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The Daily Drill 2: VES

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Here is a post from a very good friend and very wise fireman, Lance Peeples.  Lance is a firefighter/paramedic with the Webster Groves Fire Department in St. Louis County.  Check it out and give some feed back.

 

Review the following video and consider how YOUR fire department operates when answering the following questions:

 

 

1.  Is VES indicated if PPV is used by your department?  What safety precaution should the operator of a PPV fan perform before starting the fan?

 

2.  Notice how the VES firefighter enters head first.  Very experienced instructors often recommend grasping the window frame with the head and upper body protected by the wall and then entering with the opposite foot.  This permits the firefighter to make an emergency ladder slide if necessary.

What is another advantage of this technique?

 

3.  On your first alarm assignment who is the firefighter assigned the responsibility for VES.  Who is the firefighter that will assist him in this technique?

 

4.  If the assisting firefighter ascends the ladder to orient the searching firefighter how can the ladder be butted?  Does it always need to be butted?  Could a tool be driven into the grounds at the butt of the ladder to prevent it from sliding?

 

5.  Are the tools (hook and halligan) needed for VES mounted near the riding position of the member who is responsible for this function or are they mounted on the other side of the apparatus underneath the water rescue rope and drinking cups?

 

6.  Notice how the roof ladder projects into the window slightly.  However, the ladder is already at a very low angle that could result in the butt kicking out.  Should the ladder tip be removed from the window to allow for easier emergency exit/victim removal or does the angle of the ladder preclude this?  What are possible solutions?

 

7.  Some of the commentators below the video are critical of opening the door upon preparing to leave the room…what say you? 

 

 

 

Posted by on July 12, 2011 • Filed under: RIT, search, self rescue, situational awareness, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, VES • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Release the Ladder Rack!

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As with most departments, and mine is no different,  trying to get guys in the habit of throwing ground ladders takes a lot of work.  We know the benefits of doing this and there is a great article in the most current issue of Urban Firefighter Magazine that gives some great direction on how and when to use these valuable tools.

Typically, those throwing the ladders are the firefighters and officers  riding on the trucks and not those that are driving them. There are some exceptions to this rule depending on how your department operates.  In the area that I work, the apparatus driver is tasked with water supply and support.

Any time we have multiple stories we want ladders thrown. Any time we have people on the roof, we want ladders thrown.  It is an important task and one that must be trained on and made a permanent part of your operations.  However, this post is not about the actual act of throwing the ladder, but how we can make this job easier for those that do.

As apparatus drivers when we pull up to the scene of a working fire we are thinking about charging the appropriate line, getting the right gallons per minute to your interior crews and finding a water supply source before the tank water is exhausted.  That is a lot to do and you normally do it all on your own.  Well, there is one more thing I would like you to add to your list.

Depending on what type of configuration you have on your apparatus, the ladders on today’s engines and trucks are not convenient to get to.  We have them on the top of the truck so that they have to be lowered to get to them. They are placed “through the tank” with an access panel on the rear of the apparatus which if you lay line can make them impossible to remove because they are blocked by charged lines coming off of the truck from a rear discharge.  There aren’t many traditional stowed ladder configurations on apparatus anymore.

As operators we have to keep this mind. The photo I have posted shows the lowering arm that the ladders are stowed on.  This arm is lowered for firefighters to gain access. One of the downfalls to this is that the access to compartment space is limited, but not entirely blocked.

Once we get water to our crew and have established a water supply, take a second to check overhead and on the side for obstructions and lower the ladder arm.  If ladders are needed they are ready for deployment and easy to get to.  The RIT crew can use them for preventative measures by throwing ladders to create an egress point for firefighters and rescue teams can use them to make quick access to upper floors for search and rescue.

What about the compartments?  Before you lower the rack, take out the equipment that is most commonly used that must be deployed fast and have it ready to go.  On this particular truck, the PPV fan, the RIT bag and some spare SCBA bottles would be removed prior to lowering the rack.

Get familiar with your ladders and how they are removed. Know what obstacles you might face in placing the ladders in operation based on your apparatus configuration.  Be prepared and train on these facts.

As always, follow your local guidelines for operating on the fireground.  We must continue to train and do the simple things perfect. Master the basics and don’t forget to use your ground ladders.

