Race car extrication?

M

marineman

Forum Asst. Chief
Messages
921
Reaction score
1
Points
0
Anyone with experience working race events have you found a practical way to extricate a patient yet?

Back story, we got called out to the racetrack the other night (we staff 1 non transport rig at the track and call in for transport) to transport a patient from a high speed crash that felt like he "broke his back". It was a late model stock car (like nascar but about half the size) with a custom formed racing seat. When we got there the track rescue team had the top cut off the car and were still messing around trying to find a way to get him out. We wanted to use the KED but with the shape of the seat there is no way to fit the board in. Luckily the driver was alert and able to help so they ended up just helping him to standing in the car and put a long board in and did a standing long board, then we lifted him out the top of the car. C-spine was comprimised too many times to count in that move but there was no better way of doing it that I could see. Anyone have any tips, I work on the race track truck several times this month and would like to be a little more professional and efficient if I have to do anything.

Edit: someone on scene mentioned a racing KED which I had never heard of but we don't have one.
 
I agree that c-spine was comrpomised too many times there. A STANDING longboard? You had him twist and turn himself to get into a standing position?

I've never seen the shape of a racing seat and don't do racing extrications, but I would assume there is a way to get the board in behind him just like you would a regular car. It might involve moving him carefully forward a bit, but you would be able to do it unless the steering column is in the way?
 
Racing seats will not get a board in there. A KED could be used if the pt was moved forward. I have worked tracks for years. When we had times that spinal injuries were suspected, the seat was cut loose of the floorboard and the seat with pt strapped in, was lifted out of the car. Now you have two options. 1) Lay seat on board and slide pt from seat to the board. 2) Leave pt strapped in seat, secure it on stretcher and transport that way.

I prefer the first method, but have had to use the second one before. A race seat is very well form fitting and with a 5 point harness, the pt is very secure in the seat. If no other injuries are suspected, you can leave them in the seat. Just like a baby.

Anything at a race track is spur of the moment decision making and you have to be very creative sometimes!
 
Can't help too much, as the only track events I've worked have been motorcycle races. Those are always fun days
 
reaper said:
Leave pt strapped in seat, secure it on stretcher and transport that way.

A race seat is very well form fitting and with a 5 point harness, the pt is very secure in the seat. If no other injuries are suspected, you can leave them in the seat.
Click to expand...

+1; I would think a racing seat would unbolt easily enough, but there's always that roll cage to consider, too...
 
There is a speciality of Paramedics and extrication specialist that usually works the big races. I am sure they have a school or class that can teach those that will be usually working races.

R/r 911
 
Ridryder911 said:
There is a speciality of Paramedics and extrication specialist that usually works the big races. I am sure they have a school or class that can teach those that will be usually working races.

R/r 911
Click to expand...

I know the NHRA used to have teams that traveled with them,and I think other forms of racing are pretty much the same.
 
Yes, NHRA has the "Safety Safari". I worked one season with them, but hated being away all the time. They do specialize in drag cars and their designs. They have the best equipment and training.
 
I work part time at a major raceway and I have found that the best way is to use a KED and lift out through the top. I'm not sure what a "racing KED" is, but all the ones I've seen work well as long as you properly use the leg straps, and the handle at the top is super sturdy so we can use that to pull a racer up from his seat. Also, for most events we have a fire safety crew with us and they are well equipped to rip apart almost anything.
 
Problem we had with the KED was the arms on the seat that come forward over the patients shoulders and also keep the head in line. We couldn't slide him far enough forward to clear those arms and you would have to turn sideways to get your shoulders out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top