Ejections from Vehicles: What Every First Responder Should Know
/
Ejections from vehicles are among the most traumatic and severe incidents that first responders—including advanced first aid professionals—encounter. These types of accidents are especially dangerous for both the ejected individual and the responders who must navigate potentially hazardous environments. In Alberta, advanced first aid training is a prerequisite for firefighters and emergency medical responders (EMRs), equipping them with the skills needed to handle these high-risk emergencies effectively.
In this blog, we’ll explore what vehicle ejections are, why they happen, the injuries that often result, and how firefighters and first responders should approach such incidents. We’ll also highlight the importance of advanced first aid training in such high-stakes situations.
What is a Vehicle Ejection?
A vehicle ejection occurs when a person is thrown from their vehicle during a crash. This can happen in a variety of ways: high-speed crashes, rollovers, or when seatbelts aren’t used or fail. Ejections are dangerous because victims often land on hard surfaces, like the road, which increases the risk of life-threatening injuries. Immediate and proper intervention is critical to give these victims the best chance of survival and recovery.
Injuries caused by ejections can range from head trauma and spinal injuries to broken bones and internal bleeding. The consequences of such injuries can be catastrophic without timely and professional care.
Causes of Ejections
Lack of Seatbelt Use: A major cause of ejections is the failure to wear seatbelts. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of ejection by keeping passengers securely in place during a crash.
Rollover Accidents: In rollover crashes, passengers are more likely to be ejected as the vehicle tumbles, increasing the chances of being thrown out.
High-Speed Collisions: High-speed crashes, especially when hitting stationary objects, create enough force to propel occupants out of the vehicle.
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: When a vehicle is struck from the side, particularly with high impact, the risk of ejection increases as the side windows may shatter and the force can throw an occupant from the car.
Injuries from Ejections
Ejected vehicle victims can suffer a range of injuries, many of which are life-threatening:
Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common and can range from concussions to severe skull fractures, leading to long-term disabilities or death.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in paralysis or death, especially if the spinal cord is compromised during the ejection.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, ruptured organs, and significant damage to internal structures. Rapid recognition and treatment of internal injuries are essential.
Fractures and Limb Injuries: Broken limbs, ribs, and pelvis are frequent in ejected patients, especially as they come into contact with the road or surrounding objects.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Scrapes, cuts, and bruises from the force of ejection and contact with surfaces are common and can add to the patient’s overall trauma.
How to Approach Vehicle Ejections: First Responder Steps
1. Start Your Size-Up at Dispatch
The time to start assessing the situation is before you even arrive on the scene. The dispatch information provides vital clues about the nature of the crash, the type of road (residential or highway), the speed of the impact, and any hazards that may be present, like industrial vehicles or hazardous materials. This early information helps responders prepare mentally and strategically for what lies ahead.
2. Perform an Inner Circle Survey
Upon arriving at the scene, conduct a quick 360-degree assessment of the incident—what we call the "inner circle survey." Walk around the wreckage to gather information about the number of victims, vehicle conditions (engine running, fluids leaking), and possible hazards (e.g., fuel, electrical lines, airbags). Noticing these details early will help guide your approach and ensure responder safety.
Safety systems such as airbags, rollover protection devices, and seatbelt pretensioners may have deployed, which can present both advantages and hazards during rescue operations. Recognizing these features will help prevent accidental injury to responders.
3. Stabilize the Victim and the Scene
Severe Bleeding Control: Ejected victims often suffer significant blood loss due to trauma. Controlling bleeding should be your first priority. Apply direct pressure to visible wounds and use tourniquets if needed to control extremity bleeding. Hemorrhage control is vital to prevent shock and further complications.
Spinal Stabilization: Always assume spinal injury in ejected patients until proven otherwise. Quickly immobilize the head and neck using cervical collars and spinal boards, ensuring minimal movement to prevent further damage.
Treat for Shock: Victims of vehicle ejections are at a high risk for shock, due to the trauma they’ve sustained. Keep the victim warm, elevate their legs (unless there’s suspected spinal injury), and monitor their vital signs.
4. Coordinate with EMS for Transport
Once the victim has been stabilized, prepare for rapid transport. Ensure that EMS has been notified, and keep in mind that time is critical in cases involving vehicle ejections. While waiting for EMS, continue to monitor the victim and provide necessary care.
Why Advanced First Aid Is Crucial for Firefighters
In Alberta, firefighters must undergo advanced first aid training as part of their professional certification. This training is invaluable when responding to high-risk incidents like vehicle ejections, where rapid, effective care can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Advanced first aid courses equip firefighters with skills such as:
Trauma assessment and management
Spinal immobilization techniques
CPR and airway management
Hemorrhage control and shock management
Having this expertise ensures that firefighters are prepared to handle the complex and often dangerous nature of vehicle ejection incidents. The ability to recognize signs of serious injury, apply the right interventions, and work safely around hazards can be the difference between life and death for the patient.
Conclusion
Vehicle ejections are some of the most challenging and dangerous situations first responders will face. Understanding how to assess, stabilize, and transport these patients is essential for their survival and recovery. With advanced first aid training, firefighters and emergency responders are better equipped to handle the complexities of vehicle ejections, ensuring they provide the best care possible in high-pressure situations.
At Delta Emergency Support Training, we offer specialized advanced first aid courses designed to prepare firefighters, paramedics, and emergency responders for these high-stakes incidents. Our training is hands-on, scenario-based, and tailored to the specific challenges you face in the field. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help your team be prepared for anything.
About Us
At Delta Emergency Support Training, we specialize in providing advanced first aid training for firefighters and emergency responders in Alberta. Our training ensures that you have the knowledge and hands-on experience to handle complex medical emergencies, from vehicle ejections to cardiac arrest. Contact us to learn more about our training programs and how we can help you be prepared for any emergency.
