Jelmer Hof, Rescue Trainer at Holmatro, explains the critical role of shoring in rescue missions and how OmniShore meets these challenges effectively
Shoring is one of the essential procedures in fire and rescue operations, especially when dealing with structural collapses or unstable environments.
It involves the temporary reinforcement of weakened structures to prevent further collapse and provide safe working conditions for rescue teams.
This process allows responders to enter hazardous spaces with reduced risk, enabling them to locate and extricate trapped individuals.
Whether due to natural disasters, explosions, or accidents, the need for shoring arises in situations where structural integrity has been compromised.
What is shoring?
Shoring refers to the practice of using temporary supports to stabilise walls, ceilings, or other structural elements that are at risk of collapsing.
It is a critical part of Urban Search and Rescue operations, particularly when firefighters or rescue teams must enter buildings that have sustained heavy damage.
The goal of shoring is to prevent further movement or failure of the structure while rescue operations are underway.
In technical terms, shoring involves various systems that can be quickly deployed to reinforce weak points in a structure.
In modern rescue operations, technology and innovation have drastically improved the tools used for shoring.
Fire services now have access to a range of mechanical and hydraulic systems that are designed for rapid deployment, ease of use, and maximum safety.
These systems allow responders to stabilise structures more quickly and with greater precision.
For instance, hydraulic struts can be adjusted to provide customised support, enabling rescuers to create safe working environments even in complex and unstable settings.
This is particularly important in situations where the structural damage is severe, and manual methods may be too slow or inefficient.
Advanced shoring solutions also incorporate user-friendly features like quick deployment mechanisms and safety indicators, which minimise the chance of human error.
These tools reduce setup times and allow rescue teams to focus on their primary objective—rescuing trapped individuals—without being burdened by complex equipment configurations.
Innovations in hydraulic struts and shoring systems have been developed to address the specific needs of rescuers working in hazardous environments.
These tools are built to be both durable and lightweight, offering a combination of strength and portability that is essential in fast-paced rescue operations.
Improving rescue efficiency
The relevance of shoring to fire and rescue operations cannot be overstated.
In many cases, the difference between a successful rescue and a failed one comes down to how quickly and safely a building can be stabilised.
As incidents involving structural collapse become more common—whether from natural disasters like earthquakes or human-made disasters such as industrial accidents—fire departments around the world are placing greater emphasis on shoring training.
Shoring systems not only protect rescue teams but also allow them to carry out operations with a greater degree of confidence and efficiency.
For example, in multi-story buildings, the placement of shores must be carefully calculated to ensure that the damaged floor is adequately supported by the floors below it.
By following established guidelines and leveraging advanced tools, rescue teams can stabilise the structure and create pathways for entry and evacuation.,
Training in shoring techniques is a crucial component of a firefighter’s skill set.
In some instances, local teams may need to rely on their own expertise to shore up a building before outside engineers or specialists can arrive.
Insights into Holmatro’s OmniShore System
Holmatro has long been recognised for its innovation in rescue tools and safety solutions, and its latest offering, the OmniShore system, is no exception.
Designed to address the critical challenges of rescue shoring operations, OmniShore aims to support rescuers with one single system to safely build any shoring application with a limited number of components.
In this interview, we speak with Jelmer Hof, an expert from Holmatro, to learn more about the company, the problem the OmniShore system is designed to solve, and why it is a vital solution for today’s rescue teams.
Interview with Jelmer Hof, Rescue Trainer at Holmatro
Could you start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about your role at Holmatro?
My name is Jelmer Hof, and I am a Rescue Trainer at Holmatro.
In my role, I provide training for dealers and end users across 160 countries.
Additionally, I collaborate with our Research and Development division to come up with new innovations in rescue technology.
Besides that, I am also a voluntary firefighter.
Can you provide an overview of what Holmatro does and the sectors you operate in?
Holmatro is market leader in high-quality rescue tools and equipment, specialising in hydraulic solutions.
Our mission is to help first responders worldwide in getting their jobs done faster, safer, and easier.
Firefighters, emergency response teams, law enforcement and special tactics teams all over the world have been using Holmatro’s innovations for over half a century.
What is vehicle shoring, and why is it such a critical aspect of rescue operations?
Vehicle shoring refers to the temporary stabilisation of vehicles involved in accidents to prevent further movement.
This is a critical step in rescue operations as it ensures a safe environment for rescuers and victims alike.
Proper shoring stabilises the scene, preventing additional hazards and allowing rescuers to work effectively and safely.
Could you give us an overview of the OmniShore system?
The OmniShore system is Holmatro’s latest innovation in vehicle and construction shoring.
It has been designed to address the complexities and challenges of stabilising various types of vehicles and structures.
OmniShore stands out because of its versatility, and efficiency, offering a single system capable of performing multiple shoring tasks – vehicle shoring, structural shoring, trench shoring, and high directionals for rope rescue.
What makes OmniShore different from other shoring systems?
What sets OmniShore apart is its innovative modular design and unique patented features.
Unlike conventional systems, OmniShore uses only six versatile struts to handle a wide range of applications, significantly simplifying deployment and reducing equipment requirements.
Each strut functions both as a strut and an extension pipe, which enhances efficiency.
Key innovations include the Trident Coupler, which provides secure and reliable connections, and the OmniLock system, which enables remote control of the struts, thereby minimising the need for personnel to be in dangerous areas.
Why is it important for rescue teams to have access to a reliable shoring solution?
A versatile system like OmniShore that is quick and easy to set up is vital for rescue teams.
It provides a dependable method to stabilise unstable vehicles and structures, which is crucial for the safety of both the rescuers and the victims.
OmniShore’s ability to stabilise the scene quickly and effectively can significantly impact the speed and success of rescue operations.
What are some of the key features of OmniShore that enhance safety during vehicle stabilisation?
OmniShore enhances safety through several features.
The OmniLock system, for example, allows for remote operation of struts, keeping rescuers out of dangerous areas.
The system’s compactness and modular design ensure that it can be transported and stored efficiently, while its ability to handle various types of shoring needs with a minimal number of parts simplifies the process for rescue teams.
How does the modular design of OmniShore benefit rescue teams in real-world scenarios?
The modular design of OmniShore offers significant benefits in real-world rescue scenarios.
Its components can be configured in various ways, making the system adaptable to different types of emergencies.
Each strut is also an extension pipe, and the system’s compact design ensures easy storage and transportation.
Moreover, OmniShore is engineered for ease of use: any strut combination that you can make is allowed and safe.
This allows teams to quickly understand and assemble shoring applications.
The user-friendly design guarantees safety and lets rescuers focus on the complexity of the rescue scenario rather than the system’s operational rules.
Can you share any real-world examples of the OmniShore in rescue operations?
While OmniShore is relatively new, and we do not yet have extensive real-world case studies, initial tests and evaluations have been promising.
The system has been designed in close cooperation with specialists from USAR teams.
Our testing according to criteria used by FEMA and witnessed by UL has demonstrated the system’s strength and effectiveness.
Feedback from dealers and end users who have worked with OmniShore for the first time has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its impact and potential to make a significant difference in rescue operations.
How do you see shoring solutions like evolving to meet future challenges in the rescue industry?
Vehicle shoring solutions such as OmniShore will continue to focus on improving safety, efficiency, and adaptability.
Holmatro remains committed to innovation, responding to feedback from field use to refine and enhance our products.
OmniShore and future developments will aim to address emerging challenges and continue to support first responders in their critical work.
This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.