Firefighter Survival Welcome Firefighter Survival This course is presented in two parts designed to help the fire service re-think its approach on lost or.

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Transcript Firefighter Survival Welcome Firefighter Survival This course is presented in two parts designed to help the fire service re-think its approach on lost or.

Firefighter Survival
Welcome
Firefighter Survival
This course is presented in two parts
designed to help the fire service re-think
its approach on lost or trapped firefighters.
Unit I – Classroom
Unit II – Hands-on Skills
Lets Save Our Own!
Firefighter Survival
Course Requirements
This course requires students to perform a
number of practical evolutions with Self
Contained Breathing Apparatus.
It is highly recommended to the “Authority
Having Jurisdiction” that all participants in this
class have a baseline physicals before
committing to participate.
Firefighter Survival
Unit I Course Objectives:
 The firefighter will be able to describe
common factors that may require selfsurvival actions.
 The firefighter will be able to describe what
actions he/she should take in the event of
initiating a “MAYDAY”
 The firefighter will be able to describe the
basic rules for survival.
Firefighter Survival
Unit II Course Objectives:
 The firefighter will be able to describe
and/or demonstrate techniques commonly
used for self-survival on the fireground.
Firefighter Survival
Unit I
Surviving a Bad Situation
“The Need”
Firefighter Survival
Baltimore, Maryland
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Firefighter Survival
Libertyville, Illinois
Firefighter Survival
Firefighter Survival
Connecticut
Firefighter Survival
Firefighter Survival
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Incident
On March 1, 2002, a 21-year-old male volunteer
fire fighter (the victim) died after becoming
separated, disoriented, and lost as he, the Chief,
and other firefighters were trying to escape from
the interior of a fully involved house fire. Two fire
fighters eventually pulled the victim out of the
house into the front yard, but he was unresponsive
and not breathing. The victim received
cardiopulmonary resuscitation and was
transported to the local hospital where he was
pronounced dead on arrival.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
 Ensure that Incident Command (IC) conducts a complete
size-up of the incident before initiating fire fighting efforts,
and continually evaluates the risk versus gain during
operations at an incident. Departments should also ensure
that the first officer or firefighter inside evaluates interior
conditions and reports them immediately to Incident
Command.
 Ensure that adequate numbers of staff are available to
operate safely and effectively.
 Ensure that a Rapid Intervention Team is established and in
position immediately upon arrival.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
 Use evacuation signals when command personnel decide
that all firefighters should be evacuated from a burning
building or other hazardous area.
 Ensure that a separate Incident Safety Officer, independent
from the Incident Commander, is appointed.
 Ensure that team continuity is maintained.
 Ensure that ventilation is closely coordinated with the fire
attack.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
 Instruct and train firefighters on initiating emergency
traffic (Mayday-Mayday) when they become lost,
disoriented, or trapped.
 Ensure that backup lines are equal to or larger than the
initial attack lines.
 Ensure that firefighters are equipped with a radio that does
not bleed over, cause interference, or lose communication
under field conditions.
Firefighter Survival
Building Diagram
Firefighter Survival
Three Pittsburgh Firefighters
died on February 14, 1995,
when they ran out of air and
were unable to escape from
the interior of a burning
dwelling
“8361 Bricelyn Street … The Last Alarm”
Firefighter Survival
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
Incident Command
The first arriving company did not establish
command. The Acting Battalion Chief was
coming from another call and had a delayed
arrival. All first alarm companies had selfcommitted before the Acting Battalion Chief
assumed command of the incident.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
Accountability
Accountability procedures were not
implemented. The Incident Commander did
not know the locations and functions of
companies operating inside the house. It was
not realized that members were missing.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
Crew Integrity
All crews did not function as single tactical
units. Some of the individual members from
these companies performed unrelated tasks
and were not under the supervision of their
company officers. Most of the personnel
were working in temporary assignments for
that shift.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
Emergency Survival Actions
The actions of the three victims when they realized
they were in trouble are not known; however, they
do not appear to have initiated emergency
procedures that could have improved their chances
of survival or made other firefighters aware of their
need to be rescued.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
Rapid Intervention Teams
Some fire departments have adopted procedures
to assign a rapid intervention team at working
fires. The objective of this team is to be ready
to provide immediate assistance to Firefighters
in trouble.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
Communications
There was a lack of effective fireground
communications at this incident. There was no
exchange of information with the interior crews
after they entered the dwelling. All of the first
alarm companies were operating before the
Acting Battalion Chief arrived and assumed
command. The Incident Commander did not
receive any progress reports from these
companies.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
Portable Radios
Although two of the three firefighters who died
had portable radios, they do not appear to have
attempted to use them to summon assistance.
