When a firefighter wearing full turnout gear is injured, ever wonder how you should go about getting them stripped without jeopardizing immobilization?
While there is a lot of literature available regarding removal of motorcycle and sports’ helmets, there’s really not much out there about getting a firefighter out of SCBA, helmet, hood, turnout coat, bunker pants and heavy boots, students attending a Firehouse Expo class learned recently.
Obviously, every incident is different. However, it's essential that the providers work as a team to handle the firefighter, said Dr. Christopher Stephens.
The regulator on the SCBA should be popped off first, and while someone holds traction, the helmet should be removed next. The action is similar to removing a motorcycle helmet
The provider should then cut away the hood starting at the bottom. Once that and the mask are pulled away, attention should be geared toward the rest of the SCBA.
If the waist buckle is accessible, unbuckle or cut it before cutting the chest and shoulder straps.
It’s important that while this is ongoing, the other person is holding c-spine in an effort to maintain immobilization.
The turnout coat should be cut up the arm at a 90 degree angle. After the moisture and thermal inserts are separated, the patient can be rolled onto the side so the air bottle can be removed.
If possible, the firefighter can now be placed on a backboard and a collar applied. The EMS provider can now continue with an assessment of injuries.
