Road Crash Rescue

Question 1

Who is the HMA for road crash?

Answer 1

• Commissioner of Police (exercises responsibility through WAPOL)

Question 2

List three ways stress can affect you.

Answer 2

• Physiologically (the way our body reacts)
• Emotionally (the way we feel)
• Cognitively (the way we think)
• Behaviourally (the way we act)

Question 3

List an activity from each of the three main stress management activities.

Answer 3

• Physical; deep breathing
• Mentally; positive mindset
• Emotional; having fun

Question 4

List three of the characteristics of modern vehicles.

Answer 4

• Crumple zones
• Airbags (SRS)
• Reinforced dashboard

Question 5

Vehicle construction is divided into two basic types. List them.

Answer 5

• Monocoque
• Cab-on-chassis

Question 6

In relation to SRS systems, explain the 30-60-90 rule.

Answer 6

• Stay 30cm away from deployment of lumbar/seat airbags
• Stay 60cm away from the driver’s side airbag in steering wheel
• Stay 90cm away from passenger airbag

Question 7

List four of the nine types of vehicle collisions.

Answer 7

• Head on collision
• Rear collision
• Rollover
• Vehicle under/over ride

Question 8

Describe in detail two of the eight stages in rescue operations

Answer 8

• Stage 1 (Preparation): complete initial training, participate in drills/activities, be equipped for the task, ensure equipment is well maintained, be current with RCR procedures/techniques
• Stage 8 (Termination): Final check of wreckage and surroundings, removal of debris, recover/restore equipment, operational debrief, reports/operational documentation, Critical Incident Stress debrief, termination of operations

Question 9

What is the Holton Foot used for and what are the four components of the kit?

Answer 9

• Designed to stabilise a vehicle positioned on its side
• Holton foot (base plate constructed of aluminium, with two eyelets and shackles
• Two x 2.5T tie down straps
• 1 extra tie-down strap for lashing capacity (as required)
• Crow bar

Question 10

What is the key safety message regarding casualties and glass management?

Answer 10

• When removing glass, protect the casualty with the clear soft protection sheet to reduce the risk of injury and inform casualty of what’s happening to reassure them
• The removal of laminated windscreen glass is to be avoided, and the cutting of laminated glass is a last resort (due to the large amounts of glass fragments and dust generated during cutting, and the increased risk this poses to both the casualty and rescuers)

Question 11

What can you, as a rescuer do to minimise the chances of High-Pressure fluid Injection?

Answer 11

• Equipment maintenance
• Thorough checks
• Wearing the correct PPC/E