Back to Basics Part 1: Ladders
I recently did a class and we got to talking about a scenario with a second floor.
To my surprise, throwing a ladder to the second floor windows was not a top priority of tactical considerations.
In addition, most could not explain how to raise a ladder properly on their own. I can tell you that I was taken back. So, I gave each officer an assignment, drill on ladders.
In my part of the world we may have to be a truck company at one call and then turn around and be an engine company at the next. The next call we may be a squad. We just don’t have the resources that the large metro departments have to run engine companies and truck companies separate.
So, it is incumbent upon us to know all of the jobs. As an engine company, we must be able to properly raise and place ground ladders. It might be one of the first things you need to do if you have multiple victims hanging on balconies being threatened. Not to forget that you may be second in and your first in is upstairs and may need a secondary means of egress?
Whatever the circumstances, ground ladders are important and vital. Drill with them and make them a tool that is expected to be used.
Remember, train hard and stay safe.
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