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

        In the event of a vehicle rescue or extrication, the following guidelines have been established.

        A.  Request   dispatcher to respond additional or special equipment, if necessary.

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

        C.  Give actual location of incident to dispatcher if other than original reported location.

        D.  Request Police Department units to respond to the scene if they are not already there.  If police units are at the scene, coordinate with them.

        A.  All personnel should be in protective clothing.            

        B.  Spot apparatus uphill and upwind from accident scene 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  exits.   Hose lines should be position and charged.

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

        E.  While awaiting arrival of police units, you may want to post a guard to watch oncoming traffic on busy highways.

        F.  Overturned vehicles should not be "righted" until patients have been removed.

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

        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 spill, a light water or other type foam may be needed to prevent ignition.

        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.

        A.  Officer in charge shall coordinate with rescue 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.