What should be done if a patient requires rapid extrication?

• A. Delay extrication until full diagnostics.
• B. Keep the patient safe during extrication and use protective measures against flying debris.
• C. Move the patient immediately without protection.
• D. Wait for a physician before any movement.

Answer: (B)

In rapid extrication, the priority is to remove the patient from a dangerous situation quickly while preventing any additional injury. The best approach is to keep the patient safe during the extraction and to use protective measures against flying debris. This means stabilizing the patient as needed to limit movement, especially of the spine if injury is possible, and shielding them with PPE and scene barriers as tools and vehicle materials are removed. The goal is to minimize exposure to glass, sharp edges, and other hazards created by the crash and the rescue operations, without delaying the move to safety. Full diagnostics on scene can wait until the patient is out of harm and in a controlled environment, and waiting for a physician before moving isn’t practical when time is critical.