What is the purpose of glass management?

• A. To heat the glass for easier removal
• B. To gain access while protecting occupants and rescuers from shards
• C. To replace broken glass
• D. To speed up the extrication by breaking glass

Answer: (B)

Glass management is about creating a safe access path to the patient by handling glass in a controlled way to protect everyone from shards. The aim is to reach the occupant without causing or unleashing further injuries from broken glass, and to keep rescuers safe as they work. This means deciding when and how to remove or separate windows, using protective equipment and proper tools to minimize spatter and jagged edges, and shielding the patient from loose fragments as you gain access. Heating glass to remove it isn’t the goal because it can cause unpredictable failures and injuries; replacing or repairing glass during a rescue isn’t the objective either, since the immediate need is access and safety. Deliberately breaking glass to speed things up introduces unnecessary risk and is not the correct approach.