An assessment of the incident should determine the easiest and least intrusive method of releasing a casualty. For example, removing the casualty’s clothing, or using a lubricant for digit or limb entrapment, may suffice to release the casualty.
Medical advice should be considered when developing a rescue plan, to ensure it results in the least amount of further trauma to the casualty.
A casualty with a crush injury should be released following the appropriate stabilisation and treatment by medical responders. For further information refer to Crush injury.
The method to release a casualty will vary and may require the use of rescue tools to cut and spread. If these are required, consideration should be given to their effects on the casualty. There may be resulting movement and associated hazards to emergency responders and the casualty.
For example, the potential energy that is stored in high-tensile steel may release violently, causing instability to the scene or injuring emergency responders or the casualty. Appropriate protection should be used to protect the casualty throughout their release. For further information about personal protective equipment for casualties refer to Personal protective equipment: Rescues