by Robert J. Maloney
“We can’t get enough tough new vehicles to cut up in junk yards, which makes learning about new vehicle technology and construction extremely difficult,” according to Assistant Chief Carl J. Haddon, in discussing his Wednesday afternoon class, “Understanding New Vehicle Technology of Today and Tomorrow.”
The 30-year veteran of the North Fork (ID) Fire Department and Fire Apparatus columnist continued, “The new vehicles react entirely differently to being cut, spread and pushed than their predecessors did. The tools we have to effect rescue react very differently as well,” depending on the vehicle’s metallurgy, and the tools and techniques used. For example, the hardness of metals used in vehicles now may exceed that of current rescue tools, which may be ineffective or even fail. Although a ram has traditionally been effective for a dash lift, it is too weak for the reinforced construction used now. A spreader would be more effective.
ome construction challenges include the following. Vehicle roofs once were required to support 1½ times the vehicle weight now will support three times the weight. Some vehicles do not have a B post; consequently, the roof rails are much stronger. For the model year 2017/2018, laminated side window glass will be required. Other future innovations include using four-point seat belts in place of the current three-point belts, and four-stage air bags in place of the current two-stage units.
Haddon has attended FDIC for six years; this is his third year presenting. He is a Special Operations Command rescue specialist/trainer for Idaho and is assigned to the Salmon (River) Task Force, a columnist forFire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment,and a member of its editorial advisory board.
的支持of certain auto manufacturers has “provided me with first-hand, cutting-edge information about how the toughest cars on the road today are put together.”
Students should realize from this class that what the fire service once knew about vehicle rescue has completely changed, dramatically affecting our ability to do our job, and moreover, do it safely. The materials, components, safety systems, and new accident avoidance systems present challenges for those in the field, like never before.
Haddon said, “I liken the changes in this way: This information is to vehicle rescue and extrication ops, as new building and construction materials information is to structural firefighting.”
