By Mark van der Feyst
At any vehicle-rescue operation where there are occupants requiring extrication, it is important to communicate our actions to them prior to commencing rescue operations. Explaining what we are going to do reduces the chance of any added hysteria when they hear the sounds of crumpling metal.
Communicating to the occupant can be easily overlooked with the hustle of the incident scene in trying to quickly remove the person from the vehicle. A point person should be established to maintain constant communication with the occupant throughout the entire operation. The familiarity of the same voice will help reassure the occupant the whole way through.