Removing a Ring: a Systematic Approach

摘要

Firefighters across the country could be called to respond to an incident in which an individual is unable to remove a ring stuck on a finger (most common) or elsewhere on the body How would you respond? What equipment would you use? Have you preplanned for such a call? For a successful outcome, you must follow a systematic approach. First, do you have a machinery extrication kit on your apparatus? A simple and compact kit can get you started in your operations and may even resolve most ring-entrapment calls. A "Man vs. Machinery Kit" can be put together in a hard case plastic toolbox or in a durable canvas bag (photo)1 The kit should include the following: 1. rubber bands, 2. a nonrebreather face mask strap, 3. a manual ring cutter, 4. a pair of locking pliers, 5. a ring cracker device for tungsten rings, 6. a snap ring pliers, 7. a lubricant such as a mild soap solution, 8. flattened teaspoons or tablespoons, 9. butter knives that can be used as protective shims, 10. a miniature hobby saw with a circular carbide blade, and 11. water (bottled or an expired saline solution Ⅳ bag). These items are easily attainable and are greatly helpful in a variety of ring-removal tactics.