Road Traffic Accident Procedures

Service Delivery 2

Introductory note

Whilst the theoretical input is to be presented in seven(7) separate sessions, the aims and learning outcomes, with the exception of Casualty Care, will be shown collectively.

Aim

To provide students with information to allow them to deal effectively and safely with Road Traffic Accidents, and apply the recognised extrication techniques at such incidents.

Learning Outcomes

• State the respective roles of the emergency services at a Road Traffic Accident (RTA)

• Describe the types of air and hand tools available

• Describe the types of hydraulic tools available

At the end of these sessions students will be able to:

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the procedures for using rescue tools

• Be aware of the safety considerations when using rescue tools

• State the procedures adopted to achieve scene safety

• Describe the principles and procedures of the ‘Team Approach’ method

Learning Outcomes

• List the basic components of vehicle construction

• Understand the principles of stabilisation

• Be aware of options and techniques of space creation.

• Understand the principles of glass management

Road Traffic Accident Procedures (1)

Role of Emergency Services

Air and Hand Tools.

Legal responsibilities

At any fire, the senior fire service officer shall have sole charge of fire fighting operations including positioning of appliances and equipment.

Fire Services Act 1947 Section 30

Legal responsibilities

Roles of Police and Fire Service at road traffic accidents …..

Fire Service Circular 13/1983

• However local liaison allows for arrangements where it is accepted that the fire service deals with any rescues,prevents fire and deals with any dangerous substances

• Whilst the police will control traffic and monitor scene safety.

• When both are in attendance the police will normally assume overall control of the incident

Ambulance Service

• Responsible for the treatment and care of any injured person

• This is a vital and often unrecognised responsibility that is increasing rapidly with the expanding skills of ambulance personnel.

Hand tools

Very often the simplest and least inexpensive items of rescue equipment can be the most effective, when used correctly, with confidence and occasionally imagination.

Hand tools

• Wood saws and hacksaws

• Crowbars and nail bars

• ‘Hooligan’ tool

• Wrenches,spanners and socket sets

• Screwdrivers and chisels.

Examples of hand tools carried on appliances;

Hand tools

Large axe, sledgehammer, hooligan bar and crowbar.

Hand tool uses

• Wood saw to cut laminated glass

• ‘Hooligan’ tool to open up shut lines

• Screwdriver or chisel to remove glazing rubbers

• Hacksaw blade to break toughened glass.

Air tools

• Air tools used by the Fire Service are nothing more than technically advanced hand tools

• They are the same tools that can be found in any engineering works or auto repair shop.

Advantages of air tools

When used in a rescue scenario they do have a number of distinct advantages;

• Speed of operation

• Greatly reduced effort by operator

• Generally allow better access in confined spaces

• Versatility of application.

Dynabrade disc cutter.

Dynabrade disc cutter

Specifications;

• Length 187mm

• Height 121mm

• Weight 1.2 Kg

• Air flow rate 26 to 30 L/Min

• Sound level 94 dBa maximum

• Operating speed 20 000 rpm

• Disc size 100mm diameter.

Dynabrade disc cutter

Operation;

• Connect tool to air supply

• Release safety catch

• Depress trigger and allow tool to build up to working speed

• Offer tool up to workpiece as near to 90 degrees as possible

• Do not apply unnecessary pressure when cutting.

Safety considerations

• Never ‘free run’ air tools

• Always wear eye protection and appropriate gloves

• Always ensure casualty is protected

• Disconnect from air supply when changing or setting up tools.

THE END