I Have Five Little Rats
Among other things, at a fire a good truck company makes a lot of additional egress points, searches, and removes any victims. Ok, so the truck has forced multiple doors, placed the aerial, has portbale ladders up, and has made windows into doors. Now we’ve found a victim. How are we bringing that victim out?
“I Have Five Little Rats” is a useful mnemonic for remembering the order of preference in our removal options – under most circumstances.
- I – Interior Stairs. The interior steps under many circumstances are the fastest and safest means of removal. They are often the way we came in and we can’t really fall off of them. However fire conditions, the victims location, or the location of operating members may make the steps less preferable, or impossible, at some fires.
- H – Horizontal Exits. Removing the victim to another wing of the building, into a tower ladder bucket, etc.
- F – Fire Escapes. Fire escapes seem like a great idea until we consider that they have been on the outside of the building for quite a while and we have no idea how well they’ve been maintained – they’re structural integrity could be in question, especially when we add a victim to the FF’s weight. In addition, they’re usually quite narrow, making movement of the FF and victim difficult.
- L – Ladders. Civilians are not good with ladders. Conscious or unconscious, removing a civilian via the aerial or portable ladder will be a difficult and dangerous process for both parties.
- R – Rope. Rope rescues from the roof or an upper floor are extremely dangerous and require immense coordination and practice. In rare scenarios, this may be the only way to save our victim and we should be practice and prepared to execute this skill, but only as a last resort.
This is just another topic that is something our shift/company/crew should discuss BEFORE the fire. Perhaps this concept might need special modification to fit your department’s staffing, operations, or response area. Let us know your thoughts and what YOUR plan is for removing the victim.
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Posted by | Posted in Blog, Combat Ready, Tips & Skills, Truck Company | Posted on 16-06-2011
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Forcible Entry Success Story
NOTHING makes what we do more worthwhile than hearing back that information we passed on in our programs was put to use effectively in an operational scenario. There’s a lot of effort behind the scenes in what we do, but a story like this makes every second worthwhile:
“Howdy Fellas,
My name is Johnny Davidson. I work for the Round Rock FD in Texas. Back in April we had pleasure of attending a class put on by Nick and Danny. I’ve been to a lot of rescue course’s in my career and these guys along with Traditions Training stand among the best. So here’s my short story about forcing a door after attending their class.
A few weeks after the class we were called out to a medical alarm for an elderly person who pressed their alert button and the alarm company could not get a response from the victim. On arrival we discovered all the doors & windows were locked. Out of habit I grabbed the door spreader and went to the front door. After two attempts with the door spreader we had no success. I looked at the dead bolt and it hit me like a brick. I advised my firefighter to get the “irons” of our rig. As he was striking the door, I radio our dispatch and advised them we were attempting to force the door again. My firefighter then set Halligan and I began to strike it. It was like a hot knife thru butter. The door opened and we found our patient laying on the bedroom floor semi-conscious.
After checking my run notes it took 13 seconds to get thru the door using a version of the techniques learned from Traditions Training. Thanks for giving me another tool in the tool box of knowledge.
Be safe,
Johnny Davidson
Lieutenant Rsc3/B
Round Rock Fire Department”
Thanks you, Lt. Davidson, for sharing this story with us. And thank you to everyone out there who ever let us share a skill or piece of knowledge with you – PASS IT ALL ON!
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Posted by | Posted in Blog, Tips & Skills, Truck Company | Posted on 23-05-2011
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Multiple Options are Key in Forcible Entry
Like many firefighters, I have witnessed someone at the door to the fire building repeatedly trying the same technique over and over with no success. This is frustrating because, with the exception of some public service calls, we were not called to force the door but rather to handle the fire (or other emergency) on the other side of it. All firefighters, regardless of position or assignment must maintain good forcible entry skills, because we can’t do our job until we get inside the door.
Over the years, forcible entry has become a speficic interest of mine. I have had many great mentors on the topic and my own share of fireground screw ups, all of which taught me one very important fact about forcing doors of any kind: YOU MUST HAVE MULTIPLE TECHNIQUES FOR WHEN PLAN “A” FAILS.
As an example, last month Danny Doyle and I were just outside Austin, TX working with the Round Rock Fire Department on truck company operations for the week. Of course one of the skills was forcible entry. Using their department’s door prop, each student forced the door numerous times. Now each student forced the same door prop, which used the same stock of material, and forced it using the same approach. Below is a picture of some of the metal “locks” that they forced. What do you notice? THEY ARE ALL DEFORMED DIFFERENTLY.
