Gearing up for the rescue
Published: 01 January, 2007
Rescue tool manufacturer Lukas and Dutch rescue software developer Moditech have launched a revolutionary new system for rescue professionals. The Crash Recovery System comprises a multilingual database, which provides emergency responders with technical information about new car models.
New safety systems in cars have increased the survival rates of victims significantly, however, they make the extrication process more complicated and dangerous. The safety restraint components have to be regarded as potential hazards by the emergency responder. Moditech’s MD, Jan Mooij explains that the co-operation with Lukas was established at Interschutz 2004.
“Lukas had been looking for a solution such as CRS for years and was very motivated to sell the system worldwide.”
Most rescue professionals are familiar with the dangers of undeployed airbags, airbag gas generators, and belt pre-tensioners. The deactivation of these is an important and time-consuming process and, most of all, it is a hard task considering that all this new car technology varies in every vehicle. In addition to this, new cars and models are being launched continuously and it is a hard task for the rescuer to keep up with constant development in new car technology.
Moditech Rescue Solutions recognised the need for a practical solution at an early stage and put its efforts behind the introduction of the Crash Recovery System. The database can run on virtually every desktop or laptop and the system is constantly updated on market developments and can be universally used with any brand of rescue tools. Rescue workers can access the information at the scene of an accident and - after selecting the right model - a graphic of the selected vehicle appears on laptop screen and can be viewed from every angle. The graphic displays all safety components and all the other relevant items such as the battery, fuel tank and windshields. The software provides the location, specifications and deactivation method and ensures a quicker and safer extrication process.
Positive response:
“Several brigades have tested CRS, such as London Fire and Nottingham Fire and Rescue. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue has tested the system and has now acquired 16 licenses. All responses were unanimously positive,” says Jan.
The database is constantly expanded for free and users from any country can make use of it, because it is covered for right hand drive and regional adaptations such as special Asian vehicles. It also covers lorries, vans and buses. “At the moment we are expanding the database for hybrid vehicles. We are also developing a network version of CRS as well as further developing the possibility of searching by registration number, this is allready operaional in Sweden and Holland.” For more information, please visit: www.moditech.com
Holmatro’s DPU 31 PC Duo Pump:
“The DPU 31 PC Duo Pump -Personal Power has been developed to meet the demand for a light and silent duo pump for the simultaneous operation of two rescue tools. With a weight of only 25 kg and a well-balanced centre of gravity the DPU 31 PC Duo Pump can easily be carried by just one person,” explains Bert Willems, Commercial Director for the company. Most countries’ occupational health and safety regulations state that a single person is not allowed to carry objects heavier than 25 kg. Another important feature is the low noise level of 68 dB at one metre distance. This provides a better workspace for the emergency responder because it is easier to communicate at the rescue scene and makes things less noisy and frightening for the victim. The pump has an eco mode switch: when connected tools are not used the engine automatically switches to eco mode for a very low noise level and fuel consumption. The DPU 31 PC Duo Pump has LED lighting above the valve block, which allows for easy identification of the pump location in the dark. Furthermore, it facilitates coupling and uncoupling of the hoses. The pump is also equipped with gauges at the front for easy checking of oil and petrol levels. The hydraulic oil contents of 2490 cc is sufficient to operate two rescue tools at the same time. In the ‘Products’ section of this website you can find more technical details on the DPU 31 PC Duo Pump as well as application pictures and norms & performance classes. “What makes the DPU 31 PC Duo Pump really unique,” explains Bert. “Is that it is the first Holmatro duo pump that is standard equipped with Holmatro’s new revolutionary CORE Technology. This technology is a turning point in speed, ease and safety of operating hydraulic rescue tools. For the DPU 31 PC Duo Pump and other duo pumps equipped with CORE Technology this means that you only need two hoses instead of four to connect two tools to the pump. Every connection of a hose to a pump and tool means two times coupling instead of four, and two times clicking dust caps together instead of four. With a duo pump this means a saving of eight times coupling and clicking.”