Posted by on March 6, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, ladder truck/aerial devices, ladders, rescues, RIT, search, self rescue, situational awareness, size up, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, vent, ventilation, VES • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

VES Video

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Here is a pretty good, basic video on VES (vent, enter and search).  It has good demonstration points from the beginning of the operation to the complete search of one room.  The thing I like about this video is the use of two persons for the VES.

Although this can be done with one person, you must weigh the risk vs. benefit, it is ideal to do this with two people.  However your department chooses to perform this function, you must train regularly.

One thing that is not mentioned in the video is the fact that personnel performing VES must be highly trained and experienced. Knowing how to read changing conditions, fire behavior and building construction is a must.

Keep on training and stay safe out there.

Posted by on October 19, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, enter, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, forcible entry, rescues, search, situational awareness, training-fire-rescue-topics, vent, VES, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Be Careful Using PPV–Good Video

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This is a video I found on The Bravest Online. This website has some great content and very current fire related videos that can be used for information and training ideas.

This video is from the Salt Lake City area and shows what can happen when you have hidden fire and use a positive pressure fan with crews inside the building.


Find more videos like this on firevideo.net

There are many thoughts on this tactic and you should follow your local SOP or guideline.

Posted by on May 26, 2010 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, mayday, rescues, RIT, situational awareness, training-fire-rescue-topics, vent, ventilation • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Company Discussions: Redeployment?

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What would you do at this point?

What would you do at this point?

There is a lot already taking place here.  A hose crew is at the door or inside.  A guy is taking out a window or something to that effect on the D side.  And someone is on a ladder.

There is some nasty smoke pushing out of this structure.  It definitely is under pressure.

Time is running out for keeping this in check and an interior attack.  We’ve all been here and we know how this can go.

At this point in the fire, what ventilation tactic would you use and why?

If you need to, redirect these crews and put them where you think they will make the most progress and explain your actions.

Share with your crew and post your discussion points.  We always get great feedback and we know you have some goo ideas, so, let’s hear them.

Stay safe and be careful.  Get yourself healthy and stay healthy.

Posted by on March 7, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, situational awareness, vent, ventilation • Tagged: , , , , ,

Ladder Bail Out Plus…..

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Ladder Bailout from Vent, Enter Search.

 Take a look at this video and watch and listen to the communications.  There is a lot to learn here and these guys were under a lot of pressure. You can just feel it how they are talking and acting on the fire ground.

Use this as a training tool and learn from the experiences of others.  If you have already seen this, well, then watch it again.

Stay safe and be good to each other.  : )

Posted by on February 18, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, ladders, mayday, situational awareness • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Dangerous Situation

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Check out the link to this video of a backdraft that injured one firefighter.   I don’t know that there is a lot that could have been done because it is such a short clip.

But, it is important to look for the signs and read the signs of smoke conditions that could indicate a backdraft.

Let me know what you think and stay safe out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTQWNCeCBvQ

Posted by on February 15, 2010 • Filed under: backdraft, command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, fires • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Secondary Means of Escape

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Have a second means of escape when operating on the roof.

Have a second means of escape when operating on the roof.

When operating on the roof, make sure as the crew operating on it, and/or the officer on the ground, that there is a secondary means of escape.

As we can see in this picture, the primary means could get cut off by fire.

It is prudent and appropriate to put an additional ladder on the opposite side of this building for the crews to exit from.

When this crew made the roof that fire over the front stoop may not have been there nor suspected.  While making the cut they could have lost their primary escape route.

Speak up if you see things like this, it could make all the difference in the world.  This has to be done to keep everyone safe.

Is there anything else you see that might need to be addressed?

Most importantly, this is to illustrate the need for a secondary escape.

Take care, think, and stay safe.

Posted by on January 30, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, vent • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Working Off Ladders

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Lock in when working off a ladder.
Lock in when working off a ladder.

 

I know this is really basic stuff, but we forget very quickly about these basics.

When working off of a ladder use leg locks or a ladder belt.  Don’t forget that ladder belts are not just for aerial trucks.  They are very effective on any ladder.  Well, maybe not an attic ladder.

With some of the new harnesses being integrated into gear, some have ladder belts built into them, so use them.

