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The Vehicle Extrication Experts in WA State.

 
 

 

 

 

 PRODUCTSSERVICE / MAINTENANCETRAINING TOOLSCOMPANYText Box: WA RESCUER NEWS                                                     News, updates, and product information brought to you by WC Fire & Rescue

 

 

Text Box: One of the latest trends in trying to speed up extrications is through the increase in tool speed. Depending on how each manufacturer accomplishes this, it can be anything from beneficial... to a demo gimmick... to possibly dangerous.        

Text Box:   IN THIS ISSUE Text Box:      Rescue Tool Speed—The Good , The Bad & The Dangerous?   Text Box: When addressing tool speed ask yourself a few simple questions 1. Is the speed controllable?  Will I be able to stop the tool if something is going wrong such as: blade separation, entrapment from the tool, or additional injury to my patient? 2. Is this really faster when I look at the big picture? Extrication starts when you pull the tools off of the rig, not when you start cutting. How easy is this system to deploy? What do I have to do to change tools? How user friendly are the tools? 3. What are some of the other drawbacks? If I have to run back to the pump all the time how is that faster? Does the speed produce excess heat? Do I lose any power or the ability to use other tools?   The Bottom Line:  If you want to increase your extrication times, practice with the tools you have available.                                Your proficiency will speed things up more than any new gadget.

Text Box: Extrication: NFPA 1936: Not used as intended The concept of NFPA  standardized performance comparison is good. Sadly,   manufacturers vary in interpretation  and may not test to real world scenarios. Some manufacturers use “theoretical power numbers”, or small tricks like longer spreader tips for greater power ratings, or use  annealed metals for more  powerful cut tests.   Until everyone uses the same tests, NFPA ratings are not an apple-to-apple comparison. Thee Bottom Line: Side by side tool comparisons is the only way to really evaluate different rescue tool brands. 

Text Box:      2009 & 2010 Model Year Cars, What to Expect: Federal Standards   Text Box: CURRENT Rescuer News - CLICK HERE to read full archive. Part 3: New FMVSS requirements on construction of new cars, and effect on rollovers.   Currently manufacturers are required to pass a 1.5 g-force test which applies1.5 times the weight of the car  to the roof of the car (see below).  If the roof collapses more than 5”, that vehicle cannot be sold in the US. In 2010, the test parameters will increase to 2.5 g-force.   While today’s 4,000 lb car is tested with 6,000 lb, in 2010 it will increase to 10,000 lbs.  This means that  manufacturers will be using significantly higher tensile strength material in the posts and roof in order to meet the new FMVSS requirements.   As manufacturers look to comply with new requirements, the increased material strength will make this area more difficult to cut, even with  modern rescue tools.  

Text Box: Post Rollover:  Three of four doors plus the lift gate operated normally even after “barrel roll” rollover.

Text Box: Below:  2010 2.5 g-force requirement A 4,000 lbs car has 10,000 lbs of force applied here. Text Box: Below: Some manufacturers comply today The  2009 Jeep Patriot already meets  2.5 g-force   Post rollover: three of four doors plus lift gate operated normally even after “barrel roll” rollover