Hydraulic & Hand Tools
This small, spring-loaded hand tool is the safest and most effective way to break tempered side and rear vehicle windows.
What is a center punch (or window punch)?
The designation for the forward-most posts on a car, located on either side of the windshield.
What are the A-posts?
The stair-step shaped pieces of lumber or composite material used to stabilize a car from rocking side to side on its suspension.
What are step chocks?
The step that should be performed first after securing the scene at a vehicle accident.
What is ensure stability of the vehicle?
The simplest and most highly recommended first method for gaining access to a victim before resorting to force.
What is trying before you pry (opening the door)?
This multi-purpose hydraulic tool features blades designed to both push metal apart and sever structural posts, saving the rescuer from needing to switch equipment.
What is a combination tool?
The designation for the structural posts located directly behind the rear doors or rear passenger compartment windows.
What are the C-posts?
This hydraulic tool is specifically designed to push the dash forward during a dash displacement, rather than cutting or spreading laterally.
What is a hydraulic ram?
The term for short, uniform lengths of sturdy timber (usually 4x4s) built into box shapes to vertically stabilize a vehicle.
What is cribbing?
The very first step in the door displacement process before heavy hydraulic spreaders are introduced into the gap.
What is use a pry bar/Halligan to create a purchase point?
This versatile hand tool features a spike, an adz, and a fork, and is frequently used to pry doors or strip interior trim to expose air bag cylinders.
What is a Halligan bar?
In modern vehicles, a supplemental restraint system (SRS) consists of these two main components.
What are the seat belt and air bag systems?
This attribute is a key distinguishing characteristic of low-pressure rescue-lift air bags compared to high-pressure systems.
What is lightweight construction (or larger lifting height capabilities)?
Performing this action on the vehicle's tires is a standard step to prevent sudden dropping after step chocks are placed.
What is deflating the tires?
The next technique to attempt if normal methods of moving a seat backward do not work for freeing a patient's lower body.
What is use a hydraulic tool to force the seat track?
When operating hydraulic cutters to sever a vehicle's structural post, the tool should be positioned at this specific angle to the metal to prevent blade separation and tool damage.
What is 90 degrees (or perpendicular)?
The distinguishing characteristic of unibody construction.
What is multiple thicknesses of metal folded and welded together (no separate frame)?
When utilizing high-pressure rescue-lift air bags on unpaved surfaces, plywood should be placed in this specific location to prevent punctures.
What is between the bag and the ground?
The correct safety procedure when performing extrication in a vehicle with an undeployed steering wheel air bag.
What is stay out of the deployment zone (or the 5-10-20 rule)?
When completely removing the roof of a vehicle, the structural posts should ideally be cut at this height.
What is as low as possible (to remove jagged hazards)?
This hand-operated pulling device uses a ratcheting mechanism and wire rope, and is often used to move steering columns or stabilize vehicles when hydraulic power is unavailable.
What is a come-along (or hand winch)?
Cutting this specific suspension component during extrication may dangerously release pressurized fluid.
What is a shock absorber (or strut)?
The minimum level of training required by NFPA standards to operate hydraulic extrication tools at an incident.
What is Operations (or Technician) level?
The precise location where the base of a hydraulic ram is placed when performing a dash roll.
What is the base of the B-post?
When removing a laminated glass windshield with a glass saw or axe, this is the very last section of the glass that should be cut.
What is the bottom edge?