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The List of Extrication Apps

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Is there is an app for that?  If you are looking for an extrication app the answer is yes!  You can download Hybrid Auto Extrication Guide for free or subscribe to the flagship extrication app, iCRS for the cool price of $499.99.  However, don’t let price tag for iCRS scare you.  Moditech, the makers of iCRS, just released and iPhone app for just $14.99 with an Android version in the works.  Did I miss one?  Let me know and I’ll add it!

Extraction Zones
  • Extraction Zones LLC was founded by Adam Weiss, a Firefighter in Las Vegas, NV. and his partner Michael Forte, an Entrepreneur located in Austin, TX.The extrication tools used by first responders are extremely powerful and essential to saving the lives of car collision victims. The situations that these men and women find themselves in is next to impossible for an average person to comprehendThe Extraction Zones app provides location information for airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, electric and propulsion systems, as well as structural reinforcements for many of the most popular cars on the road as well as most hybrid vehicles. Users can view this information all at once or only view pertinent information by hiding components as needed. Extraction Zones also provides an alternative night mode for darker surroundings.
Hybrid Auto Extrication Guide
  • Field Applications, LLC, is a group effort. Their products are designed by firefighters and paramedics, graphic designers and software engineers. Cal Blake is the founder. He has worked as a first responder in California since 2006.
iCRS Standard USA
  • Moditech Rescue Solutions B.V. designed the Crash Recovery System (CRS) 10 years ago to solve this controversy between safety and accessibility. Now the CRS made its way to the iOS platform. With the iCRS app, rescue relevant technical vehicle information in regards to restraint systems, reinforcements, propulsion systems are available at your fingertipsSpecially developed for emergency responders, iCRS provides an invaluable source of information. After selection of the right model from the comprehensive database, iCRS shows an interactive top and side view of the vehicle, indicating the exact location of rescue relevant equipment in various color schemes. Additional information can be displayed to indicate how to safely disable these systems during rescue operations.
  • Know whatʼs inside! iCRS enables emergency resonders to:
    1. Access a comprehensive database including all airbag equipped passenger cars available in North-America.
    2.  Latest technology included (hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles, new airbag technologies and advanced steel reinforcements).
    3. Quick and easy access to all rescue relevant vehicle information.
    4. Access deactivation information to disable the propulsion and restraint systems within seconds.
    5. Base extrication plans on the actual vehicle equipment to save valuable time.
    6. Database updates available every other week.
Opel Rescue Cards
  • Opel is placing the information for some 60 models from 1991 to present on a mobile portal that can be used on any smartphone which has access to the Internet. This free mobile service is available in 10 European languages[1] and enables rescue crews to access important information instantly. An eleventh language, Turkish, will follow shortly.
Posted by on November 30, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, rescues, special-operations, technology-communications, Training • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So the Chief asks, Can Your Extrication Tools Cut It?

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Check out this FIREGROUND Flash Tip episode, Chief Wylie compares using different hydraulic cutters to cut through the boron treated steel found on many of today’s automobiles.  Chief Wylie even plugs our friends over at Extraction Zones LLC!!

FlashoverTV is powered by FireRescue1.com

Just remember, if your tool is outgunned during a cut, go to plan B! Plan B can be as simple as moving the tool up or down a few inches. Remember my post about tailored blanks? If you are asking what’s a tailored blank?  Give it a quick read, then add that little nugget of info into your mental tool box!

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

Car fire on the 39th floor?

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Some new car fire challenges are coming to Miami.  Not sure if I would love to have a car fire in a “high-rise” parking garage like this.  A Miami developer used Porsche to design a high-rise parking tower similar to the Porsche designed Autostadt in Wolfsberg, Germany.  Now I’m sure the fire marshal will have it fully sprinklered and workout access for firefighters.  But just looking at the picture below, do you have any access issues?

DooMMeeR used under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

One main difference that I’m reading into compared to the parking garage in Germany is the elevator will take both the vehicle and the occupant up to their condo.

Here’s a quote from the Miami Herald:

Here is how it will work: After the resident pulls over and switches off the engine, a robotic arm that works much like an automatic plank will scoop up the car and put it into the elevator. Once at the desired floor, the same robotic arm will park the car, leaving the resident nearly in front of his front door. Voila, home!

Also sounds like the building passed through the city commission.  The building, to named Porsche Design Tower, was approved unanimously Thursday night by the Sunny Isles Beach City Commission. Before the meeting, Mayor Norman S. Edelcup said he had not heard any opposition to the plan.

Read more: Miami Herald

Posted by on November 22, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires

Moditech has done it again! Free Extrication App! Well kind of Free! But not really Free!

