Vent Enter Search

Know Your Aerial

Eric — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 16:30:24 +0000

Matt Leonard from Montgomery County (MD) Fire Rescue Station 3 submitted this awesome document measuring their 2019 Seagrave 95′ Aerialscope – Which happens to be one of our favorite tower ladder brands.

After the department purchased a new aerial, we wanted to know it’s exact measurements in different configurations. We used a 100’ tape to measure the reach of the aerial fully retracted and fully extended when at an angle of -8*, 0*, 45*, and 72*; including 20* over the cab. The aerial in question is a 2019 Seagrave 95’ Aerialscope and this article is not a knock or praise for said brand, rather just to demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of aerials. We took two types of measurements, 1) platform distance from the apparatus where we attached the tape to the tread plate by the outrigger and measured out to the end of the platform; and 2) platform distance from the ground where the tape was attached to the top of the rub rail (which is also the same level you stand) and measure down to ground level.

This specific aerial has a Cab Avoidance feature which prevents the aerial from contacting the cab. The computer limits the operation within a certain degree from both sides and while overtop the cab. A Ladder Override switch is available and will allow you to move into this zone (and to crush the cab) if needed.

With the Cab Avoidance activated automatically by the computer, the lift cylinder stops well short of the cab preventing contact. Activating the Ladder Override switch will allow continued movement. However, to put into perspective how much extra travel is available prior to near contact while at full extension, the image below was taken from the turntable, looking to the officer side. The cone on the right indicates the location the Cab Avoidance activated, and the cone on the left indicating how much greater travel is available while activating the Ladder Override and stopping just prior to cab contact.

The image below better visualizes the Cab Avoidance zones. The red lines indicate the activation point, with the yellow lines indicating how much extra travel you have prior to near cab contact. Knowing you have a certain extra amount of travel is beneficial when you do not have the time or opportunity to stop and check your distance while operating the aerial in an emergency situation.

Again, this article is not to knock any manufacture. All tools and equipment have limitations. The point is to know what you’re working with and able to accomplish with the tools at hand given their weak points. While not every number may be critical or remembered, knowing and memorizing the big numbers is key. NOTE: All measurements were obtained in a parking lot and not perfectly flat ground with the apparatus superstructure fully deployed. Should you attempt the same measurements with a similar apparatus, expect some variations of these numbers.

The post Know Your Aerial appeared first on Vent Enter Search.

Auto Lock 8

Eric — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:35:13 +0000

Chris Tosches from the Framingham (MA) Fire Department submitted this personal bailout kit!

The bailout kit is attached to his waist belt with a figure 8 in auto lock mode and also doubles as a lanyard for tasks such as roof work. The 8 in auto lock mode is a trick he picked up during his time doing tree work. It’s a simple and cheap way to rig a bailout kit. As the video shows, to start the descent; you simply pull down on the 8. To stop; let the 8 go. Thank you Chris for this great submission!

The post Auto Lock 8 appeared first on Vent Enter Search.

Shoring Props

Eric — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 13:53:53 +0000

Firefighter Maekin Healy from the Santa Clara (CA) Fire Department submitted these amazing shoring props!

These props serve as a tabletop visual, representing the most common shores built. They are built roughly to 1/4 scale and include straight, T, L, and End shores.

These props have been useful reminders for our department and neighboring jurisdictions, with recent changes to the trench curriculum and the infrequency of trench drills. We typically use these at the beginning of our drills to knock the rust off and review our trench numbers, regulations, spacing, etc.

We think these are a great addition to any Special Operations training division, Great job SCFD!

The post Shoring Props appeared first on Vent Enter Search.

Riding Boards

Eric — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 17:23:24 +0000

Continuing on our current topics, we are sharing a unique riding assignment board. Before we get into what makes this particular board unique, lets talk about what benefits these boards offer.

Posting riding assignments in a conspicuous place is helpful to remind everyone who’s assigned to each task, and even helps ensure that the assignments will actually be used on the fireground. During roll calls, conversations or even quick training drills can spin from the board. This is also a great company project to instill pride and ownership.

This board is made with a metal backboard and wooden trim. The metal was then painted with chalkboard paint to give it a traditional look. The companies involved in the build wanted a traditional look with a unique function. Magnets with labels on them were added to show the different task each seat is responsible for. The magnets allow the user to move around task depending on who is riding the seat for the day. This is particularly useful for departments that have members rotating seats and rigs often.

The video below shows an example.

Now go out and build your assignment board! Remember, customize it to your specific SOG’s, staffing, response models, etc.

The post Riding Boards appeared first on Vent Enter Search.

