Ladders, Why Are They Important ?

The fire service ladder, a staple of many fire department patches and art work often gets overlooked for more pressing issues like EMS training, ICS, or the current NIMS classes we are required to take.  But for the victims at the third floor window waving franticly on the window sill, the ladder is often their last hope.  That is why we need to be vigilant, stead-fast, and disciplined in the art of ladder operations.

The ladder is a vital tool that we carry on most of our rigs, yet they are often only used when needed on the fire ground.  We have no problem training with the Jaws of Life, saving a down fireman, or rapidly deploying the hose line.  All good training, but we often over look the ladders.  Proper maintenance, proper deployment, and proper training must be conducted on them to insure we give our victims a fighting chance…

Carrying Your Tools for Ladder Operations

One might say carrying all that weight of a ladder and tools by one man will be hard.  It is hard work, however, with training quite manageable.  This is job isn’t easy. What we can do is come up with some ideas on how to make our tools work for us.  There are many different type of ways to get the tools to the fire ground in a timely manner.  We can hang tools from the ladder; put them in Truckman’s belt, or just by using your hands.  All have their advantages and disadvantages.  Add in carrying a ladder and things become just a little bit harder.  But with pre-planning we can make our jobs easier.

We can use the “ladder on ladder” method.  It entails taking the 16 foot roof ladder and opening the hooks, making sure they are pointing up.  Then, you take the 24 foot ladder, bed side down, and place it on top.  You can now grab the 16 footer and drag both ladder and an assortment of tools with you to the fire ground.  One fireman can drag 2 ladders and 3 to 4 tools efficiently.

Know the Ladder

We must become intimate with our ladders.  You need to know were they are on the rigs, how to deploy them fast and efficiently, and what their limitations are.  Knowing what our ladders can and cannot do is vital in our operation.  When cleaning and inspecting your ladders find out where the balance points are, if the halyard is bad or tangled up.  On the roof ladder, find out if the hooks can come out easily.  Find out how the ladder will react on different surfaces and what angles are good on those surfaces.  Take some company pride and display your number on the balance point so others know that those are yours.  But most importantly train with your ladders.

Lets face it ladder training can be boring, but it doesn’t have to be.  It doesn’t have to be nice outside to throw one against the wall or practice climbing one.  Use your truck bay, throw it, practice climbing it, moving it and getting it down.  Find out your strengths, as well as, your weaknesses with the ladder so at 3 a.m. there are no surprises.

Body to the Building, Eyes on the Prize (Victim Removal)

Recent training provided to us has proven the beam raise is the best way to quickly get a ladder to a window for victim removal.  Now are there applications were the flat raise will work, yes of course.  With that said as the “throw guy” (the firefighter that is getting the ladder up to the window) must keep his body to the building, and their eyes on the prize.  This is not the time to be sizing up the building, looking for power lines or other hazards.  That should have all ready be done when you got off the rig, and approaching the building.  Your eyes should be focused on getting the ladder to the window, and more importantly to that victim that is relying on you.  You should be looking at the victim, and thinking what that victim’s state of mind is.  Find out if they are clutching a baby.  Size up the window with your body to the building.

When the ladder is being thrown, have it on your outside shoulder walking it up.  The “foot guy” should hold most the weight of the ladder as you throw the ladder to the wall.  This will keep the ladder out of your field of vision of the building and keep your eye on victim.  This is very crucial.  If the victim doesn’t see you looking at the window, they might do something tragic like jump, or drop their child.

The 2-click Rule (for VES)

Most of the time on a two story residential house, the 24 foot ladder will reach the window sill but with little play in the effective angle at which a rescue can be made.  It still can be done, but will require some more work.  So as a rule of thumb, use the two click rule.  2 clicks and ten feet away from the building is a great way to get the ladder at the angle that’s just right for rescue operations.

