Steering columns are often the culprit in vehicle rescue entrapments. There are a variety of ways to pull this column off the driver. Presented here are several techniques. As always, firefighters need options to cope with tool malfunctions, multiple traps, and so on. All the chain used here are 3/8 grade 8 with a working load limit (WLL) of 7,100 pounds. The stabilization strut capacity is 7,100 pounds, too, but effectively it is about 4,000 pounds. The come-a-long is a 2-4-ton model. Any of these techniques may require resetting the chains as slack is taken up.
- Steering Column Extrication: The Preparation
- Steering Column Extrication: Alternatives
- Steering Column Extrication: Across the Front
Wrap a chain around the front of the car to a strong point underneath, not a hydraulic bumper. Make a hole in the windshield, wrap the steering column, do be concerned with the steering wheel tilt joint. Leave just enough slack so you can slip the jack under the chain and start taking up tension. Position the jack near the dashboard, above the fire wall, to support the base of the jack.
Note the lack of cribbing; it may or may not be needed, depending on the structural integrity. Because of the upward angle there is little pressure on the dash. If the chain starts cutting into the front bumper, slip some cribbing in to spread out the force and keep the lift efficient.
There are several advantages to this technique. It sets up as fast as using a hydraulic tool, keeps your hydraulic tool available for another assignment, and still provides plenty of lift.
The same lift can be accomplished replacing the stabilization strut with a come-a-long. The chain rigging is the same. Attach the come-a-long anchor hook to the chain bumper so the come-a-long does not crawl up the hood. Since the steering column chain is not lifted but pulled, it may need some crib blocks on the dash to keep the chain from cutting into the dash.
The come-a-long is less awkward than the stabilization strut.
Above, a 6-foot 4×4 is bridged across the hood and the roof, providing a lifting point for the stabilization strut. This rigging only requires one chain and is a good choice if you have limited access to the front of the car. If the hood is damaged, this technique will need to be adjusted because the added pressure on the roof will likely just collapse into the patient further. Simply turn the 4×4 90° so the bridge is now across the “A” posts; everything else is the same.
Since there is only one chain, this system has less slack. This means you will not have to lift as much to get the steering column to move. You can use a hydraulic spreader here, too. Double wrap the steering wheel column using the middle of the chain, bring the two ends up and around the 4×4. Leave just enough slack to slip in your tool of choice. If the chain does not come up each side of the 4×4, the pull will be off balance and won’t work. The position of the 4×4 complements the technique in that it provides a straight-up pull with no sideways motion.
Above is a detail showing the how the chain comes up and over each side of the 4×4 making for an even lift. This is the same rigging when using a hydraulic spreader in place of the stabilization strut.
Using a hydraulic spreader and the 4×4 is the pull anchor on a semi-truck cab/steering wheel column that is flipped on its side.
This technique uses the “A” post as the pull point just like the 4×4. It pulls the column away at an angle, which you must consider when it comes to patient position. Wrap the steering column with the middle of the chain and bring the two ends to the “A” post, leaving just enough slack to insert the spreader tips.
This can be done from the driver side or passenger side.
Above is an older technique that works well but takes a fair amount of setup to accomplish and commits your hydraulic spreader. If performing this method, it needs to be the move that frees the victim. Start by taking the tips off the spreader and replacing them with chain attachments. Open the spreader completely. Make access through the windshield to get a chain wrapped around the steering column.
Using a second chain, wrap across the front bumper to a strong point under the car. The steering column chain especially will cut into the dash instead of moving the steering column. To help keep the forces where you want them, insert some crib blocks to counter this.
Close the spreader and lift the steering column, you may need to adjust the chain as the system tightens up. The stack on the dash creates lift as you pull.
We have addressed several reasons why you would choose one technique over another. When it comes to vehicle extrication rescues, you never know what you are going to respond to. Take a moment to size it up and figure out your options.
STEVE SHUPERT is a 37-year veteran of public service. He retired from Miami Valley Fire District in Montgomery County, Ohio, and serves as a rescue team manager for Ohio Task Force #1 Federal Urban Search and Rescue. Shupert is also the chair of the FEMA Rescue Subgroup and the director of training for 501c3 Crash Course Village in Kettering, Ohio.
