Chapter 7 - Passenger Vehicle Stabilization Operations

Question 1

What happens during each of the 3 phases of vehicle stabilization?

Answer 1

1. Initial phase happens quickly and includes using wedges, wheel chocks, and step chocks.
2. Secondary phase includes using struts, chains, straps, and cribbing.
3. Ongoing phase includes the reassessment of current stabilization and the application of new stabilization as necessary.

Question 2

How does a vehicle’s center of gravity affect stabilization efforts?

Answer 2

A vehicle’s center of gravity acts as a pivot point around which the vehicle will move unless prevented from doing so. The center of gravity is slightly forward of the front door in the center of passenger vehicles.

Question 3

What are the most likely directions of movement for an unstabilized vehicle?

Answer 3

1. Horizontal
2. Vertical
3. Roll

Question 4

Which parts of a passenger vehicle offer the most structurally sound points to utilize for stabilization?

Answer 4

Vehicle Frame

Question 5

How can rescuers modify the terrain to account for weather conditions or unsteady surfaces such as sand or mud?

Answer 5

Place a solid base of cribbing, a flat board, or steel plate under the equipment.

Question 6

When lifting an object off a vehicle as part of stabilization, how can rescuers ensure that the object does not fall back onto the vehicle?

Answer 6

Capture it with cribbing or some other resource in order to prevent the object from falling back into its original position (lift an inch, crib an inch).

Question 7

What safety precautions should rescuers take when using pneumatic lifting bags or cushions?

Answer 7

Use solid pieces of plywood or heavy duty mat material under bags

Question 8

How do the 3 classes of lever differ with regards to stabilization operations?

Answer 8

1. Class 1 Lever - Applied force at one end, a load at the opposite end, and a fulcrum between the two (crowbars, pry bars)
2. Class 2 Lever - Move objects horizontally (wheelbarrows, furniture dollies, pulleys)
3. Class 3 Lever - Places a load on one end, fulcrum on the opposite end, and the force in the middle (shovels and brooms). This is the least effective.

Question 9

Describe the 2 common hitches

Answer 9

1. Vertical Hitch
2. Basket Hitch
3. Double Basket Hitch
4. Bridle Hitch
5. Choker Hitch
6. Double Choker Hitch
7. Chains

Question 10

What safety precautions should be taken when using chains to stabilize a vehicle?

Answer 10

Do not exceed the safe working load

Question 11

List characteristics of synthetic slings

Answer 11

-Tend to mold around the load, adding additional holding power
-Do not rust or spark
-Easier and safer to rig due to their light weight
-Have no sharp edges
-Absorb shock loading better

Question 12

What rigging components are used for stabilization?

Answer 12

Ropes or cables, block and tackle, hooks and shackles/eyes

Question 13

How are struts used to stabilize a vehicle?

Answer 13

Used to stabilize a vehicle on their side or roof. 3 components, base, strut, tip.

Question 14

What role can recovery vehicles play at a vehicle incident?

Answer 14

Can help stabilize a teetering vehicle

Question 15

What kind of damage are cars in a front-impact collision likely to sustain?

Question 16

Where are stabilization tools and equipment placed when using the four point or six point support methods?

Question 17

What methods are commonly used to stabilize side resting vehicles?

Question 18

What additional support do roof-resting vehicles often require?