Riding Assignments

Eric — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 18:44:00 +0000

Riding assignments are one of the simplest methods to increase your efficiency and effectiveness on the fireground. They should be thought-out ahead of time, put in writing, trained on, used on every incident and on every apparatus. The utilization of riding assignments ensures that critical tasks are getting done in the most efficient way, at the most appropriate times, and helps minimize redundancy of efforts. In order to make riding assignments truly effective for your organization, they need to be customized for your specific needs (apparatus, staffing, equipment, building construction, response time, etc.)

Below is an example of a riding/tool assignments used by Winter Park (FL) Truck Company 61. These assignments are broken into two formats, one listed by call type and the other listed by seat assigned. Both formats have been placed in an organized folder for each member to reference. The first few pages in the booklet are listed by call type and the tabbed sections are listed by seat assigned. The tabbed pages work well for companies where members frequently rotate seats and is an organized way to assist them in disseminating the information.

Example: Say you are assigned to the driver seat for the shift, just turn to the driver tab and review the tool/assignments for the driver only.

Obviously, riding assignments are customizable and can be more or less detailed than the example below.

Click Here if you would like to download a PDF copy of Winter Park Truck 61’s riding assignments listed by call.

Click Here if you would like to download a PDF copy of Winter Park Truck 61’s riding assignment listed by seat assigned.

Click Here if you would like to download a PDF copy of Winter Park Engine Company riding assignment.

WPFD Truck 61 Riding Assignments

(By Call Type)

Residential and Commercial Fire

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Forcible entry, primary search, locating the fire, report interior fire conditions
- Secondary Functions: Overhaul
- Tools Carried: Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Large commercial or residential structures consider large area search rope

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Forcible entry, primary search, locating and confining the fire (water can and/or closing the fire room door)
- Secondary Functions: Overhaul
- Tools Carried: Irons, water can, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Commercial structures consider Rex Tool and though-the-lock bag for glass store fronts.Also consider the Hydra-RAM for apartments, college dorms, and hospitals

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position apparatus for aerial operations, Vent Enter Search (VES), force rear door, ground ladder operations, roof operations, aerial operations
- Tools Carried for Primary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, ground ladder(s), flashlight, saw (roof operations or fortified entry), or other tools deemed necessary
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge
- Secondary Functions: Secondary search, salvage, overhaul
- Tools Carried for Secondary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight, salvage tarps, interior lighting, extension cords, junction box, or other tools deemed necessary

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Vent Enter Search (VES), Outside Vent (OV), ground ladder operations, report fire conditions in the rear, roof operations
- Tools Carried for Primary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, ground ladder(s), flashlight, saw (roof operations or fortified entry), or other tools deemed necessary
  - Commercial structures consider 55” halligan
- Secondary Functions: Secondary search, salvage, overhaul
- Tools Carried for Secondary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight, salvage tarps, Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fan, 5-Gas monitor, or other tools deemed necessary

High-Rise Fire

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Locating the fire floor, report interior fire conditions, determine evacuation stairs, establish refuge room (often room across from fire room), forcible entry, primary search
- Secondary Functions: Overhaul
- Tools Carried: Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Large commercial or residential structures consider large area search rope

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Forcible entry, primary search, locating and confining the fire (water can and/or closing fire room door)
- Secondary Functions: Overhaul
- Tools Carried: Irons, water can, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Commercial structures consider Rex Tool and through-the-lock bag for glass store fronts.Also consider the Hydra-RAM for apartments, college dorms and hospitals

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position apparatus for aerial operations, aerial operations, report interior fire conditions on floor above fire, primary search on floor above fire, Vent Enter Search (VES), ground ladder operations, forcible entry (bulkhead door or roof hatch), roof operations, roof rescue
- Tools Carried for Primary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, ground ladder(s), flashlight, saw (roof operations or fortified entry), or other tools deemed necessary
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge

Secondary Functions: Secondary search of the fire floor, salvage, overhaul
Tools Carried for Secondary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight, salvage tarps, interior lighting, extension cords, generator or junction box, or other tools deemed necessary

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Aerial operations, report interior fire conditions on floor above fire, primary search on floor above fire, Vent Enter Search (VES), ground ladder operations, forcible entry (bulkhead door or roof hatch), roof operations, roof rescue
- Tools Carried for Primary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, ground ladder(s), flashlight, roof rescue bag, saw (roof operations or fortified entry), or other tools deemed necessary
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge
- Secondary Functions: Secondary search of the fire floor, salvage, overhaul
- Tools Carried for Secondary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight, salvage tarps, Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fan, 5-Gas monitor, or other tools deemed necessary

Automatic Fire Alarm (Investigation)

