November 2016
FireNuggets, Inc
building features that we encounter regularly that may impede us
from placing our butt spurs against the wall of a structure and then
raising, and extending it from that position. The American fire service
typically accomplishes this method of deploying ground ladders in
one of two ways: with one or two firefighters. So in this article we will
look at the “how” to deploy ground ladders with either a single
firefighter or with two firefighters.
It has been my experience that when it comes to throwing 24’ and
28’ extension ladders, as well as 14’ and 16’ straight ladders, that
the fastest and most efficient way of accomplishing this task is with
one firefighter. Utilizing one firefighter to deploy a ground ladder is
not only a clear way to maximize fire ground efficiency, but I am
confident is also faster than when attempted by two firefighters. The
reason for this is the lack of coordination that is typically required
when two firefighters are involved. The single firefighter can move at
his or her own pace, select their own ground conditions, roof line, or
window without having to communicate their intentions with
another person. There are three typical ways that an individual
firefighter can carry ground ladders: high shoulder carry, low
shoulder carry, and the suitcase carry. Each one of these methods
methodical approach, that when learned to the point of muscle
memory should lead to a successful operation regardless of what
you may encounter. I believe that this same approach can apply to
many of our fire ground skills including ground ladders. The
approaches to deploying ground ladders that I prefer are repeatable
and successful regardless of building features or obstacles, and for
this reason need to allow for ground ladders to be thrown out in the
open with relative ease. Building features such as large shrubbery,
cars, RV’s, boats, awnings, balconies, rain gutters, decorative
Styrofoam and other ornate building features, pools, A.C. units,
swamp coolers, and the eaves of a roofline are just some of the
By Firefighters, For Firefighters
has pros and cons associated with its usage and there is certainly
personal preference and sense of comfort associated with each of
these methods of carrying ground ladders. With all of that being
said the method that I prefer is the high shoulder carry. I say this
because it is a systematic approach that is the most effective at the
most structures. This is because it is the easiest of the previously
mentioned methods to deploy in the open, regardless of the ground
surface that we are deploying our ground ladder on. The hig h
shoulder carry method is not without its detractions. An example of
such detraction is the ability to carry tools while utilizing the high
shoulder carry method of carrying a ground ladder. This is a valid
concern, but like Aaron Fields once told me, “Skills have known
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