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Moditech the people behind the Crash Recovery System have stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun by offering a version of CRS on the iPad. The app named iCRS Standard USA was released on the iTunes app store on November 18, 2011 for low price of FREE! Yes free, to try the app out.  Now for the catch, because anything that is free has one.  The “free” download is just a few vehicles to test out the iCRS Ipad app.  If you want the full app you have to fork out the cash for a subscription which is $499.99 a year.  At that price level you can bet most of us firefighters are going to pass but it is a ton cheaper than the original CRS.  However, if your department can swing it you do get weekly updates which is how fast things can change.  Automakers can and do implement changes anytime during the model year run especially if it can save them money.  So test drive the free app and let me know what you think!

 

Moditech has set the industry standard in my book in regards to vehicle extrication information. Many automakers have used Moditech to develop Emergency Response Guides (ERG). If you don’t follow Moditech’s Facebook page you are missing out! The Moditech guys post pictures of vehicles all of the time and ask their readers a question about the picture. Check it out below! While you are on Facebook make sure you also follow the BoronExtrication.com page!!

Are you an Android user?    Get Extraction Zones Pro App at a very small cost of $4.99 for the Android market and Android Tablets.  So regardless of what type of smart-phone you have, go download a very useful extrication app!

Extraction Zones Pro App is available as a download to the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch (requires iOS 3.0 or later) or any Android powered smartphones or tablets. 

Posted by on November 20, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations, technology-communications • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Chevy Volt Battery Fire, Still in the news!

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Many automakers have invested time and money in training rescuers how to handle a MVA with an electric or hybrid vehicle. The problem I see is this highly publicized Chevy Volt battery fire resulted from a damaged and leaking battery. There is a GM safety protocol to discharge the HV battery which requires a special tool to drain the Volt’s batteries.  That tool is not available to dealers until sometime next year. In the mean time, if the battery is leaking or damaged on a Volt a GM team is sent out to drain the battery. The team has only been sent out to crashes a few times with over 5000 Volts on the road.

Let’s focus on the recent Volt fire after a government crash test.  Here’s a quote from an article in the Detroit Free Press:

That Volt caught fire because NHTSA did not know to drain the Volt’s battery. The battery case had been punctured, spilling coolant, which caused a short that in turn triggered a fire, GM spokesman Rob Peterson said Monday.

Ok so if the battery is leaking it could catch on fire. Got it! Please tell me that it doesn’t take a masters in engineering to figure out a HV battery leaking coolant (or anything for that matter) is not good. Should it really be a surprise that after three weeks of coolant leaking out of a “charged” battery caught fire?  I hope that automakers address leaking batteries in detail in all future Emergency Response Guides!!  Or as Jason Emery was quoted in the Detroit Free Press “automakers lack one consistent fire-prevention procedure for electric vehicle batteries”.  Jason is a lead electric-vehicle safety instructor for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

If you respond to an MVA with an electric or hybrid vehicle and the battery is leaking stretch a handline and get the patients out.  Make sure you follow the proper procedures outlined in the Emergency Response Guides.  I would have greater concerns if the Volt caught on fire within an hour of the crash.  What are your thoughts?

Posted by on November 16, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, fire-rescue-topics, special-operations • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt catches fire weeks after crash, feds probe.

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The headline that started making the rounds thru the news networks was “Chevrolet Volt catches fire after crash”. Just look at the web search below! What you have to read into the story is the Chevrolet Volt caught fire in storage more than three weeks after a government crash test. That’s right three weeks after the test. The first news report I heard completely left out that it happened three weeks after the test. So what is your first thought, the Volt was crashed and burst into flames. However that was clearly not the case. The fire prompted federal safety regulators to look at safety procedures for electric vehicles after a crash. Not to look at an electric car that burst into flames after a crash test. General Motors has responded to this incident by stating the NHTSA did not follow GM’s recommended safety protocol for a post-crash Volt.

After reading the Chevrolet Volt Collision Awareness Guide and the Hybrid Collision Awareness Guide the only post-crash safety protocol I could was this:

A complete inspection of the high voltage(HV) system and components must be performed if the vehicle has been involved in a collision. The HVCID sensor and/or SIR Deployed vehicle-disable condition will remain active until cleared by the HPCM output control function of the scan tool.

Is there a missing safety procedure out there? General Motors has done a great job getting information about the Volt out to firefighters and other rescue workers. But did I miss a training for the towing and collision industries?

