• When responding to a vehicle that has rolled over it is important to first assess the situation. The driver and passengers in the vehicle are already victims of the accident and if the situation isn't carefully assessed it is possible for the rescuer to become a victim as well. Prior to attempting any kind of rescue of passengers, the car's stability needs to be determined and stabilized in order to prevent any further injury.
  
  

Assessment

• Assess the situation in a rollover crash, to the rescuer does not become a victim.car crash and police rescue team image by Canakris from Fotolia.com
  
  When stabilizing a car that has rolled over it is important to first assess the angle at which the vehicle is positioned. If the ground under the car is level than the stability of the car is increased. However, if the car is positioned on an incline the potential for a secondary roll over is increased and could result in causing injuries to the rescue crews. The heaviest part of the car is the frame. The location of the frame at the bottom of the car should be considered when determining how to brace the vehicle to prevent further movement.
  
  

Bracing

• Once it is determined where the greatest potential is for secondary movement is its time to brace the vehicle to prevent it. There are several types of bracing devices on the market that rescue crews can acquire. The braces come apart so that it is possible to assemble them in a variety of heights and angles depending on the situation. The brace should be positioned against the rolled over car so that the weight of the car will rest on the brace and prevent further movement while rescue workers assist the injured.
  
  

Tethers

• Tethers can be used when a vehicle has rolled and come to rest in an area where bracing isn't an option. Steep embankments, for example, are difficult to set braces due to the incline. They could slip if the car were to move suddenly. Tethering uses long straps or ropes that are secured to the car, preferably around the frame, and are then are tied off on the uphill side of the car. Tethers can also be secured by pounding large tent stakes into the ground and anchoring the tethers to those. Tethers may not hold the car as still as the braces may, but they will help prevent a secondary rollover.