Patient Extrication Process for Urban Emergency Departments

Abstract

ObjectivesThis project aimed to create and implement a safe and efficient role-based process to rapidly extricate traumatically injured persons transported to the emergency department via police transport or private vehicle. MethodsA simulation exercise was conducted with an interdisciplinary team of ED personnel, Philadelphia Police Department, and University of Pennsylvania police officers to identify the necessary steps to rapidly extricate traumatically injured individuals. ResultsThe simulation exercise identified several new processes needed to complete rapid extrications of traumatically injured individuals from private and police vehicles. These included a safe drop-off location, ED personnel role identification, proper personal protective equipment donning, 2 rapid extrication techniques, and a hard stop for weapon check by security before entering the emergency department. ConclusionsThrough simulation, the ED interdisciplinary team was able to develop a role-based safe and efficient rapid extrication process. Educating new ED personnel, security, and Pennsylvania police continues to facilitate ongoing safe rapid extrication practices in the emergency department.