Techniques
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.
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.
West Metro Fire Rescue
West Metro Fire Rescue posted several pictures from a vehicle accident that required several rescue discipline to free a trapped occupant. Around 11:30pm on a Saturday night, firefighters with Engine 2, Tower 2, Engine 6, Medic 3, District 2 Chief and SAM 1 responded to a rollover crash on east bound 6th Avenue. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pinned, with one leg through the sunroof. The crews used high pressure airbags to lift the vehicle and stabilized it with struts to extricate the patient, who had serious injuries.
One benefit with struts that use anchor loops that move independently from the base plate is the ratchet strap anchor point will pull the base plate off the ground. This allows the base plate to remain flat on the surface especially when the strap anchor point on vehicle tightens up the angle on the tension buttress.
Techniques
Lifting pocket rigging card
This training resource covers rigging fundamentals through a series of self-paced lessons that explain the Crosby User’s Guide for Lifting pocket rigging card. Each topic includes a video that covers one of the panels on the rigging card
Online Rigging Training
This training resource covers rigging fundamentals through a series of self-paced lessons that explain the Crosby User’s Guide for Lifting pocket rigging card. Each topic includes a video that covers one of the panels on the rigging card. After you complete each topic, you will have the opportunity to take the corresponding quiz and test your knowledge. You can view the introduction and instruction video below to learn more about the Course. The course is only $15 and the Crosby User’s Guide for Lifting pocket rigging card is only $5 on Amazon.
- Panel 1: Risk Management & Terminology
- Panel 2: The Basic Rigging Plan
- Panel 3: Inspection of Rigging Hardware
- Panel 4: Inspection of Slings
- Panels 5 & 5A: Wire Rope Capacities (EIP & EEIP)
- Panel 6: Wire Rope Sling Connections & Hitches
- Panels 7 & 7A: Chain Sling Capacities, Connections & Hitches
- Panel 8: Crosby
- Panel 9: Synthetic Web & Round Slings
- Panel 10: C.O.G. / Weights & Measures
- Panel 11: Sling Angles
- Panel 12: Shackles & Hoist Hooks
- Panel 13: Links, Rings and Turnbuckles
- Panel 14: Eye Bolts & Hoist Rings
- Panel 15: Operating Practices & Load Control
- Panel 16: Wire Rope Clips
Techniques
Tech Tip: Steering Wheel Displacement
When an occupant is trapped in a vehicle typically only inches are required to free the occupant. Displacing the steering wheel with the spreaders is a ….
Steering Wheel Displacement
When an occupant is trapped in a vehicle typically only inches are required to free the occupant. Displacing the steering wheel with the spreaders is a quick and effective technique to free an occupant trapped by the steering wheel. Depending on the seating position and size of the patient, the spreaders may need to be opened enough to pivot around the driver’s leg. First off, always try to utilize the tilt adjustment i the vehicle is equipped with that feature. Always have a rescuer supporting the steering wheel because once the tilt feature in unlocked, the weight of the steering will fall onto the patient. Telescoping steering wheels can provide assistance if the enough travel is left in the steering wheel.
The arm length of the spreaders are important for this technique to work. Small spreaders with short arms may not have a large enough spread to catch the steering column and the rocker panel. Amkus developed larger, Extended Reach Tips that add an additional 8 inches of travel to their spreaders.
This technique is useful for an accident like an under-ride into a semi trailer or vehicle on vehicle. The steering column can be displaced without having to lift the dash. This could eliminate lifting the trailer to gain the space to lift the dash. If the steering hits the under-side of the trailer during displacement, consider cutting the steering wheel ring. Cutting the ring could add inches to your displacement.
I spent a weekend in 2014 in Germany at Rescue Days that the fine folks from Weber Rescue put on every year. (If you love extrication, put Rescue Days on your fire service bucket list of training) The image above and below are outside of the box techniques that are taught by Weber Rescue that are worth storing in your mental tool box.
