Vehicle into a Structure

The type of call that can happen anywhere at anytime.  It can be an impaired driver or a complete accident. Either way, it can happen and we need a plan to stabilize the structure especially if any occupants are trapped in the vehicle and/or the structure. Do you have the right equipment to shore the structure? If not, who around you does and what’s their equipment cache and staffing levels for USAR type calls?

Here’s a few pictures that the Middlesex County Urban Search and Rescue Team posted on their Facebook page of a delivery truck that crashed into an occupied structure.

Paratech Virtual Workshop: Trench Advanced

Below is a great advanced trench presentation by leading industry experts. It kicks off with Paratech’s Nigel Letherby followed by MUSAR’s Chief Ron Zawlocki and professional civil engineer Craig Dashner. Craig works closely with Chief Zawlocki to bring the fire service real world knowledge to keep everyone on scene safe. Below is a description off his Linkedin profile of some of the work that he does with the fire service.

 I also volunteer my time working with a Ron Zawloki, a Fire Department Instructor, on the development and refinement of Trench Rescue Shoring Standards. So much of what has been taught to the fire service throughout the years was never reviewed by an Engineer, or was poorly designed, and much of it is a false sense of security and down right dangerous. Working with Ron, we are developing shoring systems that can be deployed rapidly, be flexible to different conditions and provide adequate safety for the victim and rescuers.

Make sure you checkout the full list of different videos available on the Paratech YouTube channel.

Automobile into a Building

Take a look at the vehicle into a building in the Mile High City of Denver.  The Denver Fire Department posted a recent run on their Facebook Page where a vehicle crashed into in a building.  That building required shoring with Paratech struts.