The 2016 Cadillac CT6 is an all new sedan with advanced lightweight materials used in its body structure. This consists of a combination of 13 different materials, primarily aluminum and high-strength steels. What caught my attention was the bottom of the A-pillar and the rear part of the front wheel well. Rescuers are taught to thoroughly cut this area during a dash lift. With the size of the base of the A-pillar and the UHSS steel used in the wheel well, rescuers may need to use a hybrid technique.
Take note of the size of the base of the A-pillar and the aluminium cast fender reinforcement. If the photo below, you can see the UHSS and all the reinforcements in the wheel well. During a dash lift, the rescuer with the cutters will want to remain in this area to nobble additional material toward the inside of the wheel well.
At the NACE conference, Detroit Firefighters from Squad 2 are using a hybrid technique that use the ram as part of a dash lift. The ram is used to capture the current position of the dash and provide support so the dash cannot drop onto the patient. With the body structure features posted above in the 2016 Cadillac CT6, the dash may need to be supported during the relief cuts into the wheel well.
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.