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Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on February 1, 2013 at 3:54pm

This is a very nice installation, but I'm a little concerned about flexibility. Thinking worst case scenario --- I am wondering if there would ever be an incident in which the engine would not be ale to get close enough to the extrication scene. Of course I have no idea how much hose is on the reels in the photo.  All of our extrication equipment is stored in a compartment and must be unloaded by hand. Having to carry the power unit and set it on the ground is a pain but we can put it right where we want it. I recall a recent incident in which, after a police chase, a vehicle ended up 200 feet off the roadway in some trees. the vehicle was on its top and the driver required extrication. Fortunately that's an exceptional situation.

At least nine times out of ten the installation in the photo is a great idea.

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Permalink Reply by Timothy John Dodson on February 1, 2013 at 5:33pm

The main concern that I have with it is if that piece of apparatus is involved in a front-end collision,  the rescue equipment could be severely damaged or destroyed. Otherwise,  if it works for that department,  I have no problem with it.

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Permalink Reply by Richard Zimmerman on February 1, 2013 at 7:06pm

Good Idea but may be high $.  I'm sure they have a portable power unit for remote use.

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Permalink Reply by Peter von Bergen on February 11, 2013 at 7:01pm

We have a similar setup - with lots of hose on our Rescue.  In addition, we carry another power unit in a rear side compartment with a hose reel out the back.  We can quickly disconnect that reel and just lift the power unit and some coiled hose out of the compartment and take it where it is needed.  We carry another complete portable setup on one of the pumpers - in case there is another accident or just more need at the first one.  Also, mutual aid companies get there quickly.

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Permalink Reply by Curt Raue on February 11, 2013 at 8:20pm

I dont see why it would be a bad idea.  My volunteer department recently purchased a new engine with the crosslays in the front bumper.  The only reason some of our guys dont like it is because that's not where they are traditionally supposed to be.  It is very nice though that they dont get in the pump operators way or walked on by people who need to get equipment off the truck.  I would imagine having the extrication tools and the hoses coming off the front bumper would be the same way. 

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