Module 4

Vehicle Extrication and Structural Collapse

In this module, you will closely examine vehicle extrication and structural collapse. Vehicle crashes are an everyday occurrence. While structural collapses are not as common, they seem to be more frequent in today's world, and when they occur, you need to be prepared to manage such an incident. We will not spend much time on vehicle extrication, but the module and textbook provide a good review. We will dive deeper into structural collapse and study some things to consider in such an incident. In either case, both chapters will focus on real-world events and identify some case studies to consider as part of your learning. Everyone is subject to these events, and everyone needs to have a plan and be ready.

Objectives

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

Differentiate between the processes of disentanglement and extrication and the decision-making processes associated with directing patient care activities and different methods of transport.
Explain how patient care priorities and extrication procedures must be managed and integrated through teamwork and communication with other extrication activities with fire, law enforcement, and EMS.
Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is used during patient-care activities and extrication processes.
Facilitate patient protection during extrication.
Explain how to minimize the risk of injury from extrication hazards, such as airbags that have not deployed, fuel leaks, traffic, weather, and other hazards.
Describe the processes used to stabilize a vehicle before beginning extrication and how it may affect patient access and treatment.
Discuss the impact of damage to specific vehicle parts on extrication procedures.
Explain specific extrication safety considerations for hybrid vehicles.
Discuss the uses of hand and hydraulic extrication tools, such as striking, prying, cutting, and lifting tools.
Identify the safest, most effective ways to access patients in given motor vehicle collision scenarios.
Identify the need for structural collapse search and rescue operations.
Identify the steps required to respond to a structural collapse event.
Describe the necessary steps for proper size-up of a structural collapse event.
Identify and describe the steps necessary for initiating site control and scene management.
Identify the general hazard associated with a structural collapse incident.
Identify the indicators for the potential for secondary collapse.
Identify the five different types of construction, as well as the categories and expected behaviors of components and materials in a structural collapse.
Identify the resources required to conduct a structural collapse search and rescue operation.
Identify and describe the five types of void space collapse patterns and four types of nonvoid space collapse patterns.
Describe the methods for conducting visual and verbal searches at structural collapse incidents.

Readings Option 1

Complete the required readings below before moving on to start this module's learning activities.

Chapter 6

This chapter focuses on vehicle extrication and some things to consider when managing such an operation.

Chapter 7

This chapter focuses on structural collapse. As much as we cannot focus on every scenario, it will give you a good solid foundation that you can expand on in the real world. Look at your district and the structures in your district and neighboring districts.

Lectures

Watch all the required videos before starting this module's learning activities. Use this layout for one lecture video.

Structural Collapse

This video provides some things to consider and talks about some real-life examples to get you thinking.

17:42

Transcript

Learning Activities

Once you have read and watched all of this module's learning materials, you are ready to start working on the module assignment and discussion.

Module 4 Assignment

In this assignment, you will answer questions from the textbook to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of this module's objectives.

Complete Activity

Module 4 Discussion

In this assignment, you will discuss safety measures and crew management strategies.

Complete Activity

Next Steps

To complete the learning activities for this module, select the next button below or the complete activity button above for the module assignment and discussion.