When every second counts in an emergency, there is not much time to ask questions. We take a look at some of the tools paramedics use to free people from car wrecks, and ask the questions about the equipment that may save your life one day.
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According to Mark Stokoe, paramedic and spokesman for Netcare 911, the 'Jaws of Life' is a trademark line of tools originally developed by Hurst Performance for auto racing.
"One of the co-inventors, Jack Allen Watson often submitted his design drawings signing his initials, which were J.A.W. - thus the name caught on and they became known as the Jaws of Life," he said.
The tools behind the name
Stokoe stated that there are various tools which make up a set of rescue tools, these include:
The 'shears / cutters': "These are like a very large pair of scissors capable of a cutting force of several tons, they will easily cut through an A, B and C pillar of a car thus enabling the whole roof to be lifted out of the way, making access to the trapped patient easier as well as making it possible to extricate the patient straight up and out of the vehicle on an extrication board."
The 'spreaders': Stokoe said, "These have several tons of spreading capacity, so for example if placed in the gap between the front and rear door they can spread that small gap until the lock snaps and the door can be opened.
"They are also capable of pushing the whole dashboard and steering wheel forward if the dash has collapsed and trapped the driver during a collision."
He said that the 'hydraulic rams' can also do this and they have even more 'travel' capacity and length. He added that the pushing/cutting capacity depends on the manufacturer and which specific tool is being used; there are numerous makes and models to choose from.
The 'combi-tool': "This is very popular and there are various models available; it has cutting and spreading capabilities all in one.
How they work
Stokoe explained that all these tools are normally powered by petrol driven, motorised, hydraulic pumps with high pressure hoses which deliver the hydraulic oil to each tool enabling it to cut spread or push.
"Hand or foot operated tools are also used and battery operated tools are becoming more popular as they are self contained, so they don't have cumbersome pipes and don't require the motorised pump and they are rechargeable," he said.
Where are the tools kept?
"The rescue equipment is generally not available on an ambulance as a rule, but certainly as a rule each fire engine or rescue vehicle would have a set. So it is the job of the fire-fighter to free the trapped occupant using hydraulic equipment while the paramedic attends to the patient," he said.
He added that although the function of the paramedic and the fire-fighter is different, "operating smoothly together is vital for the patient's benefit."
When is the equipment used?
Stokoe said the equipment is used at any incident where patients are trapped by deformed vehicle bodywork or the doors are jammed shut as a result of the impact.
"It's important to bear in mind the tools each have several functions and it is possible to be inventive, as rescue workers figure out their own methods and techniques of extrication that work best for them. The same, or similar, equipment can be use in plane, bus, car, truck and train accidents, while extra heavy duty equipment may be required for trains and trucks due to their heavier and stronger construction."
Source: Mark Stokoe, Media Liaison, Netcare 911
Emergency No. 082 911
www.netcare911.co.za
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