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2012 Chevrolet Aveo Sedan Body Structure

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The European Chevrolet Aveo is sold in North America as the Chevrolet Sonic.  Sixty percent of the 2012 Chevrolet Aveo Body Structure is made from high-strength steel (HSS colored in yellow).  This includes the engine cradle.  Ultra-high Strength Steel (UHSS colored in red) is strategically integrated in the forward portion of the rockers and the center cross bar.  The engine cradle distributes energy in frontal and side impacts. It is another structural element that helps optimize occupant safety. Together with the front bumper system and the engine compartment rails, the engine cradle bars absorb the brunt of a frontal crash.

Reinforced A and B-pillar help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment. Should the vehicle roll over in the event of an accident, its roof will be able to withstand forces that equal more than four times the car’s weight.  The Chevrolet Aveo also has a releasable pedal assembly.

 

 

 

Posted by on October 30, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt and Opel/Vauxhall Ampera, What do you know?

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Ampera Volt Extrication Battery SafetyWith just over 4000 Chevrolet Volts sold in the United States the Michigan made electric cars are started to be exported to other markets. The European market will have the choice of the Volt or the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera.  The Opel Ampera is the European version of the Volt.  The main differences between the Volt and the Ampera are in the styling.   The Ampera will have one additional drive mode than the Volt, City Mode.  The “City Mode” adapts battery management to the needs of commuter travelers which engages the range-extender engine (or “gas generator”) immediately.  The Amperas will be branded as a Vauxhall in the UK.Australia, Brazil, and Japan will have limited numbers of Amperas/Volts imported.

For our knowledge the hazards in the Volt and Amperas are the same in all the models.  The basic vehicle platform is the same regardless of the country.  However, just remember, the Volt is just a car.  If you know how to disable the HV battery than it’s just a car with a huge battery in it!  The information below was taken from the Chevrolet Rescue Data Sheet for the  European Union markets.

2010_Chevrolet_Volt_Extrication_Electric_Car_Rescue_Safety_Battery2010_Chevrolet_Volt_Extrication_Electric_Car_Rescue_Safety

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Chevrolet Volt Deactivation Extrication Electric Car Rescue Safety Battery Cable Rear SeatChevrolet Volt Deactivation Extrication Electric Car Rescue Safety Battery Cable

Posted by on October 29, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Roof Removal

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The emergency Response Guides (ERG) that the auto makers are getting more detailed and starting to include extrication recommendations.  The 2012 Toyota Prius ERG contains a recommended process to remove the roof when the side airbags are not deployed.  A total roof removal is not recommended when the side airbags are not deployed.  Toyota provides an image in the ERG to show where you should cut the roof.  The  roof center section inboard of the roof rails should be cut from front to rear.  Make sure you remove all glass including all windows to ensure all broken glass is controlled and the patient is protected.  Toyota states that the area highlighted inside of the roof rails in from store gas inflators and other hazards, but also peel away the trim panels to verify for yourself.

Cutting inside of the roof rails is a quick effective way to get access to the patient.  A fast cutting method is to use a metal cutting circular saw.  The Prius V has an optional transparent dark gray polycarbonate roof panel. Now I have never cut a polycarbonate roof panel, but its’ just a glorified piece of plastic so a metal cutting saw should work fine. One important note about using a metal cutting circular saw, once you start your cut watch for the pressure from the pillars pushing the roof rails toward the center of the vehicle.  If you don’t follow me, let me switch materials.  Imagine you are cutting a piece of plywood and halfway thru the saw blade gets stuck.

Posted by on October 15, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , ,

Detroit Devil’s Night 2011 T-Shirts

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Are you looking for a cool fire shirt to wear this October?  How about a Detroit Devil’s Night 2011 day fire shirt?  Check out the 2011 Devil’s Night 2011 T-Shirt sold by Detroit Fire Tees.  Detroit Fire Tees  is owned and operated by a Detroit Firefighter and his wife.  They have been making and selling  Detroit Fire shirts for years and their solgan is ”as long as you continue to love them we will continue to make them”.  For only $15, you cannot go wrong!

Posted by on October 10, 2011 • Filed under: fires • Tagged: ,