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: On scene report (if first due), gain entry, report interior conditions, report Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) indication, determine a cause for alarm, assist occupants in FACP reset, confirm reset with monitoring agency
- Tools Carried: Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Gain entry to building Lock Box, assist officer in determining a cause for alarm, reset any manual pull stations, assist occupants in FACP reset
- Tools Carried: Irons, water can, Lox Box key, flashlight
  - If Lock Box or responder is unavailable, consider Rex Tool and through-the-Lock bag

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position apparatus for aerial operations, 360 of building(s), report exterior conditions, report conditions on upper floors, assist in determining a cause for alarm
- Tools Carried: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: 360 of building(s), report exterior conditions, report conditions on upper floors, assist in determining a cause for alarm
- Tools Carried: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge

Auto Accident with Entrapment

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Determine and announce an extrication plan, stabilize vehicle(s), secure battery, remove glass, remove interior trim, operations safety
- Tools Carried: Cribbing and/or struts, patient cover tarp, hard plastic patient protection board, or other tools deemed necessary

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Stabilize vehicle(s), secure battery, protection of patient with tarp and hard board, remove glass, remove interior trim, assist in hydraulic operations
- Tools Carried: Irons, Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC) Kit, cribbing and/or struts, Rhyno Tool, or other tools deemed necessary

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position Apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing extrication area, scene lighting, hydraulic operations, tie back rigger
- Tools Carried: Cutters, Sawzall, straps/slings, come-along, extension cord, electrical junction box, or other tools deemed necessary

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Hydraulic Operations
- Tools Carried: Hydraulic Power Unit, Hydraulic Lines, Spreaders, or other tools deemed necessary

Gas Leak

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Determine location, size, and type of leak; evacuate building (interior leak), establish a HOT ZONE, mitigate any ignition sources, operations safety
- Tools Carried: Shovel or other tools deemed necessary

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Evacuate building (interior leak), gain access to leak, secure gas meter shut off valve (interior leak), mitigate leak
- Tools Carried: Irons, 5-GAS monitor, shovel, or other tools deemed necessary

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, evacuate adjacent structures, gain access to leak, mitigate leak
- Tools Carried: Shovel, Mustang clamp, or other tools deemed necessary

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Evacuate adjacent structures, gain access to leak, mitigate leak
- Tools Carried: Shovel, gas leak kit, or other tools deemed necessary

Elevator Rescue

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Determine location of elevator car, make verbal contact with occupant(s), confirm power is secured, operations safety
- Tools Carried: Flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Secure pit and/or elevator car power, gain access to elevator car, remove occupant(s)
- Tools Carried: Irons, elevator keys, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Locate and gain access to elevator equipment room, secure main power to elevator, lower/level elevator (hydraulic elevator), remove occupant(s)
- Tools Carried: 6’ New York hook, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Locate and gain access to elevator equipment room, secure main power to elevator, coordinate the lowering/leveling of elevator (hydraulic elevator) with officer, remove occupant(s)
- Tools Carried: Halligan, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary

Special Operations

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions:
  - High Angle: Determine location of patient(s), make verbal contact with patient(s), determine equipment and personnel needed, develop and announce rescue/rigging plan, operations safety
  - Confined Space: Determine location of patient(s), make contact with job site foreman (construction site), determine equipment and personnel needed, develop and announce rescue/rigging plan, operations safety
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Determine location of patient(s), make verbal contact with patient(s), determine equipment and personnel needed, develop and announce rescue/rigging plan, operations safety
  - Man-in-Machine: Determine location of patient(s), make verbal contact with patient(s), determine equipment and personnel needed, develop and announce rescue/rigging plan, confirm power is secured, operations safety
- Tools Carried:
  - High Angle: 2 Aztecs, patient harness bag, edge roller, class III harness bag, webbing bag, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Confined Space: Air lines, patient harness bag, hardboard, class III harness bag, webbing bag, search camera, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Patient harness bag, class III harness bag, webbing bag, cribbing, search camera, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Man-in-Machine: Cribbing, search camera, or other tools deemed necessary

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions:
  - High Angle: Rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Confined Space: Rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Forcible entry, rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Man-in-Machine: Secure power to machinery, rescuer, removal of patient(s)
- Tools Carried:
  - High Angle: 2 rescuer bags, 200’ rope bag, 2 spare technical rescue helmets, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Confined Space: 2 rescuer bags, 200’ rope bag, 2 spare technical rescue helmets, 4 confine space escape packs, lockout-tagout box, 5-GAS monitor, 2 SCBA cylinders, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Irons, 2 rescuer bags, 200’ rope bag, 2 spare technical rescue helmets, lockout-tagout box, 5-GAS monitor, cribbing, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Man-in-Machine: Irons, 2 rescuer bags, 2 spare technical rescue helmets, lockout-tagout box, cribbing, or other tools deemed necessary