Bottom line; stay safe and operate safely.  Sometimes it is easy to forget these basic skills.  We teach them in the academies and rookie schools, and we need to refresh every once in a while.

Posted by on January 20, 2010 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , , ,

Vent, Enter and Search

9 comments
Is this a situation that VES would be deployed?

Is this a situation that VES would be deployed?

This building looks to be a very large residential home, or more likely a mutli-family dwelling.

It appears that the majority of fire is on the second floor.

It is night time and the chance that it is occupied is good.

This could be a good time to use interior crews to start an aggressive search with a hose line since we really can’t see any fire.

At the same time, we can have some outside vent guys laddering these windows and performing vent, enter, search tactics since the building appears to be large.

Now, this is somewhat controversial in some parts, like mine, but I think it is an effective tactic.  The key here is to have adequately trained personnel who have experience and can make good decisions in the risk vs. benefit area.

Additionally, there needs to be coordination with the interior crew. And, hey, if you have enough on scene to send in an attack line and a search crew, good for you.  That just isn’t always the case.

Just remember, if you are performing VES, know where you are, have a tool. You may only be able to sweep the room with a tool because of heat.  If you do get in a room, your first bit of business is to shut the door to the adjoining spaces. Oh, make sure you have got  a radio.

What do you think out there?  Any other ideas?  Let us know and share your knowledge.

As always, thanks for stopping by train everyday.

Photo by: http://www.eurekafirerescue.org/2010Pictures.html

Posted by on January 20, 2010 • Filed under: enter, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, rescues, search, training-fire-rescue-topics, vent, ventilation, VES • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Venting the Roof

19 comments

Take a look at this video and let me know what you see. I posted the still frame from this video and had some great responses. Now, here is the whole thing.

What do you see and what would you do different if anything?

Posted by on January 17, 2010 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , ,

The Plain Clothes Vent Man

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Now this is how you ventilate!

Now this is how you ventilate!

This is a bit extreme, don’t you think?  I just thought that with the past few days of posting roof ops and vent posts that this was appropriate.

I am sure that nobody reading this blog post would ever allow this to happen.  But, apparently, it does happen somewhere.

I don’t know if this is a volunteer that just showed up or the homeowner.

Does it really matter?

Anyway, I thought you might all enjoy this.

Stay safe and take care.

Posted by on January 11, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, trusses • Tagged: , , , ,

Roof Ops the Right Way

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This is a good look at how to vent a roof the safe way!
This is a good look at how to vent a roof the safe way!

Okay, I found it.  The last two roof ops posts have shown the way “not” to vent a roof. (see Roof Ops and More Roof Ops)

Now, I have found a picture of how to vent the roof.  I have to admit, though, it was not an easy task.

As we can see in this picture, they are using a roof ladder, all appear to be in full PPE including SCBA and face pieces.  They are actually operating off of the roof ladder.  It looks pretty good, nice job.

Posted by on January 9, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , ,

More Roof Ops

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Is there anything we are forgetting here?
Is there anything we are forgetting here?

First, let me make it clear, I was looking for a picture I have of a crew working on the roof the correct way when I came across this one.

I know, we have beat the first Roof Ops post to death and if you don’t want to post on this one, I understand.  I just figured while we were on the topic I would throw this one out there while I had it.

I know that there is not a lot of smoke, and the pitch is shallow and it doesn’t look like a great deal is going on.  I know I am going to hear about how this is nit-picking and whatever.  But, this is how we get hurt and killed.

It’s when we let our guard down and get complacent that bad things happen.  How many times have read a line of duty death or injury report and asked, “what were they thinking?”

I will find the picture with the correct way to operate on a roof safely and post it to show I am not just showing the bad stuff.  It’s just so easy to find.

Anyway, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 9, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Green Roofs and Fire Operations

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How do you ventilate vertically? Or do you?
How do you ventilate vertically? Or do you?

Since we had so much interest in the last green roof post, I thought it would fun to see what kind of tactical considerations would come from this picture.

I believe this is a domestic house based solely from the American flag flying proudly. Not a sure thing, but likely.  This could be in any one of our jurisdictions and I can honestly say I have had no formal training about this issue.

How would you take on this house if you pulled up to it on a working fire with some fire and smoke showing? To make it more interesting, you have victims trapped in the upper floor, confirmed by occupants who escaped from the main level.

