WO2012057668A1

WO2012057668A1 - Extrication board and method for using the extrication board

Info

Publication number: WO2012057668A1
Application number: PCT/SE2011/000187
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bertil Jonsson
Original assignee: Bertil Jonsson
Priority date: 2010-10-25
Filing date: 2011-10-24
Publication date: 2012-05-03
Also published as: SE1001047A1; SE535535C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to extrication board (1) which is for example intended to be used during movement of an injured person. The extrication board (1) includes at least one first section (2) and at least one second section (3) which are telescopically adjustable in relation to one another. The extrication board (1) includes at least one energy-releasing unit (11) which when needed releases force that aids in pushing apart the first section (2) and the second section (3). The present invention also includes a method for utilizing the extrication board (1) where the extrication board (1) is initially placed in its retracted position between the injured person's back and the vehicle seat's back rest, after which the injured person is temporarily secured to the extrication board's (1) first section (2). The method's unique function is that the energy-releasing unit's (11) released force when necessary may be used as a lifting aid in moving the extrication board (1) with the injured person out of the vehicle's seat at the same time the extrication board (1) is extended. After the extrication board (1) with the injured person is moved form the vehicle's seat, the extrication board (1) with the injured person is then removed from the vehicle.

Description

Extrication Board and Method for Using the Extrication Board Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns an extrication board (spine board, back board) and a method for using the extrication board in accordance with the claims. Background of the Invention

A significant problem during emergency rescue and the like, where injured or sick people must be moved from for example a vehicle or a building to some type of medical facility, consists of the actual movement and extrication procedure causing injury, or aggravating the injured or sick person's already existing injuries. Particularly in emergency situations (such as traffic accidents, work related accidents, etc.) and natural disasters (such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, etc.) where the person being rescued is in a completely or partially destroyed vehicle, building or similar, the risk is especially great for the person being rescued receiving additional injuries in connection with rescue efforts. There is also a need for rescue efforts in regard to military operations. Exceptionally serious injuries consisting of for example spinal cord injuries are likely to worsen or even occur in connection with rescue operations or movement of injured or sick persons.

Spinal cord injuries are usually caused by trauma or certain types of diseases. For young and middle aged patients suffering from spinal cord injuries, the main cause is some form of trauma. Of those affected by spinal cord injury because of trauma, the largest portion are injured in traffic accidents. Other common causes of spinal injury caused by trauma are weapons, falls and diving accidents. The consequences of a spinal cord injury are usually very serious for those affected and often lead to a lifetime of severe handicap. The economic impact of spinal cord injuries is very high for both society and the individuals affected.

Because of the serious nature of spinal cord injuries, it is important not to worsen spinal cord injuries in conjunction with rescue work.

Damage to the spinal cord can occur along the whole length of the spine, but research shows that most spinal cord injuries caused by traffic accidents are localized to the cervical spine (in the levels of CI -2 and C5-6 in the neck) and at the transition between the thoracic spine (Th) and lumbar (L) Thl0-L2. Conducted research has also further defined a range of all directions of motion between all the vertebrae in the spine. Furthermore the extent of damaging and l risky vertebrae movement has also been documented, that risks leading to spinal cord injury while the back is instable.

Spinal cord injuries result from direct or indirect pressure on the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can also occur due to mechanical instability of the spine or be caused by

bleeding/swelling that increases pressure on the spinal cord. Instability of the spine is mainly caused by fractures of the spinal vertebrae. Instability of the spine can also be caused by damage to the ligaments and vertebrae discs.

To avoid aggravating incurred injuries in connection with rescue work, emergency rescue personnel and ambulance personnel attempt to fixate the injured person's neck and spine very exactly and carefully with the intention of avoiding further injury from movement. Fixation of the neck is done for example by rescue personnel initially performing a manual

immobilization of the neck with their hands, which is later supplemented by a rigid neck collar applied to the injured person in the vehicle before he/she is taken out of the vehicle for transport to the emergency hospital for treatment. In connection with extrication of injured persons out of vehicles, extrication boards of different types with varying widths and lengths are often used. The longest of these boards are full body length. Other extrication boards have a length corresponding to the length of a person's upper body (in a sitting position from the seat and up). It is common to use both types simultaneously during extrication of an injured person. First, the short board is put between the injured person's back and the seat's backrest and then the injured person is secured to the board. Rescue personnel then lift/drag the short board backward/upward along the seat's backrest. In the meantime the injured person's neck is secured by other rescue personnel. Another person lifts the injured person's legs so that they are kept in as straight a line as possible with the body. Often, the injured person is dragged (pulled) onto a full-length board that is then pulled out of the vehicle, for example through the rear window of the vehicle (movement of the injured person out of the vehicle is facilitated if the roof of the vehicle is cut-off).