Know how you know how the door will respond? AFTER YOU'RE DONE.
It goes to show the point that 2 doors, made by the same company, installed by the same person on the same day, and locked in the same manner, will likely respond differently even when attacked with the same series of techniques. This is just due to subtle variations in angle/placement of attack, force delivered, and probably the inherent slight variations in a piece of metal.
The take home here is that you can’t just have plan A, or just plan A & B. You have to have C,D,E,F,G,H,I, et cetera. Because when YOU’RE the one between the fire and the rest of the box alarm, ALL EYES ARE ON YOU and everyone is WAITING FOR YOU – it’s probably the most stressful spot on the fireground. It means we have to expect the unexpected – we have to be able to recognize when what we are doing is not working, and have another step to move onto.
In our classes we teach “troubleshooting forcible entry”. This video is a brief demonstration of one of the students forcing a troublesome door and working through a variety of steps in order to get the door in a pretty quick timeframe. As a disclaimer, it it not an inclusive discussion of all the skill points and tips for an inward door. I always say that there is a list of techniques and a list of tools, all possibilities to get us through the door. The kicker is that the list is CONSTANTLY RE-ORDERED at each fire based on asking yourself:
- What tools do I have available?
- What manpower do I have available?
- What I have I already tried?
The results of thinking those questions may take what was previously #22 on your list of preferences and move it to #1 for this fire, because for instance you are by yourself and only have a Halligan bar.
Remember forcible entry is NOT AT ALL about force, it’s all about technique.
If you’d like to break some doors, we have a combination Truck Company Ops and Forcible Entry Academy class coming up in Bensalem, PA in August. Click here for information and registration. Or we’d be happy to come to you, just email us.
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Posted by | Posted in Blog, Combat Ready, Tips & Skills, Truck Company | Posted on 04-05-2011
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Video Tip: Cutting the Adams-Rite Lock
We’ve done a bunch of talking about the Adams-Rite lock and forcing entry to storefronts, partly because it’s a forcible entry challenged found almost anywhere and everywhere. Like all things firefighting, the key to success is having not just “Plan A” – but multiple plans. Depending on your scenario, one may be preferable than another at one fire and less preferable at the next.
Once option for forcing entry at these fires is of course to cut the throw of the lock. Check out this quick video tip:
- What is your “go to” technique for these doors? Why?
- What circumstances would cause you to move this cutting technique to the top of the list?
Let us know your thoughts, and check out these other related articles on the topic.
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Posted by | Posted in Blog, Combat Ready, Tips & Skills, Truck Company, videos | Posted on 12-03-2011
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HUD Window Thinking and Learning from Past Fires
The term HUD Window refers to the stereotypical wooden board up frequently seen on “vacant” buildings, damaged buildings, and occasionally buildings under construction. It’s not a standardized term – I’m sure there are many regional variations. Just as there are variations in the name, there are variations in the style, construction, and manner of installation. As with all things forcible entry, a “one plan” approach is likely to fail you when the unexpected is encountered.
While out doing some district familiarization and rookie training we stopped at this house, which was the site of a recent fire. How often do you go by the address of fire you ran last tour, or the fire that the other shift went to? Unfortunately, I’ve worked in places where nobody has any interest in visiting the fire we ran last tour, or that the other shifts ran on the days off. That’s a terrible waste of resources. Not only is there a fire with good things to discuss, but it’s a fire that ACTUALLY HAPPENED IN YOUR AREA! Take a minute during the day to top by and see what went down.
In our area it would not be uncommon do go back to an address a second time due to arson or careless squatters. In this case we were able to not only to learn what to expect, and how houses in this area are being secured, but also do some rookie training and talk as a group about different ideas.
Different ideas are exactly what you’ll need for these situations. When I posted a brief pic of this house on our Facebook page the other day we had no less than 5 ideas in a few minutes. Is this something you spend time talking with your crew about, or do you just watch SportCenter all day?
There are many ways to skin this cat, but here are a few of my initial thoughts:
- As you pull up at a fire, don’t blindly run up with the same tools. Look at what you have. For example, as the OV FF here I would be thinking about bringing a chainsaw due to multiple boarded up windows – that’s not a usual tool for me in that position. I would make two cuts – one each as close to the outside of the frame as I could judge.
