Which is a valid principle for disentangling a victim from a wrecked automobile?

• A. Move debris to access the victim
• B. Remove the vehicle from around the victim, not the victim through the wreckage
• C. Break the vehicle to reach the victim
• D. Lift the victim through the window

Answer: (D)

The idea is to get the victim out with the least amount of movement and the safest path possible. Lifting the person through an intact window uses an existing opening, giving a clear, controlled exit route that minimizes dragging the body through wreckage. This helps protect the spine and other injuries by allowing the rescuers to support the head and neck and transfer to a backboard or stretcher without pulling the person across sharp metal, glass, or tight spaces.

Moving debris or forcing the victim through wreckage increases the risk of further injury and delays extraction. Breaking the vehicle to reach the victim is similarly risky and can create new hazards for both the patient and rescuers. Lifting through the window avoids these issues by offering a direct, safer path for disentanglement.