EXTRICATION "QUICK TIP" #59 (TAKE THE SEAT)

There are a lot of way to make access and free up occupyable space on the entrapment scene. One of my favorites (especially for under-rides or heavy front end entrapments) is to facilitate front seat reclining. However, remember to attempt to move the seat/recline it prior to cutting or securing the vehicles battery. This has proven to be very helpful in patients with femur fractions/leg entrapments as it assists in pulling manual traction in a way. It also helps gain much needed PT access for assessment and medical treatment. Many patients have been intubated from the reclined seat helping with their overall outcome instead of delaying PT care until the entrapment is mitigated. As shown in the pictures from training yesterday, as always open up the seatback to visualize what you are cutting.

Seatbacks have been the demise of many cutter blades due to blind cutting. As shown, I recommend cutting above the strong “L” styled bracket and although seat structures vary, many times the lower crossbar shown will also need to be cut to allow the seat to recline. A rescuer is seated behind the seat holding c-spine and they will also control the seats movement when reclining. As shown the seat padding covers and protects the patient from the previously cut seat post. This method allows for much needed access and can be done quickly with an efficient crew. Now get out there and challenge the norm….

ISAAC FRAZIER is a Special Operations Captain with St. Johns County Florida’s Heavy Rescue “Squad 4”. First due to the deadliest stretch of roadway in the nation, Frazier teaches from personal street experience providing tried and true tactics. Frazier is the owner of Tactical Advantage Training and creator of the course Tactical Extrication. Frazier travels nationally sharing his passion teaching fire and extrication courses. Frazier is a FDIC lead HOT instructor, FDIC lecturer, Fire Engineering Contributor, Fire Officer II, FL Paramedic, Special Operations Officer, Florida State Instructor, FLUSAR Tech, Diver, and FL Hazmat Tech.  www.TrainTacticalAdvantage.com