Fire service ladder are essential in the performance of many fire ground and rescue scene functions. From both tactical and safety standpoints.
so please help me carry my lessons and drills
A good training idea for the use of ground ladders to me would be in a few steps some of which may even be covered in the same session or in combined sessions. These ideas are that of mine and not the department I run with. My first thought is to either show new members or even the older members of the station all the components of a ground ladder. An additional topic which could be in the same training session would to also show all members the proper carries as instructed in the manual the fire academy in your area is also using, you can also go over carries that may frequently be encountered in your first or second due response areas. To take steps farther go to either an abandoned building or a building that you may use at the owners permission and show everyone how to place the ladders in position for all uses, such as rescue, ventilation, and such. While discussing ladders and lengths use a method to show how far the ladder will reach, which I am unfamiliar with who from the FDNY was instructing in the video I happened to be watching at the time. The method I am speaking of uses the first number in the footage of the ladder to show what floor it may be able to reach, for example, the use of a 24' roof ladder to gain entry, egress or ventilation of the second floor. If you have the advantage of being able to train with a building or to train with a mutual aid company especially ladder companies, you can go to those buildings or areas and examine roof types. A great idea for an in-house training is to walk or ride around your area and examine those roof types you will encounter. Or as an officer, senior member or as a firefighter teaching your own station a class walk through the area and take pictures of roofs and buildings to put a slide show together and have the firefighters come up with ideas based on scenarios. Although it does change, the use of Google Earth or similar programs may be of help as you can zoom into your response area and examine the types of roofs on your industrial and commercial properties to see some of the items owners or occupants put on their roof even after inspection. If I have forgotten anything other training ideas can be stated in the forum from other contributing members. If there are any questions please contact me if you wish!
Eric Ziegelhofer
FF/EMT-B
fireemt52139@comcast.net
Here is a powerpoint I wrote for a class I gave on ladders. After the classroom portion I took everyone outside and we practiced ladder carries, raises, and deploying roof ladders. Hope this helps. The first file is the powerpoint class, the second file is a video needed for the powerpoint. When you download them, make sure they are in the same directory so the video plays. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.