Dash Away?

[NB87JW]

Last Weekend our Engine/Rescue Company responded to this Rear ender. (Unfortunately I was on an off day and missed it but one of our Medics got these photos for me) The Driver that hit the back of the trailer was airlifted to the trauma center for Open leg fractures and chest injuries. The dash was displaced into the patient about a foot and a half and the firewall (near the pedals) was shoved in quite a bit too.

As you can see the trailer's proximity to the cab was very close(in it). Jacking the Dash or rolling the dash was considered. And NOT done.

Another small problem was that both tractors were pulling DOUBLE trailers making "getting to the other side" quickly a bit of a trip around the trailers (hence the small ladder).

Some things they did was... The drivers seat was moved back as far as possible on the track. And the "air ride" seat was lowered.

I know what else I might have considered I just want to hear from my Bro's. first.

Any good thoughts on Moving the "dash away" or other considerations on this one?

More photos below...


Be safe.

Fraternally, Jordan

[NB87JW]

Next photo...

Here is another view. In this closer view you can see the some of the cargo (sand) that offloaded (poured) IN to the cab on this victims open fractures.

[NB87JW]

AND one more view...

Last one. For the observant eyes you can see how much the cab moved back or the chassis moved up (or both) Look at the wheel well behind the wheel.

[lutan1]

Grandmaster 101- where are you? C'mon, tell us how you'd use your heavy wrecker to rip that thing apart!!!

Seriously- Jordan, is there room to do a roll or jack of the dash? Would it have achieved much? I reckon looking at the photos (From what you can see!) that they did alright. Not sure I would have done much more....

A pedal cutter may have asisted if they were impinging. Another option if the cutter is not available is to put a rope around each pedal and pull them sideways- they'll bend real easy sideways.

Certainly did displace the cab a fair way- to 101 or billy- does that create issues with structural stability when we start metal movement on a BRR?

[NB87JW]

Luke,
They "considered" rolling the dash. They never did do it or attempt it. I asked them if they thought about having the front tractor attempt to pulll the two (at least one) trailers ahead in order to be able to have access to the front of the second tractor.

If the second trailer had not moved enough at the first go, then have it pulled clear by a class-C (BIG) Tow Truck. Then the dash/front could have been moved more easily if necessary.

Another option, may have been to remove the seat (cutting or unbolting) and move it back until he was clear enough. He was "sick" enough that they chose another option. Any guesses?

JW

[Rescue101]

Danger! Danger!

The most immediate concern I see is the trailer to the front of the cab.See how it's ramped up?Where do you suppose that stored up energy wants to go?Where are you working?See any problems here?Given my druthers,I'd "druther"pull the back unit of doubles back at least a trailer length.If not possible I would be chaining the "bomb"to the front trailer in substantial places.This is a VERY DANGEROUS situation that requires quick and concise securement.A heavy tow truck might have been helpful here but a ram and a sawsall would have been quite effective in creating space.Several different ways to go about doing the task,but looks like it was well handled from here.T.C.

[lutan1]

The most immediate concern I see is the trailer to the front of the cab.See how it's ramped up?Where do you suppose that stored up energy wants to go?

That's why you're Grandmaster and I am only Grasshopper!

Good pick up- I saw it but didn't really register what the situation was....

What about my query on metal movement on the displaced cabin, 101?

[Rescue101]

Displaced

Luke,The picture is too vague to really tell the story inside the cab.My take based on many miles in a similar truck and doing engine work on same is this:What you see displaced is the ENTIRE cab.My guess is that the wreck broke/severely bent the front hinges(the cab tips forward hydraulically)and based on past experience probably sheared the back mounts.What I can see of the drivers side of the interior looks pretty normal perhaps the dash is back a bit; again the repro on my 'puter leaves something to be desired.To gain more space you could cut the ring on the steering wheel.This cab is a all aluminum cab so one needs to think pushes thru carefully lest what you don't want moving gets a hole punched thru it.Lots of things can be done to this cab with a couple good sawsalls.Don't know if that answered your question but without some detailed pictures I don't really want to venture further.Looks like a favorable outcome and that's all we're working for anyway.T.C.

[NB87JW]

101,Luke
Thank to you two for the input here. One of the suggestions I made (hindsight) to the crew was to cut the steering wheel ring as you (101) have indicated as well. I also spoke (yesterday) to the tow truck driver who moved this mass after extrication. He said the front Frame rails were exposed about three feet when he moved the two front trailers off the cab shown. He showed me photos he took and there was more than met the eye (damage) from the lower quality photos I submitted here.

I always enjoy the opinions from the two hemispheres you two represent.

Be safe bro's.
Fraternally, Jordan

[fftrainer]

Stabilization assumed..............

Just going off the picture and without a 360 of what exactly kept the driver pinned, I would have to try our confined space/pedal cutter to take out the pedals and remove the ring of the steering wheel. After freeing the feet from the pedals and creating working area by cutting the steering wheel I would try to lower what appears to be an air seat. If still stuck I would proceed to remove the seat all together however in doing this your medical crew would have to pay close attention to the patient and move quickly once he is free.

Just my "Monday Morning QB" of something I wasn't present at so if anyone thinks differently give it a shot!

Stay Safe!