Which phase follows patient removal and transport in the vehicle rescue life cycle?

After the patient has been removed from the vehicle and transported to a safe location for medical care, the next phase in the vehicle rescue life cycle is termination. This phase involves concluding the operation by ensuring that all equipment is accounted for, the scene is clear of hazards, and that all team members and bystanders are safe. It may also include completing reports and reviewing the operation for lessons learned.

In the context of a vehicle rescue operation, termination marks the end of the rescue sequence, focusing on closing out the incident effectively. Other steps, like disentanglement and extrication, occur earlier in the rescue process before the patient is removed. Scene stabilization ensures a safe environment for rescuers and victims during the rescue, but it is not a phase that follows patient transport; rather, it is a continuous consideration throughout the operation.