What does disentanglement refer to in vehicle rescue?

Disentanglement in vehicle rescue specifically refers to the process of removing the vehicle from a patient who is trapped inside. This can occur in scenarios where the structural integrity of the vehicle has been compromised, and the patient is physically entangled or pinned by the vehicle's components, such as doors or dashboards.

Understanding this process is crucial for rescuers as it involves techniques to safely stabilize and extract a patient without causing further injury. Disentanglement may require specialized tools and methods, and it is typically performed in conjunction with other rescue operations to ensure that the patient's condition is continuously assessed throughout the extraction process. This approach allows for a focus on the patient's safety while also addressing the complexities of the vehicle's wreckage.

This term is distinct from other aspects of vehicle rescue, such as assessing injuries or establishing care priorities, which involve different skill sets and considerations that are important for overall patient care but do not directly relate to disentangling a patient from a vehicle.