OK, we talk about the importance of laddering a building. The most important reason for getting this tactic accomplished early and properly is for the emergency exit of members operating on the interior. Take a look at the picture above. IN AN EMERGENCY, which ladders could you use and which one(s) would be a problem making an escape. Remember that if fire is chasing you out of the building, you will NOT be able to get high in a window opening, but will most likely be trying to crawl or slink out staying as low on the window sill as possible. Take a look also at what else should be done at window openings to which ladders are placed.(Courtesy of Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Coffman)
3 comments:
1. Ladder on the left. If you are going to take out a window take out the whole window. That would be the best positioned ladder with the worst opening to get out.
2. Ladder in the middle. Good for getting on the roof to work. Could be difficult to bail off the roof in a hurry. Hopefully the probie is footing it for you.
3. The ladder on the ground. Not doing anythign for you.
4. The ladder on the right. Great opening but too much ladder inside the window to make a rapid exit.
With the ever growing emphasis on firefighter safety, the tactical use of ground ladders has transitioned from traditionally being used for civilian rescue and egress to a more practical and likely application of firefighter egress. I do believe we could do a little better job of deploying ground ladders, although we do an okay job, I think a little more time and effort needs to be devoted to ground ladder deployment. I think everyone can agree that truck company staffing levels are one of the system's shortcomings, although the addition of a second ladder truck to every box alarm has alleviated some of the issues caused by staffing shortfalls. There are many resources on the scene that can assist with ground ladder deployment. In most cases the attack pumper chauffeur can place his/her two ground ladders upon arrival. Although there are many different schools of thought on this, I believe the RIT company should take a proactive approach and assist with ground ladder deployment if possible. I think one of the best examples of ladder work I have seen recently was from a garden apartment fire in PG on Edmonston Road, almost every window and balcony on the apartment building has ladders going to them. Anyways enough rambling, now I will offer my opinion on the scenario presented in the picture. The ladders thrown to the windows are going to be used for rescue or egress, so the tip of the ladders should be at the window sill. Too much ladder in the window or above the sill may inhibit the ability to exit efficiently. Also I believe windows need to be completely cleared out, sash and all. Some say to leave the sash intact if a ground ladder is not in place at the window, however I do not buy into this theory and practice. If I get into a situation that I need to call for a ground ladder to be placed at a unladdered window so I can exit, I do not want to have to spend any extra time removing the sash. Or if things really get bad and I need to get out via a personal escape device or utilizing the hang-and-drop method, I wouldn't want anything obstructing my exit. Also if we are utilizing ground ladders for firefighter egress, we should strive to make the angles a little more friendly than 75 degrees. Another side note in reference to the picture, it appears to have been a second floor fire however if you had decent smoke conditions or fire on the first floor, the RIT company or Truck chauffeurs should be cognizant of the bars on the windows and remove them. Thanks and Stay Safe! Keep up the great work with the website!
The first two submissions do a good job at pointing out important considerations for ground ladders. I only have the following to add...
I am in full agreement to clear the entire window opening, bars, glass, screens, drapes, sash, and any vertical cross members. The house will either be torn down and rebuilt or renovated, new window assemblies will be addressed and installed. The opening should be as large as we can practically make it.
Also, this goes back to recruit school, ground ladders on engines and trucks are different. In most instances, truck ladders are designed with a larger space between the left and right beams to accommodate rescues. Keep this in mind, and if given the option, go with a truck ladder.
Consideration for the ladder angle should be given, especially if the potential exists for a ladder bail out. I realize this will probably require changes in policy before this catches on fully.
In circumstances where you can expect a rescue from a window, consider placing two or even three ground ladders side by side to create a wider work area and and to allow more than one firefighter to assist without getting in the way.
While the emphasis on ground ladders seems to have shifted from civilian rescue and escape to firefighter rescue and escape, remember that our laddering has to take into account both firefighters and civilians. The easier we make it for both groups the better.
Be Safe!
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