(One of the radios was found to be inoperative
after the incident.)
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
Interagency Coordination
The communications problems were
complicated by the fact that EMS units on the
scene of a fire report to their own supervisors
and communicate on their own radio channels.
The interaction and communications between
fire and EMS units was inadequate.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
SCBA Maintenance
Examination of the SCBA units used by the
three victims and one of the injured fire fighters
indicate that improvements are needed in
maintenance, inspection, and testing programs.
Firefighter Survival
Summary of Key Issues
PASS Devices
All three victims had PASS devices, however
they were not turned on. It is likely that a
functioning PASS device would have alerted
other firefighters in the immediate area to the
unconscious victims.
Firefighter Survival
On April 11, 1994, two
Memphis firefighters were
fatally injured while fighting
an arson fire in an 11-story
apartment building located at
750 Adams Avenue in
Memphis, Tenn.. Both
firefighters died of smoke
inhalation, carbon monoxide
poisoning, and asphyxia.
“750 Adams … The Last Alarm”
Firefighter Survival
Firefighter Survival
Reasons firefighters get into trouble
Prior to response
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Failure to prepare
Training
Equipment
Not expecting the
unexpected
 Lack of physical fitness
Firefighter Survival
Reasons firefighters get into trouble
Lack of knowledge of
response area.
 Pre-fire planning
 Company inspection
 Changes in building/occupancy
Firefighter Survival
Fire Behavior
Dynamic Situation
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Type of Construction
Fuel Load
Installed system
Flashover
Backdraft
Firefighter Survival
Building Construction
New Construction
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Truss Construction!
Wood/Steel
Bowstring
Parallel Cord
LWIB (laminated
wood I beams)
Firefighter Survival
Building Construction
Firefighter Survival
Building Construction
Firefighter Survival
Building Construction
Windows
 Location
 Size
 Special Hazards
Firefighter Survival
Building Construction
Pre-planning
 Typical Buildings in
your area
 Similar layouts in
buildings
 Typical Occupancies
 Residential vs.
Commercial
Restaurant Fire Claims the Life of Two
Career Fire Fighters - Texas
Firefighter Survival
Size-up
Responsibilities
 Officer
 Firefighter
 Team/Crew
What do I do?
What do I have to do?
What tools/resources
do I have?
Firefighter Survival
Size-up
Based on view of the building a
general idea of building layout
may be ascertained
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Height / number of stories
Basement / Crawl Space
Window / door layout
Outside bars / gates
Terrain
Example: 1 story front, 3 stories in
rear
Firefighter Survival
Expect the unexpected
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No fire is routine,
always wear PPE
including SCBA
Attitude
Read the fire and smoke
Read the occupancy
Building modifications
Structural stability
Fire load
Firefighter Survival
Training
Remember the basics
 SCBA confidence
 Standard Operating
Procedures/Guidelines
 Self-confidence
 Poorly trained fire companies
are dangerous
Firefighter Survival
Fireground Control
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Firefighters as well as officers must
understand what items are under
their control on the fire scene.
Anticipate fire dynamics
Identified command
Span of control
Note reassignments
Control free lancing
Maintain teams
No unauthorized operations
Mutual aid reports to staging
Firefighter Survival
Incident Command is a must for scene safety!
Maintaining a strong command presence
throughout the incident!
Firefighter Survival
Communications and PPE
Communications
 Portable radios are
essential equipment for
interior operations
 Interior crews must be able
to communicate.
 Remote mics for radios &
regular battery maintenance
Firefighter Survival
Communications and PPE
Protective equipment,
including PASS devices
and SCBA
 Firefighters must
understand the limitations
of PPE
 PPE is your last line of
defense
Firefighter Survival
Communications and PPE
PPE
 Wet, dirty personal
protective equipment
reacts differently.
