Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue Extrication: Factoring in Physics

摘要

ONE OF ISAAC NEWTON'S LAWS OF physics states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Physics is a factor in almost every extrication operation because powerful forces applied to a vehicle to cut, pry, and pull it away from a trapped patient can be transferred to other portions of the vehicle and impinge on the patient, causing additional injuries. Physics was definitely a factor when Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue (MDFR) firefighters worked to free a driver who was severely trapped in the wreckage of his vehicle (photo 1). The driver lost control of his vehicle, which left the roadway, skidded down into a storm-water swale and up the other side, and struck a tree. The vehicle was wrapped around the tree on the driver's side, resulting in the driver's being severely injured and terribly trapped. Because of the downward slope of the swale, the wheels on the passenger side of the vehicle were suspended in the air, making the vehicle extremely unstable.