The Role Of Aerial Lift Platforms In Emergency Response
In the year 2022, Canada witnessed a total of 15 extreme weather events that can be termed as catastrophic. Statistics Canada released these numbers last year, stating that there has been an upward trend in weather-related calamities throughout the country over the years.
This is just one type of crisis that can affect Canadian shores. There are more like fires, infrastructural damage and other emergency operations where prompt rescue and management of the situation are paramount.
This is where aerial lift platforms can help. Granted, they are more well-known for their applications in industries such as construction, arboriculture, material handling etc., but they are just as useful as part of an emergency response plan.
Their modular nature and rapid deployment, coupled with their precision and flexibility, can support large-scale emergency response operations. At Platform Basket Canada, our aerial lifts are designed with emergency logistics in mind so our equipment can help first responders across the country.
Let us break down the role our various aerial lift platform models can play in managing and mitigating crisis situations.
Why Aerial Lift Platforms Are Needed During Emergencies
Though snow storms and hurricanes can be predicted, many emergencies are still inherently unpredictable. Worse, they tend to strike at night or during adverse conditions or at remote locations. Situations such as a tower collapse, an unexpected wildfire or flash floods can make rescue extremely challenging. Fortunately, the instant deployment of aerial lift platforms can be a major boon in such conditions.
Modular in nature, aerial lifts can be easily hauled to and assembled onsite. This offers a few key critical advantages:
- Precision delivery: Aerial lifts can be packed into trucks, trailers and even helicopters, which makes accessing remote sites easier.
- Phased setup: Each component can be set up in phases, thus enabling quicker deployment. For example, the base can be assembled first, then the outriggers and then the arms.
- Scalable deployment: Multiple units can be paired and set up to cover larger spans and ensure faster action, especially in complex terrains.
At Platform Basket Canada, our machines are inherently modular and quick to deploy, which makes them perfect for time-sensitive rescue missions.
How Various Aerial Lift Platform Types Can Aid in Emergency Situations
Emergencies can take any shape or form. This means they require specialized equipment to ensure response operations go smoothly. Our popular platforms - spider lifts and mini cranes, to be precise - come with their own set of advantages that make them suitable to tackle critical situations. Let’s explore.
Spider Lifts For Rescues & Containment
Certain catastrophes can either render roads unusable or happen in areas with uneven ground. In either case, what is needed is a platform that retains its stability on rough terrain. Spider lifts can do just that. Their crawlers and adjustable outriggers are capable of traversing through forested areas and landscapes full of mud or debris without toppling over.
Here are some emergency situations in which spider lifts can be extremely useful:
- Post-flood or storm cleanup: Once the situation clears up, spider lifts can charge through debris fields to detect and restore utility poles and power lines.
- Urban rescue: People stuck on damaged rooftops or other elevated areas can be safely rescued with spider lifts, especially if scaffolding is not an option.
- Wildfire containment: Spider lifts can reach around burnt out trees to support hazard removal initiatives or to help external responders.
Spider lifts can be effectively used for all kinds of emergency situations where traditional vehicles cannot help.
Mini Cranes For Repairs & Salvaging
If your emergency operations take you to a confined or structurally damaged spot, you cannot ask for a better aid than a mini crane. Platform Basket Canada’s mini cranes are quite effective in conducting overhead lifting work, which is essential in case of:
- Roof collapse rescue: Mini cranes can carefully lift debris so survivors buried underneath can be rescued unhurt.
- Storm-bent infrastructure: Violent storms such as hurricanes and typhoons can damage utility poles, streetlights and HVAC units, which mini cranes can help restore.
- Debris Cleanup: You can use mini cranes to lift sections of damaged rails and beams or fallen signages to support rescue operations and rail maintenance work after a disaster.
Transporting and setting up mini cranes is a breeze. Plus, they have a light footprint. This makes them the best choice for critical infrastructure restoration.
Key Advantages Of Aerial Lift Platforms In Emergency Response Operations
Aerial lift platforms provide certain advantages in emergency operations that traditional cranes just cannot match up to. From modularity to enhanced coordination, there is a lot to be gained:
1. Modular build for rapid deployment
As mentioned before, modularity of spider lifts and mini cranes is a trump card when they are used for emergency situations. Our lifts in particular are lightweight and compact, which makes it very easy to transport them via trucks, trailers and ATR kits.
Not to mention, they can be assembled quickly since attaching joints and outriggers follows a simple lock-in mechanism. They also allow for phased operation so if there are multiple lifts onsite, the one assembled can be put to use while the others are being set up.
All in all, their modular design supports efficient staging when responding to multiple incidents in one go.
2. Certified safe lifts
Platform Basket Canada’s lifts are CSA-accredited and feature Tier 4 internal combustion engines, which serves as a testament to their safety and ease of use. They also come with the option of remote diagnostics so health checks can be performed anytime, anywhere, thus ensuring their suitability for operation in time-sensitive missions. Besides, all of our lifts follow a uniform procedure, which makes handover easy for rotating crews. Lastly, stable to the core, our lifts do not topple in challenging environments.
3. Suitable for a wide range of jobs
As discussed previously, our range of spider lifts and mini cranes can be effectively used in all kinds of crisis situations. From natural to human-made disasters, our models can help you perform critical rescue, repair and restoration operations so that lives can be saved and things can go back to normal as soon as possible.
4. Hybrid/electric model advantage
At Platform Basket Canada, we provide aerial lift platforms that come with hybrid and electric power mechanisms. This can be useful for noise-sensitive emergency response zones such as shelters, hospitals and schools. Some of our models, such as our all-electric spider lifts also offer zero-emission operations, which makes them suitable for protected areas. All our units are quieter and cleaner, and can be safely used indoors and outdoors.
5. Robust and stable design
As mentioned before, our spider lifts are highly stable and offer an excellent grip on the ground. They can also move over any obstacle and come with built-in stabilizers that not only enhance safety and stability during operation but also ensure robust performance irrespective of environmental challenges.
Moreover, they can be equipped with rubber tracks so the lifts can move easily in confined spaces, which is a must for emergency response hotspots. Conditions such as fallen buildings and trees can leave narrow spaces for operation, which our lifts can easily navigate.
The Future Of Aerial Lift Platforms In Emergency Response
The future of aerial lift platforms in emergency response looks promising. Indicative of a deeper involvement, we can expect drone-integrated lift assessments before setup to ensure everything is in working order, thus minimizing potential risks. Inter-unit communication via telematics is also on the cards and so is the creation of modular aerial depots for rapid response. In short, the future is all about resilience and speed.
Conclusion
Though uncommon, aerial lift platforms are a great choice of equipment for emergency response situations. Their versatility, modularity, speed, stability and ability to access difficult spots make them indispensable in carrying out critical rescue operations and restoration work. If you are planning to expand your rescue fleet with an aerial lift, Platform Basket Canada can help you. Contact us to get modular aerial solutions that are apt for emergency logistics.