 2nd degree burns start at
124 degrees F.
 Flashover occurs 600-1800
degrees F.
Firefighter Survival
Communications and PPE
 PASS devices MUST be
ON to operate!!
 Firefighter physical
condition has a major
impact!
Firefighter Survival
Accountability Responsibility
Issuing tags is not
accountability
 A system in place that works (must
answer who is on scene, where they
are, and what their assignment is)
 Designated Control entry/ point
person.
 What about mutual aid depts.?
Firefighter Survival
Accountability Responsibility
Team integrity/progress
 You and your partner must stick
together.
 Attack teams must report
progress/location
Firefighter Survival
Tactics
Basics
 Locate, confine and extinguish
Ventilation
 Lack of Ventilation
 Untimely Ventilation
 Improper Ventilation
Firefighter Survival
Tactics
Back-up lines
 If one is operating, a second line
must be employed.
 The back up line should be at least
as large as the attack line.
Firefighter Survival
“MAYDAY” Procedures
Must have a written SOP
 “Mayday” is for life threatening
situations.
 All firefighters must know
procedures
 How & Why
Firefighter Survival
“MAYDAY” Procedures
One procedure for all
types of incidents.
 Do not make it more
complicated than it needs
to be.
 “Firefighter down” means
that a firefighter is down.
Firefighter Survival
“MAYDAY” Procedures
Declaring an emergency
 Who?
 Where?
 What the problem is?
Example:
FF: “MAYDAY…MAYDAY…MAYDAY…”
IC: “Unit go ahead with your MAYDAY”
FF: “This is FF Edwards, I’m on the second
floor, side 3, lost, running out of air”
IC: “I understand FF Edwards, on the
second floor, side 3, lost, running out of
air, help is on the way”
Firefighter Survival
“MAYDAY” Procedures
LUNAR
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Last known location
Unit assigned
Name of firefighter(s)
Assignment on fireground
Radio equipped
Firefighter Survival
“MAYDAY” Procedures
Different from evacuation
of untenable condition
 Air horns/sirens do not constitute a
“MAYDAY” signal.
 Must be verbal to Command
Radio
Face to Face
 Personnel Accountability Report
 Check list / Tactical worksheet
 “MAYDAY’ vs. “URGENT”
Firefighter Survival
Evacuation Procedures
Evacuation
 Air horns/sirens, long blast
 Radio broadcast
Evacuate,Evacuate,Evacuate
Firefighter Survival
“MAYDAY” Situations
Parameters for declaring
a “MAYDAY”
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Trapped
Entanglement
Cut off by fire
Cut off by collapse
Through the floor/roof
Pinned
Firefighter Survival
“MAYDAY” Situations
Parameters for declaring
a “MAYDAY” (cont.)
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SCBA failure
FF down
Lost/Disoriented
Missing firefighter
Firefighter Survival
Self-Rescue
 Know your location
 Stay Together, you and your
crew
 Remain calm
 Never discard protective
equipment
 Do not toss your helmet or other
equipment out a window
Firefighter Survival
Self-Rescue
 Keep SCBA face piece in place
When low air alarm sounds you still have time
left
Control your breathing
Practice breathing an SCBA bottle down from
low air warning alarm time to empty.
 Once you realize you need assistance
Radio for help
Manually activate PASS
Get Out
Firefighter Survival
“MAYDAY” Situations, IC Prepared
Situation out of control
 Rapid changing fire
conditions
 Building construction
 Tunnel vision
 Mode of attack/know when to
change
Firefighter Survival
“MAYDAY” Situations, IC Prepared
 Command and Control
 Discipline - listening
 Personnel Accountability
Report (PAR)
 Collapse, evacuate, building,
sudden fire extension, PASS
alarm activation, member
missing.
 Use common terminology
Firefighter Survival
Unit II
Self - Rescue
Techniques
Firefighter Survival
Basic Rules for Survival
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React quickly
Move quickly
Move decisively
Save your life
Stay with your partner/crew
Stay low
Stay oriented
Stay calm
Firefighter Survival
Basic Rules for Survival
SCBA Emergency
Procedures
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Maintain mask integrity
Partner
Low profile/full escape
Entanglements
Conserve air/extend duration
Firefighter Survival
Basic Rules for Survival
 Emergency SCBA procedures
 Follow hose lines to safety
 Rapid location of windows or
doors
 Window removal for escape
 Rapid forcible exit of locked,
blocked or damaged doors
 Breaching walls
 Escape via windows
Firefighter Survival
Practical Application of Tactics
The tactics and procedures taught in the “Firefighter
Survival” program are to be used as a last resort!