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions:
  - High Angle: Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, aerial operations, rigger, hauler, removal of patient(s)
  - Confined Space: Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, aerial operations, rigger, anchor rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, aerial operations, rigger, cut station operator, removal of patient(s)
  - Man-in-Machine: Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, aerial operations, rigger, removal of patient(s)
- Tools Carried:
  - High Angle: Stokes basket with bag, rigging bag, 400’ rope bag, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Confined Space: Tripod, rigging bag, air cart, air lines, extension cords, generator or electrical junction box, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Stokes basket with bag, rigging bag, 400’ rope bag, high pressure air bag regulator box, Petrogen torch, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Man-in-Machine: Extension cords, generator or electrical junction box, Petrogen torch, or other tools deemed necessary

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions:
  - High Angle: Hauler, removal of patient(s)
  - Confined Space: Rescuer, hauler, removal of patient(s)
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Stabilize trench or building material, rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Man-in-Machine: Stabilize machinery, rescuer, removal of patient(s)
- Tools Carried:
  - High Angle: Stokes basket with bag, 200’ rope bag, 400’ rope bag, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Confined Space: 4:1 rope bag, 200’ rope bag, 400’ rope bag, ventilation fan(s), air lines, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Stokes basket with bag, 200’ rope bag, 400’ rope bag, ventilation fan(s), air struts, high pressure air bags, saw, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Man-in-Machine: Man-in-Machine kit, saw, or other tools deemed necessary

WPFD Truck 61 Riding Assignments

(By Seat Assigned)

OFFICER

Residential and Commercial Fire

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Forcible entry, primary search, locating the fire, report interior fire conditions
- Secondary Functions: Overhaul
- Tools Carried: Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Large commercial or residential structures consider large area search rope

High-Rise Fire

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Locating the fire floor, report interior fire conditions, determine evacuation stairs, establish refuge room (often room across from fire room), forcible entry, primary search
- Secondary Functions: Overhaul
- Tools Carried: Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Large commercial or residential structures consider large area search rope

Automatic Fire Alarm (Investigation)

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: On scene report (if first due), gain entry, report interior conditions, report Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) indication, determine a cause for alarm, assist occupants in FACP reset, confirm reset with monitoring agency
- Tools Carried: Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight

Auto Accident with Entrapment

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Determine and announce an extrication plan, stabilize vehicle(s), secure battery, remove glass, remove interior trim, operations safety
- Tools Carried: Cribbing and/or struts, patient cover tarp, hard plastic patient protection board, or other tools deemed necessary

Gas Leak

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Determine location, size, and type of leak; evacuate building (interior leak), establish a HOT ZONE, mitigate any ignition sources, operations safety
- Tools Carried: Shovel or other tools deemed necessary

Elevator Rescue

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions: Determine location of elevator car, make verbal contact with occupant(s), confirm power is secured, operations safety
- Tools Carried: Flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary

Special Operations

Officer (Inside Truck 61) Radio designation of Truck 61
- Primary Functions:
  - High Angle: Determine location of patient(s), make verbal contact with patient(s), determine equipment and personnel needed, develop and announce rescue/rigging plan, operations safety
  - Confined Space: Determine location of patient(s), make contact with job site foreman (construction site), determine equipment and personnel needed, develop and announce rescue/rigging plan, operations safety
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Determine location of patient(s), make verbal contact with patient(s), determine equipment and personnel needed, develop and announce rescue/rigging plan, operations safety
  - Man-in-Machine: Determine location of patient(s), make verbal contact with patient(s), determine equipment and personnel needed, develop and announce rescue/rigging plan, confirm power is secured, operations safety
- Tools Carried:
  - High Angle: 2 Aztecs, patient harness bag, edge roller, class III harness bag, webbing bag, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Confined Space: Air lines, patient harness bag, hardboard, class III harness bag, webbing bag, search camera, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Patient harness bag, class III harness bag, webbing bag, cribbing, search camera, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Man-in-Machine: Cribbing, search camera, or other tools deemed necessary

IRONS

Residential and Commercial Fire

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Forcible entry, primary search, locating and confining the fire (water can and/or closing the fire room door)
- Secondary Functions: Overhaul
- Tools Carried: Irons, water can, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Commercial structures consider Rex Tool and though-the-lock bag for glass store fronts.Also consider the Hydra-RAM for apartments, college dorms, and hospitals

High-Rise Fire

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Forcible entry, primary search, locating and confining the fire (water can and/or closing fire room door)
- Secondary Functions: Overhaul
- Tools Carried: Irons, water can, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Commercial structures consider Rex Tool and through-the-lock bag for glass store fronts.Also consider the Hydra-RAM for apartments, college dorms, and hospitals

