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.
When it is time to begin stabilizing the vehicle,
always begin by chocking any wheels that are
still touching the ground.
Dont forget the large suspension
normally found on these vehicles.
Wheels touching the ground may not
be fully loaded, and so may easily roll.
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.
Once the shores are in place at the
appropriate angle, all slack should be taken
out of the tension straps between
the shores bases.
10
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.
11
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.
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.
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.
12
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.
When positioning your shores consider the
most appropriate angle.
13
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.
Always remember to construct shores to replace
the integrity of a vehicles 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
Holmatros 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.