We are not teaching routine tactics for routine fires but
rather some unique actions that a firefighter can take
instead of perishing in a hostile atmosphere or jumping
un-aided from windows. Although the tactics seem
unorthodox they have been used with success in the
past.
If you practice or use these tactics as part of routine
training the following precautions must be observed:
Firefighter Survival
Practical Application of Tactics
 No live fire will be used with any of the evolutions.
 Second floor evolutions must use a safety line.
 The area below all windows must be free of any
objects that could cause injury.
Firefighter Survival
Emergency SCBA Procedures
Objective: The firefighter with a
SCBA, will demonstrate reduce
profile, full-escape, skip
breathing, air conservation, and
entanglement procedures.
Firefighter Survival
Locating and Following Hoselines
Objective: The firefighter with
obscured vision will demonstrate
locating a hose line and
following the hose line to exit a
residential/commercial building
in 60 seconds or less. Time
frame should be appropriate for
the type of occupancy.
Firefighter Survival
Rapid Location of Doors and Windows
Objective: The firefighter in a
simulated residential/commercial
setting will locate a door or a
window and exit the room in 60
seconds.
Firefighter Survival
Rapid Clearing of Window Opening
Objective: Given the proper
hand tool, the firefighter,
equipped with full protective
equipment will demonstrate the
proper technique for clearing a
window as an emergency exit in
a residential/commercial building
in 30 seconds or less.
Firefighter Survival
Rapid Forcible Exit of Interior Doors
Objective: Given hand tools,
the firefighter will demonstrate
forcing a jammed or locked
door.
Firefighter Survival
Breaching Walls
Objective: Given a flat head
axe/halligan tool, the firefighter
will quickly locate an appropriate
wall and breach a hole large
enough to pass through and exit
the hostile environment.
Firefighter Survival
First Floor Escape
Objective: The firefighter using
standard fire department hand
tools will locate, clear a window
opening and exit the area by
vaulting over the sill through the
window.
Firefighter Survival
Head First Ladder Exit
Objective: The firefighter exits a
window onto a portable ladder,
head first down the ladder to
escape a hostile environment.
Firefighter Survival
Second Floor Escape
Objective: The firefighter
will demonstrate exiting a
second floor window, by
hanging at arms length from
the window sill, and dropping
to the ground, where he/she
falls and rolls away from the
building.
* NOT to be performed,
discussion ONLY.
Firefighter Survival
Rope Escape Via Window
Objective: The firefighter using suitable
self-rescue/escape rope and a standard
fire department hand tool for an anchor
point will exit via window and slide the
rope to the ground or another safe area
below. A charged on uncharged hoseline
may be used.
* This drill does not have to be performed
by the students if time is an issue. It
does need to be demonstrated to the
students by an instructor. If the instructor
has time he/she can have the student(s)
perform the drill but the student(s) need
to rig their own rope and anchor.
Firefighter Survival
Appendix A
 You will now be led by your instructor(s) through Job
Sheets 1 - 10.
 Keep in mind that these tactics are for EMERGENCY
ESCAPE ONLY and to be used as a last resort.
 They are to be practiced ONLY with properly trained
personnel and proper equipment.
Appendix A
Job Sheet # 1.1
Emergency SCBA Procedures – Reduced Profile
Introduction: A reduced profile technique allows the SCBA to slide and move on your back
while working through a small opening.
Job Steps
1. Firefighter must protect the regulator hose and the
integrity of the regulator and facepiece.
_____
2. Firefighter loosens the waist strap to allow unit to move
freely on the back of the user (only disconnect the waist
strap if unable to loosen enough to allow movement).
_____
3. Firefighter loosens the shoulder strap opposite the
regulator hose and remove it from the arm.
_____
4. Firefighter reaches around with free arm, grasps the
SCBA cylinder, and rotates the entire unit around to the
side of the users body underneath the armpit on the
regulator side.
