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Dear Reader - In this issue we complete our series on - Multi-Tasking Exercises for the development of expertise.  We also continue and go into a more in-depth look at the real issues surrounding extrication and SRS, and the risk-assessed options and risk control measures to support and keep the rescue team safe. If you haven't looked at our new 'Crash Rescue' profile you can access it at www.resqmed.com/CR.htm - For now I wish you all well and good fortune l -  Len Watson editor -  [ FEEDBACK ] - 

.../.. Working with Live SRS

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We trust that the article on 'Multi-Tasking Exercises' has been of value and has stimulated your interest. We would appreciate your comments; especially constructive criticism  and we will endeavour to reply to all comments..

lenwatson@resqmed.com  or leonardwatson@talktalk.net 

EXTRICATION:  Working with undeployed IC/SIP systems where the car's battery cannot be disconnected 

4 Dr Hatchback Roof Removal - The methods of roof removal outlined below, highlight the critical areas of risk and the options to control or reduce risk. (These method can be adapted for Flap-back /Flap-forward/ Side-flap/ and Complete Roof Removal).  Hard and soft protection must only be used where it is safe to do so.

1.       Perform glass management and remove the hatchback at the hinges.

2.       PRY BEFORE YOU CUT.  Strip the interior trim from all pillars and posts and expose the metal channel. Inspect all installation slots for IC/SIPS inclusion. Pin-point the exact location of cylinders, connectors and system wiring, and inspect the centre post at its base, middle and top for the seatbelt pretensioner location.

3.       Cut all seat belts -  Pass casualty/ies seatbelt webbing and tongue onto the AIO - Accident Investigating Officer.

Option 1. Roof Removal - with IC/SIPS

·         *Give an audible warning and cut the rear roof posts complete with SIPS wiring but avoid IC cylinders and the  connector plugs. Ensure all wiring has been completely cut through before handling the roof's side channel - Read risk critical

·         *Give an audible warning, cut centre pillars avoiding seat belt anchorage plates, pretensioners and the connector plugs, and ensure all wiring is completely cut through.

·         Use hard protection and cut windscreen pillars.

·         Remove the roof structure - Read risk critical

 *RISK - Liberation of window housings and sharp edges to roof pillars. Possible deployment of SIPS and pretensioner/s (Short-circuit).  Liberation/Deployment of propellant through inadvertent cutting - Read risk critical

Option 2. Roof Removal - with IC/SIPS disconnected

·         *Where practical, in order to remove the potential power source to ICs, give an audible warning and disconnect all modules at their respective connector plug/s.  Alternatively, using a wire cutter, cut wiring to module/s and separate cut ends - Read risk critical

·         Perform cuts to rear roof posts avoiding IC cylinders, connector plugs and active SIPS wiring.

·         Perform cuts to centre pillars avoiding seat belt anchorage plates, pretensioners and active SIPS wiring.

·         Use hard protection and cut windscreen pillars.

·         Remove the roof structure - Read risk critical

*RISK - Liberation of window housings and sharp edges to roof pillars. Possible deployment of SIPS and pretensioner/s (Static discharge).  Liberation / Deployment of propellant through inadvertent cutting - Read risk critical

Option 3  Roof Removal - with strategic safety cut to curtain

·         Pry away some of the roof trim along the roof's side channel at the rear in order to expose the inflation curtain. To prevent it inflating in the event of post accident deployment (PAD) cut through both the side channel and inflation curtain

·         Continue as detailed in option 1 or 2

RISK - In the event of deployment (PAD), sub- sequent hot gas release from strategic cut to side channel from IC module. 

CAUTION - RISK CRITICAL:

WHEN WORKING WITH LIVE SYSTEMS.

As IC/SIPS wiring will have to be cut / disconnected in order to facilitate the removal of the roof structure - before cutting the roof's pillars / posts -

·         DO NOT place hard protection between live IC and where fitted, the door / seat airbag and the casualty

·         Ensure all seatbelt webbing is completely removed from the casualty

·         DO NOT cut IC cylinders - Cylinders can be charged up to 3000 psi (200 BAR) and when cut could become a projectile with explosive force.

·         DO NOT cut the pretensioner discharge tube. Crimping the tube could prevent exhaust and increase deployment pressure to explosive force.

·         Consider - The airbag that fails to deploy when it seemingly should have done, must be considered a 'rogue' airbag.

·         Airbag systems, both electronic and mechanical, and sensors can be compromised in an accident and left in a critical state.

Even where the battery has been disconnected, some SIPS systems will remain live for a significant period of time as they have an independent reserve power supply from a capacitor or they could be mechanical system.   

·         The vehicle's security alarm will also retain power from its capacitor and wiring may run alongside SIPS wiring.

REMEMBER - A short circuit involving SIPS wiring will deploy all modules on the same system.  When performing the above options, where appropriate, always enforce the (20 and 6 inch rule (500 and 150 mm rule).

20"/500mm - IC, window bags and some seat modules .

6"/150mm - Door/seat mounted airbag cushioning depth

·         Left and right SIPS have separate sensors. To accidentally deploy one module can deploy all other modules on the same system only.

·         To disconnect/cut SIPS wiring will only disarm the module in question and  WILL NOT disarm the system

·         DO NOT disconnect direct from the SIP module, as this connection is not equipped with a fail-safe.

·         DO NOT cut through the SIPS connector plug as it could create static or short-circuit with other wiring being cut.

·         Carry the removed roof structure carefully

·         DO NOT throw or drop the removed roof structure

·         Place the roof structure down on its pillars - Where there is insufficient roof pillar depth, lay the structure down on the roof panel (up-side-down).

·         DO NOT place any objects or dismantled parts on top of the removed roof in the path of IC deployment.

Liberation of propellant - The most likely incident of propellant leak will be experienc- ed where the seatbelt pretensioner is cut through. Sodium Nitrate may detonate whereas Sodium Azide will present a serious chemical hazard. Instigate and observe safety procedures in force within your department.

Before you leave scene - Commitment to care

·         Prevent/reduce cross-contamination with blood and body fluids - use a super absorbent and a high integrity biocide

·         Prevent needle stick injury - clear the vehicle of sharps

On completion of the extrication, preserve the accident scene, place warning signs or pass 'DUTY OF CARE' on to the Police/Recovery agent    

PAD - Post Accident Deployment -

PAD and any subsequent injury will need to be investigated and made the subject of a report. Where PAD results in serious injury or death, you will be required to give evidence at a court of law. Ensure that all details are recorded, timed and dated. Pictographic evidence will also be required.

On completion of the extrication, preserve the accident scene, place warning signs or pass 'DUTY OF CARE' onto the Police / Recovery agent         © resQmed Ltd,  MVA PathFinder

References and Further Reading 

NEWS & VIEWS - Predicting Disaster -

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