All across the U.S. fire departments and rescue teams are taking advantage of the newest technology in life-saving equipment. Pneumatic airbags are becoming the latest trend in gadgets that can help to save the lives of victims of accidents and cave-in disasters.
Made from the toughest rubber and reinforced with Kevlar cording, airlift bags are a safe and unique tool for getting victims out of dangerous situations. Equipped with solid brass fittings and only using the power of the air, these lightweight and low profile bags can get into spaces better than any other rescue equipment. When disaster strikes, generator-fueled equipment can potentially cause a spark and make the situation worse or even deadly.
Heavy lift air bags are a faster, cleaner and more affordable option for many municipalities. When fire rescuers are called to a severe car accident or emergency where people have been trapped, these pneumatic airbags can lift over 75,000 lbs and help them get to survivors more quickly.
The bags constructed from thick rubber can safely be used in any conditions and even underwater. The low profile when they are deflated makes them easy to use in areas where there is as little as 2” of clearance. No other current rescue equipment can be used in such a diverse array of situations and circumstances.
The large contact area reduces the risk of the additional cave-in and the rubber surface provides a strong non-slip grip. In the past, when jacking equipment has been used to attempt a rescue, there has always been the potential for causing worse damage. That is no longer the case when firefighters are deploying a full surface airlift bag.
Whether you need to lift a car, a trailer or even a house, airlift bags can easily give you the clearance to gain the access that you need. When you need to lift more than just a few inches, bags can be stacked on top of each other to give you much more space than any hydraulic method.
Some of the most common uses for heavy-lift airbags in terms of rescue include:
1 Car Accidents
When things go bad on the road, a wrecked vehicle can pose a challenge to rescuers trying to get a victim out of the car. The weight of a car can be imposing to even the toughest rescue equipment.
2 Pinning
When victims have been pinned under a heavyweight, time is of the essence to get them free. Lack of circulation in pinned limbs can lead to severe injuries and even amputation. Heavy lift airbags can easily be placed under almost anything and used to lift a stationary object securely enough to allow rescuers access to the victim.
3 Cave-In
When structures, either man-made or natural, become unstable, there is always the risk of a cave-in. When debris becomes stacked, rescue efforts can often be hampered by the weight of the task and the risk of shifting or further cave-in. Heavy lift airbags can be used with better success to lift larger surface areas more securely and free anyone that may be trapped.
Conclusion
There are always risks when rescue efforts are needed. The most important aspect is to keep the accident victim safe and cause no further harm where possible. Heavy lift airbags, although originally designed for construction use and even for tough tasks around your home, are quickly being adopted by rescue experts. It won’t be long before towns and cities around the country take advantage of the life-saving benefits of heavy-lift airbags.