If you have not taken the Electric Vehicle Safety Training for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt training launched by the NFPA, Chevrolet, and OnStar I would do so now. The training features an inside look at the vehicle’s technology and safety systems. Here are some More training resources for the Chevrolet Volt.  I have two reason you need to learn more about this vehicle, a motor vehicle crash in your response area could involve a Chevrolet Volt and that same Volt could be towed to a tow yard, collision center, or dealer lot in your response area!  Think about it!

Stay Safe!

Posted by on November 12, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, fires, special-operations, technology-communications • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Body Structure

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The body structure of the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic sedan and hatchback. Nearly 60 percent of the body structure, as well as the four-mount hydro-formed engine cradle, use high-strength steel. Ultra-high-strength steel is strategically integrated in the forward portion of the rockers and the center cross bar.

© Copyright General Motors

The reinforced front hinge and A- and B-pillar zones help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment.  The roof is capable of supporting up to four times the car’s weight.

© Copyright General Motors

© Copyright General Motors

© Copyright General Motors

The all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is the only vehicle in its class with 10 standard airbags. . The Sonic features dual-stage airbags for the driver and the front passenger and roof-rail mounted head curtain airbags and seat mounted side-impact airbags for front and outboard rear seat passengers as standard. A driver knee air bag and a segment-exclusive front passenger knee air bag are included to reduce injury to lower extremities.

© Copyright General Motors

© Copyright General Motors

On the hatchback, the door handles are concealed in the C-Pillar and are rendered in black, as is the trim, giving the car the appearance of a two-door hatchback.

Posted by on November 11, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Spring Window Punch Extrication Tools

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How many window punches have met the end of their useful life in your bunker pants pocket?  How about the glass master on the rig?  Does that punch on the end of the glass master still work?   How many times have you set the spring on the typical window punch only to find out its broken?  Sure you can break the window with just about anything, but that’s not the right way.

During an extrication drill this fall the AC at my department handed me his Zak Tool spring mounted window punch.  He told me he got it a FDIC a couple years ago and in hindsight, he wished he would have bought a box of them.  So I got some information off the tool and did some research online and contacted Zak Tools.

The fine people over at ZAK Tool sent me over a couple of spring window punches.  The best feature of the window punch is how simple it is to operate and made from very basic parts.  To operate, simply hold the point against the lower corner of the vehicle window.  Pull the opposite end of the punch body and release.  That’s it!  You can get the model with the pocket hook or the key ring attachment.  Zak Tool punches are made of heat treated stainless steel and are designed to provide an indefinite period of service.  No rusting in the pocket of our bunker pants.

You can get the ZAK Tool window punch at stores like TheFireStore.com and even Amazon.com.

Posted by on November 11, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , ,

Where is the Service HV Disconnect on a Nissan Leaf?

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Hopefully by now, no one is intimidated by electric or hybrid vehicles.  Once the High Voltage (HV) battery is disconnected all you have is a vehicle that has a really big battery in it.  However, learning how to safely disconnect the HV battery by pulling out the service disconnect plug requires one key of information, where is it?   The service disconnect plug can be located inside a console, the trunk, or even hidden under the carpet.  The Nissan Leaf’s service disconnect is located under the carpet behind the center console.

The Emergency Response Guide (ERG) for the Nissan Leaf provides step by step instructions on how to find and safely use the service plug to disconnect the HV battery.  In black and white that is.  Take a look at the ERG instructions below and see if you think you can figure it out.   A special thanks to Eric J. Rickenbach from Rescuetechs.com for the photos!


Posted by on November 10, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Moditech Extrication Training Magnet Labels

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moditech rescue extrication training Magnet labels airbag

So you cannot get a late model vehicle with all the new airbags and the hidden stored gas inflators.  Not to mention all the Ultra-High Strength Steel (UHSS) used in the body structures.  No problem! Moditech has created a very simple training tool that can be used as an evolution evolves.  Magnet labels displaying safety components using the identical symbols used in the Crash Recovery System . One of the best uses of this tool would be for a safety officer to slap the magnet on that causes the extrication crew to switch to a plan B or C.  The magnet labels are a little pricey at $335 US, but I think the labels can serve as a very useful tool to transform the old junkers we get to cut up during training.  

