Bail Out- Kits, Systems, Components, Training, and Suggestions.

My department does not currently provide us with any sort of a bail out system, harness, rope, webbing, or any other self rescue components. I am looking to change that before something happens to someone and then it is too late. We have quite a range of buildings in our small city. We have everything from single story homes to high rise commercial structures. Yet our department is behind the curve in what I feel is such a simple safety tool and a necessary tool.

I am looking for some help, I would like to know what system everyone uses. What harnesses, what rope, what companies, and how they like each of these. Anything that you guys would feel would give me legitimate points to present to my admin. If anyone has websites, videos, pictures, stories, or slideshows that you feel would help please offer them up.

Thanks guys

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Permalink Reply by Doug on February 22, 2010 at 9:52pm

Even if your department will not outfit you with a system, or even a simple piece of rope or webbing, you should invest in them personally. A piece of tubular webbing or life safety rope, with two caribiners, is not an expensive investment and worth way, way more than it's weight in gold.

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Permalink Reply by 91TruckShep on February 23, 2010 at 3:06am

Hi Robert.

I am currently a CO on a Truck in California and we did alot of research as to Truck Belts, Bail-outs and something that was unique for our personnel. We were looking for a system with multiple uses and options regarding purchasing.

What we came up with can and will work for both engine and truck personnel. The design and company we are using is through Fire Innovations (www.fireinnovations.com). In my opinion these belts are awsome.

We chose the Navajo Multi Size belts allowing for different size personnel to utilize. They have over 12 uses which you can research through the distributor but the kicker for us was:

1. the ability to safely attach to the aerial for Truck work
2. Axe holders on either side or both sides
3. The lanyard for the aerial attachment can be adjusted around your leg to make a class 2 harness
4. The lanyard can be used for dragging a down firefighter from any imaginable position (RIC WORK)
5. Has numerous attachment points for crabs, tools, flashlights and the such
6. If ordered it comes with 60' of 6.8 mm sterling rope for bail outs, allowing for a four story bail under the right conditions. With it comes a rappel plate and small d, and is packed in a small pack to the rear of the belt for ease of deployment.
7. It has a Ring attachment on the back for series or parallel searches and the ability to teather together
8. It comes with a video and tools needed to repack the line post deployment or training
9. The company rep if requested will demo and train personnel at your site
10. I would suggest you double wrap the belay device, through our training we found a slower decent was more desirable for our Truck personnel

Most of our personnel like the belts alot, and since purchasing the few for specific rigs numerous of our personnel have purchased their own personal belts that go where we go.

The cost can vary from $200.00 to $500.00 each depending on your needs.

I hope that works and if I can be of more assistance let me know.

91TruckShep

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on February 23, 2010 at 7:04am

We have ALL our packs set up with a rope bag (50 feet of life rated rope and 2 carabiners) attached to the harness...and all our interior guys have had Firefighter Survival.....I strongly recommend this training and don't ever try bail-outs without formal training....good way to get your neck broken....Paul

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Permalink Reply by Chris C. on March 18, 2010 at 11:36pm

Fire Innovations I think is the BEST RIT, Axe, ladder Belt and now Bailout System. I have one and I love it. I talked my dad in to buying one and he loves his too. What sold me on it was, I was at a fire expo and me and sale man picked. up a guy weighting 300 pounds moved him about 10ft with ease. It is a GREAT Belt.

If you want to know more ask me

Bail Out- Kits, Systems, Components, Training, and Suggestions.

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