Once the ten foot mark is determined, beam-raise the ladder.  Give the ladder two clicks.  Ten feet away from the building should give you adequate window clearing power.  If the window has not been broken, slam the top of the ladder through the window clearing as much glass as possible.  Then drag the ladder back putting the tip at or below the window sill

Rescuing a Downed Firefighter with a Ladder

Rescuing a firefighter that has become trapped or disabled somehow near a window can be very taxing, especially with limited manpower.  The Denver Drill is great but sometimes can’t be achieved due to manpower problems or other factors.

Like I said early knowing the limitations of your ladder is very important, as well as knowing what your ladder CAN do.  If the victim is near a window a RIT team can get them out by using the 16 foot roof ladder.

First, you send a firefighter through the window and located the down firefighter.  The window firefighter puts the ladder through the window, feet first.  The inside firefighter then puts the downed firefighter on their side on top of the ladder.  The inside firefighter then signals to the outside fighter that they are ready to get the downed firefighter out. The inside pushes up on the ladder as the outside firefighter pulls down until they are level.  (If the outside firefighter can’t reach the ladder, they can use a hook to pull down the ladder)  Then, the outside firefighter pulls the ladder as the inside firefighter pushes the ladder.  You may need a third firefighter or fourth to help get the ladder from window sill to the ground.  This is just another unique way your ladders can be used on the fire ground.

                                                       Conclusion

Having ladders on your rigs means you must train with them as you do any other important tool on the truck.  They are just as vital to fire ground operations as a Halligan and axe.  Get them out of the rigs, knock the dust off them, and see what you can do with them.  Raise them, lower them, move them, and get to know them.  Your victims and brothers will depend on them one day.

Credits

This information was obtained through a recent (2013) MAFFC and a class taught by LT’s. Mike Ciampo, F.D.N.Y and Matt Negedly of O.F.D (Orlando, FL)

Think Basic First and then COMPLEX. K.I.S.S.  KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID. You still have time to sign up.
Link Below. Class approved for 8 Hours towards Instructor renewal.

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Uncommon thoughts about commonly used suppression equipment:

“The Missing Tip” and Optimum Handline Flow in 2 ½-inch Hose

Author: Dennis J LeGear, Capt. Ret. Oakland Fire, CA

(Part I) The Need to Address Maximum Deployable
Handline Flow in 2 ½-inch Hose

There has been a flood of information over the last two decades in the fire service in regards to nozzles and flow rates. This has mainly focused on initial flows in 1¾-inch attack handlines. The significance of flow rate has been overlooked in 2½-inch handlines. Many interrelated factors indicate the need to address optimum 2½-inch handline flow rate. Several are: modern hydrocarbon fuel loads, rapid fire development, energy efficient building construction, reduced staffing, and longer fire development before initial extinguishment efforts. Taken together, these factors push the fire service to address the need to deliver more water through the initial attack handline. This situation begs the question, has a potentially very useful nozzle and flow rate been overlooked in the 2½-inch handline. To simplify the discussion, smooth bore tips are used as template examples with an ideal nozzle pressure of 50psi. The argument has been scientifically made and proven for water application in either a straight stream from a fog nozzle or, preferably, a solid stream, and that this represents today’s best practice for stream selection for structural fire extinguishment. The goal of this discussion is to address optimum flow rate. To be sidetracked into a debate regarding 30 degree fog vs. solid or straight stream would hinder this purpose.

“A Quantitative Approach to Selecting Nozzle Flow Rate and Stream” parts one and two by Jason N. Vestal and Eric A. Bridge (Oct 2010, Jan 2011; Fire Engineering) illustrates just how many influences there are in nozzle/stream selection and flow rate. Vestal and Bridge cite National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 recommendations that the sum of the flow of the first two handlines placed into operation at a structure fire be a minimum of 300 gpm, and that the first handline flow a minimum of 100 gpm. They discuss, at length, several National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) studies regarding flashover research, heat release rate, and the heat absorbing capacity of streams. This article represents the most detail-oriented and exhaustive look at effective initial handline flows and stream selection that I know of to date.

