TCVFD Training

I thought I would go for a little change of pace and teach my son Alex how to use the airbags on Engine 1. He did really well and if you have any questions I think he will be able to answer them for you. He is still learning but soon he will be a top notch fireman.

What you need to get

Everything, except the air cylinder (these are all over), can be found in the rear compartment of the drivers side.

Get the hoses out

There is a red and blue hose

Select the right airbag(s)

Only 2 airbags can be used at a time. They have capacities and lift heights listed on them. Maximum lift is 23″ with the largest bags.

Air hose connection (notice notch)

Hook everything up! Inside the yellow case is a black hose already connected to the controls. This hose connects to your air cylinder. The red hose goes to the red connection and the blue to the blue. This is done so the controls make more sense.

Hooked up and ready to go

Open air cylinder. Now the system is charged. To fill bag operate lever of bag you want filled. Never stack more then 2 bags.

Air Bag Controls

Alex test the airbag

To quit using the air bags and bleed the system. Turn off the air cylinder and then deflate the bags. Do you know something Alex don’t. If so add it to the comments so everyone can learn.

Spreader / Cutter

I needed a review of how to get our hydraulic tools going cause its been a while.  If you haven’t pulled these tools out and you feel like you should know how to use them then you should go fire them up.  BTW if you don’t know where these tools are located then it is time for you to open all the doors on all the trucks just to see what is there.

Hydraulic Pump

Here is the executive summary:

1. Hook up the hose to the pump and the tool (remember that it is similar to quick connects used on air lines except that there is a notch that has to be lined up)


Coupling

2. Turn On


Side View

3. Make sure choke is on (if it has not been started already)
4. Turn gas on


Side View

5. Pull cord till it starts
6. Adjust choke to run
7. Flip lever near handle on pump (this is the valve to allow the tool to work)
8. Use Tool to destroy something… not my vehicle please
9. When done with tool:
   1. Close tool almost all the way (this way the next person using it can see it move either way and know instantly if they are going the right way or not)
   2. Flip pump lever back
   3. Turn off gas and wait till engine stops

Now can you do it with your eyes closed?

Got any tips? Did I forget something? Leave a comment and set things straight.