_____
8. Steps #2-4 shall be completed in 60 seconds.
_____
Appendix A
Job Sheet # 1.2
Emergency SCBA Procedures – Full Escape
Introduction: A full escape technique allows the SCBA to be completely removed to
allow the wearer to navigate through a small opening.
Job Steps
1. Firefighter must protect the regulator hose and the
integrity of the regulator and facepiece.
_____
2. Firefighter loosens and disconnects the waist strap.
_____
3. Firefighter loosens both shoulder straps.
_____
4. Firefighter removes the right side shoulder strap first,
then left shoulder strap.
_____
5. Maintains a firm grasp with the left hand on the left
shoulder strap and the regulator hose throughout the
maneuver. NEVER releases the left hand grip while
re-donning SCBA.
_____
6. Re-dons SCBA, left shoulder strap first, then right.
_____
7. Refastens waist strap, secures all straps.
_____
8. Steps #2-5 shall be completed in 60 seconds.
_____
Appendix A
Job Sheet # 1.3
Emergency SCBA Procedures – Entanglements
Introduction: Using the “Swim” techniques may allow the user to eliminate or avoid the
entanglement hazard.
Job Steps
1. Firefighter realizes they are entangled, stop,
does not force their way through.
_____
2. Firefighter lowers body position and extends arm out.
_____
3. Sweeps with arm, performing a simulated swim stroke.
_____
4. If nothing found, repeats step #3 with other arm.
_____
5. If sweep with both arms result in not finding the
entanglement, firefighter turns to right or left 45
degrees and repeats steps #2-#4.
_____
6. Once entanglement is found maneuvers over hazard.
_____
Appendix A
Job Sheet # 1.4
Emergency SCBA Procedures – Air Emergencies
Introduction: The following techniques may give the user additional time to rescue themselves or be
rescued.
Job Steps
Method #1
Air Conservation
1. Firefighter recognizes that they are running low on air
and must conserve air supply.
_____
2. Firefighter slows breathing down and assumes a
defensive posture.
_____
3. Removes SCBA and places unit in front of their body.
_____
4. Takes breath and simultaneously turns off cylinder valve
bleeding air from system while holding breath.
_____
5. Holds breath as long as possible, then when needing
next breath, exhales, turns cylinder valve on, inhales and
repeats step #4.
_____
6. Continues process until out of air or rescued.
_____
Method #2
Skip Breathing
1. Remains calm and considers action.
_____
2. Inhales as during normal breathing.
_____
3. Holds the breath for as long as it would take to exhale.
_____
4. Inhales again.
_____
5. Exhales slowly.
_____
Job Sheet # 2
Locating and Following Hoselines
Introduction: The firefighter, placed in the middle of a room with an obscured face piece simulating
disorientation, will search for hoseline. After locating the hose, the firefighter will locate a
coupling, determine the correct direction of travel, and exit the room.
Job Steps
1.
_____
2.
Firefighter will search the room until locating the hose.
(Firefighter will be told by instructor…you are now in a
“MAYDAY” situation)
Radio for help, Who, Where, What is the problem
3.
Manually activate PASS device.
_____
4.
Firefighter will follow hoseline and locate coupling.
_____
5.
Using his/her hands, firefighter will examine coupling to
determine female and male coupling and verbally identify each.
(Female coupling bowl usually does not have lugs while male
coupling has lugs.)
_____
6.
Firefighter will move from the female coupling to the male
coupling and follow the hose out of the room.
_____
7.
Steps #2-4 shall be completed in 60 seconds or less.
_____
_____
Job Sheet #3
Rapid Location of Doors/Windows
Introduction:
With an obscured face piece, the firefighter, in a simulated
residential/commercial setting will conduct a rapid perimeter
search of a room locating doors or windows and determine
which ones may be used as an emergency exit within 60
seconds.
Job Steps
1.
The firefighter enters a room, orientates himself/herself and
begins a routine search.
_____
2.
Once the evaluator advises the firefighter to locate escape routes, _____
the firefighter begins a rapid perimeter search of the room, using
a high sweeping motion of walls until an alternate exit is located.
3.
Firefighter shall verbalize the discovery of the emergency escape
route.
_____
4.
If unable to exit at the first emergency escape route, the
firefighter will continue in an attempt to locate a second route or
original entry point.
