Upon arrival on scene at a multi vehicle collision (MVC) we rapidly go to work performing many tasks in a rapid manner. However, the number, type and manner of hazards at the MVC today can be bewildering. And while scene hazards really have not changed all that much, the vehicle is the dynamic hazard at each and every vehicle-related incident.
But how do we stay on top of such things in a field that can change weekly if not daily? Well thankfully we do have ways to find critical information about vehicle technology related concerns and easy access to find them – as simple as using an app on your smartphone or tablet. And the bottom line is we can always secure the power of the vehicle by employing power isolation, which is a multi-step process in securing the vehicle power.
So, let’s look at on-scene hazard information and how to access it. First off, apps for smartphones, tablets and computers/MDTs. The longest one around and the gold standard is Moditech Crash Recovery Software. It’s been available since 2005 and has progressed from a software program on a laptop to an app for smartphones, tablets and other devices. CRS is available on three levels of service, based upon how it searches for the correct vehicle and its ability to update its database during the year. Those three levels of service give you a year of CRS database access. You can search for the correct vehicle by:
- 1) Typing in or taking a photo of the vehicle license/number plate
- 2) Typing in or scanning the barcode of the vehicle identification number (VIN)
- 3) Manually searching the CRS database using the supplied prompts.
Once the correct vehicle is found, it is displayed on the screen as a glass cutaway with various colour-coded devices depicted in the vehicle in the correct location for that vehicle. Those colours are shown in a keyword labelling to what they represent. Also, when you touch the screen a photo and description is displayed on an inset screen. When the vehicle is an alternative-fuelled vehicle, the first screen displayed tells you that this vehicle is alternative-fuelled and needs to be depowered or disarmed. This screen tells you how to perform the steps plus gives you visual cues using actual photos of devices on the vehicle. Location of 12V battery, side curtain inflation cylinders, gas struts, Advanced steel reinforcements and much more can be found for vehicles back to 1989. The CRS database is extremely comprehensive, covering more than cars, SUVs and pickup trucks. Large trucks, buses, motorcycles, special vehicles, motorsports and even landscaping and farming vehicles are part of the database due to some of these vehicles being hybrid powered or electric powered. Part of each vehicle database has information on firefighting and what to do if the vehicle is submerged. Now how does your device keep its CRS database current during the year? Easy, it updates itself wirelessly from the Internet depending upon the time of the year. Sometimes it’s weekly, sometimes it’s once a month. The key tip for using CRS is to make sure you keep your device in a rugged waterproof case. Moditech CRS is available for Europe, North and South America, Africa and Far East. The cost per license depends on the service level; however, each is very reasonable in this day and age.
Along with Moditech CRS there are similar apps for smartphones, tablets and computers/MDTs. One of these are Rescue Sheets and they are run by EuroNCAP. Similar but halfway around the world AussieNCAP also runs a Rescue sheet programme for vehicles sold in their sphere of influence. EuroNCAP has made a requirement for all automotive manufacturers to supply rescue sheets for all vehicles they intend to sell in Europe, or even potentially sell. Then these rescue sheets are stored electronically in a database and all emergency responders have access to the database. These rescue sheets use the colour-coding as Moditech and ISO and are rendered just like CRS database vehicles, i.e. glass cutaway with the hazards depicted correctly in the vehicle. The app works for the database of the vehicles of the area it’s affiliated with. For example, NCAP Rescue works on European vehicles while LatinNCAP works on South/Central American vehicles and AussieNCAP works on Australian and Far East vehicles. Sadly, we have no NCAP app here in North America, which would give us a free searchable database to use.
There are two vehicle manufacturers who use a QR code sticker on the vehicle itself that will give you all the hazard information about that vehicle. The first one is Mercedes Benz (MB). MB has been installing these stickers in all new vehicles since November of 2013. These get installed in two locations on the vehicle, one on the inside of the fuel/charging port door and the other in the driver’s door jamb around the door latch. Now say it’s an older MB how will it get the correct information? Well, each MB that goes back to the dealership for service is checked for the correct QR code. If it’s not present, the correct one is placed onto the vehicle in the same locations. How do we access the information? Easy, just scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet and the information displayed is much like a Moditech CRS glass cutaway screen. It’s an excellent tool for responders and secondary responders as well. The other vehicle manufacturer is General Motors but only their alternative-fuelled vehicle models. The QR code stickers are in the same location as MB, but the GM version has reminders about key removal distance and an 800 number to call for help on vehicle hazards on scene.
A critical action today to make all vehicles safe as possible is power Isolation. Power isolation should be done on every vehicle-related incident that has patients involved. It’s a multiple-step process to accomplish. So, in order to make power isolation complete:
- Chock wheels – Set the E brake
- Shut the vehicle off – gather up all the keys
- Find the 12V battery and double cut both cables – negative then positive
- Document it
Remember that keys today are almost always wireless fobs, but the trend is going to a wireless card and an app on a smartphone. Also, today’s keys need to be kept 50ft away from the vehicle, much farther than before. It used to be a 15ft radius around the vehicle, but this changed a number of years ago. However, you can use a device called a Faraday bag that blocks the key’s RFID signal to the vehicle. Just drop the wireless device (key fob, card or app-equipped smartphone) into the Faraday bag and the vehicle can no longer see it. It works that fast and that well. Also, over 50% of 12V batteries today live outside of the engine compartment, the next most likely location being in the rear of the vehicle. Consider vehicle damage and such in your vehicle survey when checking for the 12V battery. And remember many high-end vehicles have two or more 12V batteries, for example all Mercedes vehicles have two 12V batteries if not three. Also don’t forget alternative-fuelled vehicles also have OEM produced ERG emergency responders guides for each vehicle. These are readily available as PDF downloads, but you need to be aware of changes in these documents from year to year.
Here is important information about vehicle technology related concerns that need to be addressed at every vehicle related incident today. This cuts into the trauma clock that our patients have and that we face. While some of these hazards have been around us for some time, we have not had the depth and layering of concerns that we have with today’s vehicles. Safety systems (SRS), motive power and vehicle materials and construction affect our operational considerations more so than ever before and have changed our management of patients and their care in the environment.
For more information, go to www.roadwayrescue.com
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