FHExpo16: Big Rig Rescues Are Low-Frequency, High-Risk Events

NASHVILLE - Big rig rescues don’t happen very often, but when they do, they require a lot of resources and specialized knowledge to get the job done.

Over 50 students from across the country converged on an impound yard in Nashville, TN, for a Firehouse Expo class taught by Billy Leach Jr. of Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee. His class was aptly called “Big Rig Rescue: Overturns and Underrides.

In the class, students rotated through three scenarios: a cement mixer overturned onto a convertible Mustang; an 8,000-gallon tanker overturned on a sedan; and a two-door coupe rear ending a school bus, and becoming trapped under it.

Students were taught the safest and most effective techniques for heavy lifting and stabilization of the vehicles. Using struts, airbags, jacks, rigging gear and cribbing, students lifted the heavy vehicles off the smaller ones with patience and skill.

Leach drilled into the students the need to think about the problem with which they had been presented and develop a plan. As a math teacher might quiz his students, Leach called out to his pupils for answers.

“What is the angle of that tanker,” Leach said patting the top of the rig, which was significantly listing. One student called out 15 degrees, another said 30. “Well, which is it?” Leach demanded. “It makes a difference,” he said. “There is no room for guessing or winging it. You WILL do the calculations.”

With a “steady as she goes” approach, Leach walked the students through the challenges offering years of tips to accomplish the tasks at hand.

“They say you can’t push a chain, but I say why not,” Leach said, noting that steel pistons from hatchbacks and hood struts are perfect and generally free for catching a loop on a chain and pushing it under objects.

Those are just the kinds of tips and institutional knowledge that a group of four firefighters from Vestavia Hills, AL, Fire Department traveled to hear.

Vestavia Hills Battalion Chief Greg Hamrick said his department covers the Interstate and, while big rig rescues don’t happen often, he’s concerned about when they do happen. He wanted to see what tools were out there to do the job and to learn from others. He said this class has also spurred him to want to know more about his local towing company and their resources.

“I want to know what the towing company has and what they can do,” Hamrick said.

His lieutenant and public information officer, Ryan Farrell, echoed some of the chief’s comments.

“These types of incidents are such low-frequency, high-risk events, you have to know what you’re doing,” Farrell said.

Vestavia Hills Firefighter Mat Burkett said he appreciated the hands-on practical skills he was learning and how tools work to do the job.

“I’ll now be able to use the tools we have efficiently to do the job,” Burkett said.

His colleague Vestavia Lt. Christian Elliott said he appreciated having to work on scenarios that would be difficult to replicate in his community. He’s never worked on an overturned tanker and wouldn’t have had the experience if not for attending Firehouse Expo.

Additionally, Elliott was pleased to have the chance to meet people from all over the country who have ideas and tips to share.

“Getting to meet people, and make connections with people who have the same problem is a good thing,” Elliot said. “And, you just don’t get to see things like this all the time,” he added, looking out over the parking lot of disasters.