We bought ResQ jacks a few years ago -- Coral Gables package. we have defaulted to air bags on all calls to-date but recently ran across a call where the air bags were difficult to use. Inverted pickup truck. Lifting wasn't essential but stabilization was. so we just cribbed. The crew didn't pull the res q jacks because of the perceived long time to set it up.

so we went back to the training vehicle

with a few practice evolutions the guys set up teh res q jacks in under 4 1/2 minutes. It was quick easy, safe, and simple. I think everyone agreed that these would have been the right tool for that last call. And if we would of had to lift 8-12 inches we would definitely use the jacks. They are smooth and very stable. Once in place, to then set up air bags and coordinate stabilization of the jacks with lifting of the bags seems a coordination nightmare.

for many calls (when vehicle on 4 wheels) we will likely use air bags first. For side resting we will definitely go to res q- jacks first . For inverted it will depend on lifting air bag pushing points, height and angle of pushing points, amount of lift, weight of vehicles, etc.. as to which we will chose first.

How do you like the res-q-jacks TJ? My department just got them and while I have heard good things about them I have no experience with them on an emergency scene or know of anyone that has.

Thanks

I used to think the same way. One day at the salvage yard someone brought up how much time it took to set up the struts to do a lift. So we took 2 teams of 2 on 2 cars resting on all 4 tires, they had to stablize the car and lift it 4 inches. The struts where faster. I like airbags myself but it takes less time and equipment to do a lift with the struts, but you also have to know how to use. Just my 2 cents.