In a MVA Heavy Extrication (Extrication involves a commercial vehicle), how many Rescues are assigned?

• A. 4
• B. 2
• C. 1
• D. 3

Answer: (B)

Two rescues are assigned because a heavy extrication involving a commercial vehicle needs parallel, defined tasks handled by separate crews. One rescue focuses on stabilizing the vehicle, securing the scene, cribbing, and operating the hydraulic tools to free the patient. The other rescue concentrates on patient access, patient care and packaging, and assisting with extrication as needed. This split keeps patient care continuous and reduces the workload on any one team, improving safety and efficiency as the scene is controlled and the vehicle is safely freed. Having four rescues would be more manpower than typically required for a single commercial-vehicle incident, and one rescue would spread resources too thin to manage stabilization, tool operation, and patient care simultaneously. Three rescues might be used for more complex or multi-patient situations, but the standard for a single heavy extrication with a commercial vehicle is two.