Using a ladder, basket litter and rope for extrication from a ditch provides a more efficient, less labor-intensive method than forming a chain of rescuers

Story & Photos by Les Baker

During the 2010 Southeastern Extrication School, the “Down in the Ditch” program covered the topic of vehicles that come to rest in various positions in ditches of different sizes and configurations. Although this topic has received little attention over the years from the extrication community, local responders often face these types of incidents.

When required, the deployment of equipment to the opposite side of the ditch can be time- and/or labor-intensive. The task may be complicated by the ditch slope, width, contents and base surface. Many times rescuers form a chain for passing equipment or attempt to carry equipment down and up the sides of the ditch. As such, this article will describe an alternate method of moving equipment that’s more efficient and less labor-intensive.

Use Ladders in Difficult Terrain
Many rope rescue courses cover some form of ladder slide to move victims up or down a slope. Although some of the concepts are the same, the application described here can work well for extrication incidents where terrain presents an additional challenge. Even though rope software and hardware can make the technique easier, this equipment is not always necessary. The only necessary components—a ladder, basket litter and rope—are commonly carried on most rescue and truck companies. Laying the ladder across the ditch allows for equipment placed in a basket litter to be moved back and forth. To do this, position the ladder far enough from the vehicle so as to not create an additional overhead hazard for responders working in the hot zone.

Personnel will have to cross the ditch first to size up the incident and determine needs. Equipment should be staged and then moved across the ditch, considering the remaining steps in the extrication process, including hazard control, stabilization, gaining access and disentanglement. In some cases the terrain may dictate that a ladder is necessary to descend into the ditch and then to ascend the other side. Consider also the stability of the ditch walls and apply appropriate guidelines regarding trench rescue.

System Set Up
1. Span the gap with the ladder by passing it from responders on one side to the other or pulling the ladder across with a tag line. A single ladder will work in many cases, but an extension ladder provides additional length and the ability to extend beyond the edge of the gap if used as an anchor. When using an extension ladder, orient the ladder with the fly section upward as it’s designed and tested. Also keep the fly section on the approach side, which allows the basket litter to transition easily to the base section.

2. Place the basket litter on the rungs of the ladder between the beams and load the basket litter with equipment. Attach a haul line to the lead end of the basket litter. A 1:1 haul system should be sufficient for lighter equipment or when ample manpower is available.

3. For limited manpower or heavier equipment, consider a 2:1 haul system. Taking into account the weight of the equipment and the size of the basket litter, rarely will anymore mechanical advantage be needed. A 2:1 haul system typically requires a pulley at the load, but if equipment is limited, a bight at the basket litter will work. In a test with a dynamometer, a 200-lb. load required only 100 lbs. of force to move across the gap using the mechanical advantage and one rescuer. Not using a pulley will create more friction and less mechanical advantage, but it may be the quickest and easiest option in many cases.

4. For the mechanical advantage system, use the butt of the ladder as a readily available anchor by securing the rope over the end of the beam with a figure 8 on the bight or similar knot. For situations where anchors such as trees or various posts are present, it may be easier to utilize them as an anchor for a 2:1 system. This also allows the basket to be pulled completely onto the opposite side and more easily managed. The ladder should be placed in line with the selected anchor or placed as needed and a single picket rated at 700 lbs. driven approximately 10 feet beyond the end of the ladder.

5. Attach a tag line to the opposite end of the basket litter to allow for retrieval and reloading of the basket as necessary. A piece of personal webbing or utility line should be sufficient as long it is the appropriate length.

Pull the load across the gap. Regardless of the type of anchor, ensure that the basket litter is pulled beyond the edge of the gap so it’s easier to manage the equipment away from the ditch edge.Once all the needed equipment has been transferred, have additional responders turn the rope system around if needed to transfer the patient back to the approach side. Because the basket litter typically fits securely between the beams of the ladder, it’s unlikely that a patient or a rescuer’s direction of pull can cause the basket litter to fall off the ladder. If there is concern, have rescuers on each side to assist with guiding the basket litter across the ditch. Also, if using an extension ladder, rotate it around so the fly remains oriented up and higher than the bed section. If the patient is being removed by other means, don’t waste manpower and time until after the situation has been mitigated. Finally, the equipment can be transferred back to the approach side and the ladder removed.

Test the Equipment & Drill on the Technique
Due to load ratings, use only fire service ladders that meet all applicable standards. Some responders may be worried about potential damage to a ladder from being loaded in a horizontal position. NFPA 1932: Standard on Use, Maintenance and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders requires an annual horizontal bend test that subjects the ladder to 500 lbs. of downward pressure at the center for 5 minutes. For extension ladders, they must be fully extended during the test with the fly section up. The most weight we will subject the ladder to is only 200 to 300 lbs. at one time and then for only a few seconds. As with any new tactic, companies should practice in a training environment before attempting to use the tactic on a live incident. Bring a small scale to the drill to obtain accurate weights on various pieces of equipment. Consider labeling common tools with their weight and set appropriate limits and safety factors. At a minimum, make a note of the amount of various pieces of equipment that can be placed safely in one load.

This technique provides a good in-station drill because it incorporates various topics such as rope systems, ladder skills, extrication tool familiarization and team building. The ditch gap can be simulated by laying out any solid objects such as rolled hose or pallets at various widths. Responders can train on constructing the system and transferring equipment back and forth.

A special thanks to Dillon Force Measurement Equipment (www.dillonforce.com) for their continued support of emergency responders.

Les Baker, a 12-year veteran of the fire service, is an assistant engineer with the City of Charleston (S.C.) Fire Department and a volunteer with the Darlington County (S.C.) Fire District. He has an associate’s degree in fire science from Pikes Peak Community College. Baker is an adjunct instructor with the South Carolina Fire Academy and a member of the Darlington County Extrication Team, and he speaks and instructs throughout the country.

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