46 S.O.G. 

SECTION: Rescue Operations

SUBJECT: Vehicle Accidents and Extraction

REVISED: 05/2002

To establish guidelines for handling vehicle rescue and extrication safely and effectively.

In the even of a vehicle accident or extrication, the following guidelines have been established.

The response for vehicle accidents and extrication will be:

1. Ambulance.

2. Rescue truck.

3. Closest pumper

4. Fire police vehicle.

Response will be in that order.

A. If commercial trucks are involved, check placarding and take necessary precautions.

B. Give actual location of incident to dispatch if other than original reported location.

C. Request patrol for vehicle removal by towing service.

A. All personnel should be in protective clothing.

B. Spot apparatus uphill and upwind from accident scenes if possible. Apparatus should be parked between rescuers and oncoming traffic with parking brake set and wheels turned toward curb.

C. Stop all fuel leaks, if possible and prevent use of flares if fire hazard exists. Hose lines should be positioned and charged.

D. Prior to rescue personnel entering vehicle, stabilize the vehicle using cribbing, chock blocks, ropes, vehicle emergency brake, etc. as deemed necessary.

E. Overturned vehicles should not be “righted” until patients have been removed.

F. Do not disconnect battery cables if flammable vapors are present.

G. On Interstate 81, no personal vehicles will park behind the last piece of apparatus that is on the scene.

A. Should stop leak, if possible, and prevent ignition utilizing hose lines to safeguard patients as well as rescue personnel.

B. If unable to stop leak by crimping fuel lines, you may be able to fill fuel tank with water to level of leak so only water runs out.

C. With large fuel spills, a light water or other type of foam may be needed to prevent ignition.

D. Any fuel spills over 5 gallons contact DEC for spill team.

A. Make sure vehicle is stabilized before rescue personnel enter.

B. Officer in charge should supervise the extrication operation.

C. All personnel should wear protective clothing and proper eye protection, extrication rescue gloves are acceptable.

A. Officer in charge shall coordinate with ambulance squad personnel concerning patient care.

B. Officer in charge should coordinate with police personnel concerning traffic control and any other police function required.

C. Safety should be foremost in the mind of the officer concerning emergency operations.