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Plexiglass shields
I have seen in some videos there using plexiglass shields to protect the patient. I was wondering do you know how thick? What about sizes?. I guess size really may not be that big of deal. But if you have used them what is the best in your opinion.
My chief installs glass, doors and windows. He says they have alot of scrap just tell him the sizes and he will cut them to my measurements in there shop. I am thinking a few bigger sizes and a couple small for maybe for working in a crushed area.
Thanks John
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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Plexiglas shiekds to protect the patient from what? I'm not sure what you're talking about.
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Permalink Reply by Jason on
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Here is the link to the video you are talking about:
http://www.fireengineering.com/index/videos.html?bcpid=30311426001&...
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I see the shield you're talking about. I've never seen anyone in my area use one of those.
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Permalink Reply by Perpetual student on
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We use a shield that we made from LEXAN, just bought a sheet and cut it out in somewhat of a larger tear drop that others I have seen. We also cut in two handles. Hard protection is essential with the new alloys, which are "springier" than what we are accustomed to. In the past we used short spinal boards for ou "hard" protection. We place a c-collar on the patient then cover them (and the EMS provider, if applicable) with "soft protection" i.e. NOMEX blanket then place the "hard protection" i.e. LEXAN board between the patient and any tool work near them. I like the clear LEXAN better that some of the others I have seen due to the fact that I can see through the panel. As far as sizing the piece we just used trial and error on what fit well in and out of car windows, yet gave us the largest area to protect the patient. Our's is larger than the one in the videos.
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Permalink Reply by Bill Hunter on
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We also use Lexan as a "hard protection" between the patient, or rescuer, and the tool, or item being cut. We have several different sized pieces and each has a hand hold cut into them. As the previous writer says the clear lexan is a bonus because the tool operator and the rescuer holding the lexan can maintain a good view on what is happening on the other side. It is a good addition to your "tool-box."
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So if I understand this, the shield is in place to "protect" the patient from what? If the tool operator knows what they're doing, they won't let the tool move in such a way as to harm the patient.
In today's lawsuit happy society, I can see a huge liability with using a "home made" device!
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Permalink Reply by John Dobson on
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Brian, tools move in unpredictable ways and so can steel, plastic, glass ect.. There is no way we can cut and train on every single model of vehicle. (Have you ever tried to cut on a fiber-glass body? Nothing makes me more frustrated.) The patient can move that we can't control. I was taught at a Illionois fire service institute to use an old road sign. They alway stressed to expect the unexpected.
Ever been in a vehicle where glass was being broke? It can be like buckshot coming though, Even under a blanket it can hurt and cut.
Wouldn't a blanket be a ''home made'' device? It was not made for use in extrication. How about wood cribbing? It has some advantages over plastic.
But I understand what your saying. It is a crazy world.
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"(Have you ever tried to cut on a fiber-glass body? Nothing makes me more frustrated.)"
I assume you're talking about using the "jaws" on a fiberglass body? Try using a sawzall, much better.
"Ever been in a vehicle where glass was being broke? It can be like buckshot coming though, Even under a blanket it can hurt and cut."
What are you breaking the window with? The glass should just collapse downward.
"Wouldn't a blanket be a ''home made'' device?"
They make "extrication blankets".
And yeah it is a crazy world. Stays safe!
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What are you breaking the window with? The glass should just collapse downward.
Glass Master, We have a window punch but we have found newer windows that we could not break with the punch. We must have punched one twenty times with no effect. We tried several punches and not one would work on that window. It took five hard whacks with the Glass Master to bust it out.
I assume you're talking about using the "jaws" on a fiberglass body? Try using a sawzall, much better.
Yep tried that also its ok but still not great. It kept pinching the blades and just springing back and forth. I think maybe if we would have blades with different TPI and styles we may have found one that worked better.
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What kind of glass was that "new" car window made of that it took 5 whacks of the Glassmaster to break it? Was it some type of ballistic glass?
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Permalink Reply by Fireman Larry on
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Interesting concept, extrications are performed 100's of times daily, by different departments, each of which do it their own way. I can see how some pick up on new methods at trade shows and through the media/internet, but the one thing that we all know, we do what we practice. For instance, when my Engine crew breaks a window, we use the Irons, at the corner of the glass or the Sawzall for the windshield, we cover the rescuers aiding the patients with a Salvage Cover. Also, while using the tools, we take care to watch the placement of, and direction that the tools are traveling during use. If it moves towards the patient, reposition it, continue safely.
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It made us stop and think. It was in the summer, Hot and had a toddler locked inside. The parents had took the keys out laid them in the seat. They shut the doors and the autolocks locked them out. They called Onstar and they were told it make take 20 minutes or longer to open the doors. So they called 911 when we arrived the poor kid was dripping sweet. It must have been a 100 degrees that day and it was parked in the sun.
Anyway we still talk about that window. We don't know if it was a freak thing or if new vehicles are made that way. (We never get stuff that new to practice on.) It did break like it should in small pieces.
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