New Hackensack Fire District
STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES
NK-308 Auto Accidents
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PURPOSE:
This is to establish the guidelines for the personnel of the New Hackensack Fire Department to handle automobile accidents with or without extrication.

SAFETY:
1) First priority is the safety of rescue personnel. Members on scene of incident must wear personnel protective equipment (turnout coat, pants, boots, gloves, and helmet).
2) Second priority is the safety of bystanders.
3) Third priority is the safety of patient.

PROCEDURES:

RESPONSE

  1. Upon receiving an alarm, 52-55 shall respond code 3, 52-13 responds to scene code 1 unless there are reports of entrapment or otherwise directed by Incident Command.
  2. 52-55 should respond with Hurst qualified personnel and 52-13 should respond with qualified interior firefighters.
  3. Unless there is report of fire, 52-55 should be the first responding apparatus.  If a fire is reported, all responding apparatus shall respond code 3.
  4. Use caution upon approaching location of incident.


ON SCENE

1) Initial size up of incident.
a. Number of vehicles involved.
b. Types of vehicles (trucks, cars, vans, bus, etc.)
c. Hazards approaching and around vehicles (Wires down, leaning poles, leaking fluids, smoke, etc.).
2) Apparatus should be positioned to shield fire dept. personnel from approaching traffic, also to best approach affected vehicles for extrication.

3) Incident command and accountability systems shall be enacted (Fire dept. personnel should report to accountability officer for assignment).

4) Determine scene safety and complete initial size up (enough resources, haz-mat, etc).

5) Stabilization of vehicle or vehicles shall be performed before any rescue personnel enter or work on vehicle.

6) Access must be gained to battery compartment.

a. An extinguisher (preferably CO2) or hose line shall be in place before attempting to disconnect battery.
b. Negative terminal is disconnected first then the positive terminal.
7) Patient assessment (# of patients, # of ambulances, etc)

8) Speedy dry shall be used on leaking fluids. (anti-freeze, oils, gasoline, etc)


 

PATIENT EXTRICATION:

1) Upon determination that the Hurst units will be needed for extrication the IC shall appoint a Hurst Team Leader.

2) Hurst Team Leader will be responsible for The Extrication Team make-up and Hurst operation.

3) All Hurst tools shall be removed from 52-55 and be placed on the Hurst mat.

4) Only Hurst certified personnel are allowed to operate Hurst equipment.

5) Protective face shields or goggles must be worn in addition to PPE.


THE EXTRICATION TEAM
As with all operations, extrication is a team effort and this is especially true of Hurst operations.  The extrication team consists of three main teams:

The Hurst Team - Is responsible for the extrication of the victim.  If sufficient manpower exists, the team should consist of at least 5 Hurst Certified members:

1 - Hurst Leader
1 - Spreader Operator
1 - Cutter Operator
2 - Ram Operators
The Hose Team - In the event that Hurst operations are required, a hose team must be assigned and a 1-3/4” hand line must be pulled and charged prior to the commencing of extrication and should consist of at least 2 qualified interior firefighters in full protective gear with SCBA.

The EMS Team - Patient care must begin upon as soon as possible.  The EMS team is responsible for not only caring for the patient, but protecting the patient during extrication procedures.

ALARM TERMINATION
Termination of alarm will not be done until all patients are in EMS care and vehicle or vehicles are no longer a hazard to public safety and all apparatus are available for the next call.