Controlling the Door

This is a simple technique that can be used to control the opening speed of an inward swinging door during forcible entry operations. The intent of this procedure is to prevent the door from impacting any victims that may be lying unconscious on the other side. It also allows the entry team to pull the door back shut from a safe distance if fire conditions get out of control.

The webbing loop shown in the video is 9 feet long and is made from a 20 foot section of 1 inch tubular nylon. The length of the chain on the vice grips is 5 feet long. These are just two options to accomplish this objective. If you have nothing available, one member of the team should at least use a hand to control the speed and force of the door when finishing/breaking it open.

Train, Be Prepared, Stay Safe - SURVIVE!

Dale G. Pekel

0 members like this

Tags:

You need to be a member of My Firefighter Nation to add comments!

Join My Firefighter Nation

Comment by DALE G. PEKEL on May 4, 2010 at 4:51pm: Thanks for the addition brother.

Being an active Instructor myself for the past 18 years I agree with most of your statement, but it really wouldn't stop with a chin strap though. You would also be masked up and on air when there is any potential of being exposed to a IDLH environment. That way you're truly - "Ready for whatever awaits you on the other side"

Students and Veteran Instructors such as yourself must understand there is a limit when making videos. I'm not sure how many you have made or been part of, but being on air and talking through a mask isn't practical, nor is wearing a chin strap the way you should - Tight enough so your lid won't fall off. Both of these effect the narrators ability to speak clearly as well as allowing others to understand what's being said. Even pro quarterbacks take off their chin strap in a huddle and then put it back on when it's time to play - So cut a guy some slack.

My suggestion to anyone watching is to use their own judgement and common sense - Remember and use what you like and disregard or avoid what you don't. You will never find a perfect video or one that everyone agrees with - It doesn't exist.

Comment by Kevin Murphy on May 3, 2010 at 3:27pm: Thank you for stepping up and posting this information. Demonstrations, and topics like this, are what I come to this site for. It is a great topic starter around the fire house table. Keep them coming!