Vestal and Bridge also discuss nozzle reaction, stream quality, reach, penetration, type of stream, and unintentional reduction of gpm flow with an emphasis on kinks in the line. Heavily touched upon is the ability of crews to effectively manage and deploy handlines, focusing on nozzle pressure and nozzle reaction. Vestal and Bridge also make a strong case, citing a litany of research and data, that most first-due urban engine companies are arriving at the time of greatest concern in fire development: slightly before, at, or just after flash over. Reading both parts one and two is strongly recommended; for they represent a definitive scientific examination of what first arriving companies are facing today at most common residential structure fires.

Vestal and Bridge conclude that a minimum initial fire flow of 160 gpm is needed in 1 ¾-inch hose and based on kinks that reduce attained nozzle pressure on the fire ground they recommend a 15/16-inch smooth bore tip. This is a logical choice even though the 15/16-inch smooth bore tip is rated at 185 gpm at 50 psi, as a few kinks and or poor line management can reduce flow to around 160 gpm. Most of the discussion regarding handlines in the modern fire service has been centered on 1¾-inch hose because that is the size of line used most often. Logically, if there has been such a need for greater flow in the 1¾-inch attack handline, one must also examine the flow rate of the 2½-inch attack handline.

The two common smooth bore tip sizes used on 2½-inch attack handlines are 11/8-inch and 1¼-inch. Their respective flows at 50psi nozzle pressure are 266gpm and 328gpm. For reasons stated below, this article shall propose the consideration of a 1 3/16-inch smooth bore tip, which provides a flow of essential 300 gpm at 50 psi. (This flow and nozzle reaction could be achived by a fog nozzle designed to flow 300 gpm at 50 psi)

In the author’s fire service career, three things have dictated the choice of initial attack handlines. If a handline could not properly suppress a fire, based on the below principles, then the engine company would start an aggressive master stream attack with the goal of moving towards an interior operation, if viable, after initial knock down. The three guiding principles in decision-making are as follows:

1) Critical flow rate. William E. Clark’s principle of “critical flow rate”, described as the minimum flow in gpm needed to extinguish a given fire, is discussed in detail in his book Firefighting Principles and Practices (34). One must make sure the handline will, at the minimum, meet the “critical flow rate”. Optimally, the actual flow rate will far exceed the “critical flow rate”. This will lead to rapid knock down, thereby having the most life saving and property conserving potential. He went on to say, “When a fire continues to burn after water has been applied, it is for one of two reasons. Either the water is not reaching the burning material, or it is not being applied at a sufficient flow rate”

2) Hydraulics. Is the handline pumped properly? Is the flow attainable with the length of the stretch and the size of the hose? Is there adequate reach and penetration? David P. Fornell, in his Fire Stream Management Handbook, addresses these issues.

3) Deployability. Once the two above criteria have been met, does the handline have a nozzle reaction manageable by a reasonable number of personnel? Can it be advanced while flowing and maneuvered through a structure with inherit obstacles such as furniture, doors, staircases, etc. Fornell described, at length, the advantages of having the lowest possible nozzle reaction while still maintaining an effective stream. Retired FDNY Chief Vincent Dunn also expressed the strong opinion that flows in excess 300 gpm were of large caliber and considered master streams, in which mechanical aid should be provided to maintain adequate control and safety. (Dunn 102)

In this article the color scheme in most tables dictates that red highlighting represents negative consequences. The green highlights represent positive consequences. The yellow highlighting represents the limits of flow and nozzle reaction for handline operations. Below is Table #1. It includes five commonly used smooth bore tip sizes and the proposed 13/16-inch smooth bore tip. The two most commonly deployed smooth bore tips are the 7/8-inch tip and the 15/16-inch tip. Both are used on 1¾-inch attack handlines. Both meet the NFPA 1710 recommendation of 300gpm combined flow if two lines are pulled, pumped properly, and devoid of significant kinks. Respectively, they produce flows of 161gpm and 185gpm at 50psi nozzle pressure. Nozzle reaction and flow for the chart were calculated by the equations given at the bottom. In addition, those flows have been reproduced via flow test, plus or minus 5gpm by hand-held pitot gauge.

PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW for remainder of article and the ability to print. If your an Engine Guy, You need to read this. I appreciate Dennis taking the time to put it in print.

