Humboldt Fire District recently took delivery of a set of "Res-Q-Jack" lifting and stabilization struts. These struts will enable HFD crews to safely stabilize vehicles involved in collisions that have overturned or that have landed on their side. With vehicle stabilization being a major priority for the safety of collision victims and rescue personnel, this new equipment will greatly enhance HFD's rescue operations. Not only are the struts for stabilization, but also carry the capability to lift vehicles to aid in rescue. Being a very versatile tool, the struts can also be configured to lift and stabilize structural members in the event of building collapse or instability. Below are pictures of HFD crews training with the new equipment and testing their capabilities. Thanks as always to John's Used Cars and Wreckers for providing a training site and for vehicles to train with.

 

The Res-Q-Jack System		Engineer Keith Olson and Firefighter Ray Marchi utilize the Hurst Spreaders to lift a vehicle.
Captain II Dan Martin utilizes the rescue strut's lifting crank to lift a vehicle.		Assistant Chief McCoy looks on as crews use the struts to stabilze a vehicle on its side.
A fully stabilized vehicle makes a safer environment for collision victims and rescue workers alike.		Firefighter Ray Marchi utilizes the strut's lifting crank to perform a lift on a vehicle on its side.
Crews perform a coordinated lift of a stabilized vehicle on its roof.		With the vehicle stabilized, firefighters can now use extrication equipment to remove victims...and can even remove the roof safely!