- I’d also consider a short ladder (10′ or less) to provide me with better access to these shoulder height windows (see this idea in use in Joe Brown’s OV video here). These 2×4 braces were also nailed into the sides of the frames, that may limit the effectiveness of certain removal techniques.
- As the irons FF or officer, i might think to tell my OV to start right away on the windows as we head to the door. Given the lack of an outside 2×4 here, I think we can make a relief strike just below the bolt heads with the 8lbs axe and just drive the bolts through to make access to the front door. Remember that YOU might have a plan and a thought, but the effectiveness of the entire CREW will improve if everyone knows it – COMMUNICATE. Ideally, PLAN AHEAD.
- Be prepared for surprises. You may assume by the presence of the HUD coverings over the door area that there is no additional challenge, however a peak inside allowed us to see that the original security gate was still in place. How strong is it? Who knows, but worth being prepared for.
- Of course being the site of a previous fire, I have to consider the buildings stability. In our area, squatters and vagrants are a distinct likelihood so my intentions are to enter if at all possible. That said, I’m paying extra attention to the floor’s stability as I move ahead. I’m also thinking that overhaul from the previous fire has given the fire a head start into void spaces.
Additional Resources (thanks to our Facebook friends!):
- http://www.allenemergency.com/hud_board_up_specs_for_city_boardups.html
- http://cmdfd.blogspot.com/2010/09/some-board-ups.html
- http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/napi4.pdf
Posted by | Posted in Blog, Combat Ready, Commentary, Tips & Skills, Truck Company | Posted on 25-02-2011
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Setting Up Your Irons
In this post I’ll discuss the setup features of the irons carried at work. There are of course many different setups and modifications that can be done to this essential set of tools, and as many opinions on each. Of course ours isn’t the only way, but I’ll try to explain the thought process behind our setup…
Different Jobs, Different Halligans...
Some modifications are more well suited to certain tasks. If your company uses riding assignments, you can match up the right Halligan for the anticipated task. I talked about this idea in a previous post, here. Sometimes I feel like fireman sometimes adopt a concept (or modification) just because its the hot new thing and not because an evaluation of their job reveals it would be useful.
The Axe…
An 8lbs axe has been my personal striking tool of choice ever since I learned about using it as a wedge. As Dan Troxell, my captain and also a TT instructor says, the sledge is a “one-dimensional tool”. I have taken advantage of the axes versatility on both inward and outward doors, both in a team or alone ,and have never found myself wishing i had a sledgehammer.
This axe is 8lbs, the extra 2lbs over the standard 6 provides significant extra “oomph” without being unwieldy to carry. On the underside of the blade we have ground a few indentations to allow the Halligan to marry close. Keeping the handles of the axe and Halligan close makes for an easy grip.
I do like having an extra grip made with some clothesline and lacrosse tape on the bottom 3rd of the axe handle.
The Halligan…
Starting at the forks, the tips of the forks are filed (not grinded) to a smooth thin curve. Many stock Halligans come with a small ridge on the beveled side of the tips. Many times I have seen that ridge catch on the leading edge of a door while forcing, effectively stopping progress. There is also a “set line” ground and marked with a dab of red paint. This is useful for judging the set depth, especially for newer members. Of course the fork’s shoulders have been flattened out to be available as a striking surface.
On the shaft, you’ll see that we have a “grip” in the middle 3rd. While not my personal preference, I’m not the only one who uses this bar. I’m usually content with the natural octagonal grip provided by the forged design of a good Halligan. I see many Halligans that have grip top to bottom. To me that eliminates the ability to slide a striking tool down the shaft onto the shoulders. However it seems that having the grip in the middle third has been good compromise – it adds a little grip when venting a window or opening up and seems to stay out of the way of the shoulders.
The head of the tool is kept clean and smooth. On the adz, the “blade” is kept thin – not like a knife, but free of ridges like we discussed on the fork tips. I would like to add a little width to the adz, maybe 1/2 inch (for extra leverage while gapping) but haven’t gotten around to it on this bar yet. The adz has a depth mark to help gauge when the adz has been set to the doorstop on an outward door, so that the door doesn’t get skinned by prematurely pulling out or down.