Using more than one extrication board in connection with a rescue work is associated with several problems. It is obviously more difficult for rescue personnel to handle more rescue equipment than necessary and rescue gear that is divided into several separate parts usually occupies an unnecessary large space in emergency vehicles etc. Furthermore, it is not time efficient to have to move injured persons between different boards and time is a very important factor in rescue work. A further problem is that the injured person's injuries may be aggravated by them having to be drawn (dragged, pulled) from a half-length board to a full- length board in order to be moved from for example a vehicle to a waiting ambulance stretcher or the like. There is therefore a need for one single extrication board that can handle all types of rescue operations in for example accident situations, from for example fixation to the board inside a vehicle up to the point where care is given by a healthcare facility.

Prior Art

Extrication boards are known in numerous variants. For instance, WO9408542A1 describes a divisible version of an extrication board. The design according to WO9408542A1 differs greatly from the design according to the present patent application. For example, the extrication board, according to WO9408542A1, is not telescopically adjustable in the extrication board's longitudinal direction.

In US3707734 is described a variant of a stretcher which includes two parts which may be used individually or interconnected with each other. For example, the parts may be used as a "spine board" during movement of an injured person, sitting in a vehicle seat in a vehicle, out from the vehicle. The design according to US3707734, differs however in significant ways from the design according to the present patent application. For example, the length of the stretcher is not telescopically adjustable.

US3449776 describes a version of a stretcher which includes telescopically extendable and retractable parts in the stretcher's longitudinal direction and transverse direction. The design differs to a large extent in other ways compared with the present patent application. For example, the stretcher is not intended for and able be used during extrication of an injured person out from a vehicle.

US5384926 describes a variant of a stretcher including a frame structure which is

telescopically arranged in the longitudinal direction of the stretcher. The design also includes energy-accumulating springs which are pressed together when the stretcher is telescopically shortened. The design differs greatly from the present patent application. The design is not, for example, intended (and not suitable) for use as an extrications board in connection with rescue efforts of an injured person out from a vehicle. Brief Description of the Invention Concept

The main purpose of the present invention is to create an improved extrication board which substantially facilitates rescue workers ability to move injured persons out from vehicles. Another purpose of the present invention is to create a method for using the extrication board which allows for a reduction in risk of the injured patient receiving further injury during extrication.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. Each respective figure is briefly described in the following figure list. Note that the figures are schematic and details may thus be omitted. The embodiments exemplified in the figures are not limiting for the scope of protection of the present patent application.

Fig. 1 schematically shows an extrication board in its retractable position. Fig. 2 schematically shows an extrication board in its extended position. Fig. 3 schematically shows the principle for adjusting the length of the extrication board. Fig. 4 and 5 show a first alternative embodiment of the extrication board. Fig. 6 to 12 show the extrication board's sequential method of use. Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, an extrication board 1 is shown. The extrication board 1 is preferably intended to be used for moving a person from one position to another position in conjunction with rescue work or the like. Preferably, the extrication board 1 is to be used for moving an injured person out from a vehicle after for example a traffic accident or similar. The extrication board 1 may also be used in other situations (circumstances). The extrication board's 1 detailed design may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention.

Common for all conceivable embodiments of the extrication board 1, according to the present patent application, is that the extrication board's length is adjustably arranged. The adjustment of the board's 1 length may be accomplished in a number of ways. In the shown embodiment of Fig. 1 and 2 the length of extrication board 1 is adjusted telescopically (retraction and extension) by the extrication board including at least one first section 2 and at least one second section 3 which are telescopically arranged relative to each other in the extrication board's longitudinal direction. The extrication board 1 is telescopically adjustable between a retracted position (as shown in Fig. 2) and an extended position (as shown in Fig. 1). In alternative embodiments of the extrication board, it may include at least three sections of which at least two are telescopically arranged in relation to each other. The technology shown in the figures make up just one of the conceivable variants of techniques that may be used to accomplish a length adjustment of the extrication board 1.

