Continuing Education
for the Fire Fighter
Copyright: IFSTA, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition
Ground Ladders
Module 3
Chapter 12
Copyright: IFSTA, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Explain
Compare methods used
procedures for Describe ladder for assisting a
moving ground climbing victim down a
ladders. considerations. ladder.
Explain the Indicate what
methods used methods can be
to secure used to work
ladders. from a ladder.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Pivot a ladder Assist an
– Two- Shift a ladder – unconscious
firefighter Two-firefighter Leg lock on a victim down a
method. method. ground ladder. ground ladder.
Shift a ladder – Heel a ground Assist a
One-firefighter ladder. conscious
method. victim down a
ground ladder.
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TWO FIREFIGHTERS ARE REQUIRED TO PIVOT A
LADDER WHEN NEEDED.
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SHIFTING RAISED GROUND LADDERS SHOULD BE
LIMITED TO SHORT DISTANCES.
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GROUND LADDERS MUST BE SECURED WHENEVER
FIREFIGHTERS ARE CLIMBING OR WORKING FROM THE
LADDER.
Heeling Tying in
Prevent movement
Tie halyard with
Lock extension by heeling, securing
clove hitch,
ladder locks to nearby firm
overhand safety
object
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THERE ARE SEVERAL METHODS THAT CAN BE
USED FOR HEELING A LADDER.
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TYING IN SECURES THE LADDER TO A FIXED
OBJECT AND SHOULD BE DONE IF POSSIBLE.
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THERE ARE SEVERAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER
WHEN CLIMBING LADDERS.
Smoothly, rhythmically
Ascend with least amount of bounce, sway
Climb after angle checked, ladder secured
Use arms, hands to stop fall if feet slip
Climb using leg muscles
Practice climbing slowly to develop form
May be required to carry equipment up and down
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FIREFIGHTERS MAY BE REQUIRED TO WORK WITH
BOTH HANDS WHILE STANDING ON A GROUND
LADDER.
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WARNING
Do not exceed the rated
load capacity of the
ladder. To avoid
overloading the ladder,
allow only one firefighter
on each section of a
ladder at the same time.
Be careful about stressing
ladders laterally.
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WHEN WORKING FROM A LADDER, THE LADDER
BELT MUST BE TIGHTLY STRAPPED AROUND YOUR
WAIST.
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WARNING
Use a leg lock only
when working from a
ground ladder. Never
use a leg lock on an
aerial ladder.
Extending or retracting
the ladder could result
in serious injury.
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ASSISTING A VICTIM THROUGH A WINDOW
REQUIRES SPECIFIC PLACEMENT.
• Tip raised to just below sill
• Heel
• Remove other loads
• Protect occupants from slipping, falling
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AT LEAST FOUR FIREFIGHTERS ARE NEEDED TO
BRING VICTIMS DOWN THE GROUND LADDER.
Two inside
building
One heeling One or two
ladder on ladder
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THE METHOD CHOSEN DEPENDS ON WHETHER
THE VICTIM IS CONSCIOUS OR UNCONSCIOUS.
Conscious Unconscious
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VICTIM SIZE ALSO PLAYS A PART IN THE METHOD
USED FOR LOWERING.
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SUMMARY
You must know the correct
methods for safely climbing,
working from, and assisting victims
down ground ladders.
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