Lifting Cylinders, Low Pressure Air Bags and High Pressure Air Bags. All are new to the Rescue Squad and are a valuable upgrade to our lifting capabilities. Photo: Chief C. Green
The large bags are Low Pressure and the small bags are High Pressure. The lifting cylinders are in front of the air bags along with the controllers for all of the equipment . Photo: Chief C. Green
By Lieutenant 8-2 Christopher Harris
October 11, 2011
Last year, it was determined that the Low and High Pressure Air Lifting Bags had reached the end of their service life. New air lifting bags were needed and budgeted for this year. We also found that new technology was available in lieu of manual hydraulic jacks.
On Monday, October 10, new air lifting bags and lifting cylinders were placed on the Rescue Squad. The Hydraulic Lifting Cylinder set is capable of lifting 98,000 pounds or 49 tons. The Vetter system was purchased as replacement equipment for the air lifting bags. The Low Pressure Air Lifting Bags are a 25 ton set and the High Pressure Air Lifting Bags (145 psi) also come in a set and provide rescuers with the capability of lifting objects in tight spaces.
The lifting bags are vital to the rescue crews when needing to lift objects or vehicles. This weekend, during the Heavy Vehicle Rescue course, crews will train with the new systems. For questions related to the new lifting system, contact Chief Green at the fire station.
