Rescue 42 Chapter 3 - Strut Evolution

Rescue 42 has been manufacturing galvanized steel struts since the year 2000. These struts have and continue to be very successful, but steel has some problems. It is heavy, relatively weak and corrodes easily. In addition the galvanized coating is attacked by acids, such as battery acid. Steel struts also conduct electricity. The new TeleCrib Struts use advanced composite materials that are lighter, stronger, do not conduct electricity and are almost completely impervious to moisture and chemicals. The new TeleCrib Struts use advanced composite materials custom made for Rescue 42. While operation of the system is similar to our steel systems there are many advantages to using advanced composites. Composite struts are lighter and much stronger and are almost completely impervious to moisture and chemicals; which includes battery acid. Composite struts do not conduct electricity; which is extremely important when working around power lines, machinery, aircraft, collapsed structures and hybrid gas/electric cars. Composite struts are very tough. This steel strut is disabled with a single blow. While the composite strut is not affected by several blows. Cosmetic damage done to a composite strut is easily fixed with a drop of 5 minute Epoxy Because of their light weight and our new carry bags, a single firefighter can carry a large amount of equipment.