Vehicle Rescue and Extrication (Fire Fighter I) © Monkey Business Images/ShutterStock, Inc. CHAPTER 26 Vehicle Rescue and Extrication (Fire Fighter I) 1

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the two types of motor vehicles. Describe a vehicle anatomy. Describe the four different types of alternative fuels that power motor vehicles. Describe the extrication tools that are used for accessing locked compartments in a motor vehicle. Describe how to gain access to a victim of a motor vehicle collision. 2

Introduction Beginning fire fighters must understand the process of extrication. Most fire departments are involved in some part of the extrication process. Members of special rescue teams should complete a course in rescue techniques. 3

Conventional Vehicles Most vehicles on the road Use internal combustion engines Burn gasoline or diesel fuel Hazards Fuel leaks Short circuits Battery acid leaks 4

Alternative-Powered Vehicles Powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane Cylinders usually in trunk Identified by CNG sticker Courtesy of DOE/NREL, Credit - Warren Gretz 5

Electric-Powered Vehicles Contains a large number of batteries Hazards posed by: Large amount of energy stored in batteries Potential electrical shorts 6

Hybrid Vehicles Battery-powered electric motors and a gasoline-powered engine Hazards are same as gas- and electric- powered vehicles. Fire fighters should become familiar with features. 7

Alternative-Powered Vehicles May be powered by four types of fuels: Blended liquid Compressed gases Electric and gas hybrid combination Fuel cells Crashes involve hazards not typically encountered. 8

Blended Liquid Fuel-Powered Vehicles Combination of gas and another flammable liquid Identified by placards or designations Crashes are handled the same manner as conventional vehicles 9

Compressed Gas-Powered Vehicle Three forms: Compressed natural gas (CNG) Liquefied natural gas (LNG) Liquefied petroleum gas (propane) Rescuers need to identify and mitigate hazards. 10

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Two separate systems to power drive train Fuel-driven power train Electric motor Components continue to change 11

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Crashes contain similar hazards as conventional vehicles. High-voltage battery packs located under/behind rear seats of trunk. Personal protective equipment may be required to disconnect or remove fuses. 12

Fuel Cell-Powered Vehicles Generate electricity though chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen gases to produce water Issues need to be worked out before fuel cell- powered vehicles are widely produced. 13

Responding to the Scene Safe response includes: Picking the best route of travel for the time of day Driving in a safe manner Knowing limits of your vehicle Keeping seatbelts fastened 14

Principles of Gaining Access and Disentangling the Victim Use these techniques Stabilize Bend, distort, or displace Cut or sever Disassemble 15

Tools Used in Extrication Stabilizing tools Cribbing Rescue lift air bags Step blocks High-lift jacks and stabilization jacks 16

Tools Used in Extrication Displacing, bending, distorting tools Hand tools, such as pry axe, short pry bars, long pry bars, hacksaws, screw drivers, hammers, and Halligan tools Power tools. such as hydraulic rams and hydraulic spreaders 17

Tools Used in Extrication Cutting tools Hand tools Axes Bolt and cable cutters Hacksaws Power tools Air chisels Rotary or reciprocating saws Hydraulic cutters 18

Tools Used in Extrication Tools for disassembling Same tools used for construction and repair Mechanic’s toolkit contains an assortment of wrenches and screwdrivers 19

Gaining Access to the Victim Open the door Easiest and simplest way to gain access Try all doors. Try the outside and inside handles at the same time if possible. 20

Terminating an Incident Includes removing the vehicle and equipment from the scene and ensuring it is left in a safe condition Return to the station and fully inventory, clean, service, and maintain all equipment Some items will need repair 21

Securing the Scene Law enforcement will secure the scene Vehicles will be removed by a tow agency Fluids spilled will be cleaned by towing agency Exception to procedure is a fatality 22

Summary Motor vehicle design is evolving. Alternative-powered vehicles may be powered by CNG, LNG, or propane. Electric-powered vehicles are powered by batteries. Hybrid vehicles use a battery-powered electric motor and gas-powered engine. 23

Summary There are six main parts of a vehicle. Four techniques may be used for gaining access to and disentangling the victim. Tools for stabilization and cutting are used for extrication. 24