Extrication

Abstract

One of the most obvious reasons for sending medical aid to the scene of accidents would appear to be because casualties are trapped. In such situations the patients are effectively deprived of hospital treatment for an extra period of time, and that time is almost always long enough to enable a doctor to reach the scene. In many cases, the force required to distort the passenger-carrying compartment of the vehicle, and trap an occupant, will also be sufficient to cause serious injury. The majority of these casualties will be trapped by their legs and held in the sitting position. This upright posture will exaggerate the effect of shock on the patient and make his early release even more important.