Nozzle Dreams.legeareditfinal2

Article By; Dennis Legear, Retired Oakland Fire Department

One day Seminar on Rescue Company Operations on Pensacola Beach, May 29, 2013. 0800-1700 Hours Class will cover all Rescue Company Operations to include: Advanced Vehicle Extrication, Elevator Entrapment, Farm Medic Entrapment,Grain Silo Recues, Trash Truck Entrapment, Machinery Extrication, Human trapped in hydraulic equipment, kids and vending machines/toys & bicycles, RIT on the Fire Ground & other incidents that require RIT operations. The Instructor has been involved in and responded to all of these type incidents and will cover based on extensive training and incident tested results. This beyond your normal Extrication Training Class. Class Size is limited. This is the First of this type class in the region and has been approved for 8 Hours of Instructor renewal ceus.

Pictures & Video of real incidents will be utilized in this fast passed class.

Main Speaker

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Curt has an extensive background in Rescue/Special Operations to include Chief of Special Operations for 7 years. Curt took his first extrication class in the summer of 1988 and has been intrigued with extrication & rescue operations ever since. Curt was a member of the Technical Rescue team during his 9 years with the Pensacola FD. He was assigned as the Lieutenant on a Heavy Rescue for 5 years and was assigned as a firefighter to the same Rescue before promotion to Lt. He also started his career in the volunteer ranks assigned to a Bread Truck convertited into a Heavy Rescue and contributed to many modifications and additions.

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Minimize all kinks with plenty of hose when wrapping hydrant.

When catching a hydrant always get plenty of LDH hose around the hydrant. It takes ten feet when catching a corner or 180 catch. It is very easy to come up short and create an unwanted kink or kinks that could cost you greatly in your available fire flow.

Also consider later arriving companies they may be blocked by supply line. When possible loop your LDH to the inside or soil side and not out into the street. The above photo is an example how the line can greatly close down a street. If we were to loop inside it would allow for more street access of later arriving companies.

A Firefighter’s Fire Chief! Congratulations Chief Grace

Chief Grace has over 35 years of experience in the American Fire Service. He brings a very diverse background in fire suppression and has a complete understanding of the way it is done all over the country and not just one way of running a department. He will operationally and administratively take ECFR to the next level. He will make the most out of the budget and give both the taxpayer and the firefighter what they deserve. He will enhance the operations on the fire ground. Chief Grace gets it and understands Fire Tactics extinguish FIRES!!! The FUTURE IS BRIGHT AT ECFR…..

This is a Great Day for Escambia County.

This was submitted by Engine 519 of Escambia County FIre Rescue.

Just an Easy key and knob lock. Don’t under estimate any door. We have seen storm doors give a brother a challenge. Take any and all doors serious.

A view from the inside. Not a real BIG DEAL, if you have a REAL SET of Irons and have trained properly. HAVE YOU TRAINED? Do you have a REAL SET of IRONS?Are you up for the Challenge? What if a Firefighter was trapped behind this SIMPLE DOOR?

Before the LDH was the main supply line, we used 2.5 and 3inch hose for supply. Most fire departments laid in or out and allmost always applied the clamp. Now with LDH the primary supply line in the American Fire Service, we just about in some places forgot about the clamp. The clamp is just as important today, as it was twenty or thirty years ago. The clamp keeps photos of your supply bed charged on FB. The clamp allows your driver to do other things and first utilize tank water. The clamp allows the hydrant firefighter to send water/charge the hydrant and then advance down to the scene. Once at the scene this is an additional firefighter that may assist the driver with final hook ups and release the clamp. So many times when the clamp is not applied, the hydrant firefighter is waiting to charge and delaying this firefighter from advancing down to the scene.

An additional note is that it sometimes takes two firefighters to break loose the LDH storz and the driver is all alone. If they were to clamp and allow hydrant firefighter to charge and move down; this would give the driver an additional firefighter to assist with the disconnect of the LDH storz.

So why not use the LDH CLAMP? Have you trained on it? Do you know where it is? Do you clamp everytime?

Has your FD ever charged the supply bed?