By Chris Daly

In winter, the need to recover an apparatus trapped in deep snow may become likely. Understanding safe and effective methods for recovering stuck vehicles is an often overlooked facet of driver training programs.

There are typically three types of recovery operations:

1. The trapped vehicle uses its vehicle-mounted winch to pull itself back onto the roadway.
2. A second vehicle uses a vehicle-mounted winch to pull the trapped vehicle back onto the roadway.
3. A second vehicle uses a recovery strap to “snatch” the trapped vehicle back onto the roadway.

Each type of recovery will involve different methods and equipment. Prior to discussing these operations, drivers must understand recovery equipment.

Equipment

While tow straps, recovery straps, and tree trunk protectors may look the same, they serve different purposes. It is not unusual for all three types of recovery equipment to be kept in the same compartment. Many firefighters do not realize that each item has a different application. Using the wrong recovery equipment may result in serious injury or damage to the vehicle (photo 1).

1 This brush truck is equipped with a well-organized winch kit. The kit contains two rigging straps, a choker chain, and D-shackles. Using improper equipment to perform a winch recovery may result in damage or injury. (Photos by author.)

Tree Trunk Protector: Tree trunk protectors are typically made of nonelastic nylon webbing and may be referred to as “rigging straps.” These straps are wrapped around a tree or bombproof anchor point and secured with a clevis pin or D-shackle. A winch hook is attached to the D-shackle to pull the vehicle free. Be aware that sharp points on an anchor point may cut or tear the nylon webbing.

Choker Chains: Choker chains are also used as anchor points for winch operations. The advantage to a choker chain is that it will not tear on a sharp corner like a nylon tree trunk protector. The disadvantage to a choker chain is that it may damage the anchor point. Depending on the situation, this may not matter (photo 2).

2 A choker chain is wrapped around a solid tree to create a bombproof anchor.

Tow Straps: Tow straps are nonelastic and usually made of polyester. Tow straps are used to tow a free-wheeled vehicle behind another vehicle. They should not be used to “snatch” another vehicle during a recovery operation. The inelastic properties of the tow straps may cause them to snap.

Recovery Straps: Recovery straps are used to pull or “snatch” a stuck vehicle free. Recovery straps are usually made of Nylon and have elastic properties that allow them to stretch. When the strap stretches, the stretching energy is transferred to the stuck vehicle, which helps pull the vehicle onto the road like a rubber band. Recovery straps should never be used as anchor points because of the

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