A traditional rescue system requires the rescuer to switch the pump (valve) to neutral before changing (disconnecting and connecting) the rescue tool is possible. The CORE system allows the rescuer to change the tool while the hose is ‘under flow’; the pump is running and the valve is always selected. It is no longer necessary to change the tool at the pump. On the contrary, the rescuer can change his tool any time, whenever the circumstances require and without delay, even without releasing pressure at the pump. “Working with CORE increases the rescuer’s flexibility, saves time and is much easier to handle,” Bert concludes. More information, please visit: www.holmatrorescue.com
New cordless range from Milwaukee:
“Cordless tools are fast becoming the norm, as users realise that they can now deliver the same power and functionality as corded. As users make the switch to cordless, our own research into the features that users particularly value has indicated that users want fade-free power more than any other feature. We’ve responded with a range that will offer the same power level from first to last use, with users still able to monitor power levels using a clear LED power gauge,” Joao Barufi, Milwaukee’s marketing manager explains. Milwaukee has launched a new range of cordless power tools, following the global success of its current V28 (28-volt) range. Responding to a dramatic increase in the popularity of cordless tools, the company launched the V20 range in October 2006. The V20 range, powered by a brand new 20-volt lithium-ion battery, is initially featuring seven new tools, although it will also be compatible with current 18-volt Milwaukee cordless tools. The new range features a new battery include a percussion drill, drill driver, circular saw, hammer drill, reciprocating saw, impact wrench, and a lamp. Despite weighing around 25% less than a standard NiCd or NiMH 18-volt battery, the V20 battery will offer double the running time of an 18-volt, and up to four times as many recharges. Encased in a heavy-duty moulding and featuring easy-use latches for secure attachment, the battery is also designed to withstand a drop of up to two metres, and is capable of enduring extreme temperatures of up to 75°C or down to -20°C. The Milwaukee V range is the only lithium-ion range capable of operating below 5ºC.
“Unlike NiCd batteries, lithium-ion batteries consistently deliver a high voltage over an extended period of time. Our lithium-ion batteries have been proven to give the highest maximum number of current amps under a controlled load, meaning an even longer running time,” continues Joao. The V20 battery contains just five battery cells to reduce the risk of the battery failing, and to avoid the problems with contact bridges that other brands of battery have suffered. The cells in Milwaukee’s V28 and V20 batteries are fixed in a bracket construction and assembled at a 90° angle to the working direction of the tool. Charging
“With the proven success of the V28 range and now the launch of the V20 range, we at Milwaukee are developing the most extensive lithium-ion range in the world. However, we are also the only brand to offer full system compatibility, meaning that our tools can also be powered by NiMH, or NiCd batteries if users prefer.” TTools and batteries are available to buy separately, or as part of several kit options. For more information please visit: www.milwaukeeconnect.com
Advanced fixation system:
ResQtec has recently launched a new fixation system called ProFix. Suitable for applications, such as vehicle stabilisation, wall support, trench rescue and lift support, it is very easy to use and can be operated mechanically as well as pneumatically. The stabilisation jack is designed to keep the load fixed at all times during lifting operations and it can keep loads up to 10 tonnes. The Profix system has different kinds of modules with a wide array of accessories and it can shore, stabilise and fixate. The system is easy to handle and features anti projectile protection. Furthermore the system is durable and made from cast high-quality anodised 6061-T6 aluminium. The spring-loaded trigger automatically locks the collar in to position as it rotates along its axis. The pneumatic extension can be operated in combination with the NT bag controller. The Profix comes in five sizes ranging from the PX3 measuring 55 cm and spreading to 67 up to the PX5 which is 264 cm long and spreads up to 373 cm. ResQtec even puts a special vehicle stabilisation kit together with the following contents: a PX3, an E24 extension, a wall support base plate, two ratchet straps with hooks, two carabiners, a V-Block with diamond pin end, four rapid stairs, and four saddle wedges with ropes.All additional accessories can also be acquired separate. For more information, please visit www.resqtec.com
