SCBA-Restricted Openings

From Gary Graf of Engine House Training, LLC

When encountered with a restricted opening the first instinct is to attempt one of two methods; try to make it through the opening by bruit force, or to remove our SCBA.
By coming through the opening SCBA bottle first even a larger firefighter can make it through a standard 16” stud wall opening.

While sitting on the ground facing away from the opening, place the SCBA bottle into the stud space. Now, one at a time; use an over-the-head swimming motion to pass your shoulders through the opening. As you pull the rest of your body through the opening rotate to your side so your pockets will pass without getting hung.

Now, go train and give it a try!

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Permalink Reply by Bill Carlisle on June 23, 2011 at 10:58am

Being a big man i have actually used this method for re-certification and works very well . my big frame fits through very well and no need to loosen straps or remove pack , great pictures by the way

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Permalink Reply by Moose on June 23, 2011 at 11:43am

The reduced profile maneuver is effective as well, and you do not completely remove the pack. There may be a few more steps but it gives you more room to get through. I think that everyone should know and practice multiple ways of doing anything on a fire ground though, in case one way fails they know another. Good post brother keep them coming and stay safe.

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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on June 23, 2011 at 3:19pm

This is a good technique.

Another one we train on is the "superman" same concept except you are facing forward. It may take a little practice but you put your arms through and work your shoulders through. This is a good technique if you need to stay low.

Also, along with either technique is to remember why you would have to do a wall breach in the first place, especially if it is to escape advancing fire. If that it the case it helps to cover the hole back up to prevent fire from advancing to where you just escaped to. A good vidoe posted by Dale Pekel illistrates this...

http://my.firefighternation.com/video/removing-a-door-from-its-frame

Also, such technique also typically entails an emergency situation, remember how to and to call a MAYDAY.

SCBA-Restricted Openings

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