How to Rescue Someone in a Burning Car

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:RescueSomeoneBurningCar
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How to Rescue Someone in a Burning Car

Introduction

It may seem like they only happen in the movies, but car fires are all too real. Victims of serious auto accidents can also potentially fall victim to an ensuing car fire. Car fires can also spontaneously erupt, taking a driver by surprise and cruelly entrapping them in the flames. Knowing what to do is critical if you're ever in a situation in which you must help someone out of a burning vehicle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Assess the danger: how badly is the car flaming? How long has the vehicle been burning? If approaching the vehicle to attempt a rescue would mean putting yourself in grave danger, then it's better to wait and leave it to emergency rescue workers.
2

Step Two

Keep your head low and facing away from the vehicle as much as possible to prevent inhalation of the fumes.
3

Step Three

Cut the seatbelt with a pocketknife or other sharp object if you can't immediately get it unbuckled.
4

Step Four

Be very careful to keep the person's neck supported if they potentially have a back or neck injury.
5

Step Five

Work quickly in order to remove yourself and the victim away from the burning car as soon as possible.
6

Step Six

Seek assistance from another bystander if you are unable to drag the person to safety by yourself. Move away from the road and oncoming traffic.
7

Step Seven

Continue moving until everyone is at a safe distance from the vehicle. Make sure to get far enough away so as to be protected from flying debris, smoke and flames.

Tips & Warnings

  • Do not break the window unless doing so is absolutely necessary. Flying glass only adds to the danger of the situation.
  • Do not approach a burning vehicle if the threat to yourself is too great. Let emergency rescue workers help anyone trapped inside.
  • Do not move an injured person unless he or she is in imminent danger. Moving an injured person incorrectly could end up making the injury more severe.
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