You get all of the magnets below in your set from Moditech:

  • 2 x Battery. moditech rescue extrication training Magnet labels bag
  • 4 x Sensor.
  • 4 x Cylinder.
  • 4 x Stored gas inflator.
  • 1 x Curtain airbag left-hand side.
  • 1 x Curtain airbag right-hand side.
  • 1 x Seatbelt pretensioner.
  • 1 x Seatbelt pretensioner (mirrored).
  • 4 x Reinforcement.

 moditech rescue extrication training Magnet labels

Posted by on November 9, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

2012 Mazda 3 Body Structure (Stronger B-Pillar)

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The 2012 Mazda 3 does not look different from the 2011, but don’t let that feel you that there were no changes to the body structure. For 2012 models, the B-pillar reinforcement has been extended by more than seven inches and more high tensile steel was added to further increase body rigidity. This change is in all Mazda3s, regardless of trim level or engine choice.  Keep in mind that all Mazda3s will continue to feature Mazda’s own highly rigid safety body structure, which incorporates: 

  • Crushable outer zones that absorb impact energy
  • Mazda’s Triple H construction, which applies H-shaped reinforcements to the floor, side frames and roof to suppress cabin deformation.
  • For 2012 models, the B-pillar reinforcement has been extended by more than seven inches and more high tensile steel was added to further increase body rigidity. 

A few other notable standard advanced safety features include: 

  • Six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain) with improved double chamber side airbags
  • A “crushable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column
  • Front seat-belt pretensioners with force limiters

 

Posted by on November 8, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , ,

School Bus Extrication Quick Tips

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Extrication_School_Bus_Extrication

 A little bit of forcible entry, but it gets the job done.  Thoughts on using a pike pole to open the door on a school bus?  Check out more of Brian Craig’s pictures.

school_bus_Extrication_metal_Cutting_Saw
With the roof of a school bus made up of two layers of metal were separated by insulation, a metal cutting circular saw is an excellant tool to use.  The picture above was taken from a School Bus extrication article written by Tom Kiurski, Training Coordinator for the Livonia Fire and Rescue outside of Detroit.  Kiurski also authored a book named Creating a Fire-Safe Community: A Guide for Fire Safety and has written articles for Fire Engineering.  A great quote from Kiurski’s article, “train with what you would normally have on-scene”.

Posted by on November 7, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle)

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MiEV is an acronym for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle and it is a five-door hatchback electric car and is the electric version of the Mitsubishi i.   There is not an Emergency Response Guide (ERG) for the North America version yet because the 2012 model is the first year sold in the United States.  The information below is taken from the European market, well the Germany ERG for the 2011 Mitsubishi MiEV.  The US version will have some changes, but expect most of the vehicle to remain unchanged.  Check back, I’ll post info on the 2012 US model as soon as it is available.

More Mitsubishi rescue data sheet/rescue maps are located here.

2012 Mitubishi-erg Extrication Battery Hazards CRS

2012 Mitubishi-erg Extrication Battery Hazards CRS

 

 

Posted by on November 6, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Extraction Zones Pro Version App

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I received an email I’ve been waiting for since posting Extraction Zones, an Extrication app for your phone!  The app called  “Extraction Zones” that was only available on Apple products in April is now updated  and consists of a new Pro version app which has an 300% increase in the number of vehicles.   The best part for me and all other Android users?  It is also now on the Android market, and Android Tablets.  I just bought the Extraction Zones Pro App at a very small cost of $4.99 for my Android.  So regardless of what type of smart-phone you have, go download a very useful extrication app that is made by a firefighter for firefighters!

Extraction_Zones_Extrication_App_Cayenne

Cayenne_Extraction_Zones_Extrication_App

Offical Press Release from Extraction Zones, LLC

Extraction Zones LLC. has released a second more complete version of the successful original version.  The new version is called Extraction Zones Pro which features an additional 150 vehicle makes and models.  This addition has increased the original Extraction Zones databank of vehicles by over 300 percent.  Extraction Zones Pro builds upon the success of the original version with the addition of entire production lines from many popular manufacturers to enable firefighters, EMT’s, and other first responders to know exactly how to perform vehicle extrication with maximum safety and efficiency.  Having this database of knowledge in their hands while performing vehicles extrication procedures is crucial to their safety and the safety of the victims they are rescuing.  

The vehicle schematics allow the user to immediately see all dangerous areas of concern that they are attempting to avoid.  The application also features accompanying notes, specific to the model, providing additional helpful information such as the amount of time the high voltage lines or the SRS system will continue to carry a power current after being disengaged.  

Reviews of Version 1 indicate this is an invaluable tool providing immediate information without losing vital seconds at a vehicle accident scene. 

Available as a download to the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch (requires iOS 3.0 or later) or any Android powered smartphones or tablets. 

 

Extrications_Hazards_Extraction_Zones_Extrication_App

 

Extraction_Zones_Extrication_App_Safety

 

Posted by on November 1, 2011 • Filed under: extrication, special-operations • Tagged: , , , , , ,