Automatic Fire Alarm (Investigation)

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Gain entry to building Lock Box, assist officer in determining a cause for alarm, reset any manual pull stations, assist occupants in FACP reset
- Tools Carried: Irons, water can, Lock Box key flashlight
  - If Lock Box or responder is unavailable, consider Rex Tool and through-the-Lock bag

Auto Accident with Entrapment

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Stabilize vehicle(s), secure battery, protection of patient with tarp and hard board, remove glass, remove interior trim, assist in hydraulic operations
- Tools Carried: Irons, Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC) Kit, cribbing and/or struts, Rhyno Tool, or other tools deemed necessary

Gas Leak

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Evacuate building (interior leak), gain access to leak, secure gas meter shut off valve (interior leak), mitigate leak
- Tools Carried: Irons, 5-GAS monitor, shovel, or other tools deemed necessary

Elevator Rescue

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions: Secure pit and/or elevator car power, gain access to elevator car, remove occupant(s)
- Tools Carried: Irons, elevator keys, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary

Special Operations

Firefighter (Inside Truck 61) When working away from Truck 61’s Officer, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Irons
- Primary Functions:
  - High Angle: Rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Confined Space: Rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Forcible entry, rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Man-in-Machine: Secure power to machinery, rescuer, removal of patient(s)

Tools Carried:
- High Angle: 2 rescuer bags, 200’ rope bag, 2 spare technical rescue helmets, or other tools deemed necessary
- Confined Space: 2 rescuer bags, 200’ rope bag, 2 spare technical rescue helmets, 4 confine space escape packs, lockout-tagout box, 5-GAS monitor, 2 SCBA cylinders, or other tools deemed necessary
- Collapse (Building or Trench): Irons, 2 rescuer bags, 200’ rope bag, 2 spare technical rescue helmets, lockout-tagout box, 5-GAS monitor, cribbing, or other tools deemed necessary
- Man-in-Machine: Irons, 2 rescuer bags, 2 spare technical rescue helmets, lockout-tagout box, cribbing, or other tools deemed necessary

DRIVER

Residential and Commercial Fire

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position apparatus for aerial operations, Vent Enter Search (VES), force rear door, ground ladder operations, roof operations, aerial operations
- Tools Carried for Primary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, ground ladder(s), flashlight, saw (roof operations or fortified entry), or other tools deemed necessary
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge
- Secondary Functions: Secondary search, salvage, overhaul
- Tools Carried for Secondary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight, salvage tarps, interior lighting, extension cords, junction box, or other tools deemed necessary

High-Rise Fire

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position apparatus for aerial operations, aerial operations, report interior fire conditions on floor above fire, primary search on floor above fire, Vent Enter Search (VES), ground ladder operations, forcible entry (bulkhead door or roof hatch), roof operations, roof rescue
- Tools Carried for Primary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, ground ladder(s), flashlight, saw (roof operations or fortified entry), or other tools deemed necessary
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge
Secondary Functions: Secondary search of the fire floor, salvage, overhaul
Tools Carried for Secondary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight, salvage tarps, interior lighting, extension cords, generator or junction box, or other tools deemed necessary

Automatic Fire Alarm (Investigation)

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position apparatus for aerial operations, 360 of building(s), report exterior conditions, report conditions on upper floors, assist in determining a cause for alarm
- Tools Carried: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight, Lock Box key
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge

Auto Accident with Entrapment

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position Apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing extrication area, scene lighting, hydraulic operations, tie back rigger
- Tools Carried: Cutters, Sawzall, straps/slings, come-along, extension cord, electrical junction box, or other tools deemed necessary

Gas Leak

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, evacuate adjacent structures, gain access to leak, mitigate leak
- Tools Carried: Mustang clamp or other tools deemed necessary

Elevator Rescue

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions: Locate and gain access to elevator equipment room, secure main power to elevator, lower/level elevator (hydraulic elevator), remove occupant(s)
- Tools Carried: 6’ New York hook, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary

Special Operations

Driver (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Driver
- Primary Functions:
  - High Angle: Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, aerial operations, rigger, hauler, removal of patient(s)
  - Confined Space: Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, aerial operations, rigger, anchor rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, aerial operations, rigger, cut station operator, removal of patient(s)
  - Man-in-Machine: Position apparatus- blocking the scene with rescue compartments facing work area, scene lighting, aerial operations, rigger, removal of patient(s)
- Tools Carried:
  - High Angle: Stokes basket with bag, rigging bag, 400’ rope bag, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Confined Space: Tripod, rigging bag, air cart, air lines, extension cords, generator or electrical junction box, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Stokes basket with bag, rigging bag, 400’ rope bag, high pressure air bag regulator box, Petrogen torch, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Man-in-Machine: Extension cords, generator or electrical junction box, Petrogen torch, or other tools deemed necessary

