an on-going, continual process.

At a haz-mat site it is important to size up the scene from a distance. Stay back until you know it is safe to approach. Check the direction of the wind so that when you do get closer, you approach from upwind, being aware that the wind may shift at any time. Ambulances should carry the Hazardous materials: Emergency Response Guidebook. If the truck or tanker involved in a haz-mat spill has a placard on its side, that guidebook will help identify the material being carried.

At extrication scenes, there are many hazards, such as broken glass, sharp metal, spilled gasoline, and many others, that make personal protective equipment very necessary. Cribbing is often first used to stabilize the vehicle from movement. There are many tools to cut and pry a car apart. Before getting out the tools however, try the door. Often it can still be opened, which saves a lot of time getting to your patient. Remember, "try before you pry".

After gaining access to the patient, the patient's safety is of primary importance. Begin treatment of the trapped patient as soon as safe access is possible. Before moving the patient, be sure to check all extremities to make sure the patient is free, package the patient properly before moving, and get all your help into position and ready to make the move.

As an EMT, you may or may not be involved in the actual practice of extrication. That will depend on the way your department operates. But it is important that the EMT know general extrication procedures in order to incorporate them into the overall patient care plan.