Extrication time prediction tool.

BACKGROUND

Many patients will require extrication following a motor vehicle collision (MVC). Little information exists on the time taken for extrication or the factors which affect this time.

OBJECTIVE

To derive a tool to predict the time taken to extricate patients from MVCs.

METHODS

A prospective, observational derivation study was carried out in the West Midland Fire Service's metropolitan area. An expert group identified factors that may predict extrication time-the presence and absence of these factors was prospectively recorded at eligible extrications for the study period. A step-down multiple regression method was used to identify important contributing factors.

RESULTS

Factors that increased extrication times by a statistically significant extent were: a physical obstruction (10 min), patients medically trapped (10 min per patient) and any patient physically trapped (7 min). Factors that shortened extrication time were rapid access (-7 min) and the car being on its roof (-12 min). All these times were calculated from an arbitrary time (which assumes zero patients) of 8 min.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper describes the development of a tool to predict extrication time for a trapped patient. A number of factors were identified which significantly contributed to the overall extrication time.