Breaking glass in crash vehicle brings own risks

Eric Lai

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Q: In an emergency rescue situation with trapped persons in a wrecked auto, which would be easier to break out: the windshield or a side window?

A: Windshields are designed to stay intact even when broken, whereas side windows will shatter on impact. However, I'd strongly caution against untrained bystanders taking drastic action as this could result in further injury either to yourself or to the persons you are trying to assist.

Unexploded airbags, for example, may inadvertently deploy well after a collision – possibly as a result of your jarring the vehicle. Also, oncoming traffic is an ever-present danger.

Your first move should be to call for emergency services. In most areas, first responders should be on the scene within a few minutes.

In the meantime, if there is no imminent threat to life (fire/explosion, drowning, severe bleeding, not breathing), do not move the victim.

To learn what to do in an emergency, everyone should take a first aid/CPR course (two-day weekend courses are available). The life you save may be your child's or that of someone you love.

Ed. Note: Wheels contributor Eric Lai is certified in First Aid and CPR – and has actually had to use it. Over the years, he's been awarded lifesaving citations from both the Canadian Red Cross Society and the City of Toronto.

Chief Don McClean of Markham Fire and Emergency Services adds:

I concur with the advice given. Always call for help first and do not become a victim yourself.

If there is no immediate threat to life, it's best to leave rescue and extrication work to the professionals. Our members are extensively trained and have the tools and equipment to get trapped persons out of vehicles safely and without additional injury.

In addition to a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher secured in an approved vehicle bracket is recommended for your car, truck or motorhome in case of emergency.

Q: My home's garage has stacked parking utilizing a hydraulic lift, like those used by auto repair shops. (You raise one car on the lift and then park another beneath it.)

Recently, a power line surge during a lightning storm caused some costly damage to the hoist. Is anything available to protect such equipment?

It's a 240-volt device, so ordinary plug-in surge protectors for computers won't help.

A: At Home Depot, I found a $165 Cutler-Hammer whole-house surge protector that mounts in your main electrical panel to safeguard all AC circuits (120/240-volt), plus phone and cable lines. Professional installation is recommended, though do-it-yourself instructions are included.

Email your non-mechanical questions

to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca.

Please include year, make, model and

kilometres of autos cited, plus your name, address and telephone number.

Letters may be edited.

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