First Responder Jack – Review

We have recently had the opportunity to review the First Responder Jack.  Although we have more to do, a bunch of techniques with this jack have been completed.  This tool is firefighter-designed and has up to a 46oo lb. of lifting and winching options.  Previous posts on high lift jacks or “farm jacks” can be found here and here.

Some of the features described by the designers of the First Responder Jack include:

A.  Removable top clamp-clevis attachment

B. Durable powder-coated bright yellow main components with fire red actuating pieces

C. Safe use information on the handle

D. Aggressive 36 sq. inch base provides a safe and effective platform, while offering a wide array    of rescue options that encompass; cribbing, chains, straps, and has a 360 degree pinnable rotation platform

One of the scenarios included a school bus roll-over onto a jersey barrier that pinned a victim between the roof and the top of one of the seatbacks.  We first attempted to make a small lift with the jack, but it was quickly overloaded, resulting in the failure of a shear bolt that attaches to the pitman.   This is easily fixed, but keep load weights in mind.

Here’s a picture of a roll-over pinning scenario.  The first responder base fits perfectly over 2 4×4’s, which improves stabilization.

The pictures below show a steering column lift utilizing a jack, a grade 80 chain, and 2 4×4’s.  Steps include; windshield removal, securing one chain end to frame rails at the front of the vehicle, wrapping the other end around the steering column, placing the 4×4’s on the fire wall, and moving the jack into place and tensioning the chain.  Also, check out the video below.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/4Ow7tJbbf2c[/youtube]

Another scenario was set-up with a large I-beam laying on the hood and roof of a car effectively pinning the driver.  This scenario could be a tree on a side street that falls onto a vehicle just as someone is getting out of their car.  The crews were only allowed to use the jacks for the lifting.  Two different set-ups were used and successfully utilized.

Here the jacks made a cradle with chain around the I-beam. The jacks were supported by 2 4x4's sitting on the firewall. As the lift was made, the I-beam was cribbed to prevent movement back onto the vehicle.

Here the jack was seated in the trunk. As the lift was made a strut and strap was inserted to prevent the I-beam from rolling. Pickets and cribbing stabilized the I-beam at the opposite end.

Check out the First Responder Jack YouTube channel.

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