Casualty information
The information gathered about casualties should be included in decision-making about the time available in terms of their condition, and the time required to achieve the method of rescue. This information should also inform tactical plans when considering the stabilisation of and access to the mode of transport.
Information should include:
- The initial and ongoing condition of the casualty, as assessed by a medical responder or a fire and rescue service medic
- The number of casualties, including:
- Their location in the mode of transport
- Whether they are sitting or prone
- The level and type of entrapment:
- Physical
- Medical, for example, due to a neck injury
- A combination of physical and medical
Mode of transport information
Information should be gathered about the mode of transport, to determine safe systems of work and provide a safer working environment for the casualty and all emergency responders.
The type, construction and technology of the mode of transport should be considered when rescuing a casualty; poor management of some features could impact on safety and the condition of the casualty.
Information can be accessed through the visual assessment of the scene, through specialist advisers or hazard identification software.
The Transport guidance provides further information on topics including:
- Road vehicle safety systems, such as:
- Supplementary restraint systems (SRS), comprising airbags, inflatable curtains, side impact protection systems (SIPS), seat belt tensioners and seat belt load limiters
- Rollover protection systems (ROPS)
- Roadways
- Â Alternative fuel vehicles, such as:
- High voltage fuel cells (batteries)
- Compressed natural gas (CNG)
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
- Biofuels
- Hydrogen fuel cells
- Mode of transport design and construction, such as:
- Fuel
- Construction materials, including trims and coverings
- Metals
- Glass
- Fibre-reinforced composite materials and machine-made mineral fibres (MMMF)
- Tyres and wheels
- Large modes of transport
- Sewage tanks
- Construction and systems of rail vehicles
The presence of the mode of transport hazards should be communicated to emergency responders working in the hazard area. It may also be beneficial to make the casualty aware of the presence of potential hazards, especially if rescuers are relying on their compliance with instructions.
The design of the mode of transport is likely to determine access arrangements. For example, in a road vehicle:
- How many doors
- Whether it has a boot or a rear hatch
- Whether it has a sunroof or panoramic roof
- The seating arrangement