The news in the auto industry today is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) test of the 2015 Ford F150 that has an aluminum body structure. The test results are mixed. The four-door Super Crew version is only full-size truck on the market with the institute’s “Top Safety Pick” rating. However, the Super Cab version did poorly in a small front overlap test. How is that possible? First off, consider the Super Cab version has an integrated b-pillar with the rear door. The rear doors are hinged from the – C-pillar – rear of the body structure. Based off what we learned over the last few years is the b-pillars got stronger and the ring around the driver door is strong. The Super Cab version is latched at the b-pillar, top and bottom. The picture below highlights how the Super Cab rear door is latched. But could that be the reason?
The four-door Super Crew version has several frame reinforcements that the IIHS believes helped that version preform better than the Super Cab version. The reinforcements are in the pictures below.
Keep in mind that the 2015 Ford F-150 is the first full-size truck to be tested with the IIHS Small Overlap Impact. The Institute picked the F-150 to test first because it is not only the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. but also the first mass-market vehicle with an all-aluminum body. I would guess that other full-size trucks could struggle with the Small Overlap Impact on their super cab versions. The complete IIHS recap of the test is in the video below.
Lastly, rescuers should always pay attention the IIHS tests when researching vehicles for training or teaching. The IIHS post crash pictures provide great insight into possible dash entrapment among the occupants while giving a great picture to ask the what if questions! Take a look at the pictures below from the IIHS’ website.
Techniques
Heavy Stabilization & Lift Class

Heavy Stabilization & Lift Class
This weekend, Toranze Lee and Premier Extrication held their Heavy Stabilization and Lifting class taught. The class focused on advanced techniques using the Paratech equipment, eDraulic tools, grip hoists, vehicle stabilization methods, airbags for lifting, power tools, and the use of heavy wreckers for extrication.
Some of the departments that attended:
Building Collapse
Houston Fire Department’s Trailer 11
Check out Houston Fire Department’s new Trailer 11 purchased from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. It’s packed for of Paratech equipment with room for more!

Houston Fire Department’s Trailer 11
Check out Houston Fire Department’s new Trailer 11 purchased from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. Check out the pictures below and make sure you follow the social media pages from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists.
Overall Pictures
Compartments Pictures
Rear Pictures
Heavy Rescue
Overturned Tractor-Trailer Extrication

Overturned Tractor-Trailer Extrication
Check out the overturned Tractor-Trailer, confirmed entrapment, and power pole down that Elizabethtown Fire Dept Station 74 had earlier today.