An overturned vehicle refers to a situation where a vehicle has flipped over due to an accident, leaving it upside down. In such cases, the roof posts of the vehicle may be damaged due to the impact of the crash and the weight of the vehicle, leading to reduced structural stability. Damaged roof posts cannot be relied upon to support the vehicle’s weight.
Overview
During rescue operations, damaged roof posts and the unstable condition of an overturned vehicle must be considered. A secure artificial support system for the roof is crucial to stabilize the vehicle and safely conduct rescue efforts.
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 216 outlines roof strength requirements. Enacted in 2012, this standard mandates that vehicle roofs must withstand up to three times the vehicle’s weight. While this standard provides vital safety measures for drivers, rescue personnel must understand that it does not guarantee the roof posts’ strength after a collision. Therefore, it is essential to avoid misplaced confidence and take appropriate steps to ensure stability during rescue operations.
Key Points in Stabilizing Overturned Vehicles
General Considerations
- Safety precautions must be implemented to properly support the roof.
- Stabilization often involves cribbing and struts at a minimum of four points.
- Overturned vehicles tend to tilt forward due to the engine’s weight, leaving the rear elevated.
- Accessible entry points include the driver’s side, passenger’s side, and around the trunk. These areas must remain unobstructed for rescue efforts.
Priority in Stabilization
- Focus on the most unstable areas first, usually the rear (trunk area) of the vehicle.
- Stabilization involves creating an A-frame structure at the rear using struts.
- Equipment such as wedges, 4×4 timbers, and step chocks are essential for stabilization.
Step-by-Step Stabilization Process
Step 1: Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Rescuers should wear helmets, gloves, dust masks, and safety boots to protect themselves.
Step 2: Establish a Safe Work Zone
Set up traffic controls and warning signs to secure the work area.
Step 3: Assess Hazards
Inspect the surroundings for potential dangers such as flammable materials, live wires, or gas leaks.
Step 4: Prepare Tools and Equipment
Gather required tools like wedges, step chocks, buttress struts, and ratchet straps within the safe work zone.
Step 5: Place Wedges or Step Chocks
Position wedges or step chocks near the rear roof area, avoiding weaker parts of the roof, and aim for structurally sound spots like the window frames.
Step 6: Fill Gaps with Wedges
Add wedges above or below the step chocks to eliminate gaps and ensure the vehicle remains stable without any rocking motion.
Step 7: Crib the Front Section
Add cribbing supports to stabilize the vehicle’s front end.
Step 8: Install Buttress Struts
Set up buttress struts on both sides of the trunk area, forming an A-frame structure.
Step 9: Mark Points and Position Struts
Mark strut placement points on the trunk area, use tools like halligan bars to create holes, and insert the struts at an angle of 45 degrees or more.
Step 10: Attach and Adjust Ratchet Straps
Secure the base of both struts with ratchet straps, tighten them properly, and ensure the struts are straight and secure.
Step 11: Refix Cribbing
Confirm all cribbing is in place and, if necessary, secure them with a mallet or hammer for a tighter fit.
Reference Video
Essential Tips
- Always start by securing the rear of the vehicle, which is typically the most unstable part.
- Use robust tools like buttress struts and A-frame setups for optimal stability.
- Double-check all equipment and configurations to ensure safety before proceeding with rescue operations.
Properly stabilizing an overturned vehicle ensures the safety of both rescuers and victims, making it a critical step in any rescue effort.