Unusual Handcuff Extrication

By TOM SITZ

The Painesville Township (OH) Fire Department (PTFD) and the Concord Township (OH) Fire Department (CTFD) have an excellent working relationship and conduct multiple company training evolutions several times a month from spring until winter. The departments also review and use each other's equipment. In addition, we review the CTFD's engines in case one of our chauffeurs needs to act as a fill-in on one of their engines if needed for an emergency. On July 22, 2009, at 1218 hours, the PTFD assisted the CTFD in a rather unusual extrication incident.

康科德,俄亥俄州居民一直在玩set of steel handcuffs at his home when one side of the cuffs locked tightly around his left wrist. Unfortunately, he did not have a key to remove the cuffs (photo 1). The Lake County (OH) Sheriff's Department (LCSD) was dispatched on the initial 911 call to unlock the cuffs with its handcuff keys. After several attempts and broken keys, the LCSD requested the CTFD. After the CTFD arrived on scene, members assessed the patient and started patient care. During the assessment, they eliminated from consideration several tools, including the saw (because of the vibrations), for fear of injuring the patient. The cuffs were applied so tightly and were biting into the patient's wrist so that his skin was over the lower portion of the cuff, making removal of the cuff similar to a surgical operation. The CTFD was able to remove the free-hanging side of the cuffs using a hacksaw for better access to the wrist cuff.