High Intensity Discharge Headlights -A Warning To Rescuers
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps commonly called "xenon headlamps", produce light with an electric arc rather than a glowing filament by the use of a step up coil. These headlights convert standard 12 volt current to 25,000 volts within the headlight. The high intensity of the arc comes from metallic salts that is vaporized within the arc chamber. These headlights will not charge the body of the vehicle or water stream when intact, however if you puncture, there is a high hazard of electrical shock and or fire. HID exhibit a distinct bluish tint when compared with tungsten-filament headlamps.
Airbag Sensors: location, location, location
Do you still have firefighters who bang on the side of a car with an ax, a halligan or a hydraulic tool to gain an access point?
It’s possible that the side airbag sensor maybe right were they are banging.
We recently had a change to cut up some late model year cars (2009 and newer) from some diffrent auto manufactures and one of the things we found were some new locations for airbag sensers
.
The Risk of Mixing Tool Brands
Why?
The main reason is safety! Hydraulic rescue tools are widely offered as a system to the users. This is because the sets are carefully assembled with optimal matching components which are developed and tested together. Only when the tested components are used together, can a manufacturer assure that the system’s safety is how they designed it to be. This is a part of most tools warranty.
Who will do service & repair?
Holmatro service technicians are highly trained to perform maintenance and repair of Holmatro tools as well as stock genuine Holmatro parts. Service and repairs cannot be done when different equipment from other manufacturers are used in a Holmatro system. We do not have the training or parts to do so, as well as others in regards to our equipment. This can lead to improperly repaired or serviced equipment and could place lives at risk.
NFPA verification issues
Rescue tools are tested as a system for NFPA and UL listing certification. According to NFPA1936 any alterations to the system makes the tools non-compliant to NFPA standards and can open up a department to possible litigation. NFPA is a US standard, and not a regulating agency. Foreign manufactures do not appear to be testing to US standards and instead are obtaining certification letters from non-US firms. Unfortunately, with no industry regulatory compliance, manufacturers can say what they want to claim certification without proof.
For example: The “hot swap” couplers manufactured by Cejn and sold under various names by different manufactures are not NFPA compliant according to NFPA 1936 section 4-1.1.8 “all RT quick-connect couplers shall be equipped with a locking feature to prevent accidental uncoupling during operation” The Cejn coupler does not have a self locking feature. This puts into question testing and certification claims made by the manufacturer.
Ford puts Airbags in Seatbelts
The 2011 Ford Explorer offers an optional inflatable seatbelts in the backseats of this SUV. The belts reel in and out like regular belts, but they will have air bags built into the webbing.
These will inflate on impact in 40 milliseconds using a cool,low-pressure gas from a cylinder housed under the rear seats. This inflation rate is much slower that traditional airbags and is designed to reduce the potential for injury from the airbags themselves.
This technology is not new and is currently being used in some light aircraft. Ford says they plan on expanding the inflatable seatbelts to other models in the coming years.
Expandable A-pillar
Autoliv ‘s expandable A-pillar aids visibility, safety
There is a cynical adage in the auto industry that drivers visibility is essential because “people like to see what they are going to hit”. Unfortunately primary and secondary visibility continues to be hampered by requirements on vehicle design and structural integrity.
To that end, Autoliv has been working on an expandable A-pillar. The pillar can be slimmed down to .9” 1/3 the size of a typical post. The pillar is built with high-grade steel (not high-strength) folded and welded airtight, with a gas generator at one end. In a serious crash the generator is activated and the steel unfolds and expands, so the added cross-sections give the post the added strength. Other benefits are a decrease in weight and reduction in roof intrusion in rollovers and offset frontal crashes.
How this post impacts extrication is yet to be determined. Will we be able to cut this material? What possible hazards will we face with the post and generator? We will keep you posted as more info is available.
Roof Access – Window Tent
Here is another look at an alternative way of gaining roof access.
The Window TentWhen you are dealing with a potentially critical patient you may not have the time to remove the roof. Or, if the roof is constructed with the modern ultra high strength steel, your currenthydraulic cutters may notbe able to cut through. The “Rear Window Tent” is another rapid extrication egress path.
Remove rear glass,Place the top spreader tip on the inside roof,
Place the bottom spreader tip on top of the deck or seat.
Open your spreader until the roof has formed somewhat of a tent shape.
If needed place a 4’ section of 4x4 on the deck to support the spreader tips.
Once the tent is complete you will need to recline the seat. This can be done by hand or by the use of a pike pole. Also remove the headrest for a couple extra inches of room. If you are dealing with a large patient you may have to cut one of the rear posts, this will relieve tension and allow the roof to open much wider.
Another New Airbag Location
GM to introduce first front seat center airbag
Statistics have shown that 29% of belted fatalities in side impact crashes come from far-side occupants In the attempt to reduce far-side fatalities in side impact crashes, that is the occupant on the non-struck side of the vehicle. GM is introducing a seat mounted airbag that deploys from the right side of the driver seat into the center area of the vehicle. .
The ability to identify this non-deployed bag in a crashed vehicle are not yet known. Changes to patient care and extrication techniques may need to be addressed.
This bag will be introduced in three 2013 model year vehicles: Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia & Chevrolet Traverse.
Dash Jack—Why is it not lifting the full dash?
Question:
When doing a “Dash Jack” on late model cars with your hydraulic spreader, we are seeing very little movement to the dash area around the center transmission area and beyond, why?
Answer:
The simple answer is stronger metals and added reinforcement for offset frontal crashes. Auto manufactures are now using Martensitic metal on the forward bulkhead .This metal is 40% lighter and 10 times stronger then previous metals used in this area. It is also being used to tie the dash into the transmission. This reinforcement is designed in an offset frontal crash to absorb some of the energy and help maintain the integrity of the compartment.Though hard to get to, these stringers can easily be cut once they are exposed. Another option is to ram or jack the dash from the center transmission area and break these stringers
Ford puts Airbags in Seatbelts
The 2011 Ford Explorer offers an optional inflatable seatbelts in the back seats of this SUV. The belts reel in and out like regular belts, but they will have air bags built into the webbing.
These will inflate on impact in 40 milliseconds using a cool, low-pressure gas from a cylinder housed under the rear seats. This inflation rate is much slower that traditional airbags and is designed to reduce the potential for injury from the airbags themselves.
This technology is not new and is currently being used in some light aircraft. Ford says they plan on expanding the inflatable seatbelts to other models in the coming years.
Smark Phone Apps for Extrication
Recently a couple of companies have introduced
rescue apps for the i phone and Android smart phones.Hybrid Vehicle Extrication Guide
is a free app www.extricationguide.com This guideprovides clear, intuitive schematics, showing the location of airbag sensors, high
voltage electrical lines, fuel, pistons, airbag cartridges, and seatbelt pretensioners
for hybrid vehicles.
Extrication Zone
is only available for Apples i phone & i pad at the i tunes app center for .99 cents.The Extraction Zones app provides location information for airbags, seatbelt
pretensioners, electric and propulsion systems, as well as structural reinforcements
for the most popular cars
on the road in the United States as well as
most hybrid and electric cars.