In the exemplifying embodiment of the extrication board 1, the first section 2 includes at least one first frame (or other name) 4 to which at least one first supportive structure (back support, supportive segment or similar) 5 is connected. The first frame 4 in the exemplifying embodiment consists of at least one first frame part 4a, at least one second frame part 4b (comprises the first end of the extrication board) and at least one third frame part 4c. The supportive structure 5 provides back support for the injured person. In the exemplifying embodiment of extrication board 1 , the second section 3 further includes at least one second frame 6 and at least one second supportive structure 7. In the exemplifying embodiment the second frame 6 consists of at least one first frame part 6a, at least one second frame part 6b (comprises the second end of the extrication board) and at least one third frame part 6c. The first frame 4 and the second frame 6 may for example consist of pipes (tubes), profiles or similar. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first frame 4 and the second frame 6 are U-shaped. The first frame's 4 form and the second frame's 6 form may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. Even the supportive structures 5 and 7 design and shape may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention.

The first section 2 is preferably made of aluminum, a polymer material, carbon fiber or the like or a combination of materials. The first section 2 may in alternative embodiments be made of another for the purpose suitable material or combination of materials. The second section (retractable section) 3 may be made of aluminum, a polymer material, carbon fiber, fabric or another for the purpose suitable material or combination of materials. The choice of material should also take into consideration the possibility of x-ray examinations of the injured person at a medical facility after rescue. The extrication board's 1 cross-section has a shape which allows for a good fit between the injured person's back and also the concave shape of the back rest of the vehicle's front or rear seat. The extrication board's 1 cross-section may preferably be of a convex shape. In alternative embodiments the board's 1 cross-section may be of another for the purpose suitable shape. The extrication board's 1 cross-section form is preferably of a shape that is adapted to the human back and/or adaptable to the human back.

The extrication board 1 further includes several grips 8 or handles 9 or the like with which the extrication board may be gripped in conjunction with its use. In their simplest form, the grips 8 consist of parts of the frame which requires that the supportive structures adjacent the frame include one or more recesses or the like. The handles 9 may for example consist of loops formed by a lash (band, strip) or similar that has been connected to the frame 4.

The extrication board 1 further includes at least one securing (fastening) strap 10 and preferably several securing straps 10. The securing straps 10 are intended to be used to temporarily secure a person to the extrication board in connection with the use of the board 1.

The extrication board 1 is preferably of two different types, one of which is relatively shorter and the other relatively longer. The relatively shorter variant of the extrication board 1 is used if the roof of the vehicle is left intact during extrication. The relatively longer variant is used if the roof is removed from the vehicle during extrication.

The unique feature of the present extrication board 1 is that it, in preferred embodiments, includes a function where at least one energy-releasing unit 11, which is intended to affect by force the first section 2 and the second section 3 to push away from one another (thereby increasing the extrication board's length). The force required to increase the length of the extrication board, by section 3 partially being pushed out of section 2, may for example be obtained from at least one energy-accumulating unit 12. The energy-accumulating unit accumulates energy when the board is pushed together (a lengthwise reduction of the extrication board) and releases energy during extension of the extrication board.

After the extrication board's first section 2 and second section 3 are pushed together and energy has been accumulated in the energy-accumulating unit 12 or in the energy- accumulating units 12, the first section 2 (frame) and the second section 3 (frame), may temporarily be locked to each other by at least one locking device 13 and at least one unlocking mechanism 14. The locking device 13 and the unlocking mechanism 14 may consist of separate units or be integrated in one and the same unit. In alternative

embodiments, it is conceivable that the extrication board's 1 first section 2 and second section 3 may be locked at various points of retraction/extension either incrementally or non- incrementally. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the energy-accumulating units 12 are placed externally in relation to the extrication board 1.

The energy-accumulating unit 12 may consist of one or more springs 15 which are

compressed when the extrication board 1 is pushed together (shortened). After the springs 15 have been compressed, the springs are locked in their compressed position by the locking device 13. The spring 15 may for example consist of a gas spring or other type of spring 15. Fig. 3 shows an example of an extrication board 1 including at least one first energy- accumulating unit and at least one second energy-accumulating unit. Each respective energy- accumulating unit 12 includes at least one compression spring, or alternatively at least one gas spring. The total force in the energy-accumulating units (springs) may for example range between 300 - 800 N, preferably 500 N. The gas spring should include a feature by which it can be temporarily locked in its compressed position.

