As newer, sturdier cars boast reinforced alloys, fire agencies nationwide are finding it harder to extricate victims of vehicle accidents.
Studies show that the steel construction in new cars is saving lives, but it is also hindering firefighters as they work during the “golden hour” — from the time of the incident to the medical center.
By Alison Ecklund
As newer, sturdier cars boast reinforced alloys, fire agencies nationwide are finding it harder to extricate victims of vehicle accidents.
Studies show that the steel construction in new cars is saving lives, but it is also hindering firefighters as they work during the “golden hour” — from the time of the incident to the medical center.
In order to cut through cars to get victims out, the Sedona Fire District has upgraded some of its extrication tools.
“As technology of vehicles improves and yet our golden hour still exists, we find it more difficult to extricate residents from their vehicles,” Sedona Fire District Deputy Marshal Gary Johnson said. “As a result, we’ve been forced to upgrade equipment.”
In June, the district spent $38,819.07 on a spreader, cutter, hose assemblies, a combination tool and a power unit, according to a purchase order.
The district has four sets, with some tools newer than others, but all of the same quality and technology, Johnson said.
The tools have been upgraded to a higher pressure cutting force, from 156,000 pounds per square inch to 271,000 psi, SFD engineer Jamie Ingrao explained.
Recently, Ingrao was selected along with nine others across the country to test Mercedes-Benz cars with the more powerful extrication tools.
“We cut $750,000 worth of cars in two days,” Ingrao said. The cars were all fully-equipped, since radio wires and gas canisters for air bags alter the cutting process.
“Because engineers are making cars safer for consumers, it makes our job difficult,” Ingrao said.
The new sets are quicker and lighter, weighing 45 pounds, compared to the older, 85-pound version.
SFD’s old sets were 20 years outdated, Ingrao said. That’s a problem, considering there are a lot of new model cars in Sedona that the old technology couldn’t get through.
In Sedona, the frequency the firefighters use the jaws of life goes in spurts, Johnson said, but they are always training with them.
Due to the nature of the accidents that require the tools, it’s not something the district can only have one of.
When an accident requires the jaws of life, it’s the same type of accident that wouldn’t allow time to call another station to bring it over, he explained.
The tools are on fire trucks that respond from SFD Stations No. 1, 3, 4 and 5.
According to Ingrao, extrications with the new tools have been easier and faster.
“We can get into cars so much quicker with training and the best tools on the market,” he said.
SFD’s old tools won’t go to waste.
A representative will service the tools and get an estimate on them so SFD can sell them to recuperate some of the costs for the new tools, Battalion Chief Scott Schwisow said.
Alison Ecklund can be reached at 282-7795, Ext. 125, or e-mail aecklund@larsonnewspapers.com
