Amkus Rescue tools

Question 1

Can you apply all of TFD’s values to car extractions?

Answer 1

Why yes you can! Now do them all in your head!

Question 2

Extraction tools

Answer 2

a. The primary tool used in vehicular extrication is the powered hydraulic extrication tool
b. Used for opening and dismantling vehicles
e. Used to remove doors, push back seats, pull back steering columns, remove/roll back dash boards
f. Initial strategies: Charged hose line, stabilization of car, disconnects battery, make patient contact, glass management, extrication plan.

Question 3

Three basic functions of hydraulic tools

Answer 3

Spreading
Compressing
Shearing

Question 4

Amkus rescue system basic components

Answer 4

i. Power unit
ii. Cutters
iii. Spreaders
iv. Ram

Question 5

GB2A - XLO power unit details

Answer 5

a. Gas Powered
b. Briggs and Stratton engine (4-6hp)
c. 2 tools
d. Alternatingly
e. XLO- with a roll bar
f. It has a three position diverter valve that allows for simultaneous connection, but alternating operation
g. Uses non-toxic mineral based hydraulic fluid
h. Roll cage protects engine
i. Hose storage on side
j. Hoses (2 pairs) are steel braided and 20ft long

Question 6

GB2A - XLO power unit specs

Answer 6

i. Weight 85lbs
ii. L: 23 in
iii. W: 19in
iv. H: 20.4in
v. Max operating pressure: 10500psi
vi. Capacity of oil reservoir: 2 gallons

Question 7

GH2S - XL power unit details

Answer 7

a. Gas powered
b. Honda 5.5hp engine
c. 2 tools
d. Simultaneously
e. Newer model is the GH2S2-XL
f. Has a high pressure two stage pumping systems (GH2S2 has two pumps)
g. 2 two-way diverter valves
h. Two tools can be connected and used simultaneously
i. Uses non-toxic mineral based hydraulic fluid
j. Roll cage protects engine
k. Hose storage on side

Question 8

GH2S - XL power unit specs

Answer 8

i. Weight: 94lbs (GH2S2 is 114)
ii. L: 23
iii. W: 19
iv. H:20.5in
v. Max operating pressure: 10500psi
vi. Capacity of oil reservoir: 2 gallons

Question 9

Starting the Amkus power unit

Answer 9

a. Full PPE + eye/ear (or towers for you!)
b. Diverter valve should be in neutral prior to startup
c. Connect hoses prior to start up
d. Throttle fast if warm and “choke” if cold
e. Clear behind, place foot on base, one hand on roll cage, pull starter per norm

Question 10

Man, these power units seem kinda the same…

Answer 10

NO! Know the differences! Vasquez said so!

Question 11

Model 30CX spreaders details

Answer 11

a. Lightest weight full size spreaders
b. Replaced the model 30
c. Cast aluminum and magnesium alloy
d. Anodized for corrosion protection
e. Max operating pressure is 10500
f. Tips are case hardened steel

Question 12

Model 30CX spreaders specs

Answer 12

i. Max spread = 32in
ii. Max spreading force = 16950psi
iii. Max compression force = 14400psi
iv. Weight: 47.5lbs
v. W:12in
vi. L: 30.1in
vii. Depth: 8.2in

Question 13

Cutter do’s and don’ts

Answer 13

a. Use “throat” of cutters when possible, not tips.
b. Do not cut hardened steel (steering wheel columns, roll bars, seat belt or door anchors, backing plates etc.). This will case jaws to shatter!
c. Do not use on toenails!

Question 14

Model 25 Heavy Duty cutters

Answer 14

a. They cut. Duh.
b. Specs
i. Max cutting force 60000psi
ii. Max opening 4.1in
iii. Weight 30lbs
iv. W 9in
v. L20.5in
vi. Depth 7.6in
vii. Max operating pressure 10500psi

Question 15

Model 25E Speedway

Answer 15

a. Longer blade and wider opening cover the need for continuous cutting of B and C posts
b. Not available at the academy
c. Specs
i. Max cutting force 60000psi
ii. Max opening 7in at tips and 8in at center
iii. Weight 34lbs
iv. W 9in
v. L 23.5in
vi. Depth 7.6in
vii. Max operating pressure 10500psi

Question 16

Model 21A cutters

Answer 16

a. Newest generation
b. HV04 only
c. Specs
i. Max cutting force 110000psi
ii. Max opening 5.2in
iii. Weight 35lbs
iv. W 9in
v. L 25.8in
vi. Depth 8in
vii. Max operating pressure 10500

Question 17

Amkus Rams

Answer 17

a. Unique design distributes load
b. Check valve design maintains load (disconnect the hose and it still stays put)
c. Push/pull design allows for use with standard chain packages
d. Anodized for corrosion protection
f. Ram extension
i. 10in extension
ii. Conical point for corners
iii. Claw attachment for outside corners
g. Extrication chain (Cleves and shackle)

Question 18

What sizes are the Amkus rams avalible in?

Answer 18

20in
30in
40in
60in

Question 19

20in Amkus ram specs

Answer 19

1. On engines and LT/LDs
2. Length open 21in
3. Length closed 15.4in
4. Weight 22.5lbs
5. Width overall 12.8in
6. Depth 10in
7. Max push 30,650
8. Max pull 14,400

Question 20

Amkus hose facts

Answer 20

a. Hoses are steel braided and 20in long, color coded for safety and communication
b. Couplings have 1/4th turn coupling, pin, depressible sleeves, male and female connections
c. Don’t drop them in dirt
d. Connect prior to starting
e. Make sure diverter valve is in neutral

Question 21

Safety for Amkus tools

Answer 21

a. Clear area (if possible) during cutting and spreading
b. Never cut compressed cylinders
c. Try to keep tool at right angle when cutting or spreading
d. Always be aware of hand position when operating tools
e. “Remember that you break easier than the tool or car will.”
f. Always have secondary eye protection
g. Always keep diverter valves in neutral position when not in use
h. Be aware of tool inversion causing controls to seem opposite.