MVAs and Cutting Battery Cables.

What is your department's protocol on cutting battery cables on an MVA scene. I know that if you're doing cutting and extrication, it's a no brainer.

However, what about the BS call when there's minimal damage to the car and the person is complaining of neck and back pain? In order to remove the person, we have to put personnel inside the vehicle. Should we take the extra step to cut the battery cables even on a fender bender? Is it safe to put personnel inside the vehicle with undeployed airbags? What are your thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Annette Allen on September 21, 2010 at 4:17pm

In our department we dont cut the cables..just unattach them from the battery..that way if it is just a fender bender thay can be attached easly again

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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on September 21, 2010 at 9:02pm

We usually disconnect the battery cables and it has nothing to do with putting the cables before firefighter safety or speed.

It's pretty embarassing when you start setting up for a dash lift or a dash roll and one of the older, more experienced firefighters re-connects the batter cables, moves the powered seat back four or five inches, and then tells you to get the extrication tools out of the way as the patient is no longer trapped.