David Pease, Chief
The Reds Team

Stabilization 

We will now take a look at another important part of our extrication arsenal of equipment, stabilization devices. We, as rescuers, have come to realize the importance of good vehicle stabilization. This aspect of vehicle extrication plays a major role in the safety of all those involved, including our patients. I think for years, the importance of good stabilization was overlooked and under practiced. We have seen a tremendous increase in training on stabilization techniques as well as new equipment on the market to make the job much easier. . . . . . . . . . . .

Telescoping Systems

When having to stabilize vehicles and trucks, we find ourselves in situations where it would take a truckload of wood cribbing to provide a safe environment to work in. Over the years we have seen a new type of stabilization device emerge; a telescoping style unit that is designed to be easily installed. Most of these new style devices were designed with the help of those who have worked in the fire and rescue field. These units are lightweight and some even have multiple functions. They can be easily stored and take up considerable less room. However, I think there will always be a need for standard cribbing in vehicle extrication. . . . . . . .

Cepco Tool Company markets the Res-Q-Jack vehicle stabilization system. The Res-Q-Jack is offered in several kits with different configurations. The basic construction of the tubing is galvanized steel that is perforated on all four sides on one inch centers. This allows for one inch increments of extension. The tubing comes in two inch, 12 gauge steel and two and a quarter inch 12 gauge steel. The base plate is a five by six inch diamond plate pad that has a two inch perforated tube bolted on a pivot for attaching a jack unit, another piece of tubing, or a custom adaptor. There are 2 cam buckle straps attached to the pivot bolt. The base plate has optional hook points and 4 holes for anchoring to the ground if necessary. The jack unit is a sidewind type jack, that utilizes a threaded rod driven by the crank handle. A short section of tubing is attached to the side of the jack that allows for the insertion of an extension tubing, end fittings, or custom parts. The tube of the jack will receive a base plate, two inch tubing, or custom parts. The jack will lift 4000 pounds with a static load capacity of 7000 pounds and a travel distance of 12 inches. There are 5 end fittings available for the jacks. They are the flat point end, a channel style end, a ‘V" shaped end, an end with a rod protruding for slots and holes in the vehicle, and a chain grabbing end. The system uses tablock pins that are easy to put in place and remove. These pins are rated for a double shear strength of 10,000 pounds. A clevis pin with a locking cotter pin is used to attach the jack to the base. These pins are also rated at 10,000 pounds. There is also an assortment of chains, hooks, and straps available. Res-Q-Jack offers a variety of kits for the rescuer needs. The four-point combination package includes two jack stand kits and two adjustable stand kits. The three-point combination kit includes one jack stand and two adjustable stand kits. There is an adjustable four-point ratchet stand package that includes four adjustable stands. The three-point adjustable ratchet stand package has three adjustable stands. The two-point ratchet set has two stands. The jack stand kit is designed for fine adjustment and loading. This package comes with a sidewind jack unit, a base plate, 3 perforated extension tubes in 18 inch, 24 inch, and 36 inch lengths. The ram kit includes a jack unit and two 24 inch extension tubes. The big package is known as the Coral Gables Competition Kit and includes three jack stand kits, three end pieces, three chain and hook assemblies, and one roof rest package. There are many combinations of packages and kits available for the rescuer to choose from.

The use of telescoping style stands for vehicle stabilization is known as a buttress system or buttress type of stabilization. A tensioned buttress system is when you attach the base of the stand to the vehicle using a strap. When setting up a buttress stabilization system, one should remember that at least 3 units should be set to provide the minimum 3 point set up. The more points of the vehicle that touch the ground, the better. Every extrication situation will be different. These situations can also change throughout the extrication. As the rescuers cut and remove parts of the vehicle, the points of gravity and forces are subject to change as well. This means that you may have to change or add to the stabilization process throughout the course of the extrication.

The fact that stabilization has become a vital part of our vehicle extrication process, we need to pay more attention to the equipment we will need to accomplish this goal. Take the time to research the equipment available to you. This time will be well spent, and will benefit you down the road when that MVA occurs and you need everything you have to properly stabilize the vehicles at the scene. Wood cribbing is inexpensive, but cheap is not always better. Always consider an assortment of stabilization equipment as one kind may not meet your needs on every extrication. Also be sure to train regularly with whatever equipment you choose to put on your rescue apparatus.