Inflatable air bladders are not rescue tools that are put to use each and every day. However, if someone is pinned beneath a heavy object, the method most preferred is to use this type of equipment. First responders are meticulously trained to be proficient in operating procedures as well as in understanding the limitations of use. This is the best way to ensure that inflatable air bladders are placed safely and quickly into operation.
A Wide Variety of Applications
Inflatable air bladders have a use in a number of different rescue operations, such as industrial entrapments, heavy extrications and building collapses. One of the most common use for this type of equipment is when a bicyclist or pedestrian becomes pinned in an accident.
This tool is also effective when someone is trapped beneath a vehicle, such when a jack slips unexpectedly. It is also quite helpful when responding to various accidents on construction sites.
An inflatable air bladder can be adapted for a wide variety of additional rescue operations, such as to spread, displace or move objects. Users are only limited by their own imagination when it comes to the large number of situations that can be improved with the use of inflatable air bladders.
Incident Response
It is important that a thorough size-up be performed anytime rescuers are responding to an incident that requires the deployment of inflatable air bladders. Any potential hazards must be identified and alleviated as quickly as possible.
Often times, there is some concern for shifting loads, which may lead to injury to responders or additional injury to the victims. When rescues take place in an industrial setting, there are even more hazards, such as those related to manufacturing operations in process and energized equipment that may still be running.
Continuous size-ups must be performed by all rescuers throughout the entire operation. This will make it possible to respond accordingly to make certain that everyone on the scene remains safe.
Once the scene and the condition of the victims has been properly assessed, the rescuers can get to work with the inflatable air bladder. It must first be determined the size of air bladder that should be used. This is determined by the weight of the object to be moved, the available space for proper placement of the air bladder, potential lift points and the estimated amount of required movement.
All responders should be proficient in operations that require the use of inflatable air bladders. This is the only way to ensure that every rescue is performed quickly and safely.
