| For weekly drill, firefighters practiced methods of lifting heavy items such as vehicles and machinery. This would be required in scenarios such as a person trapped under a vehicle. Air lifting bags of various sizes and capacities were used as well as bottle jacks. The largest air lifting bags we carry can lift up to 26" in height and 89 tons in weight. Various combinations of bags and lifting points can be used depending on the dimensions and weight of the object being lifted. The air bags are made of synthetic fibers covered by neoprene. The same compressed air cylinders our firefighters use to breathe clean air in a smoke-filled environment are used to supply air to these lifting bags.
When lifting or stabilizing heavy objects, cribbing is used to support and shore up the load. Cribbing is normally made of wood or plastic and is modular in that pieces can be added or removed as the object being supported is raised or lowered.
Thank you to Abel Brothers Towing and Automotive Inc for providing the vehicles at no charge. |