_____
5.
Firefighter shall maintain orientation and stay low at all times.
_____
6.
Steps #2-3 shall be completed in 60 seconds.
_____
Job Sheet #4
Rapid Clearing of Window Opening
Introduction:
Given a hand tool, the firefighter, equipped with full protective
equipment and SCBA, shall demonstrate or verbalize the proper
technique for clearing a window as an emergency exit. The
evolution shall be completed within 30 seconds.
Job Steps
1.
Firefighter locates a window for exit.
_____
2.
While staying as low as possible, firefighter strikes the window
glass, with the tool (actual or simulated) as high as possible in
the middle of the window.
_____
3.
Striking action shall continue to the bottom corner of window.
_____
4.
Using a sweeping motion, all remaining glass is cleared.
_____
5.
Any additional gates or bars are removed (actual or simulated) by
attacking the mounting points with the tool. (Striking motion
may pull the lag screws from wall.)
_____
6.
Steps #2-4 will be completed in 30 seconds or less.
_____
Job Sheet #5
Rapid Forcible Exit of Interior Doors
Introduction: Given proper hand tools, the firefighter will demonstrate forcing or breaking
a jammed or locked interior door.
Job Steps
1.
Firefighter locates door and attempts to open normally.
_____
2.
Firefighter sizes up the door construction and locking
mechanism.
_____
3.
Firefighter actually performs or verbalizes/simulates all of the
following:
_____
__ Drive point of halligan tool into jam and push down on
the handle
__ Remove/destroy door stop with adz end of halligan
__ Punch a hole through the door
__ Remove the hinge
__ Use body or SCBA to force – No tool
__ Use legs to kick out door – No tool
Job Sheet #6
Breaching Walls
Introduction: Given a flathead ax and halligan tool, the firefighter in full personal
protective equipment and SCBA with face piece obscured will identify proper
wall to breach, and breach a hole large enough to pass through.
Job Steps
1.
Firefighter locates wall in which opening will be made.
2.
Use ax and/or halligan to begin opening hole. If no tool is available
feet can be used.
_____
3.
Using the tools in a push and pull action, clears an opening
between studs.
_____
4.
Exits room though breach in wall.
_____
Note:If a firefighter must use low profile or full escape to
complete step #4, then those evolutions are evaluated.
_____
Job Sheet #7
First Floor Escape
Introduction: The firefighter will rapidly locate and exit an open first floor window by rolling over the
window sill.
Job Steps
1.
Firefighter rapidly locates a window for escape and clears window.
Note: Step #1 has been evaluated on other Job Sheets and will
not need to be repeated.
_____
2.
The firefighter will locate and grasp window sill, staying as low
as possible.
_____
3.
While holding window sill, the firefighter will go head first and
roll out of the window, staying low in the window and allowing
their feet to come in contact with the ground first.
_____
4.
The firefighter shall satisfactorily perform steps #2-3 at least
once with PPE and at least once with full PPE and SCBA.
_____
Job Sheet #8
Head First Ladder Exit
Introduction: The Firefighter will exit a window onto a portable ladder, head first
down the ladder to rapidly escape room.
Job Steps
1.
Firefighter locates open window where ladder is positioned.
_____
Note: It is not necessary for firefighter to clear window as this
skill is evaluated elsewhere.
2.
Firefighter, remaining as low as possible, exits window head first _____
onto ladder.
3.
Firefighter pulls himself/herself onto the ladder rapidly, one rung
at a time.
_____
4.
Once feet hit top rung or sill, firefighter stops descent.
_____
Job Sheet #8
Head First Ladder Exit
Introduction: The Firefighter will exit a window onto a portable ladder, head first down the ladder to
rapidly escape room.
Job Steps
Continued
5.
Firefighter reaches down and grasps ladder beam, with right
hand/arm, grabs lowest rung possible with left hand,
slides to right side, using left arm as a
pivot point, rotates body across the ladder beam to a standing
position.
_____
6.
Firefighter continues descent in a normal fashion.
_____
7.
Firefighter shall satisfactorily perform steps #2-6 at least once
with full PPE and at least once with full PPE and SCBA.
