The recent ARRO Harbour Challenge, Sydney 2009, saw Challenge teams participating in four extrication scenario workshops. Their task, without cutting, was to safely immobilise an injured driver and extricate them. Further emphasis was placed on rescuer safety and the prevention of strains. Fourteen teams from the SES in three states and Fire Services from across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong participated.
NIEJ chosen as preferred extrication jacket through ease of use
Equipment was standard use NSW and Queensland Ambulance extrication devices – the NEANN Immobilisation & Extrication Jacket (NIEJ), C-Collar, Long Spine Board and short board. Used to quickly immobilise the patient’s head, neck and spine in a confined space . Due to its improved speed of application and degree of immobilisation achieved in a confined space the NEIJ has replaced the previously used KED in many emergency rescue services throughout Australia. The earlier extrication devices often proved difficult to use in the field and did not ensure stability or arrest movement as fully as their replacement. Consequently they were less likely to be used, leading to potential spinal injury.
NIEJ safely used to immobilise the crash victim before extrication
Crash victims extricated quickly & safely with NIEJ
The NIEJ and the NEANN Long Spine Board proved integral to the safe removal of crash victims without the delay cutting often entails. Once all teams completed the workshop the NIEJ and Long Spine Board proved their robustness through 56 extrications. In a reasonably high use area, say once per month, this would equate to 4.5 years of use.
NIEJ & NEANN Spineboard used to safely extricate crash victim
At RAPP Australia, we work with our customers to develop and improve rescue equipment that is effective, reliable and safe to use in the field. This ensures our customers receive world-best-practice products, with continuous innovation and lowest whole-of-life cost.
Workshop run by QAS & QFRS officers with assistance from RAPP Australia’s Queensland & Northern Territory Sales Manager, Steve Fallon.
