Moving People During a Fire Rescue – Safe, Strong Equipment

Rather than attempting to move people, equipment, and other heavy materials with pure muscle power, crews rely on fire rescue equipment like a wire rope hoist for man-riding as well as equipment lifting.

Lifting Equipment is Vital for Firefighters and Rescuers

When a call comes in for an emergency, whether it's a house fire, commercial building fire, or automobile accident, first responders jump into action. To effectively manage the situation, fire rescue workers need adequate fire rescue equipment.

Why is a manually operated heavy duty rope hoist such a useful piece of fire rescue equipment?

• It’s versatile, portable, and easy to operate.

• A manual lever hoist system does not require any electricity.

• Portable manual hoists are capable of handling massive weights.

• You can use a rope hoist in any direction and for any height or distance.

Wire Rope Hoists for Moving People

One thing that you need to keep in mind when you're selecting lift equipment is that lifting capacities and safety certifications for most equipment apply only to moving loads, not people. When you're moving rescuers or victims, you must use wire rope hoists rescue kits and other equipment that are rated for lifting people. Situations that require man-riding certificated fire rescue equipment include:

Confined Space Rescues

In an emergency situation where someone requires rescue from a confined space, such as being trapped inside a partially collapsed building, a man-riding hoist can lift or lower rescue personnel into the space. Using a safety harness, slings, and other gear, rescuers can also carry medical supplies and equipment to treat the victim. Once the victim is stabilized and prepared, the hoist can be used to lift them out of the area and to safety.

Rescuing Victims from Height

Buildings can become damaged and dangerous due to any number of events such as a fire, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, or man-made disaster. Dazed, confused, and scared victims may be left lingering inside a building that's dangerously close to collapsing with no means of escape. Man-riding hoists are one way to rescue individuals quickly and safely from these precarious situations.

Natural Disaster Rescues

Heavy rains and rushing flood waters can leave people stranded and vulnerable. Rescue teams armed with a wire rope hoist and lifts that are approved for man-riding can facilitate safe, effective rescues without electricity or additional equipment. When multiple victims are involved, seconds count. Being able to quickly deploy a hoist to move them can make all the difference in a successful rescue mission.

Rescuing Motor Vehicle Accident Victims

Traffic accidents are complex scenes, and there are many things to consider when attempting a rescue. Man-riding lifts can be ideal for assisting with moving victims when the terrain is too steep or dangerous for rescuers to do the job by hand, or for vehicle-mounted winches to be used.

Wire Rope Hoists for Moving Equipment and Debris

One of the most useful pieces of equipment a fire and rescue team can bring to the scene of an emergency is a lever hoist system. They're practical and versatile pieces of firefighting safety equipment. While every emergency situation is unique, some common instances when a heavy duty rope hoist may be useful include:

Clearing the Scene of an Accident

A wire rope hoist is the ideal way to move an incapacitated vehicle out of a hazardous position. Regardless of the size, type, or condition of the vehicle, firefighters can hook onto it and move it out of the way, or into position to be towed. With manual lift equipment, rescuers can reach places where heavy equipment can’t, and first responders don't have to wait for towing vehicles to arrive.

Rescue and Cleanup After a Storm

When heavy, destructive storms move through an area, they can leave quite a mess, including people in danger. Whether it's a tornado, hurricane, or just a thunderstorm, firefighters and rescue crews swoop in. Using manual hoists in places cranes and firetrucks can’t reach, they remove fallen trees and branches, masonry, and other heavy debris that pose a hazard or block the way to reaching victims. 

Creating Access for Fire Fighting

When a home or other structure is engulfed, firefighters need to find and rescue trapped victims, and douse the flames. This may require pulling down walls or pulling apart roofing materials to provide ventilation and open access ways. A manual rope hoist is a portable, efficient means of quickly accomplishing this.

Choosing the Right Equipment and Man-Riding Hoists

Rescuing people, fighting fires, and cleaning up after natural disasters are hard work and you need strong people and tough equipment to get it done. When it comes to indispensable firefighting equipment, a wire rope hoist is top of the list.

Fire Rescue Equipment Expertise and Advice

Providing your firefighters and rescue team with the best safety equipment is imperative to their effectiveness. With the right lift equipment, firefighters can facilitate rescues, get fires under control, and restore safety to a community. If you're unsure about whether your current lift equipment is adequate or if you have questions about a wire rope hoist for equipment or a lever hoist system for man lifting, contact the fire and rescue specialists at Tractel® today.

You can also visit our dedicated fire & rescue page to learn more about our lifting and handling solutions.