TILLER OPERATOR

Residential and Commercial Fire

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Vent Enter Search (VES), Outside Vent (OV), ground ladder operations, report fire conditions in the rear, roof operations
- Tools Carried for Primary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, ground ladder(s), flashlight, saw (roof operations or fortified entry), or other tools deemed necessary
  - Commercial structures consider 55” Halligan
- Secondary Functions: Secondary search, salvage, overhaul
- Tools Carried for Secondary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight, salvage tarps, Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fan, 5-Gas monitor, or other tools deemed necessary

High-Rise Fire

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Aerial operations, report interior fire conditions on floor above fire, primary search on floor above fire, Vent Enter Search (VES), ground ladder operations, forcible entry (bulkhead door or roof hatch), roof operations, roof rescue
- Tools Carried for Primary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, ground ladder(s), flashlight, roof rescue bag, saw (roof operations or fortified entry), or other tools deemed necessary
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge
- Secondary Functions: Secondary search of the fire floor, salvage, overhaul
- Tools Carried for Secondary Functions: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight, salvage tarps, Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fan, 5-Gas monitor, or other tools deemed necessary

Automatic Fire Alarm (Investigation)

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: 360 of building(s), report exterior conditions, report conditions on upper floors, assist in determining a cause for alarm
- Tools Carried: 6’ New York hook, Halligan, flashlight
  - Consider a striking tool, i.e. pig, flat head axe, or sledge

Auto Accident with Entrapment

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Hydraulic Operations
- Tools Carried: Hydraulic Power Unit, Hydraulic Lines, Spreaders, or other tools deemed necessary

Gas Leak

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Evacuate adjacent structures, gain access to leak, mitigate leak
- Tools Carried: Gas leak kit or other tools deemed necessary

Elevator Rescue

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions: Locate and gain access to elevator equipment room, secure main power to elevator, coordinate the lowering/leveling of elevator (hydraulic elevator) with officer, remove occupant(s)
- Tools Carried: Halligan, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary

Special Operations

Tiller Operator (Outside Truck 61): When working on individual assignments, radio designation becomes Truck 61 Tiller
- Primary Functions:
  - High Angle: Hauler, removal of patient(s)
  - Confined Space: Rescuer, hauler, removal of patient(s)
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Stabilize trench or building material, rescuer, removal of patient(s)
  - Man-in-Machine: Stabilize machinery, rescuer, removal of patient(s)
- Tools Carried:
  - High Angle: Stokes basket with bag, 200’ rope bag, 400’ rope bag, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Confined Space: 4:1 rope bag, 200’ rope bag, 400’ rope bag, ventilation fan(s), air lines, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Collapse (Building or Trench): Stokes basket with bag, 200’ rope bag, 400’ rope bag, ventilation fan(s), air struts, high pressure air bags, saw, or other tools deemed necessary
  - Man-in-Machine: Man-in-Machine kit, saw, or other tools deemed necessary

WPFD Engine Company Riding Assignments

Residential and Commercial Fire

Officer: Radio designation of Engine 6#
- 1^st Due: On scene report, determine attack mode, information gathering from occupants and/or bystanders, determine length and size of attack line, 360 of fire building, determine entry point for initial attack line, forcible entry if necessary, report interior conditions, back-up nozzle firefighter, search immediate fire area
- 2^nd Due: Spot proper hydrant (Consider- under 500 feet, forward lay. Over 500 feet, reverse lay), determine length, size, and entry location for secondary line; assist in fire attack, back-up nozzle firefighter
- 3^rd Due: Assume Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) functions unless determined otherwise by command
- Tools Carried for 1^st Due: Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 2^nd Due: Thermal Image Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 3^rd Due: Reference RIT SOG or flashlight and tool of choice if assigned to something other than RIT

Driver: Radio designation of Engine 6# Driver
- 1^st Due: Proper placement of apparatus, consider aerial placement, pump and determine water supply possibilities
- 2^nd Due: Spot proper hydrant (Consider- under 500 feet, forward lay. Over 500 feet, reverse lay), assist 1^st Due Engine with securing a water supply, don full PPE with SCBA and join crew for assignment, NOTE: If reverse lay is being used, properly relay pump attack Engine
- 3^rd Due: Don full PPE with SCBA and assume Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) functions unless determined otherwise by command or join crew for additional assignments
- Tools Carried for 2^nd Due: At least one hand tool of choice i.e. hook, halligan, axe or pig, and flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 3^rd Due Functions (RIT): Reference RIT SOG or flashlight and tool of choice if assigned to something other than RIT

