Snow Chains Update

“If you don’t like the weather in west Texas, just wait an hour… it’ll change.”

The winter of 2015 was hard on Lubbock county. Large snow drifts, ice, and other winter hazards kept emergency services busy throughout the day and night. We learned from the experience, and our EMS took additional steps to prepare for future big storms. One of the improvements included stocking snow chains for all of our ambulances. This continuing education reminds us on how to apply snow chains on the drive wheels of our ambulances, with Hal and Donnie demonstrating a safe and easy way to apply these devices.

Please start the education by watching the eight-minute video --- click or tap on the movie reel image below to open up the YouTube stream. Afterwards, return to this document to review major points about snow chain application and safety, and then take the QuestBase quiz to earn your continuing education credit. This education offers 0.25 hours towards Clinically-Related Operations for Texas recertification needs, or 0.25 hours towards Local/Individual Continued Competency for the NREMT.

YouTube video is at: https://youtu.be/L3IbSgPUIbY

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Key Points:

Do not exceed 30 MPH at any time when driving with chains or cables on the tires.

Bagged snow chains are sized for the F-450s, Dodges, and larger ambulances with a pickup truck front end.

The boxed snow chains will fit our smaller-wheeled Type III ambulances (van cutaway style).

There's two sets of chains in each box/bag. The chains can be applied to either side… there is no left or right set.

Lay out and inspect the chains for broken links, severe rust, deformities, or other problems before applying them to the ambulance. Do NOT use any damaged or questionable chains.

The flat metal hook ("hooking caster" reference in the video) should be oriented to the lateral (outside) part of the wheel. The "S" hook goes towards the medial side.

Two people should pick up the chain assembly and lay it over the top and drape it around the tire. The ambulance is then driven a little bit forward so that the tire rolls over the chain. Hook the inside part first, then the outside.

Make sure the spider device secures the loose tag of chain. Otherwise, it will flap and damage the ambulance while driving.

After securing the chains with the hooks and spider device, drive forward slowly for several feet. You’ll then see if there’s any excess slack in the chains.

When tightening the chains, follow the Rule of Fingers: The chains should be tight enough to where you can just fit your fingers under the chain that’s sitting over the tire tread. Don't get the chains too tight; they'll damage the tread and asphalt.

The Shift Chief will let us know when chains need to be applied to the ambulance based on weather and road conditions. Let your Chief know if road conditions are getting too slick.

Please let a member of the training department know of any questions.

Thank you!

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