In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the energy-releasing unit 11 consists of a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrically powered energy-releasing unit 11. This unit may be controlled with the aid of a suitable control member placed adjacent the handle 8. The use of a hydraulically driven energy-releasing unit 11 is usually not a problem in emergency rescue because rescue vehicles typically include hydraulically operated functions. For example, hydraulics are used to power so-called cutter-spreaders (Jaws of Life) and the like with which supports and the like in the vehicle are cut with. In another alternative embodiment, it is conceivable that the energy-releasing unit 11 consists of at least one electric motor which may be powered by at least one internal or external energy supply such as one or more energy-accumulating units (batteries) located for example in the frame 4, 6 or alternatively powered by other energy-accumulating units found for example in rescue vehicles or similar or even other sources of external electrical power. The electrical motor may be one of several types of electrical motors suitable for the purpose. Preferably, the extrication board includes two electrical motors located one on each side of the extrication board in the frame 4, 6, preferably together with at least one guide, guide rail (track) or similar for guiding the extension of the extrication board. In this embodiment as well as other embodiments it is preferable that the thickness of the first section 2 and the second section 3 is minimized to facilitate the insertion of the extrication board between the injured persons back and the seat's (front or rear seat) back rest. In order to reduce the risk of an injured person sliding against the surface of the extrication board 1, during for example the movement of the extrication board with a person on it, all or parts of the surface of the first section of the extrication board are covered with a friction increasing structure. The friction-creating structure may consist of several different materials and different types of surface structures. The friction-creating structure may be of a material with high friction in one longitudinal direction and a substantially lower friction in the other longitudinal direction.

In cases where extrication is attempted from vehicles that lean (tilt) severely to one side, there is a risk of the injured person sliding-off the extrication board 1 in a lateral direction. The extrication board's 1 first section 2 may be equipped with detachable side-supports (not shown in the figures) that are attached to the frame 4, preventing sideways movement of the injured person during extrication. Alternatively, securing straps 10 or a combination of the above may be used.

In alternative embodiments the extrication board may be divisibly arranged in at least one first section and at least one second section. This divisibility may be accomplished so that the board may be separated either widthwise or lengthwise. An exemplifying variant of this divisibly arranged extrication board is shown in Fig. 4 and 5. In this exemplifying

embodiment, the board resembles a so-called scoop stretcher. For example the second frame part 4b, in the frame 4, is divisible and the second frame part 6b, in the second frame 6, is also divisible. This divisibility may for example be achieved with quick couplers 16 or with other earlier known and for the purpose suitable coupling devices. In the exemplifying embodiment shown in Fig. 4 and 5, the first supportive structure 5 is divided into a first supportive structure 5a and a second supportive structure 5b. Further, the second supportive structure 7 is divided into a first supportive structure 7a and a second supportive structure 7b. The first supportive structure 5a is connected to the first frame part 4a and the supportive structure 5b is connected to the frame part 4c. The second supportive structure 7a is connected to the first frame part 6a and the supportive structure 7b is connected to the frame part 6c. The first supportive structures 5a and 7a are, in the shown embodiment, telescopically arranged with one another. Further, the second supportive structures 5b and 7b are also telescopically arranged with one another in the shown embodiment. The advantage of the divisible extrication board is that it may be divided in conjunction with the movement of an injured person from the extrication board to for example an ambulance stretcher. Furthermore, the divisible extrication board is more easily secured to injured persons that lay on the ground without the injured person having to be turned such as the case may be when an injured person has been thrown out of a vehicle in conjunction with a crash or after a fall from a higher height, such as for example a roof.

The extrication board 1 may preferably be used in a method for moving an injured person sitting in either a front or rear seat, out from a vehicle. Fig. 6 to 12 show this as a sequential exemplifying series of drawings. The figures show the utilization of the extrication board 1 in a vehicle where the roof has been removed. The extrication board 1 may even be used in situations where the roof has not been removed from the vehicle. The sequential exemplifying series of drawings shows the extrication of an injured person from the front seat of a vehicle, and this is not limiting for the scope of the present invention. The extrication board and method for using the extrication board is principally the same for extrication from either a front or a rear seat of a vehicle or from either a driver's seat or a passenger seat.

