One of the first tools you were taught about when you started this job is the basic ground ladder.
Once you learned how to throw one, it was no big deal, right? The longer the ladder, the more firefighters get to carry it. Except…
What if there’s not enough people to do that?
You might be surprised to find that the 24-foot extension ladder can safely be carried and placed by just one firefighter.
Now, a lot of understaffed fire departments, especially volunteers, already know this. But if you started at a fully-staffed department, you may not have had to throw a ladder this size alone.
Today’s guest runs seminars on the use of ground ladders, and this is one of his favorite topics.
Kevin Weis started his career in the fire service in 2012 as a volunteer firefighter in Coldwater, Ohio. He’s been on the career side since 2014, starting in Defiance, Ohio. In 2020, he moved to the Glendale, Arizona Fire Department.
Kevin’s currently a firefighter/ paramedic and specializes in TRT & Haz Mat. He’s also been a fire inspector.
He teaches several hands-on-subjects, including search tactics, forcible entry, hose line management, and of course, ground ladders.
Resources:
Article: Hit ’em High, Hit ’em Low
Article: What is Impossible? The 35′ Engine Company Ladder
Article: Lone Firefighter High-Shoulder Carry and Throw