Stabilizing a rolled-over vehicle is a critical initial step in rescue operations. This process ensures the safety of the rescue team and creates a secure environment to perform their tasks effectively. Below is an easy-to-understand explanation of the process.

Key Steps in Vehicle Stabilization

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   Ensure all rescue team members are equipped with proper safety gear, including dust masks.
2. Secure the Work Area
   • Assess the scene for potential hazards, such as fuel leaks or unstable terrain.
   • Conduct a size-up by evaluating the vehicle’s position, damage level, and environmental risks.
3. Prepare Equipment
   • Set up tools and supplies at the edge of the work zone.
     • Lay out stabilization devices such as wedges, step chocks, and struts.
4. Begin Stabilization
   • Assign team members to monitor the vehicle for any movement by placing hands on the front or rear of the vehicle.
   • Confirm no immediate risk of further rolling.
5. Implement Cribbing
   • Place four-by-four wood pieces or step chocks parallel to the vehicle’s underside.
     • Insert wedges and lightly hammer them to stabilize the structure.
6. Install Struts
   • Attach struts to firm parts of the vehicle’s undercarriage, such as the frame or suspension.
   • Adjust the angle to at least 45 degrees and secure them in place.
7. Use Ratchet Straps
   • Connect ratchet straps to the base of each strut, creating an A-frame configuration to stabilize the vehicle further.
8. Reassess Stabilization
   • Confirm all cribbing is properly placed under unstable sections of the vehicle.
   • Tighten any loose straps and ensure stability before proceeding.

Reference Video

Critical Points to Remember

• Initial Focus: The most unstable side, often the roof side of the vehicle, should be stabilized first.
• Cribbing Placement: Always insert cribbing at the vehicle’s bonnet (hood) and rear sections.
• Avoid Overloading Straps: Ratchet straps are designed for securing, not lifting objects.
• Team Coordination: All rescue team members must remain alert to any signs of vehicle movement during operations.

Working Around Rolled Vehicles

• Always work on one knee to maintain mobility in case of sudden movements.
• Safety supervisors must monitor the scene for errors or unsafe practices.

By following these steps, rescue teams can effectively stabilize rolled vehicles, ensuring safety for both rescuers and victims. Proper use of equipment like struts, cribbing, and straps, combined with meticulous attention to detail, is key to successful operations.

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