How is Genesis equipment? Cribbing what should we have?

[fireresq30637]

My department is getting ready to buy extrication equipment. We have looked at several different brands and were wandering about the American Rescue Technology tools made by Genesis? We are trying to find out how the tools hold up, if there are any problems with anything, if the tools are liked by users, etc. Just trying to find out any information we can! Also we are needing to purchase lumber for cribbing and are thinking of using 4"x4" 20" in length for cribbing, 2"x6" and 2"x4" for step chocks, 4"x4" for wedges. Question is what do you think about these sizes? Good? Bad? Suggestions? Thanks for your time and please be honest this is HARD earned money we are spending and we want the best for our citizens and our brothers!

[NFD159]

Genesis Tools

My department uses the Genesis tools. We have two sets including cutters, spreaders and rams. I personally like them and to my knowledge have never had any problems with them. Before we purchased them, it's been about 4 years ago, we had a few different companies come to our station to let us try their tools, and we ended up going with Genesis. If you decide against the Genesis, you may want to look in the TNT rescue tools. I've never used them, but have read some posts on here, and visited their website, www.tntrescue.com, and it seems to be a quality, and well liked system.

[firemanpat29]

We have the cutters, spreaders long ram and short ram.
this is the best set of tools we have ever had
Much lighter and more powerfull. your cribbing selection
is good I would add a few 1x4s and some 2x8s

[MetalMedic]

I am partial to low pressure tools, but for high pressure, the Genesis would probably be at the top of my list of choices. I had a chance to work with them at the Cleveland Grand Prix this year and noticed that they have corrected the problem I experienced with them a few years ago with the "ON" side of the button getting pined against a car and locking the tool in the on position. Now, they have a guard around the "ON" side of the control to protect that.

Your cribbing sounds good. Don't forget to include some long pieces. Perhaps two each of 3', 6' and 8' to use for stabalization of vehicles on their side or for something needing a longer reach. You might also want to make some "plates" out of hardwood. The wider the better and roughly square. These are handy if you have airbags or when you need to make a more stable surface on the ground to push against.

[rescuemaster]

MetalMedic - I may be wrong but isn't the Cleveland race a CART event??? If so, how did you use Genesis - I am pretty sure CART only uses Holmatro Tools .

[sfdeng2]

As for the tool. I have used many different tools and they'll all perform an auto extrication. They all have their quirks but it all comes down to personal preference. You have some people that won't use anything but Hurst. My opinion is, they stick with the one manufacturer because either thats all they've used or because of the name.

Cribbing. I would recommend using DuraCrib by Turtle Plastics. It's stronger than wood, lasts longer and won't absorb hazardous materials found at most accident scenes. Check them out. www.turtleplastics.com

[firenresq77]

As NFD159 said, we have the tools and love them. At our station we had one of the original Hursts and our other station had an Amkus (I believe). We set up demos with all of the vendors and we all had the chance to see what they can do and also try them out ourselves, and we preferred the Genesis. Also check with your mutual aid companies and see what they use. A neighboring department (Weruj1)also purchased the same system a year or two after we did. We've never had any problems with our system, nor have we had an incident where they would not do the job. The biggest thing is to get whatever works best for you.

[fireresq30637]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their imput! Your information along with an e-mail from the Deputy Chief of Operations from Oaklhoma City FD has really helped us. Our department has ordered from Genesis; the cutters, spreaders, combi-tool, ram, air bags, stabilzation kit (Cappa-bear), and we have also purchased alot of lumber (Southern Yellow Pine) for cribbing. Thank you all again for your time.

[LukeF21]

Extrication

You made a good choice in tools, in my humble opinion. We have the same. Just one thing to add, the cappa's are outstanding. I attended the two day extrication course sponsered by American and became a beliver in the cappa's. Using them cuts down on the amount of cribbing needed.

Stay safe,
Luke