Specialist training for heavy vehicle rescue
Iain Hoey
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Michael Maybin, Director of Operations, IRRTC Rescue Ltd, explores the importance of specialised training for heavy vehicle rescues and its impact on responder readiness
For emergency services, the ability to respond effectively to incidents involving heavy vehicles is crucial.
I have witnessed first-hand the importance of comprehensive training programs tailored to professional rescue organisations, such as UK Fire Services, and their counterparts globally.
This article will delve into the benefits of offering specialised heavy vehicle rescue training, highlighting the critical aspects of exposure to heavy vehicles, the unique challenges posed by their design and fuel systems, and the indispensable knowledge and skills required to manage such complex scenarios.
The importance of heavy vehicle rescue training
Heavy vehicle rescue operations differ significantly from standard motor vehicle extrications due to the sheer size, weight, and complexity of the vehicles involved.
Training professional rescue organisations in these specialised techniques ensures that responders are well-prepared to handle the unique challenges they might face.
Such training enhances operational efficiency, reduces response times, and ultimately saves lives.
HGV tractor units are often hard to access and cost prohibitive for UK Fire Services to get exposure to.
I was interviewed on the Fire Fighters Podcast Episode #267, in December 2023, about overcoming the challenge of heavy vehicle rescue, and fundamentally this is why IRRTC Rescue offer the course.
Benefits of specialised training for professional rescue organisations
- Improved response capability: Specialised training equips rescue teams with the knowledge and skills to handle heavy vehicle incidents efficiently. This includes understanding the structural integrity of heavy vehicles, utilising appropriate tools and techniques, and managing the scene effectively.
- Enhanced safety for responders: Our training emphasises the importance of safety protocols when dealing with heavy vehicles. This includes understanding the risks associated with working at height, the increased weight and strength of these vehicles, and the potential hazards posed by modern fuel systems.
- Adaptability to technological advancements: As vehicle technology evolves, so too must the training for rescue personnel. With the advent of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas (CNG), biomethane, and hydrogen/electric systems, responders must be adept at identifying and managing the unique risks associated with each type of fuel system as the future of these vehicles evolve.
- International organisation for standardisation: ISO 17840, can be used world-wide for first and second responders as is a world-wide standard in cooperation with Euro NCAP, SIS and ISO with their ‘Know before you approach!’ ethos.
Exposure to heavy vehicles: a critical learning component
Hands-on exposure to heavy vehicles is a cornerstone of effective rescue training.
This practical experience allows responders to familiarise themselves with the physical and operational characteristics of these vehicles, fostering a deeper understanding that theoretical training alone cannot provide.
IRRTC prides itself on offering this for real world use and benefit.
Real-world training scenarios
Training programs we incorporate include realistic factors that prepare the responders for what they will encounter in the field.
This includes the opportunity to look around new HGVs, LGVs, inside and outside, underneath them and trailers to see the operating systems and how they function.
This is delivered by an HGV recovery expert.
Heavy vehicles, particularly those in the transport and construction industries, often involve working at height.
Our training includes the use of specialised equipment, working platforms, safe systems of work
Heavy vehicles present unique challenges due to their increased weight and structural strength.
The cohort attending must learn how to use heavy-duty cutting and lifting equipment effectively to extricate trapped individuals safely.
Addressing the challenges of modern fuel systems
The shift towards alternative fuel systems in heavy vehicles introduces new risks and complexities for rescue operations.
Understanding these systems is vital for ensuring the safety of both responders and victims.
For HGVs in UK the number already on the road shouldn’t be underestimated.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
BEVs are becoming increasingly common in the heavy vehicle sector with DAF presently leading the sector.
Yet many manufactures offer an alternative fuelled heavy goods vehicle, as for a fleet operator its biggest cost is fuel (diesel) at over thirty percent.
Alternative fuelled vehicles are the fleet operator’s future.
However, with BEVs, their high-voltage battery systems may pose significant risks during rescue operations.
Our training covers identifying the location of batteries and understanding the potential for thermal runaway developing into thermal cascade.
This could be caused by a type of abuse, i.e.
impact from collision, a fault within the traction battery, or even first or second responder activity.
It also explains how to safely isolate the electrical system with the IAIIM response protocol: Identify > Assess > Immobilise > Isolate > Monitor.
This is done using key information such as make, model and year of vehicle that is specific to that vehicle.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cells are another emerging technology in heavy vehicles.
The highly flammable nature of hydrogen requires specialised training to manage potential risks.
This includes understanding how damage to tanks and systems could cause hydrogen leaks, which can lead to explosive situations if not handled correctly falling within remit potentially of the DSEAR (Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmosphere Regulations) in UK.
It’s also important to link in with manufacturers and fleet operators to share the most up to date knowledge and infrastructure status.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Biomethane
CNG and biomethane are increasingly used in heavy vehicles for fleet use in UK by many large brands and organisations, due to their lower environmental impact.
However, these fuels present unique challenges:
One is pressurised fuel systems – knowledge of high-pressure fuel systems safely is essential to prevent accidental releases or risks to responders.
Another is firefighting techniques, understanding that there are specific firefighting techniques required for gas fires, which differ from conventional liquid fuel fires.
Hydrogen/Electric
These systems that combine hydrogen and electric power introduce a new layer of complexity. Our training identifies:
- Dual-system management: Understanding how to manage incidents involving both hydrogen and electric systems, ensuring both are safely isolated and neutralised.
- Integrated risk assessment: Conducting thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with these systems.
- Examples of current vehicles: Some of these vehicles are manufactured here in UK, so knowledge of them and Emergency Response Guides are vital.
Conclusion
Specialised heavy vehicle rescue training is an invaluable investment for professional rescue organisations.
By providing responders with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to handle the unique challenges posed by heavy vehicles, we enhance their capability to save lives while ensuring their own safety.
As vehicle technology continues to evolve, ongoing training and adaptation are essential to stay ahead of emerging risks.
By emphasising the importance of exposure to heavy vehicles and understanding modern fuel systems, we can build a robust foundation for effective and safe heavy vehicle rescue operations.
Offering specialised heavy vehicle rescue training to professional rescue organisations not only enhances their operational efficiency but also ensures the safety of both responders and victims.
The complexities of modern heavy vehicles, from their structural characteristics to their advanced fuel systems, necessitate a thorough and practical approach to training.
By investing in such programs, we equip our rescue teams with the tools and knowledge they need to face the challenges of the future, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient emergency response framework.
