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Received this interesting email from a firefighter asking for my opinion getting a purchase point along the rocker during dash and firewall movement. This is related to the recent Univ of X article on this subject. Thought I'd share it with this Forum to get some other opinions.
Question:
Hello Mr. Moore, I'd like to start by congratulating you on your excellent articles and knowledge that you present each month in Firehouse Magazine, its usually one of the first articles I flip to!
I have recently attended several New Vehicle Rescue Updates, taught by National Rescue Institute in New Hampshire. After reading your fine article on anchor points for a dash roll, i.e. pinching/poking through the rocker channel for a base point for the ram. In the classes I attended, we were cautioned NOT to breach the rocker channel, whereas some newer vehicles contain fuel and electrical lines in this very spot.
How does the information provided in your article relate to these newer vehicle designs? Or are there alternative methods of creating a bite point for a ram?
My Reply:
I completely agree that rescuers should make the effort to not cut or tear into the rocker channel when rolling or jacking a dash. Do what you can to keep this thing together is my advice. When all else fails, you could consider cutting it but more as a last resort than a standard practice.
Now, I have yet to find a vehicle built that actually runs the fuel and/or electric lines "inside" or "through" the hollow rocker channel. I believe this is a major misconception. These lines can lay right on the rocker under the trim piece or carpeting, or they can be underneath the rocker running along the floorpan. They can also be along side it or on top of it, but I just don't find the gasoline and electric lines "inside" the rocker.
It's no matter though because what your instructors are really trying to say is that the lines are so close to the rocker that cutting the rocker would in fact cut the lines. So, take it from there!!
Question:
Hello Mr. Moore, I'd like to start by congratulating you on your excellent articles and knowledge that you present each month in Firehouse Magazine, its usually one of the first articles I flip to!
I have recently attended several New Vehicle Rescue Updates, taught by National Rescue Institute in New Hampshire. After reading your fine article on anchor points for a dash roll, i.e. pinching/poking through the rocker channel for a base point for the ram. In the classes I attended, we were cautioned NOT to breach the rocker channel, whereas some newer vehicles contain fuel and electrical lines in this very spot.
How does the information provided in your article relate to these newer vehicle designs? Or are there alternative methods of creating a bite point for a ram?
My Reply:
I completely agree that rescuers should make the effort to not cut or tear into the rocker channel when rolling or jacking a dash. Do what you can to keep this thing together is my advice. When all else fails, you could consider cutting it but more as a last resort than a standard practice.
Now, I have yet to find a vehicle built that actually runs the fuel and/or electric lines "inside" or "through" the hollow rocker channel. I believe this is a major misconception. These lines can lay right on the rocker under the trim piece or carpeting, or they can be underneath the rocker running along the floorpan. They can also be along side it or on top of it, but I just don't find the gasoline and electric lines "inside" the rocker.
It's no matter though because what your instructors are really trying to say is that the lines are so close to the rocker that cutting the rocker would in fact cut the lines. So, take it from there!!
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