by Rob Brown

In any crash, the first few minutes are the most critical for rendering assistance. Not only in the case of fire, but for potential asphyxiation, haemorrhaging, resuscitation, etc. Those first on the scene can save the life of the crash victims, but only if they move fast and have at least some tools.

A recent crash highlighted the need for basic tools for the first on the scene, to help free trapped pilots and to address life threatening situations. This is not meant to supplant the role of emergency services, which will be better equipped but normally will not be first on the scene.

The crash box now installed in the pie cart contains

1. A modified jemmy to give leverage and allow bending of tubing etc.
2. A large pair of bolt cutters – use self evident.
3. A small shovel to throw dirt or dig under people or equipment
4. An axe to attack fabric, fiberglass or steel to free trapped pilots. The back of the axe can be used for hammering.
5. Two squirt water bottles to hose down a burnt or about to be burnt, pilot or to supply drinking water thereto or to cool a heat-stressed, injured pilot. For relief of heat stress, apply to the chest and neck. (Do not remove the screwcaps from the bottles.)
6. Compression bandages to bind up haemorrhaging injuries.
7. Two powder fire extinguishers for fire.

Use of the crash box in an emergency

1. Without delay, bring a car to the pie cart (do not run to the crash site without tools).
2. Manually pull the cover lattice off the crash box (watch out for small nails).
3. Load all the contents of the crash box and the two extinguishers into the car.
4. Proceed without delay to the crash site and render immediate assistance.

In the meantime other crew should telephone for emergency services. Dial direct or to 000 and when asked which service, say Fire Brigade as they will usually arrive first and are trained paramedics. They also have heavy tools. Then repeat the procedure and request ambulance and police. Triple-O operators are trained to ask which service you want to be connected to so know which one you should put first.

The water bottles are not for use as fire extinguishers. Please reserve these for direct application to the pilot(s).

Replace all components in the crash box after use and replace the lattice cover.

Do not use the contents of the crash box for any other purpose than emergency assistance.

A large fire extinguisher, also in the pie cart, is water-based and good for grass fires etc. It is not suitable for petrol fires or electrical fires.