University of Extrication: Skills Update: Lower A-Pillar Architecture

Subject: Skills Update: Lower A-Pillar Architecture

Topic: Lower A-Pillar

Objective: This article reinforces why fender removal to expose the upper rail and the lower A-pillar is an important component of any dash-jacking or dash-rolling evolution performed on a late-model vehicle.

Task: The rescue team shall review the images of the body-in-white Lexus LC 500 vehicle and determine what additional steps or modifications they would make in their dash evolutions due to this vehicle’s A-pillar architecture.

This University of Extrication column reviews a new technology in a specific vehicle—the $92,000 2018 Lexus LC 500. The Lexus LC 500 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Yes, it is a “luxury sports car.” Yes, at that price, it will not be appearing in many neighborhoods in our district. There is, however, something new on this car that is important to point out—the design of its lower A-pillar.

During a physical inspection of a 2018 Lexus LC 500, you will see that the hood, front fenders and door skins are aluminum. Door inner panels and the trunk are made from a carbon-fiber-reinforced sheet-molding compound. There is also an option to have a carbon-fiber roof as well. The gross weight is approximately 4,300 pounds.

Of specific note to rescue personnel is the design and structural materials comprising the lower A-pillar of the vehicle. By lower A-pillar, we are referring to the A-pillar below the level of the dash and top door hinge. That portion of the A-pillar on the Lexus LC 500 has quite a unique design.

A close-up look at the lower A-pillar shows the extreme width of that structural component of the car. Rescuers have never encountered an A-pillar that wide from front wheelwell to door hinge area; it’s almost like there are two very wide A-pillars sitting side by side. And the entire rear portion of the two-part lower A-pillar uses the highest tensile strength steel in the car.

Study the images of the LC 500 body-in-white and determine for yourself what additional steps you and your rescue team would have to do to be able to roll the dash or jack the dash of this vehicle if a front occupant were trapped. As lower A-pillars evolve into wider structures and transition from mild steel to ultra-high strength steels, the update to our skills should include considering moving or removing the fender to expose the structure beneath, cutting through as much lower A-pillar as necessary, and making necessary relief cuts in the front structure as needed.

Teaching Point: Any dash evolution should include moving or removing the front fender as an early, initial step. This recommendation allows personnel to get an eyeball on what they actually have to work with structurally on the vehicle. Integrate this fender moving or removal step into your training now for dash evolutions so your crew is better prepared for the future.

Lexus states that the lessons they have learned in designing and building this sports car will be integrated into their future vehicles. That is why responders may see more vehicles with the double-wide, side-by-side lower A-pillar design in the future.

SIDEBAR:

Additional Skills Updates for Dash Evolutions

• Move or remove the fender to expose the structure beneath
• Cut through as much lower A-pillar as necessary
• Make necessary relief cuts in the front structure as needed
• Jack or roll the dash