![]() ![]() ![]() Simply put, it is the difference between the force applied to perform the work and the actual force that is produced (Photo 3). Mechanical advantage (M/A) systems are force multipliers on a load based upon the use of simple machines (pulleys, in the rope world). While easily open for debate, this average is used due to the nature of the incident it may be possible that crews will operate within long operational periods and experience fatigue on wet, sloped flooring with debris piled around the rescue scene and keeping good lifting techniques in place to avoid injury (Photo 2). Vehicles run on fuel, appliances run on electricity and humans run on hydration and nourishment that being said, the size of the crew that is available on-scene to operate systems will have to be considered when calculating mechanical advantage systems.Īs a rule, the average human rescuer can apply 50 pounds of force (lbf) pushing or pulling an object. Now, in the world of rescue, when we have to lift or move significant-sized objects, we have to consider many variables that would limit movement, such as friction, size, density and weight, but for the purpose for our discussion we will focus on the potential weight of the victim for consideration in the rope rescue arena.Īny type of machine requires some form of energy to operate. On the rescue scene, determining the type of system required to move the victim will be directly dependent on the amount of “energy” available. Moving a victim from a precarious situation will require some form of energy to accomplish. ![]() So this month, we will discuss the use of mechanical advantage systems and safety/belay systems for the first arriving companies. ![]() Having limited staffing means we must use our systems or “machines” to maximum efficiency. In the world of rope rescue, the rescue team still has to move a victim up, down, left, right, in a horizontal or vertical position to effect the removal of the injured party (Photo 1). Many fire departments provide much more than suppression activities in the emergency services, including technical rescue. ![]()
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