Stability is literally the foundation of any successful casualty centred rescue. Preventing vehicle movement is vital for the following reasons;
1.Prevents any further injury to the occupants (spinal/pelvic injuries etc)
2.Provides a solid base for medical intervention
3.Prevents any further structural deformation of the vehicle during the rescue process
Once safety on scene is established, stability can begin. Entry into a vehicle should only be made once stability is completed (unless a casualty is at immediate risk, due to a compromised airway) and the process should be safe, rapid and easy, allowing casualty care to begin immediately.
Stability Phases
We can look at stability in 3 phases;
1 – Manual stabilisation
If it is identified that a casualty is at immediate risk, then manual stabilisation should be considered. This is where crew members get their hands on the vehicle to restrict movement while a medic gains access to perform a life saving intervention (e.g. open an airway)
2 – Chocks and Blocks
In most cases there is no need for manual stabilisation, so the use of chocks and blocks will usually be your first approach.
3-Additional Equipment
There are occasions where the position of the vehicle means that additional equipment is required.
4.Rechecking Stability
During the rescue process, stability must be constantly monitored and as weight is removed from the vehicle (or added by rescue personnel getting inside) your chocks, blocks and additional equipment should be adjusted.
Remember – Stability is not just about the casualty, but allows you to work safely and more efficiently.