What to do, what to do?  Huge vent problem?

Let us know how you would react. If you have prior experience, please share.

Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by on January 7, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, green construction, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Safety, Safety, Safety!

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Is he wearing everything he should be?

Is he wearing everything he should be?

This should be obvious to most who look at this picture. We have a fully charged house fire and we are venting. There is no doubt that venting this structure is appropriate.

We have a vent guy on the stoop roof with what looks to be a good tool and I think I see an SCBA?

But, what have we been taught about pressurized structures full of heat and smoke? What about the plume exiting the window above the stoop? The vent guy should have a mask on.

I am sure firefighters all over this great country have done this a thousand times, but, that one time that the smoke flashes as it relieves itself, this guy is inhaling super-heated gases. It might be the day we have a LODD or career ending injury.

Chiefs and officers, make sure your people are wearing their PPE when in or near an IDLH. Let’s practice safety in every aspect of our jobs while still doing our jobs effectively. The best way to do this is to train every shift and learn our craft as best we can. Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on December 30, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , ,

Venting the Roof

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Does anyone see anything wrong with this picture? Using a roof ladder is a good thing.  Working in teams is a good thing.  What are some hazards we see here? What is the main problem with this operation?  Post your responses and I will post mine later. Stay safe.
Posted by on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , , ,

Company Discussion 1: Responses

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Here are some of the things that I see from this picture and that should be discussed with your company in resoponse to the questions posed.
The general condition of the outside likely is the same on the inside which could make entry and advancement of an attack difficult.  With a large amount of “stuff” in a house like this, it could also hamper rescue efforts, disorient firefighters and make egress difficult.  The 360 is important to look for victims at windows, the multi-level of this house can cause some confusion when on the interior and for ladder placement.  The walk around can also help in locating the fire for a faster attack and more precise ventilation.  The ladder placement is okay.  Ladders for the roof should try not to cover an upper window so that additional ladders may be used for an egress point for interior crews. In addition, we would want ladders on the rear of the house as well and we must take care not to pull the hose around these ladders and knock them over.  Smoke and fire conditions is telling us we likely have a fire that has gotten into the attic already.  Smoke appears to be heaviest on the B/C side of the building but we have fire showing from the attic vent on side D. There must be the assumption that the roof is compromised depending on time elapsed.  This house appears to have a living room on side A/B, likely with a kitchen on B/C and the bedrooms above the lower level garage. With this being a split level house, there could be bedrooms below the living room on the lower level as well.  The stairs would likely be at the front door going up and down.  These are just likely observations and each crew may have their own thoughts. Sit with your people and discuss these situations. These are great for the winter and bad weather. Hey instead of discussing politics or fishing first thing in the morning, how about one of these scenarios?
Posted by on December 22, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , ,

Challenges for Firefighters ON/IN “Green” Buildings

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The day has come and will present itself more often in the future that we will be dealing with issues pertaining to “Green” buildings.  I was on a conference call today and the subject was brought up about “green” construction and codes.  The comment was made, and correctly so in my opinion, that most fire service personnel are not interested in “Green” codes and their develpment.

I believe this statement to be true and alarming.  At the same time, we must do a better job of getting the information out to the fire service leaders about why this type of construction is of concern.  We have to make knowing about the hazards and designs of these systems a priority just like we have done with engineered lumber.

We have an opportunity to get ahead of the curve on this issue and there is still time to catch the train before it completely pulls out of the station.  Although the process has started in developing the International Green Construction Codes, we still have time to get fire service leaders interested and involved in commenting and contributing to these codes and future revisions.   In the coming weeks I am going to present to you, the reader, different issues that will affect us as fire service responders and commanders in “Green” buildings.  My hope is that we can bring an awareness that I believe and have witnessed to be lacking in many realms of the fire service community.

So, take a look at the picture and try to list as many hazards and problems tactically in regards to the roof.  Do some research and learn about these.  How do we get on and stay on the roof safely?  How do we de-energize these roofs?  How do we safely vent these roofs and what hazards do they pose for our people?  I will admit that I am no expert, but I am learning more and more everyday and I will try to pass on what I am learning.  Until next time, stay safe and be interested.

Posted by on December 9, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, green construction, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,