Firefighter: Radio designation of Engine 6# Tailboard
- 1^st Due: Pull proper attack line to appropriate location, forcible entry if necessary, fire attack, protect the search crews
- 2^nd Due: Catch hydrant (If a forward lay is used) and/or assist in securing a water to 1^st due Engine, pull secondary attack line, assist in fire attack, protect means of egress
- 3^rd Due: Assume Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) functions unless determined otherwise by command
- Tools Carried for 1^st Due: Nozzle, irons, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 2^nd Due: Hydrant bag, supply line, nozzle, irons, flashlight, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 3^rd Due: Reference RIT SOG or flashlight and tool of choice if assigned to something other than RIT

High-Rise and Standpipe Equipped Building Fire

Officer: Radio designation of Engine 6#
- 1^st Due: On scene report, information gathering from occupants and/or bystanders, consider utilizing FACP to help determine location, determine and announce if operating off of the engine or building standpipe, locate fire and determine what standpipe connection to utilize, announce your attack point/ attack stairwell, fire attack, force entry if necessary, search immediate fire area
- 2^nd Due: Determine location of initial attack line, determine if the first line is in service, connect to standpipe below attack line, assist in fire attack, protect means of egress
- 3^rd Due: Determine location of attack stairwell, stage equipment two floors below fire floor, assume Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) on the floor below fire attack
- Tools Carried for 1^st Due: Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight, nozzle high-rise section, Hydra-Ram (Engine 62), or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 2^nd Due: Thermal Image Camera (TIC), hook, flashlight, nozzle high-rise section, 50’ of 3” to extend standpipe connection from 2 floors below, high-rise bag, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 3^rd Due: Reference RIT SOG or flashlight and tool of choice if assigned to something other than RIT

Driver: Radio designation of Engine 6# Driver
- 1^st Due: Proper placement of apparatus for ease of equipment deployment, consider aerial placement, don full PPE, investigate with crew, assume control position at standpipe connection, initial accountability
- 2^nd Due: Proper placement of apparatus for ease of equipment deployment, consider aerial placement, assume lobby control
- 3^rd Due: Proper placement of apparatus to made FDC connection and establish a water supply, connect dual lines to FDC, notify command and standby to charge FDC system
- Tools Carried for 1^st Due: High-rise bag, high-rise hose bundle, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 2^nd Due: Lock box keys, elevator service keys, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 3^rd Due Functions: Equipment deemed necessary to make and establish FDC connection and establish water supply, or other tools deemed necessary

Firefighter: Radio designation of Engine 6# Tailboard
- 1^st Due: Investigate with crew to find proper attack point, deploy and prepare hose for fire attack, forcible entry if necessary, fire attack, protect search crews
- 2^nd Due: Determine if the first line is in service, connect to standpipe below initial line, deploy and prepare second line, assist in fire attack, protect means of egress
- 3^rd Due: Assume Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) functions unless determined otherwise by command, stage all equipment two floors below fire floor
- Tools Carried for 1^st Due: Irons, flashlight, high-rise hose bundle, water can if investigation mode is likely, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 2^nd Due: Irons, flashlight, high-rise hose bundle, or other tools deemed necessary
- Tools Carried for 3^rd Due: Reference RIT SOG or flashlight and tool of choice if assigned to something other than RIT

Auto Accident

Officer: Radio designation of Engine 6#
- Minor to Moderate Accident: On scene report, assess damage and immediate hazards, determine resources needed
- Entrapment: On scene report, assess damage and immediate hazards, direct incoming resources for vehicle positioning and equipment needed, begin stabilization, assist in extrication
- Tools Carried: Situational dependent

Driver: Radio designation of Engine 6# Driver
- Minor to Moderate Accident: Proper placement of apparatus to protect the scene, assist in vehicle hazards, assist in patient care
- Entrapment: Proper placement of apparatus to protect the scene, consider Truck Company placement and possible tie-back, assist in pulling and charging of safety line, ready pro-pack if needed, assist with equipment
- Tools Carried: Situational dependent

Firefighter: Radio designation of Engine 6# Tailboard
- Minor to Moderate Accident: Ensure all vehicles are made safe (in park, motor off, secure battery if necessary), assist in patient care, attend to fluids
- Entrapment: Pull bumper line, begin stabilization, assist in extrication, possible manpower for patient care and/or transport
- Tools Carried: Situational dependent; Irons and MVA kit at minimum, or other tools deemed necessary

