It’s Sunday afternoon. Football is on. The tones drop—rollover with injuries. During the six-minute ride to the station, your mind races:
How does the stabilization system go together again?
Straps first or struts first?
Where did we move the extra pieces?
When was the last time we even used them on a real call?
By the time you arrive, every responder is mentally running through extrication safety procedures. Who grabs the cribbing? Who handles stabilization? What’s the SOP for this type of rescue? As the engine rounds the corner, the officer’s voice cuts through the noise: “Oh, crap.” (But he doesn’t say “crap.”) The vehicle is 100 feet off the road, clearly having rolled multiple times. It’s resting on its side, a precarious position that demands immediate rescue stabilization techniques before any extrication can begin. This is where training and preparation meet execution.
Step 1: Scene Size-Up – Stabilization Starts Before You Touch the Tools
As you approach, your job isn’t just grabbing equipment—it’s situational awareness.
- Look for ejections. Are there victims outside the vehicle or is there a limb that has left the vehicle in a partial ejection?
- Assess vehicle position. Is it noticeably unstable? All vehicles are presumed to be unstable until we have put measures in place to stabilize it.
- Check for secondary hazards. Is there another vehicle, a fuel leak, or debris in the roadway, or power lines? Is this an electric vehicle hazard with the potential for a thermal runaway?
- Determine terrain challenges. Flat ground is one thing—what if the car is on a slope or decline?
Critical First Move:
If the vehicle is on a slope, the first priority is securing it so it doesn’t shift or roll further. That means tie-off operations or immediate cribbing to prevent movement before engaging the stabilization process.
Step 2: Cribbing – Setting the Foundation for Safe Stabilization
Before the stabilization struts go into place, the offside void spaces of the vehicle must be cribbed.
What is the "offside"?
The side opposite where you’ll place the stabilization struts.
This step prevents movement when tension is applied during strut placement.
Where to Place Cribbing on a roof resting vehicle:
Typically, at the void between the A-post and the ground or between the C-post and the ground.
Filling open void spaces and creating more contact with the ground increases maximum stabilization.
Step 3: Struts – Locking Down the Vehicle
Once cribbing is set, it’s time for stabilization struts.
Proper Strut Setup:
Determine attachment points: Aim for solid structural locations, like the A-post base and C-post roofline.
Adjust strut height: Position the struts for maximum contact and stability.
Strap angles matter: Depending on your system, you may have two angled straps or one inline strap. Attempt to keep a single strap as in line with the strut and parallel with the ground as possible.
Lock it in: Straps should be tightened just enough to lock the strut to the cribbing—excessive tightening can shift the vehicle.
Tension on the strap indicates that the strut base has positive capture, not “wiggling” the strut.
Pro Tip: The best stabilization techniques form a triangle of support:
High attachment point (on the vehicle)
Low strut base (on the ground)
Low strap attachment point (creating a solid hold)
The triangle is the strongest geometrical shape. Replicate it.
Common Mistake: If the offside cribbing wasn’t set properly, tightening the straps may cause vehicle movement. Fix the cribbing first before fully locking in the struts.
Step 4: Adjusting for Side Resting – Clean Side vs. Dirty Side
Not all rollovers are the same. If the car is leaning or side-resting may roll onto its roof, your approach must change.
When the Vehicle is Side Resting:
Cribbing placement on a side-resting vehicle:
Typically this is done on the “clean,” or roof side of the vehicle in the void space between the B-post and the ground.
Strut Placement on a side-resting vehicle:
The first strut must hold the vehicle in place before cribbing begins.
The second strut is set properly after the bottom side is secured.
Windows must be broken for proper attachment points.
Strut Placement Best Practices:
Front strut: Attach to the A-post base (roof side)
Rear strut: Attach to the C-post (roof side)
Strap attachment: Hook onto the ground-side A and C posts
If you misalign the struts (one front dirty side, one rear clean side), tightening the straps may shift the vehicle. Struts should be set directly across from each other to counteract tension.
Step 5: Stabilization and Extrication Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Once stabilization is complete, extrication begins. But safety isn’t just about stabilization—it’s about maintaining calm, controlled operations to prevent unnecessary movement.
Be smooth. Every shake or impact affects the victim inside.
Re-check stabilization. Before cutting, make sure nothing has shifted.
Communicate. Everyone should know when a major action (like a roof removal) is about to happen.
Remember, there is a person (or people) inside this vehicle. Your job isn’t just to get them out—it’s to keep them safe while doing it. Soft and hard protection is critical
Training: The Key to Mastering Extrication Safety
You don’t stabilize rollovers every day. That means consistent training is the only way to be fluent in your department’s Standard Operating Procedures.
Training Tips:
- Take the system off the rig regularly—don’t wait for a real call.
- Make everyone set it up—new members, experienced responders, everyone.
- Run different scenarios—vehicles on their side, on slopes, leaning onto another object.
- Practice in full gear—gloves on, vision restricted, stress levels elevated.
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. When extrication safety is on the line, stabilization techniques must be second nature. Beating on the vehicle will only cause further discomfort and panic for the occupant (s) of the vehicle.
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Final Takeaway: Stabilization Saves Lives
Every rollover, T-bone crash, or side-impact collision requires a structured approach to stabilization techniques and extrication safety.
Know your tools.
Train frequently.
Execute smoothly.
Because when it’s Sunday afternoon and football is on, the call can drop at any time. Will you be ready?
***The videos and blogs provided by Genesis Rescue Systems are intended solely for educational and demonstrative purposes. While we strive to provide accurate and informative content, viewers must understand that the techniques, methods, and procedures demonstrated in these videos may not encompass all potential emergency scenarios or considerations.
It is crucial to emphasize that these demonstrations do not substitute for professional training or certification in emergency response. Viewers are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the protocols, procedures, and guidelines established by their respective departments, agencies, or organizations during any emergency.
Genesis Rescue Systems and its affiliates hereby disclaim any liability for damages or injuries that may result from the improper application or misinterpretation of the information provided in these videos. Viewers assume all risks associated with the use of any techniques or equipment demonstrated and should exercise caution and discretion at all times.
By accessing and viewing these videos, viewers acknowledge and agree to the terms of this disclaimer and accept full responsibility for their actions and decisions in emergencies. ***
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