|
As we prepare to move into a new year, call volumes will go up, and we have to rely on our equipment to get the job done as well as our training. We should keep our equipment in top notch shape and always look at ways of improving what we have and replacing older equipment with newer technology when we can. Over the past year or so we have looked at some good items. As time moves forward, so will the minds of those who invent the equipment that we use. Technology will only allow for things to get better, more efficient, and safer. |
|
Rescue Jack over the past several years has introduced several new products. The Auto X was the latest device to see the market. This was an easy to use, lightweight strut that utilizes a square tubing outer strut with a round tube as an inner extension strut. With no pins, it uses a twist lock ring to secure its position when adjusted for use. It uses the detachable jack just like all of their X strut series struts use. The short strut weighs in at only 31 pounds, and the long version at 37 pounds. They will take an extension and will lift 2500 pounds. The head is also easy to detach and can be interchanged with other heads. The short version collapses to 44 inches and the long version to 54.5 inches. Another good option for needing struts with limited space.
Visit www.res-q-jack.com for more information on the Auto X and all their other stabilization products.
The PowerHawk P4 all electric rescue tool was another good product that came out this year. Using the original all electric technology from years past, they have evolved this tool to be a small but powerful workhorse for extrication. The tool weighs only 45 pounds with the battery and attachment. The P4 is only 24 inches long and 10.5 inches wide, making it quite maneuverable. The arms will revolve to a 61 degree position for tight places and working around patients where other tools would be too large. The battery is a 44-volt lithium ion rechargeable plug in. This gives the tool awesome power, with cutting at up to 220,000 lpf and spreading up to 175,000l pf. This tool gives your single and smaller rescuers a tool they can handle and get the job done. For more on the P4 PowerHawk, visit www.powerhawk.com.
The rescue stretcher by DEUS proved to be a worthwhile rescue tool as well. This PVC roll up stretcher has added strength and durability over any other on the market. The stretcher works good in a vertical and horizontal configurations, and is already set up for easy attachments to allow for better raises or lowers. The eyelets are stronger than comparable units, and there are metal strips to help with back support. The unit has a metal plate at the feet to make sure the patient does not slide into the curl of the stretcher. It is lightweight and rolls up into a relatively small profile for easy carry and accessibility. DEUS also has other rescue products as well. They are introducing a new class III harness that is easy to put on and take off. It has side rings for tower work and is quite comfortable when being suspended.
Go to www.Deusrescue.com for more information.
I have been writing this column for over 15 years now and I am thinking it is time for me to hand the reins over to someone else for a while. I have enjoyed bringing you information on new equipment all these years and hopefully it has helped a few departments out. I have appreciated the calls about equipment that was being considered and you can still call me anytime with questions. I will continue to write my extrication column and hope to be able to write a few articles during the year on other rescue related topics. I am going to work on some about our latest Guatemala mission and the training of their fire and rescue folks. It has been fun and I hope to see some of you as I travel around teaching classes and at the shows. Please remember to be safe out there, keep your head about you, do the best you can in what you do. May God bless you and I love you guys.
David Pease
01/31/2017 – 
