North American Vehicle Rescue Association

	Loaded Glass Any tempered glass that is placed under unusual pressure is considered loaded glass because it has the ability to explode violently when broken. This loading may be from vehicle damage after a collision or from vehicle construction. In this case the rear glass is loaded from the compressed cylinders used to hold it in place when raised. Although it was not mitigated to show the reaction, attempt to manage loaded glass by covering with a blanket or adhesive film.
	Patient Representation It is vitally important during training to represent patient positions with some type of dummy. This allows rescuers to practice tactics with a better understanding of working in a patient's vicinity. In this video a rescuer attempts to move the front seat rearward. It should be obvious the method used would not be appropriate with a patient in the seat and legs in the floorboard.
	Making Front Seatback Cuts From the Rear In several situations rescuers are confronted with the need to cut the front seatback from the rear. Maintain hard protection as necessary and support the patient mentally and physically. Although this cut can be accomplished, having the rear seat cushion makes it harder to position the cutting device at an appropriate angle. If possible, remove the rear seat cushion for easier operations. Usually the seat can be removed quickly and with minimal effort. Factors that might affect the cushion being removed include medic positioning, patient locations, etc.
	Front Quarter Panel Crush Rescuers often utilize a front quarter panel crush to provide access to the hinge side of a front door. If the vehicle is equipped with a front frame rail, this can also provide enough relief for a dash displacement in certain situations. It is important to keep the top spreader arm flat on the hood or motor area. Then use the bottom arm to catch the quarter panel while avoiding the wheel assembly. This video illustrates a high and low angle then proper positioning.
	Strut Operations - Strap Connection Follow simple rules when placing struts in operation. Keep the strut head as high as possible and above the center of gravity. Just as importantly keep the tensioning strap as low as possible and below the center of gravity. This video shows how the strap becomes a hinge point when placed high and close to the strut head.
	Improper Winshield Striking Point If damage is not significant enough from a collision, rescuers may have to make a starting point to begin windshield removal. This is the case whether rescuers use an axe, glassmaster, or reciprocating saw. Pay close attention to where that point is created. If the strike is close to the rearview mirror it may cause it become a projectile on the interior of the vehicle.
	Controlling Hydraulic Tool Speed Various situations exist where controlling hydraulic speed, both fast and slow, enhances operations. Tool operators should be aware of the options their system presents. For example, the speed of this spreader can be adjusted by an accelerator mode, normal mode, variable speed control handle, and power unit throttle.
	Tempered Glass Management Rescuers may have to manage tempered glass to gain access and/or during certain tactics. The April 2009 Tactical Tips cover tempered glass management.
	Weight Transfer If vehicles involved in a collision are physically touching, it is important to stabilize all the vehicles whether a patient is in the vehicle or not. In this clip watch as the vehicles are pulled apart. Once the vehicles are seperated, there is a significant amount of weight transfer. If not appropriately stabilized, it can pose a serious risk of vehicle movement during the disentanglement phase. Some keys signs this situation is evident are the roundness of the rear tire on the truck, the flatening of the front tire on the SUV, and angle of the chasis of the SUV.
	Cutter Path of Travel A cutter takes the path of least resistance when closing. If rescuers don't anticipate this movement the cutter can turn in an undesired manner. This example shows the rear of the cutter moving toward the seat when closed because the outer blade is on the hinge reinforcement. This action could cause the rear of the cutter to eventually strike the patient and/or pinch the rescuer's hand between the controller and seat. When the cutter is moved up to a pre-existing hole or lighter metal the cutter moves outward into a more desirable position.

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