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Training for VES
How many of you do VES?
How many of you and your organizations routinely perform Vent, Enter and Search Operations?
When discussing this tactic in some circles there is great debate. In fact, I have heard outright intolerance for VES.
It boils down to training and experience. Believe it or not, I have had firefighters actually have to ask what the acronym meant. Obviously, they don’t perform it.
It certainly has it’s place and is something that can be incorporated into the Outside Vent position. Especially in jurisdictions that don’t have dedicated Engines and Trucks, this position is even more critical. In these areas, one fire you may be performing engine company operations while the same day at a different fire you may be the truck company based on the order of your arrival.
I am curious what your policies are and what your training is for this position?
How does your department run in terms of companies and assignments?
Share what you do and how you operate so that we can all learn new ideas and methods to keep us safe.
Take care and train hard and smart.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on
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You're absolutely right. I don't think there is enough training on this. It could be a very valuable tool, especially in the area we are in tactically speaking. But, you are also correct in that if the organization is not committed to this type of tactic, you just can't do it.
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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I told my guys if we ever have to do this I'll be the one over the sill, I've had more training on this than any of my folks!
Now I agree about the issue with training and if a dept isn't dedicated to such a tactic, it can be hard to do. However, i do find an issue when you, as a captain, state you will do this technique because you have more training. Why can you not relay this training onto the rest of the crew then? Wouldn't it be more prudent for a FF to do this job while you, as an officer, takes a command or tactical role?
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Cole on
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VES is a tactic. I don't personally see it as some "speciality" training. Although it is a tactic that SHOULD be assigned to an experienced, well-trained firefighter, search IS a fireground priority. My opinion has always been that if your personnel cannot properly and fluidly perform the required tactics of entry (including forced), search, and ventilation, using portable ladders, and operating in IDLH, you have either failed to train them suffciently to provide the service which we are charged, or they simply do not belong riding the apparatus in the first place.
Few fire departments have every seat filled nowdays. It is critical that every firefighter is capable of performing any duty or tactic regardless of riding an engine or a truck in smaller communities. VES is a tactic that requires firefighter basic skills in portable ladder placement and use, experience in "reading" and understanding fire conditions and behavior, training on the tactic itself, and the ability work as an individual (NOT freelancing).
Uusally with fire involving the lower floor (division), the interior stairs being compromised, at least until the hoseline can protect it, the second division, or upper floor usually containing bedrooms needs to be searched as rapidly as possible, especially if fire has cut off the potential escape routes and is involing the hallway.
The only chance occupants may have is through VES. In some cases, the difficult part may be the actual "V" itself, the ventilation aspect. This may be a geographical problem. In some dwellings, you can take out most of the window glas with the ladder itself. If this is the case, your already ahead of the game. In the shore areas, with newer construction, the presence of hurrican windows, or even some of the more efficient window construction, removing the glass may be alot more difficult. If the ladder can be dropped through the glass, so much the better. Otherwise, a firefighter ascends the ladder, which is placed in the 'rescue' position, (just below the sill) and removes the glass, and any other window 'dressings' to make a clean opening.
Tools can include a haligan tool, axe, and the preferred 6' roof hook. It is important to clean it out and remove potentially injuring glass shards, cross-sash, etc.
Take the 6' hook (which is why it is preferred) and use the handle side to probe FIRST for any victims at, or near the window sill/floor area. make as wide a sweep as possible. Next, use the hook to help check for floor stability. AFTER ensuring no victims are within reach of the hook, use as much force to check for floor stability. Place your hook on the sill, an enter the room using the lowest possible body profile, to avoid being in the path of any exiting heat and smoke.
You should place the hook in-line with the window, at floor level, or leave it hooked ON the sill to increase your available orientation with your escape route. Upon entering the room...your priority is to get to the room door, and shut it, to prevent smoke, heat, and/or fire from entering the room you are searching!
Note - Some methods advocate also bringing in the 2.5 gal. water can so you can at least hold in check any fire entering the room from an open, or partially open door. This isn't as difficult as it may sound, providing you have the training on how to use the ladder and your tools.
You should now work your way back from the room door, and make your primary search, including closets, under beds, etc. Rooms with twin beds can be more difficult, and can signify the potential for two occupants. Search all bedding and blankets. Once you have completed the room search, exit, and if your air cylinder indicates enough air to ceomplete another room, repeat.
Every firefighter should be skilled to raise a 24' portable ladder alone.
However there is another variation to this method, which uses two firefighters, and arguebly, takes more time.
In this scenario, the ladder is raised next to the window to be entered, with the climbing firefighter adjacent to the window and removing the glass, which may prevent possible injury by falling glass. He/she can then descend, and working with the other firefighter, lower, and roll the ladder to the rescue-sill position. The firefighter spotting the ladder will then be used to VES the next room once the first is completed. Although this may take more time, in most cases, once finding a victi, help will be needed to remove the victim from the window anyways, so it will likely require two-person miimum.
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Jeff, very nice reply and some great information on VES. Thanks for your input, these discussions are what it's all about and hopefully, many are reading this stuff. Thanks again to everyone for sharing.
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I know where you are coming from. Keep on fighting the good fight.
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