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Free Extrication Training Information from Genesis Rescue

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Genesis Rescue Systems has a PDF file called 20 Questions with Dan Zinge, a District Chief from Palm Harbor Florida.  One of the questions asked to Chief Zinge was how to handle UHSS and Boron Steels.  He answered: 

The best way to handle these exotic metals is to avoid them! In cases where this is not possible, for example, in Boron, it is imperative to have a cutter than can cut in the 200,000 psi range in order to be effective.

To read more, get the PDF here.

Also check out the Genesis Rescue Systems website for some free training videos that you can download.  All you have to do is provide them with an email and the name of your department. Genesis Video Training Series

free-extrication-training-videos

The videos that are available include:

  • Tension Buttress Stabilization
  • Door Hinges
  • Door Removal
  • Roof Removal
  • Purchase Points
  • Cutting Seat Backs
  • 2 Door Ripenblitz
  • Dash Lift
  • Dash Roll
  • 3rd Door Evolution

What are your thoughts?  Some basic information, but it never hurts to review.  Of course, I’m sure the point is to get you to their website to look at their extrication tools, but any manufacturer who provides free training info is a good thing.

Posted by on October 30, 2010 • Filed under: extrication • Tagged: ,

2011 Audi A8 Body Structure Safety Cage

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2011 Audi A8 Body Structure Safety Cage

The 2011 Audi A8 is a very uniquely built vehicle.  First off, the body is aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF).  Each part of the body structure of the Audi A8 is built depending on their tasks in the vehicle.  The image below shows the lateral roof frame (light blue) is made with a single extruded section; its cross-section changes flexibly from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.

2011 Audi A8 Body Structure Safety Cage

2011 Audi A8 Body Structure Safety Cage

There is a Power door close assist feature on the A8 that helps close the front and rear doors.   Not sure about the details of this feature yet, but please keep it in mind.

In the image above, you can see some of the A-Pillar structure; the inner Front Pillar, which is a cast piece of Aluminum.  The dead give away is the ribs on the front of the door opening.  If the piece was stamped you would see a dart or a bead to add strength.  A rib is used to strengthen a molded part.

Posted by on October 29, 2010 • Filed under: extrication • Tagged: , ,

2011 Buick Lucerne Body Structure

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The 2011 Buick Lucerne is a carryover vehicle from the original launch of the model in 2006.  The Buick Lucerne has not been covered on the site yet.  Take a quick look at the inserts in the A and B pillars,  just note that the inserts do not run the full lengths of the pillars.  The Structure/safety cage of this vehicle received a “Good” rating from the IIHS and a “Great” rating in the NHTSA Frontal Crash Test.  Just remember, this is a big body car!

There are a total of six airbags in the Buick Lucerne. The airbags use an sensors that monitor the weight of the front occupants and the position of the seat to determine the best inflation size of the airbag. Front seat side airbags and overhead airbag curtains are also in the vehicle so remember to pull the trim covers and verify the inflator locations before you cut.
Posted by on October 18, 2010 • Filed under: extrication • Tagged: , , ,

2010 Cadillac DTS Body Structure (2006-2010)

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2006-2010 Cadillac DTS Body Structure really does not have too much crazy steel.  It’s a Cadillac, built the old fashion way, BIG!  However, there are some different types of reinforcements so much you check the body structure out.

  1. Tie Bar Replacement – Mild Steel
  2. Wheelhouse Replacement – Mild Steel
  3. Rail Replacement Front Compartment – Mild Steel
  4. Rail Sectioning Front Compartment – High Strength Low Alloy Steel
  5. Hinge Pillar Body Replacement – Mild Steel
  6. Hinge Pillar Body Reinforcement Replacement – Mild Steel
  7. Hinge Pillar Body Sectioning – Mild Steel
  8. Roof Panel Replacement – Mild Steel
  9. Windshield Frame Header Panel Replacement – Mild Steel
  10. Rear Window Frame Header Panel Replacement – Mild Steel
  11. Rocker Panel Replacement – High Strength Low Alloy Steel
  12. Pillar Lock Front Door Sectioning – Mild Steel
  13. Pillar Lock Front Door Replacement – Mild Steel
  14. Rear Compartment Floor Panel Replacement – Mild Steel
  15. Quarter Panel Replacement – Mild Steel
  16. Quarter Panel Replacement – Mild Steel
  17. Rail Replacement Rear Side Underbody – High Strength Low Alloy Steel
  18. Rail Sectioning Rear Side Underbody – High Strength Low Alloy Steel
  19. Body Rear End Panel Replacement – Mild Steel
  20. Rail Replacement – High Strength Low Alloy
  21. Panel Replacement – Door Outer – Mild Steel

Just a quick note: High Strength Low Alloy Steel, also known as HSLA. This type of steel normally has a tensile strength range from 300-700 MPa.