When it is time to use the extrication board 1, it is initially fetched from a storage place (compartment) or similar in for example a rescue vehicle. Before use the extrication board 1 is stored in its retractable position being locked by at least one locking device 13. If the extrication board 1 is not in its retracted position, it is at first pressed together and then locked in its retracted position. A general medical examination of the injured person is initially carried out inside the crashed vehicle. If need be after that, the injured person's neck is secured manually. After this initial manual securing (fixation) of the injured person's neck, a securing of the injured person's neck is then accomplished with a stiff collar (neck brace) or similar.

Paramedic personnel secure the injured persons neck and torso at the same time as the seat's back rest if possible is inclined backward somewhat. Rescue workers may if necessary place a transfer sheet against the injured person's back. After this the retracted extrication board 1 is eased down between the injured person's back and the back rest of the seat which is shown in Fig. 6 to 8. As shown in Fig. 8, the extrication board 1 is preferably placed as far down as possible against the seat cushion. Securing an injured person to the extrication board's first section 2 occurs after the extrication board has been positioned between the injured person and the seat, as shown in Fig. 7. Securing the injured person to the board 1 is for example accomplished with securing straps 10 or the like. Securing the injured person to the board 1 with securing straps 10 is preferably accomplished by securing straps 10 drawn around the injured person's thighs (legs) such as for example is shown in Fig. 1 and 2. The injured person should also be secured to the extrication board 1 with securing straps 10 around the injured persons shoulder area (Fig. 8 to 12) as with the securing straps shown in Fig. 1 and 2. When appropriate, it is also possible to secure the injured person with other types of straps and strap positions such as for example around the torso. The choice of and placement of securing straps is dependent on the determined and/or expected injury prognosis of the injured person. The neck brace and the head of the injured person may if necessary even be secured to the extrication board's first section 2 with the aid of a so-called head stabilizer.

After the injured person has been secured to the extrication board's 1 first section 2, the seat's back rest is inclined backward, as shown in Fig. 9. If necessary, the back rest may even be cut off the seat with the aid of for example a rescue cutter. In order to increase room for extrication work during the extrication process, rescue workers may if necessary cut off other parts (sections) of the vehicle (passenger compartment) as for example the steering column.

Next movement (shown in Fig. 10 to 12) of the injured person out from the vehicle is commenced. During movement, or shortly before commencing movement of the injured person out from the vehicle, the locks of the springs are released if necessary. By way of this method the accumulated force in the springs will if needed operate as a lifting force (lifting aid) in the extrication board's longitudinal direction (direction of pull). Further, the force of the springs allow for the first section 2 and the second section 3 to telescopically adjust in relation to one another with the result that the extrication board extends. This is principally shown in Fig. 10 to 12. Thanks to this extension of the extrication board, the injured person receives support for their buttocks and lower body extremities in conjunction with the injured person being moved out of the seat which is also shown in Fig. 10 to 12. The extension of the extrication board also makes it impossible for the injured person's knees to bend during extrication which results in a reduced risk of unwanted movement occurring in a possibly injured and instable part of the spine.

After the injured person has been secured to the extrication board 1 , movement of the injured person out from the vehicle then commences, as shown in Fig. 10 to 12. A rope, wire or similar may be brought and attached to the extrication board's first section 2 thereby allowing rescue workers outside of the vehicle to assist in moving the injured person along with the extrication board out from the vehicle by pulling on the rope, wire or similar. Thanks to the present method, rescue workers inside the vehicle need not lift as much (lift with less force) and are therefore able to concentrate more on stabilizing the injured persons back during movement to waiting transport to a hospital or the like. Movement of the extrication board in its extended position out from the vehicle and to the waiting transport occurs essentially in accordance with earlier known techniques and is therefore not described in more detail in this patent application. At the appropriate opportunity the injured person is unsecured from the extrication board and transferred with the aid of the transfer sheet, if present, to another for the purpose suitable transportation aid, ambulance stretcher, trauma transfer or another suitable object. After use the board 1 is cleaned and serviced and is made ready for the next rescue effort.

