Role Of Extrication Tools In Rescue Operations

Rescue tools are cutters, Spreaders, Rams, and door busters. The cutters are used to cut the metal covering and are made of heavy sharp edges that can penetrate vehicle''s metal thickness very easily.

Spreaders aid in making space by spreading the metal enclosures, allowing the strangled survivor to come out of the disaster place. These two types of tools are hydraulic tools excelling in rescue operations because of their precision and automatic mechanism.

Hydraulic extrication tools use pressure to do tasks tools as cutters have hydraulically powered shears, very sharp and high capacity blades powered to cut a steel bar. The shears are technologically being improvised to meet adverse conditions, and the shears or blades are replaceable. Spreaders have a sharp tip can be inserted into tiny gaps and rescue by tearing apart to open wide.

The spreader-cutters are used in fire rescue operations and they are combination tools that have the capabilities of cutting open with the hydraulic pump gives power to a piston that pushes the blades hard that are specified to cut as well as open up the doors. Pump when enacted in reverse position closes the blades and thus enabling the victim to pass free through the gap made by the combi-extrication tool.

Rams are hydraulic tools used to impact the enclosure and break it a particular place to make hole to put in the spreaders and cutters for further extrication purpose. The Rams are of various types that use single piston, dual piston, and telescopic type. The Rams use more hydraulic fluid then other tools and pump needs enough capacity to allow the ram to reach full extension.

The hydraulic fluid pressure powers extrication tools; supplied through power units. The power source may be separate unit, usually a petrol motor connected through hydraulic power. The hydraulic pressure is generated in the pump and is fed to the hose of the extrication tools.

Portable power units housed inside the extrication tools of low capacity and do not last long. Rechargeable batteries power most portable tools. There may also be an electrical power unit connected to the tool directly operated by hand or foot. These portable tools are highly handy and may be used in remote places where large power units cannot be transported and accommodated, separate power units along with long hoses and pipes are eliminated.