I’m working on a research paper for my NFA class and have found some interesting statistics about the selection, use and training of bailout devices. I’m not promoting any device or even the use of a bailout device, however; if you are wearing a bailout system, you should be able to articulate to some one why you are wearing the particular system you have and how you would deploy the device during an emergency event. I have found that the departments who are wearing bailout systems may not be training enough to maintain the muscle memory required to deploy the system (in 15 seconds or less) during a severe emergency condition and the device is really only providing false security for the user.

The bailout devices must be trained on in the sane manner as SCBA emergencies are to establish and maintain the muscle memory required to deploy the system. If you are in an untenable environment and need to exit a window above the first division and you are depending on a bailout system to lower you to the ground, you better have practiced the evolution several times before that moment.

After surveying several firefighters, most agree they would be unsuccessful or their emergency bailout would result in injury. I would like to hear about what is being done with bailout systems in your department and would ask to take my bailout survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VTYV5MQ