Large vehicle stabilization / lifting Always consider the load that a heavy goods vehicle may be carrying. Also think about how your movement of a truck may affect this load. Finally remember that large vehicles normally have heavy suspension with a large amount of travel which can complicate stabilization and lifting. These types of rescue situations can vary significantly. For this reason a range of important considerations are given rather than a step by step procedure.
The need for lifting large vehicles is not limited to trucks. While a truck vs. car under-run is used in this step by step approach, the principles discussed can be applied to a host of other lifting rescue situations.
Always begin with an initial safety assessment considering any hazards to your approach.
Important considerations STRUT CHOICE: A good strut type for this application is a hydraulic Locknut type.
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When it is time to begin stabilizing the vehicle, always begin by chocking any wheels that are still touching the ground.
Don’t forget the large suspension normally found on these vehicles. Wheels touching the ground may not be fully loaded, and so may easily roll.
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Always remember to consider the final result of your intended lift, bearing in mind that the angle and length of your shores will change as the lift is performed.
It is also important to strap down components of the vehicle or load that may move during rescue efforts.
Never move under an unsecured load. When working near an unstable load always work on one knee, allowing one to move away quickly if required.
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Once the shores are in place at the appropriate angle, all slack should be taken out of the tension straps between the shores’ bases.
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Before beginning to lift the load, always recheck the chocking of wheels still in contact with the ground. It is also good to post rescuers at different locations around the load to check for any abnormal movement during the lift.
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Coordination of the lifting process should be controlled by one assigned rescuer from a position with a good view of the full lifting process.
Consider, for instance, a floating cabin on a heavy goods vehicle.
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Before deciding on shoring placement, it is good to get an overview of the situation allowing one to better understand where the center of gravity lies and what type of load shifts may occur.
Always start with the base plate, making sure, by using tension straps, that you control all possible horizontal and lateral forces within the triangle of stability.
No shored load is secure until it is mechanically locked.
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When considering assembly of your shores, make rough measurements first. This will help the rescuer maximize the use of shore stroke for any adjusting that may be required later.
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When locking the shores be sure to grip the locknut from below so as to avoid a pinch hazard.
Use a minimum of two shores. This helps balance the load being shored as well as it provides a back up.
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When positioning your shores consider the most appropriate angle.
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It is best to use a swivel type head in this situation so that the load will always be directed through the axis of your shore.
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Always remember to construct shores to replace the integrity of a vehicle’s structure (such as a roof) that is going to be cut away during the rescue effort.
Mechanical locking of shores should be done at the same time on both sides. This will help avoid rollover if there is failure of the lifting system.
Throughout the lifting process recheck the chocks. Only lift the load as much as necessary to achieve the rescue.
As seen in “Holmatro’s Emergency Shoring & Lifting Techniques” www.holmatro.com
© Copyright 10-2009 Holmatro Rescue Equipment BV The Netherlands All rights reserved HR Tilburg nr. 18118682 art.nr. 980.000.298
This poster shows information on rescue tools and rescue techniques that can be employed in different emergency situations. The situations shown on this poster are examples only and are merely meant to assist the user of this poster in understanding certain basic vehicle rescue extrication techniques and rescue tools available. Each motor vehicle accident is unique. Variables such as the type and number of vehicles involved, their positions, number and condition of patients and external hazards all play a role in determining the appropriate actions and their sequence. It is important to note that you should always read and understand the manual for the relevant rescue tools, use the standard operating procedures and follow the instructions of your department and incident commanders. The extrication scene is inherently hazardous. Your personal safety depends on the training provided by your agency, your use of the appropriate personal protective equipment and your understanding of the rescue equipment you or your agency utilizes. It is YOUR responsibility to read and understand all operation manuals associated with your rescue equipment, receive appropriate training in its use, and ensure that it is properly maintained. Your failure to take all of these steps may lead to death or severe personal injury of victims, yourself or any body else at the emergency scene. Holmatro disclaims any liability for any damage or injury, whether direct, indirect or otherwise, and whether asserted in contract, tort, warranty or otherwise, incurred as a result of the use of rescue techniques and/or rescue tools described on this poster or the use of any other rescue techniques and/or rescue tools that are employed in an actual emergency situation, except to the extent, and limited to, the terms of any warranty provided by Holmatro for its own equipment. Holmatro makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to its own equipment from the contents of this poster, including without limitation, any warranty of merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.