Securing and stabilizing the injured person's neck/head is accomplished with earlier known techniques such as for example with bowl-shaped pillows and bands or by one of the rescue workers securing the neck/head during extrication.

In the detailed description of the present invention, certain design details and methods may have been omitted which are apparent to persons skilled in the art within the field pertaining to the method and device. Such obvious design details and methods are included to the extent necessary so that the proper and full performance of the extrication board and method for using the extrication board are achieved in accordance with the present patent application.

Even if certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications of the method and device may become apparent for specialists in the invention's field. All such variations and modifications are regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims. For example, it is conceivable that the extrication board may be used in other applications than those discussed in this patent application.

In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the divisibility of the extrication board may be accomplished in another manner than the way described in the exemplifying version. For example, the supportive structure 5 and the supportive structure 7 may be separated from all or parts of the frame 4 and the frame 6. It is also conceivable that the first supportive structure 5 and the second supportive structure 7 be made to be divisible in at least two parts each. By this divisibility, the extrication board may be divided into at least two parts in the board's transverse direction (in relation to the board's longitudinal direction) which may be coupled apart and coupled together. Advantages of the Invention

With the present invention a number of advantages are achieved. The most obvious advantage is that the extrication board according to the present invention essentially facilitates, in terms of force, rescue workers ability to move injured persons out from vehicles. Moreover, this new extrication board allows for an improved method of extrication of injured people out from vehicles, which results in a significantly reduced risk of the injured person being afflicted by consequential injuries to the spine or spinal cord during extrication.

Claims

1. Extrication board (1), intended for example to be used during the movement of an injured person, including at least one first section (2) and at least one second section (3) characterized by that the extrication board's (1) length is adjustably arranged by the first section (2) and the second section (3) being adjustable in relation to one another, and that the extrication board (1) includes at least one energy-releasing unit (11) which when needed releases force that aids in pushing apart the first section (2) and the second section (3) with an extension of the extrication board (1) as a result.

2. Extrication board (1) according to claim 1 characterized by that the extrication board (1) includes at least one securing strap (10) with which the injured person may be temporarily secured to the extrication board's (1) first section (2).

3. Extrication board (1) according to one of the previous claims characterized by that the energy-releasing unit (11) is powered by at least one electric motor.

4. Extrication board (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized by that the energy-releasing unit (11) is hydraulically powered.

5. Extrication board (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized by that the energy-releasing unit (11) is pneumatically powered.

6. Extrication board (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized by that the energy-releasing unit (11) includes at least one energy-accumulating unit (12) which accumulates energy during the shortening of the extrication board (1) and releases energy during the extension of the extrication board (1).

7. Extrication board (1) according to claim 6 characterized by that the energy- accumulating unit (12) consists of at least one gas spring.

8. Extrication board (1) according to claim 6 characterized by that the energy- accumulating unit (12) consists of at least one compression spring.

9. Extrication board (1) according to claim 6 characterized by that the extrication board (1) includes at least one locking device (13) and al least one unlocking mechanism (14) with which the extrication board (1) may be locked in a retracted position and released from the retracted position.

10. Extrication board (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the extrication board (1) is divisibly arranged in at least one first section (2) and at least one second section (3) of the extrication board (1).

11. Extrication board (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the extrication board (1) is telescopically adjustable in the extrication board's (1) longitudinal direction.

12. Method for utilizing an extrication board according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, for movement of an injured person from a vehicle's front or rear seat characterized by that when necessary the injured persons neck is initially secured, after which the retracted extrication board (1) in its retracted position is placed so far down as possible between the injured person's back and the seat's back rest, after which the injured person is temporarily secured to the extrication board's (1) first section (2), after which the energy-releasing unit's (11) force when necessary is used as a lifting aid in moving the extrication board (1) with the injured person out of the seat at the same time the extrication board (1) is extended, after which the extrication board (1) and the injured person are removed from the vehicle.

13. Method according to claim 12 characterized by that the seat's back rest is inclined backward, alternatively cut off before the extrication board (1) is pulled out from the vehicle.

14. Method according to claims 12 and 13 characterized by that at least one wire, line, rope or the like is attached to the extrication board (1) and that personnel outside the vehicle may pull the wire, line, rope or similar and thereby assist the force necessary to move the extrication board (1) and the injured person out from the vehicle.