The Rescue 42 Strut enhances vehicle stabilization with lightweight struts, combo heads, and chains for safer, more efficient rescues.

Importance of Stabilization

In recent years, vehicles have changed significantly, making them more prone to rolling over even in minor accidents. Passengers who are not wearing seatbelts are at high risk of injury due to impact and bouncing inside the vehicle. As a result, vehicle stabilization has become even more critical. However, modern vehicle designs have made stabilization more challenging.

The NFPA 1670 standard outlines clear requirements for vehicle rescue stabilization, but applying them effectively in real-world situations is not always easy. With the widespread use of videos and cameras, any mistakes or inefficiencies in rescue operations can easily be recorded and criticized.

What is Stabilization?

Stabilization prevents unwanted movement of a vehicle. A simple way to understand this is by using pyramids and triangles—a wider base provides more stability.

Older vehicles were relatively flat and made of thick steel, making them easier to stabilize with wedges. However, modern vehicles are designed more like “beach balls,” using thinner steel and plastic. When these vehicles roll over, they tend to bounce back like a spring, making it difficult to secure them with traditional wedges.

How to Stabilize Modern Vehicles

The best way to stabilize modern vehicles is to apply tension using support struts. These struts are attached to the vehicle and tightened with ratchet straps or similar tensioning devices.

• Low-angle struts apply horizontal force.
• Vertical struts apply downward force.
• Using at least two struts on each side creates a stable pyramid-like structure, preventing movement.

This method ensures the safety of rescuers and reduces the risk of further injuries to the vehicle’s occupants.

What is the TeleCrib Strut?

The TeleCrib Strut, designed by Rescue 42, is made of advanced composite materials instead of steel. This offers several advantages:

• Lightweight but strong – Easier to carry and deploy.
• Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and battery acid – Long-lasting durability.
• Non-conductive – Safe to use near power lines, aircraft structures, and hybrid vehicles.
• Impact-resistant – Unlike steel struts, they can withstand multiple hits and be easily repaired with epoxy.
• Easy to transport – Comes with a carrying bag, allowing a single firefighter to carry multiple units.

Ratchet Straps in the TeleCrib System

Ratchet straps play a crucial role in the TeleCrib System by securing the struts and applying tension to stabilize the vehicle.

How to Use Ratchet Straps

1. Preparation
   • Feed the strap through the drum and remove all slack.
   • Ensure hooks are facing downward and the strap does not pass under the handle mechanism.
2. Storage
   • Wrap fixed-length straps around the handle and secure with the trigger.
   • Wrap variable-length straps over the handle and secure them nearby.
   • Use rubber bands to keep everything in place.
3. Deployment
   • Hold the strap sideways and release it.
   • Attach the hook to the anchor point, remove slack, and tighten using the handle.
   • Avoid overloading the drum, as this can cause jamming.
4. Releasing the Strap
   • Pull the trigger to move the handle to a straight position and release the trigger.
   • If the handle is stuck, use a screwdriver to remove the lock plate and release the tension.
5. Proper Usage
   • Always use straps with an appropriate working load limit.
   • Rescue 42’s TeleCrib straps have a working load of 3,333 lbs, with special chemical resistance and minimal glass penetration.

Common Usage Methods

• Direct pull from the base plate to the vehicle using strap hooks, clusters, or special hooks that fit into vehicle slots.
• Connecting two base plates with a single strap, freeing up other straps for different tasks.
• Using straps as tensioners or head restraints, attaching to anchor points like A-pillars.
• Multiple straps on a single base plate – TeleCrib plates allow up to three straps per side for added stability.

TeleCrib Combo Head

The TeleCrib Combo Head is a versatile headpiece designed for multiple applications without the need for swapping attachments. Here are its key features:

• Grip and Rotation: The combo head firmly grips surfaces from any angle while rotating to prevent strut twisting.
• Anchoring Function: The piercing point can penetrate surfaces like vehicle or aircraft exteriors, ensuring a secure grip. When driven into a material or placed into a hole, the point locks in place when the strut is tightened.
• Hook Ring: The triangular ring allows easy attachment of straps, ropes, or cables.
• Flat Center Section: The flat middle section can support 2×4 or 2×6 planks, making the strut useful for lightweight structural support.
• Nail Slots: The head has slots for nails, offering additional stabilization.
• A-Frame Head Compatibility: The TeleCrib strut is compatible with A-frame heads, allowing for more complex lifting and stabilization tasks. The head can be attached to loads in multiple positions.

Summary

The TeleCrib Combo Head is a multi-purpose attachment that maximizes the efficiency of the strut system in various rescue scenarios.

Chains in the TeleCrib System

Chains are an essential component of the TeleCrib system. The combo head includes dedicated chain slots, designed to accommodate 3/8-inch Grade 70 or Grade 80 chains. These slots allow the chain to securely attach to the vehicle or other anchor points.

• Rescue 42 chains are 20 feet long and include grab hooks on both ends for secure attachment.
• Uses:
  • Creating a sling under a vehicle for support.
  • Connecting to various anchor points for added stability.

Why Chains Matter

When used with TeleCrib struts, chains help control load forces effectively, making operations safer and more efficient.

Stabilizing a Rolled-Over Vehicle

Stabilizing a side-lying vehicle is one of the most challenging rescue tasks. Here are three stabilization levels based on vehicle condition:

Basic Stabilization

• Place two struts on the opposite side of the engine.
• This setup may be sufficient, but removing doors or the roof can loosen the structure, requiring additional support.

Intermediate Stabilization

• Place two struts at the hood and trunk OR two struts at the A-pillar and C-pillar, with an additional central strut under the vehicle.
• Using long struts on the upper section allows the combo head to grip the hood and trunk, forming a triangular force structure for improved stability.

Advanced Stabilization

• Use two struts on each side of the vehicle, providing independent support at both ends for maximum stability.

Tripod Head

The TeleCrib Tripod Head is an optional attachment stored within the standard gear bag. It is easy to set up:

How to Use the Tripod Head

1. Remove the combo heads from three long struts.
2. Insert the tripod head axle, secure it with a pin, and extend the struts.
3. Fully extend the legs and attach a safety chain to the base.

Advantages of the Tripod Head

• Dual Functionality: Can be used for stabilization and confined-space rescue, saving cost and storage space.
• Three Anchor Points: Provides multiple secure attachment points.
• Additional Stability Options: Includes three extra stabilization holes for ratchet straps, webbing, or ropes.
• Picket Integration: Pickets can be driven into the ground through the base plate for added security.

By using the TeleCrib Tripod Head, rescuers can quickly and efficiently handle vehicle stabilization and vertical rescue operations with a single system.

Reference Video

Reference page: Learn essential traffic rescue techniques, including vehicle stabilization, victim assessment, airbag protection, and safe victim extraction to save lives.

References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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