For a motor vehicle accident, when should you call for an extrication team?

The decision to call for an extrication team is primarily based on the condition of the patient and their ability to safely exit the vehicle. When a patient is trapped inside the vehicle, it indicates a potential need for specialized assistance since they cannot free themselves, which could place them in a dangerous situation.

Calling for an extrication team ensures that trained professionals with the appropriate tools and expertise are on their way to safely remove the patient from the vehicle, particularly if traditional methods of extraction are not feasible. This step is crucial in situations where the integrity of the vehicle poses additional risks to the patient, such as ongoing mechanical instability or potential fire hazards.

In contrast, situations involving no serious injuries or stable vehicles would generally not necessitate immediate extrication, as the standard protocols of patient assessment and transport could be managed without specialized teams.