Command an Accident with MVA Boards

By JEFF PUGH

Tactical classes and training tell us that, when arriving at the scene of a structure fire, the first five minutes of your actions, communications, rig positioning, and initial tactical decisions can dictate the next five hours. The same holds true for motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) where extrication is needed. This is obviously compounded when the accident involves multiple vehicles or transit vehicles carrying multiple passengers. These mass-casualty incidents or multiple-patient incidents can be extremely challenging, but you can set up your scene for success by using a new product for the fire and rescue arena-MVA boards.

The Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee and the World Rescue Organization recognize 20-minute extrication timelines for basic life support for trapped victims and 10-minute extrication timelines for advanced life support “rapid” extrication patients. These goals can be obtained depending on tool knowledge, training, extrication plans, and communication among crews as well as the degree of entrapment. For multiple vehicles, there should be multiple extrication leaders. The goal is “time”-the reduction of time pertaining to the extrication of victims from an MVA.

Whatever your department policies are involving MVAs where extrication is imminent, the goal should be to respond with enough personnel and equipment to get the job done. The responding personnel should have their roles established before they step off their rigs. The MVA boards aid in the roles and functions of the responding personnel.

MVA boards aid in firefighter accountability, safety, and tactical benchmarks for MVAs. This manual accountability/key benchmark system was designed by a firefighter for firefighters. Manufactured by Tactron Inc., the 9- × 14-inch, two-sided boards are made of metal and are extremely durable. The large, color specific, easy-to-read font on the white background allows the end user to write with a grease pencil or permanent felt pen.

Although the critical benchmarks are key in reducing the amount of time spent extricating patients at an MVA, these boards are an asset even after the call. They serve as a permanent record: You can photocopy or take a picture of the completed boards. They are also an excellent tool for postincident hot-wash/critique as well as for training purposes.

As with any incident, an MVA calls for critical positions to be filled by competent people. Using the boards will aid these individuals in making timely decisions to meet benchmarks that assist in reducing extrication time.

Three types of boards are included in the MVA board package:

• MVA Incident Command (Figure 1).
• Interior Stabilization (Figure 2).
• MVA Extrication Leader (Figure 3).

(Figures courtesy of Tactron Inc.)

The MVA Incident Command board supports the incident commander at an MVA with the global view of the accident. This role/board is responsible for the overall incident, firefighter accountability, and logistical decisions.

The Interior Stabilization board is given to the firefighter or medic who will be performing the important functions inside the vehicle pertaining to patient care, making the interior safe for the rescuers and victims alike. The functions on this board are critical to patient care and egress.

The MVA Extrication Leader board is key in meeting the extrication objective’s time standards, as mentioned above. This board is managed by the person with the most extrication experience (not necessarily the person in charge).

We have all been to MVAs that have gone well, as well as those where, when we get back in the rig, we say, “If I had that one to do over ….” Here is one more tool in the extrication toolbox that will help you meet the recommended timelines for extrication and keep your personnel safe when operating at an MVA.

JEFF PUGH is the creator of MVA boards. He is a 20-year career firefighter and a lieutenant with Central Pierce (WA) Fire & Rescue. He is the president and one of the lead instructors of the Puyallup Extrication Team (http://www.ThePXTeam.org“>www.ThePXTeam.org), which offers hands-on extrication classes and is a mobile; Department of Public Safety, Standards, and Training-certified; and nonprofit company.