I have been having some trouble managing the roof ladders. In class, I was taught to climb the ladder, grab the third rung, get to the roofline, leg lock, take my left hand and grab the rung, and with my right hand, reach down and slide it up on its beam until it reaches its breakover point slide it up and latch it on.
They made me re-do it a second time in class on Saturday cause I didn't do good the first time. I did it almost perfectly the 2nd time but I was wondering if there were any training videos on doing this so I could see different ways of doing it and try things to see what makes it easiest. I am 5'1'' so this is one of those tougher things for me. Thanks! <3
This is just one of those skills that you have to practice as its a rather odd maneuver to accomplish. I actually shoulder carry the roof ladder up so I don't have to spend some much time hoisting it up. In actual operations a lot of people actually step on on the roof and then pull the ladder up and position it after sounding the roof.
I do this same technique with the shoulder carry up the ladder and i find it HIGHLY effective and if you have a second person it is extremely efficient if you are climbing at the same time with the tip on the first mans shoulder and heel on the second mans, but with everything PRACTICE is the best way. If i have time, i'll get some of my crew together and do it as a drill, video-tape it and post it on youtube
There are several "private" issued vids for any aspects of FF but if you go on NFPA sight or the national fire academies sight most times you can download from them or for a nominal fee if at all request one on a specific class or training..make sure you look under Truck ops more than ladder ops..Also as simple as it sounds ... youtube...and other online vid places will have them not as detailed as you need but general idea..you can also try to google Truck operations,"laddering"..and after your search is up click videos..