What’s new with struts and gloves?
Several years back, I wrote about the Rescue Jack stabilization struts. Now they have introduced a new line of struts that only improve on previous ones. The new X-Struts will give rescuers more stability, capability and versatility. The original X-Strut, now called the Universal Rescue Strut, was developed for heavy extrication use, as they carry a stronger load capacity. These struts were made of aluminum to make them lighter but stronger. The other addition was an add-on jack that can be used on any of these struts.
These struts carry a 10,000 lb. column load and a 6,000 lb. lift capability at 12 inches per lift. The strut collapses to 56 inches and extends to 96 inches. With the jack being completely detachable, it can be removed and used on another jack. The detachable jack also allows you to lift much higher than the standard rescue jack, as it can be pinned and reset for additional lifting. This style of strut will lift 40 inches. So you can see where the Universal Rescue Strut will work well in heavy vehicle rescue and extrication. The strut also uses the multipurpose head that can be used with the chain accessories, as well as having the 90 degree and 45 degree angles. The strut uses a ratchet strap attached to the base with a 3300 lb. working load for securing the strut.
The steel version of the X-Strut is a smaller version of the strut with the same basic, but lighter design. It uses the same universal head and attached ratchet strap. This jack is lighter and carries a 6000 lb. working load and jack lift, just like the standard Rescue Jacks. The difference is the detachable jack allows you a greater lift range and being able to use the jack on another strut. This strut comes in the same yellow color as the standard Rescue Jacks.
The other new X-Strut is the new “Green-Lite” strut. This lightweight strut has the detachable jack and attached ratchet strap as well. This green colored strut has a 2500 lb. working load and lift capability. This strut will be a quick and lightweight jack to be used in standard vehicle crashes. All struts carry a 2:1 safety factor. When looking at vehicle and heavy vehicle stabilization, the X-Struts are a good choice. You can find out more on the Rescue Jack X-Struts at www.res-q-jack.com.
I also wrote about the new Pro-Tech 8 fire gloves several years back. Over the past few years the glove had to overcome some heavy fire from some big competitors. The glove passed the NFPA 2007 certification in March of 2007. In 2008, Tech Trade introduced the new Pro-Tech 8 Titan. This glove features waterproof suede goatskin leather exterior that covers more than the earlier version. The liner is a sewn and glued Kevlar with a breathable polymer liner for blood borne pathogens and moisture resistance. The glove still features the seven layer knuckle guard and stays soft after use and washing. The glove does not dry hard but actually gains more dexterity as it loosens up. This glove also offers additional Nomex over the original gloves.
They have now introduced the Pro-Tech 8 Titan Kangaroo. This glove is the same version as the regular Titan glove using Kangaroo skin in place of the suede goatskin exterior. This glove offers superb dexterity and flexibility as all the Pro-Tech 8 gloves have.
Another exciting glove that Tech Trade has introduced recently is the Pro-Tech 8 X, extrication and rescue glove. This glove has a waterproof suede goatskin leather palm and a waterproof nylon back. This glove features the same breathable polymer liner for blood borne pathogens and moisture resistance as the Titan. The glove also has the knuckle guard and features a non-slip cut resistant silicon patches on the palm and back. This extrication glove also has a 100 percent Kevlar liner with an elastic wrist cuff. All the Pro-Tech 8 gloves are reasonably priced and have great durability and dexterity. Watch for more gloves in the future. You can see more on the Titan gloves at www.techtradellc.com.
Looking at boots and packs...
Awhile back we looked at OTB water boots, one of the best water boots I have come across. They also make several styles of tactical land boots that have some of the same features as their water boots. I had a chance to wear the Bushmaster tactical boot while I was in Guatemala, and it was extremely comfortable and wore really well. The boot looks almost like the Abyss, one of their water boots, but obviously does not have the holes for water drainage. The Bushmaster boots come in black or tan and are a lower cut style boot. The boot has a mesh quarter panel that keeps your foot cooler, and a dual cushioned inner bed for better wicking and comfort. This lightweight boot is comfortable to wear, has great traction with the vibram sole, and a reinforced rubber toe and heel for climbing. This boot also features reinforced lace loops and an irregular lace so it will not come untied in the field. This is a great lightweight tactical and search boot.
The Ferdelance is another great boot with all the same features as the Bushmaster, but has a higher ankle cut. It also features a mesh ventilation system to allow for optimum cooling while in use. This boot is also a great choice for tactical operations. This boot comes in black and tan as well.
OTB has also just come out with the Junglelite, a lightweight tactical boot with a non-squeak outsole and
molded midsole unit. This boot also has mesh ventilation to allow for breathing and cooling. There is a molded composite shank to provide support and a cushioned footbed for comfort and wicking. The Junglelite also features perforations in the bed of the boot for drainage. I think you will find the OTB boots an excellent choice for your tactical and water needs.