Gas Leak

Officer: Radio designation of Engine 6#
- Tasks: Determine the location, size, and type of leak, assist in pulling a line with fog nozzle for crew protection, assume 2 out, assist as needed
- Tools Carried: Shovel, Mustang clamp, or other tools deemed necessary

Driver: Radio designation of Engine 6#
- Tasks: Proper placement of apparatus, assist in pulling and charging a line with fog nozzle for crew protection, consider a water supply if extended operation or within hand jack distance, provide equipment as needed

Firefighter: Radio designation of Engine 6# Tailboard
- Tasks: Pull a line with a fog nozzle for crew protection, assume 2 out, assist as needed
- Tools Carried: Nozzle, gas monitor, shovel, gas leak bag, or other tools deemed necessary

The post Riding Assignments appeared first on Vent Enter Search.

High Vis RIT

Eric — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 16:05:34 +0000

Matt Leonard from Montgomery County (MD) Fire Rescue Station 3 submitted this high vis idea!

Matt was going over the RIT pack and thought of all the important parts being dull black in color was not helping should we need to deploy in a mayday. Doing a RIT drill usually involves ‘blacking out’ your facepiece to make the drill difficult. Real world, even if you have to hold the line directly up to your face, you are most likely able to see through the dark and smoke with the help of flashlights.

His first though was to attach a flashlight to the end of the airline but that may make the airline get caught up on objects. Then Matt thought to simply wrap the air lines in reflective materials. Searching the internet, you can obtain the same reflective material that is on your bunker gear, but it’s much more expensive than the polyester material used in traffic vests. Since he was just testing this theory on his own dime, Matt bought 9’ of 2” wide green/silver reflective polyester.

The reflective material was wrapped in a corkscrew manor from one end of the air line to the other and held in place with vinyl Scotchlite. Even though the reflective material is only attached by only two pieces of reflective tape, it had minimal movement on the airline and ultimately stayed in place after working the air lines with a hand.

Matt hopes to test it out in the near future. If this intrigues you, we hope you conduct drills yourself to find out if this is a practical option. Or, if there are any other similar aftermarket practices out there, please share.

The post High Vis RIT appeared first on Vent Enter Search.

Charlie Side Apartment

Eric — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:11:23 +0000

Sean Parker from the Leesburg (FL) Fire Department Engine Co. 62 submitted a hidden apartment building while out in their district. As you can see in the first picture, from the road, it appears just a strip mall of businesses present.

However, if you continue down the small road next to the strip mall it takes you back to the Charlie (C) side of the apartment building. The building appeared to be block construction with a common attic, non-sprinklered and no fire alarm system.

The closest hydrant was located in front of the strip mall by the roadway. So dropping supply lines could also pose access issues for incoming apparatuses.

This goes to show how important it is to pre plan your district and find those hidden challenges!

The post Charlie Side Apartment appeared first on Vent Enter Search.

We Won’t Quit

Eric — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 07:01:29 +0000

The VentEnterSearch Athlete is someone committed to increasing the overall wellness of firefighters. This includes educating the fire service on healthy habits. The 100 on the back represents the reported average number of firefighters that die in the line of duty each year. However, this number is not exactly what it appears. Not all 100 firefighters died inside burning structures or because of a burning structure, rather most line of duty deaths are arguably preventable causes.

Just as our society, the fire service suffers from chronic disease. Heart disease, cancers and diabetes to name a few. In fact firefighters are dying from chronic disease far more frequently than inside burning structures. Sleep deprivation, dehydration, stress, lack of fitness and diet could all lead to increased chances of developing a chronic disease.

The <100 reminds us that to reduce this triple digit number we must work together to prevent chronic disease. If fact, to truly reduce the number of LODD’s, we must make better food, fitness and life choices. Become a VentEnterSearch Athlete and work to make firefighter line of duty deaths <100. Click HERE to order yours.

The post We Won’t Quit appeared first on Vent Enter Search.

Black Friday Sale

Eric — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 19:10:49 +0000

The post Black Friday Sale appeared first on Vent Enter Search.

London Shank

Eric — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 14:13:10 +0000

Sub Officer Phil Turcsi of the London Fire Brigade submitted this multi-use tool simply made with a sawzall blade and tape. He says it is a great tool to have at any incident. This tool cuts, turns screws, opens Yale latch locks and sliding windows. It can even be flicked onto auto glass windows to to gain entry into a vehicle.

It is simple, light and cheap and if you lose it just quickly make another with Duck Tape or electrical tape as the handle. If carried in your gear, we would suggest sliding the “shank” into a protector prior to your bunker gear pocket for obvious reasons.

Email us at staff@vententersearch.com If you would like to submit your idea or findings to share with the fire service

The post London Shank appeared first on Vent Enter Search.