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PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters joined Oregon Health & Science University trauma surgeons and American Medical Response crews for a simulated field amputation during a technical rescue exercise.
The drill simulated the collapse of a three-level parking garage, with a patient trapped beneath vehicles and structural debris. Technical rescue crews entered the collapse zone, removed debris and determined that the patient could not be freed without a field amputation.
An OHSU trauma surgeon entered the confined area and performed a simulated below-the-knee amputation while firefighters continued patient care. Crews also cut through concrete above the patient and established a high point to create an extrication route.
After the patient was brought to the surface, care was transferred to an AMR crew, which simulated administering whole blood in the ambulance.