You can find out more on their boots at www.OTBboots.com .
Another great piece of tactical equipment I have come across is from Coaxsher. They manufacture elite and specialized fire gear. I came across several items that I found work well in search and rescue. Back in November and December of 2008 our team, along with Nash Community College piloted a 40 hour wilderness search class for the NC Department of Insurance, Fire and Rescue Division as one of the specialties under NFPA 1006. This class was a two weekend event that included an overnight stay with no tent on the second weekend. I was shown one of the Coaxsher packs, the FS-1 Ranger, by one of my fellow team members and I was pretty impressed with it. I used the pack over the weekend and it worked exceptionally well, as did their RCP-1 Pro radio chest harness.
The Ranger fit very comfortable and with the adjustable waist straps and shoulder straps, it rode on my waist and hips, not my back. The Ranger pack is a modular design that allows you to put the equipment you need in the pack and compartmentalize the gear as you need or want to. The pack is made of 1000D Cordura, uses box stitching on the seams, and is reinforced at all the stress points. The Ranger also carries a lifetime warranty.
I used the radio chest harness during the wilderness search training and also used it during the training we did in Guatemala. The harness held my radio along with a strap to hold it in place. It held my GPS unit and cell phone, secured. The harness has slots for pens, and a zipper pouch that will hold a notepad. It has a fold down platform and open back straps, along with reflective strips for greater visibility. The radio harness works well in multiple applications.
Mapping software and technologies...
In a past article I talked about the mapping software from Delorme. Since that time, Delorme has come out with new and updated mapping software as well as two GPS units that interface with that software. Having over 30 years in the mapping business, their experience and knowledge has made them a leader in mapping technology.
For years we saw the Delorme maps and street atlases in stores to aid us in our driving. With the onset of GPS, times have changed. Delorme has been a leader in GIS mapping for developers, surveyors and companies needing mapping programs to run their business. They have two GPS units and a GPS receiver for your laptop that all work with their basic Street Atlas software all the way up to the new XMap 6.1 software.
The next generation of mapping software will be Xmap 7. When they work on improving and upgrading their software, they solicit from those who use the products to bring in new ideas and ways to make their products better.
The new XMAP 6.1 Software comes in three versions, GIS Enterprise, GIS Editor, and Professional. Also available is Street Atlas USA as well as Topographical software, satellite imagery and aerial imagery. The XMap series supports all of these programs.
The XMap software is a powerful program supporting many functions we may not need in the field as rescuers, but it also provides many features we could use in the field. For onsite computer mapping, utilizing either a laptop or PC, the program can go from street level — getting you where you need to be — to topographical level giving you the terrain features, elevations, landmarks and other important features used when searching. The program allows for layering and the use of grids or no grids. With the aerial imagery, you can go from the basic topographical view to an actual aerial view with the swipe of a key. As we know in the rescue world, simple is good.
The program comes with a wide range of symbols and drawing tools allowing you to draw search areas and patterns and mark locations for reference. You can even create or import your own symbols. You can overlay these on either the top view or the aerial view and toggle back and forth.
Another feature with the GIS mapping is the ability to add features or even roads that are not currently showing on your map. This could either be a newly added street or an old logging trail. Delorme now offers, with these programs, a library of maps that can be downloaded to your computer. There is an annual subscription fee, and this allows you to access and download unlimited updated aerial and satellite imagery, USGS 1:24,000 quad maps and NOAA navigational charts. As long as you have the space, they have the maps.
Delorme has now introduced the Earthmate PN-20 and PN-40 handheld GPS units. The PN-40 is waterproof and has a strong support system for the XMap software. Once you have established your search parameters on the computer, you can transfer all this information to the PN-40, this even includes the topo view and the aerial imagery. You or your search teams can now carry this to the field, containing all the search information you have set forward. Once the teams have returned, all of their tracking data can be downloaded to the PC or laptop for review and briefing.
You can also print the maps and map layers for review as well. The Earthmate PN-40 and PN-20 can also be connected to your laptop and serve as a GPS receiver. They offer the LT-40, a highly sensitive GPS, receiver only, that can connect to your laptop and work in conjunction with the Delorme software. If you use the Street Atlas USA, your laptop becomes a large screen GPS unit with many features. This is also a good aid in getting you to the call.
The Delorme mapping software, along with the Earthmate handheld GPS units, can become a great asset to your search resources. With an avenue to download updated topo, aerial and satellite maps, you can stay on top of your game, which in turn benefits the folks you are looking for. Delorme offers online support as to the use of their programs and GPS units.