Wrapping Up…
So thats a quick rundown of our setup and why, as I finish a morning cup of coffee after shift change. It is important that we know not only WHAT we have, but also WHY. There are many potential setups and modifications. Evaluate what each position does at a fire and what setup would be most beneficial. For example, when operating as the hook firefighter (basically our OVM) I carry a 6′ Halligan hook and a bar. We’ll make that setup the topic of a future post.
So with that all said, whats your setup – AND WHY?
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Posted by | Posted in Blog, Combat Ready, Commentary, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, Tips & Skills, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Truck Company | Posted on 01-02-2011
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Helmet Cam Training Video: Removing Window Mounted AC Units During Ventilation
Here is the latest in our “Voiceover Training Tips Video Series” straight from the fireground to your computer screen. In this video Traditions Training Instructor Joe Brown takes us through some of his thoughts and actions when approaching a window mounted air conditioning unit during ventilation. The fire is on the second floor of a 2-story brick end-of-the-row home, Joe is part of the Outside Vent Team on DCFD Truck 17 and his actions are in conjunction with the Interior Search Team and Suppression Teams. As you watch the video think about what your actions may have been and how they might vary with different building constructions in your District. Leave us some feedback and open some discussion at your firehouse kitchen table or computer screen. As always, stay safe out there.
Posted by | Posted in Blog, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, Tips & Skills, Training Resources, training-development, Truck Company, videos | Posted on 26-01-2011
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"Standby to Copy…" – Making the Window a Door
Turning the “window into a door” is an important operational and safety concept that we preach every chance we get. A few more seconds at the window can drastically increase ventilation and provide an egress point that will allow a firefighter to get himself out of trouble. In this edition of “Standby to Copy”, Chief Kelleher discusses the need to make the window into a door.
"how am I supposed to get out?"
“Standby to Copy” is an informal newsletter produced by TT instructor Chief Tony Kelleher of the Kentland VFD, providing operational tips to companies that operate in the Prince George’s County Fire Department. While some of these tips reference things that are specific to the operations of PGFD companies, they share some great thoughts that are easily applied to any department. They’re a great quick read and good for a conversation starter around the kitchen table. As such, we’ll be cross-publishing these newsletters here for your enjoyment…
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Posted by | Posted in Blog, Combat Ready, command-leadership, Commentary, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, RIT / Survival, Tips & Skills, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Truck Company | Posted on 19-12-2010
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Watch Your Step on the Roof!
Nighttime operations on the rooftop have many inherent dangers. With smoke perhaps even further reducing our visibility, we must use eve more caution. This photo is of the top floor roof area between two rowhomes in DC.
Note the gap between the two houses. Remember that while the fronts are often even, the backs are often staggered. WATCH YOUR STEP. Carry a big light, and have it on. Check the area you’re about to step on with your hook BEFORE you commit your weight to it.
Remember – you can’t un-fall.
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Posted by | Posted in Blog, Combat Ready, Commentary, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, Tips & Skills, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Truck Company | Posted on 17-12-2010
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Forget the Excuses – Just Get to the Roof!
Many initial operations depend on firefighters accessing the roof early in the incident. Providing a report from the rear and sides, assessing lateral extension, opening natural openings and cutting a hole may all be potential tasks, but our first task is to GET TO THE ROOF. The truck’s aerial is of course a preferable option and ground ladders are a close second - but what about if you can’t get either up?
This was the case at a fire on Kennedy St, NW in DC the other night. First-in companies found fire in a church on the 1st floor of a 3-story occupancy. The building sat about 20 feet back from the curb with power lines running along the curb. These prevented use of the aerial, even though the truck was able to position right on side A. Ground ladders would have been difficult because with the building’s height a 35 would have been unlikely to make the height and the 45 would have been unwieldy in the area of the wires and companies making the stretch through the front door.
Like many others, I too have seen people encountered with such a situation just give up – it’s easy to fall back on the explanation of why you didn’t do it. But a COMBAT READY out-of-the-box-thinking fireman will forgo the excuses and just get the job DONE. This was just the case for Truck 11′s tillerman, who quickly thought to use the adjoining building’s porch roof. By quickly placing a 24′ ladder to the porch roof, the 14′ roof ladder was used to go from the porch to the fire building roof. In hindsight it seems like a simple and obvious idea – but this kind of creativity is more difficult in the heat of the moment. Pay attention to your buildings, plan for fires before you go to the fire, and think outside of the box! (photos courtesy of D. Smith, DCFD T-11)
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