Posted by on October 14, 2010 • Filed under: extrication • Tagged: , ,

The Fundamentals of Extrication: NFPA 1670 Operations Level (By Ron Moore)

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I consider Ron Moore as one of the best in the Fire Service when it comes to Extrication.  Personally, I also plan to take one of his Extrication classes at FireHouse Expo in 2011.  That being said, we can all get some free online training from Ron on Wednesday October 20, 2010 at 14:00.  If you listen to the webcast live, you will have the opportunity of ask questions of Ron Moore during the presentation. Just sign up at: http://www.firehouse.com/webcasts Ron usually holds a class like this once a year so don’t miss out!

Posted by on October 14, 2010 • Filed under: extrication • Tagged: ,

2011 Mazda 2 Body Structure

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The 2011 Mazda 2 is 50 lb (23 kg) lighter because of the extended use of high-tensile-strength steel in the body structure. The crash-critical of areas of the structure have the highest strength steel for side impact protection. Over half of the body structure weight is a grade of high-strength steel.

Purple colored steel is UHSS

Weight was also reduced by using a structural bonding adhesive for high stress areas like door openings and the rear. A heat-activated structural adhesive was used between the panels and the spot weld it would activate the adhesive and create a continuous bond. Finding an adhesive between sheet metal is nothing new. The important thing to remember is on the 2011 Mazda 2 is the number of spot welds used was increased. The spot welds activate the adhesive. More welds can help and hurt you during an extrication. Just make sure you are looking at the big picture and planning your next spreads and cuts before you start the first.

Posted by on October 13, 2010 • Filed under: extrication • Tagged: , ,

New Roof Strength Rollover Test (IIHS vs NHTSA)

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Rollover crashes account for 2.5 percent of the total vehicle crashes in the United States each year. However, rollover crashes account for roughly 10,000 deaths according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To put this number in perspective, the NHTSA states that two-thirds of those deaths are a result of unbelted occupants thrown from the vehicle during a rollover. Yet, there is a potential to save a portion of the third of occupants who are not thrown from the vehicle with stronger roof structures.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Stronger roofs are something that is already on the road. The new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test for roof strength requires the roof to withstand 3.25 times the vehicle’s weight to achieve an acceptable rating. Far greater than the NHTSA’s 1.5 times requirement. This higher requirement has caused Auto manufacturers to strengthen the body structure in key areas where first responders commonly make cuts during an extrication.

The IIHS tested Mid-Size SUVs earlier in 2010 and the best performers (rated Good) were:

  • 2010 Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain (built after March 2010)
  • Jeep Liberty/Dodge Nitro
  • Toyota Highlander and Venza
  • 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Kia Sorento.

The 2010 Ford Edge was only Mid-Size SUV to get an Acceptable rating The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-7, Mitsubishi Endeavor and Nissan Murano were rated Marginal. A bit of useful information is that none of the vehicles tested received a Poor rating.  The fact that no vehicle tested received a poor rating means the roofs are stronger!

Posted by on October 11, 2010 • Filed under: extrication • Tagged: , ,

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The 2011 Audi A8 L has a body built from aluminum using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) principle which is about 40 percent less than a comparable steel body. The ASF body structure is built from cast elements, extruded sections and sheet aluminum, with integral B-posts made from form-hardened ultra-high strength steel.

Posted by on October 4, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: ,

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Body Structure

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The chances of running across a 2011 Mercede-Benz SLS AMG involved in a MVA are slim.  But I believe in covering every vehicle, plus it would be a rush to cut up a $200K-$250K car. The body structure is made of 45 percent of the intelligent, weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe is made out of aluminium sections, 31 percent out of aluminium sheet, 20 percent out of aluminium cast and 4 percent out of steel. Maximum occupant safety requires the use of ultra-high-strength, heat-formed steel in the A-pillars. The bodyshell weighs 241 kilograms – an absolute benchmark in the super sports car segment when compared with the peak output of 420 kW/571 hp..

Posted by on October 4, 2010 • Filed under: extrication • Tagged: , ,