New Vehicle Technology
Run flat tires are nothing new and I’ve been around for quite a while. The difference is more vehicles are starting to include them as standard equipment from the factory. Run flat tires are divided into 3 groups, Self-supporting, Self-sealing, and Auxiliary-supported. These tires will affect extrication operations during stabilization and possibly once parts of the vehicle are removed.
Run flat tires are designed to support the weight of the vehicle without any air in the tire. This is accomplished by several different types of run flat tires. The most commonly used run flat tire is a self supporting. A self-supporting run flat tire has a reinforced sidewall. Self-sealing tires use a self-sealing innerliner or similar feature to seal up small punctures. Auxiliary supported tires have a reinforcement that is attached to the wheel rather than the tire.
Auxiliary-supported Run Flat Tire
Auxiliary supported tires are typically found on armored vehicles. Many people may think armored vehicle to be a brinks money truck. However, with all of the turmoil around the world many executives and famous people have armored vehicles that look identical to a model you would find on the showroom floor.
One technique of stabilization of the vehicle is putting cribbing underneath the rocker panel and then pulling the valve stems so the vehicle can slowly lower onto the craving. When a vehicle has Run flat tires the vehicle may not securely rest on the cribbing.
By no means are run flat tires in issue for firefighters on an extrication seen. If the vehicle has run flat tires it would most likely be discovered after the initial stabilization is been completed and the firefighter assigned a stabilization checks the stabilization. If the vehicle didn’t completely rest simply placing a Wedge in may be enough to secure it.
Just like other New Vehicle Technology, run flat tires are another feature that rescuers need to have an awareness of. Run flat tires will not change our extrication techniques, rather require rescuers to be conscious of how a vehicle reacts to each step we talk during an extrication.
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:
Training
Car into an apartment building
In Mississauga, Canada, a vehicle crashed into a large residential building and the damage could have impacted up to 4 stories. Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services stated the vehicle hit the window on the building’s second floor. The driver was extricated and transported to the hospital.
Car into an apartment building
In Mississauga, Canada, a vehicle crashed into a large residential building and the damage could have impacted up to 4 stories. Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services stated the vehicle hit the window on the building’s second floor. The driver was extricated and transported to the hospital.
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
