Ratchet Strap Storage and Deployment
Triple R Method
One tool in the rescue discipline that is important to store properly, ready for fast effective deployment is the ratchet strap. One method that satisfies both requirements is the Triple R Method. I first ran across this technique on Iraki West’s Heavy Rescue Germany page. I included his video and also located a video in English below.
Here are a few pictures from the Heavy Rescue Germany that show the Triple R method in several different stages of storing the straps. The Heavy Rescue Germany site is written in German, if that is not your first language, the “Translate” button should pop up and you can quickly translate the entire website.
Here’s another method of storing ratchet straps from VentEnterSearch.com.
Heavy Rescue
Large Animal Rescue
Working with their past experince, the Patterson Fire Department’s completed their 4th horse rescue in the past several years.
Horse Rescue
Per the post from the Patterson Fire Department’s Facebook page:
At 0732, 25th of August 2021, the Patterson fire department was dispatched for a public assist to a local farm. Patterson’s heavy rescue, 22-6-1, arrived on scene and found a 31-year-old male horse, named “Dozer”, in distress. He had apparently fallen and managed to get himself stuck between a rock and a fence line. At first, the crew attempted to assist the horse in getting up by shifting his position. It became apparent that additional equipment was going to be needed to help Dozer out since he had become too exhausted to get up on his own. After some discussion, it was established that the best plan of action was to use a Paratech bipod system. It would be used as an artificial high directional with TU-32 griphoist’s assistance to lift the horse up. With a lot of sweat and effort, the crew was able to lift the horse up onto his feet. After some much-needed fluids and rest, we were happy to see Dozer trot away, unassisted.
An interesting fact, this is Patterson Fire Department’s 4th horse rescue in the past several years, all with successful outcomes.
Photos below from Andrew Akin
Outside the Box Anchor
In the pictures below a Paratech base plate is used with pickets as an anchor point on soil/grass. The picket ratings currently used date back decades and are for loamy soil. A single picket is rated at 700 pounds, a two-picket system is 1400 pounds and a three-picket system is 2000 pounds. The angle is always the biggest issue as well as consistent depth and alignment.
A Paratech hinged 12″ Base plate W/Anchor Ring has eight (8) holes to accept 1” (2.5 cm) pickets. The built-in anchor ring absorbs more than 2 tons with a 4:1 safety factor. It is easy to use as a fixed point.
Heavy Rescue
Lifting & stabilization training
Checkout this training from Connecticut Custom Fire Training LLC. and make sure you follow their Facebook page!
Checkout this training from Connecticut Custom Fire Training LLC. and make sure you follow their Facebook page! Students included members from Suffield, Windsor Locks, Enfield, and CT ANG Fire Departments taking part in a day of lifting & stabilization training. In the pictures below, are students utilizing their Paratech Struts & Hydrafusions to stabilize, lift, and capture the tree to create space for extrication.