_____
Job Sheet #8
Head First Ladder Exit (Hook two, grab four)
Introduction:
The Firefighter will exit a window onto a portable ladder, head first down the ladder to rapidly escape room.
Job Steps
Method #2 (Hook two grab four) -The firefighter, with no other way out of a room, exits the room through a window to which a fire
department ladder has been properly positioned. The firefighter must quickly find the window and ladder, rapidly crawl over the window
sill and hooks arm (either right or left) on the second rung from sill, reaches down to the fourth rung with opposite arm, uses that arm to
pivot to a standing position
1.
Firefighter locates open window where ladder is positioned.
_____
Note: It is not necessary for firefighter to clear window as this
skill is evaluated elsewhere.
2.
Firefighter, remaining as low as possible, exits window head first
onto ladder.
_____
3.
Firefighter pulls himself/herself onto the ladder rapidly
_____
4.
Hooks arm (either right or left) on the second rung from sill.
Hooks rung with bend in arm.
_____
5.
Reaches down to the fourth rung with opposite arm, uses that
arm to pivot to a standing position
_____
6.
Firefighter continues descent in a normal fashion.
_____
7.
Firefighter shall satisfactorily perform steps #2-6 at least once
with full PPE and at least once with full PPE and SCBA.
_____
Job Sheet #9
Second Floor Escape
Introduction: The firefighter will exit a second floor window by hanging at arms length from
window sill, dropping to the ground and rolling away from the building.
CAUTION: DO NOT perform, for discussion ONLY!
Job Steps
1.
Firefighter locates open window and attempts to attract
attention/help.
_____
2.
Firefighter positions himself in window, maintaining as low a
profile as possible.
_____
3.
Firefighter grasps window sill and rotates body outside the
opening while hanging onto the sill.
_____
4.
Firefighter hangs from sill with full body extension.
_____
Job Sheet #9
Second Floor Escape
Introduction:
The firefighter will exit a second floor window by hanging at
arms length from window sill, dropping to the ground and rolling
away from the building.
Job Steps Continued
5.
While hanging, firefighter quickly surveys the ground beneath,
releases grip and falls to ground.
_____
6.
When hitting ground, firefighter drops and rolls to absorb impact.
_____
7.
Firefighter shall satisfactorily perform steps #2-6 once with PPE
only (No SCBA).
_____
Job Sheet #10
Rope Escape via Windows
Introduction: The firefighter shall use a suitable self rescue/escape rope and a standard
hand tool or other suitable anchor to exit a window and slide the rope to the
ground or other safe area below.
Note: In absence of rope, a charged or uncharged hoseline may be used for a rapid descent.
Job Steps
1.
Firefighter operating on an upper floor locates open window.
_____
Note: Window clearing will not be evaluated at this point as it is
evaluated in another job sheet.
2.
Suitable anchor point is located
_____
3.
Rope is attached to anchor point with an approved knot
or carabiner.
_____
4.
Firefighter positions himself/herself in the window, staying as
low as possible, and feeds the rope through the decent control
device or around the back below the SCBA.
_____
Job Sheet #10
Rope Escape via Windows
Introduction: The firefighter shall use a suitable self rescue/escape rope and a
standard hand tool or other suitable anchor to exit a window and slide
the rope to the ground or other safe area below.
Job Steps
Continued
5.
Rope is grasped with both hands as firefighter leans out the
window until the weight of the firefighter takes up the slack
on the anchor point.
_____
6.
Firefighter swings other leg out the window and will drop and hang
in position just outside window.
_____
7.
Firefighter slowly releases grip and slides slowly to the ground.
_____
8.
Firefighter shall satisfactorily perform steps #2-7 at least once
with PPE only and at least once with PPE and SCBA.
_____
*In absence of rope, charged/uncharged hoseline may be used for descent.
Firefighter Survival
Other Resources
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firehouse.com
fe.pennnet.com
rapidintervention.com
firefighterclosecalls.com
firenuggets.com
phoenix.gov/FIRE/
cdc.gov/niosh/firehome.
html
Firefighter Survival
The following agencies are gratefully acknowledged for their
assistance in developing this extremely important program:
 New York Office of Fire Prevention & Control
Course Development Committee
 Illinois Fire Service Institute
 Phoenix Fire Department
 Kentucky State Fire Commission
 Indiana Firefighter Training System