So as my questions asks, "What is actually in your turnout pockets?" I am a firm believer that every firefighter should be equipped with the basic tools required to start self-preservation/rescue operations when confronted with firefighter entrapment.

Now I am pretty sure folding spanners have a place on the fireground but when was the last time you used one inside a burning building? Besides modern fire apparatus have so many spanners mounted on it, it will make your head spin. So at the start of your next shift or your next training night take a look at what you are actually carrying in your gear.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from firefighters considering a new SCBA purchase is "weight" but the some of these same complainers are walking around the fireground like a Snap-On tool vendor. Gear manufacturer's have blessed us with more pockets than we actually need, unfortunately though the gravitational pull from the added carrying capacity is like a 100 dollar bill burning a hole in my 7 year old's pocket. Not only does the added weight factor into our working stressors but it can also be a major factor to consider when trying to remain "small" for manipulating tight spaces. So I once again ask, whats in your pockets? and is it time to reduce any bulky or un-neccessary weight.

Here is just a few suggestions for "life safety" tools I personally carry. A decent pocket knife and wire cutters are essential tools for self preservation when awaiting the arrival of RIT. Remember you MUST be able to use your tools with your gloves ON though. I carry a pair wire cutters, a pocket knife, and two door wedges in my right thigh bellows pocket. I also carry a second knife and wire cutters along with my radio in my coat's radio pocket. Should I become entangled and unable to reach just my bellows pockets (I am gonna be in a world of hurt if that is where I put all my self preservation tools) You see a conscious firefighter that has something come down from above tends to put his/her arms up in the natural defense mode. In this scenario, you might only have access to your chest radio pocket. As for my other bellows pocket, I carry an 8' piece of 1" tubular webbing with a non-screw locking caribeaner. This has unlimited uses for self-rescue techniques, hoisting or hauling additional tools and equipment, providing increased leverage and a better grip on a downed firefighter. Clip your beaner onto the downed firefighter's pack and two rescuers can easily drag a larger firefighter without having footing issues. I also carry a short piece of thin search rope in this same pocket, should my partner and I decide to split- up but remain in contact during a large room search. Another trick of the trade for dis-entanglement is recently adding a good rescue hook knife to my gear. I can deploy the rescue hook when I am trying to sneak under low hanging wires and cables. This will dramatically assist you with clearing wires during the low profile, (SCBA bottle in the corner) backstroke technique in my FETC entanglement box.

Lastly, my hitch includes a PSS. My choice of Personal Survival Systems is the FESH System with the new harness and window sill anchor hook. This provides me with immediate rapid egress system without comprimise. Many people use their rope bag as a PSS and also for search operations. The only downside to this concept is if you need to bail in a hurry and you have used the rope for a previous search, then your rope is NOT ready for rapid deployment when needed.

Gear up, get ready... but please check your pockets!

Take Care and Stay Safe
FETC