FDIC H.O.T. Session

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Schoolbus Extrication
Truck Company Operations: Ground Ladders
High Angle Emergencies: Scaffolds and Elevated Structures
Indy Metro FOOLS Brotherhood Bash
Exhibits and Miscellaneous Photos
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After having lunch on the bus we were whisked off to the afternoon H.O.T. session, which for me was Ground Ladders. We rotated through four stations, where instructors dared us to throw some of the book-knowledge out the window and replace it with some REAL-world skills.

At the first station, we were told to find a partner - and each team was given a different ladder-rescue scenario to tackle. Of course, we encountered all kinds of obstacles, NEVER had a cooperative victim, and the scenarios were not what they seemed at first glance. But each evolution was based on a real-life event that one of the instructors had experienced, and I think we all left there with a greater appreciation for thinking on one's feet.

Next we learned some practical truckie techniques, including some improvised leg-locks, and tricks of the trade for ventilation, forcible entry, and overhaul.

At the third station we learned how one can more easily make entry into, and rescue victims from, a high first-story window (and these tricks even worked for me, undoubtedly THE most vertically-challenged person in the class!)

Finally we went up to the roof, where yet another instructor gave us some wit and wisdom on various roof operations.

Click the thumbnails to view a larger photo in a separate browser window.

There were several classes going on at this site	Lead instructor Mike Ciampo (center) introduces all the other instructors	Instructors for the first station were: Matt Rush, Matt Neegly and Jake Jacoby
Instructor Matt shows us what tools we will have at our disposal	Instructor Jake played the uncooperative victim in each of our scenarios	Most of us were taught to foot the ladder from behind - Matt points out that by being in front instead, the footer can serve as a second pair of eyes to watch the scene
The next crew was faced with this scene - THINK FAST, what would you do?	A power line and satellite dish made this ladder raise a little more challenging	This team races against time to get to their panicked victim
The lieutenant effects the rescue	Critiquing the evolution	What if a panicked victim tries to grab the tip of the ladder? Here instructors demonstrate how you can use the ladder to pin the uncooperative victim to the window sill until they calm down.
Defensive positioning on the ladder is important - the firefighter should not put himself in a position where an irrational victim could throw him off with a well-placed boot to the chest.	Taking a break!	Instructor JJ (center)
Lead instructor Mike Ciampo discusses marking ground ladders so that they are easily identifiable when stowed on the rig	Short-handed on the fireground? JJ demonstrates how a firefighter can easily transport a roof ladder, an extension ladder AND some tools all by himself with some creative stacking	Mike shows how positioning a tool underneath the ladder rather than above it gives a firefighter more stability
Legs too long to do the classic leg lock? Mike demonstrates an improvised method that is a bit easier on the joints...	...putting one leg through the rungs and stepping on the opposite foot, and leaning the knee against the rung
At this station, instructor Bob Swick shows us how we can use a strategically-placed halligan as a step to help us gain entry into a high first-story window. A webbing strap tied to the tool allows us to pull it up into the window once inside.	A long-handled tool can be used to reach into the window and measure the distance to the floor inside.	This team uses a roof ladder to remove a victim. Two firefighters inside position the victim so that he is laying flat on the rungs.
The crew then pivots the ladder, sliding it out at the same time	Taking advantage of some leverage	Carried off to safety!
In this evolution, firefighters are told to carry an attic ladder into the structure, blind	They must find their way to the second floor where one of their brothers has supposedly fallen through the floor, and place the ladder in the hole to rescue him.	A little forethought - if the ladder is going to be placed DOWN into a hole, it should be brought in butt-first. If it will be placed UP into a hole, it should be brought in tip-first.
If possible, the ladder should be placed parallel to the floor joists, so that the opening can be easily expanded if needed.	We got a good view of the ventilation class that was also at this site.	Up on the roof, we saw the distinct difference between truss construction....
....and traditional construction.	The ridge covering is easy to peel away...	One way to secure a roof ladder!
	The structural collapse class was also held at this site.	What a mess....
Buses lined up to take us back to the convention center.

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