Proactive Ladder Usage- Part Three

For several posts now, I have discussed the need for aggressive deployment of our ground ladders. Ground ladder usage often gets a lot of push-back, despite being proven in their effectiveness. Hopefully, we can explore some ways to overcome the desire to just leave the ladders on the rig.

How do we make the shift towards being more proactive with our ladders?

The biggest push-back to throwing ladders is almost always a "lack of manpower." While I understand that many departments are handicapped in the number of personnel available, we can find ways to overcome this common issue. The first way is becoming efficient in our assigned tasks. This will free up additional time to perform tasks that may not get completed otherwise. Additionally, there are three groups of people present on many fire incidents that we should look to for assistance in ladder deployment:

1. EMS crews- Many departments utilize fire based EMS crews. In most instances, these individuals receive the same initial training as those who arrive at the scene in fire apparatuses. Thus, at a minimum, they have the same base knowledge of ladder deployment, and can be used as a resource when they are not immediately committed to patient care. Obviously, this probably is not the case when running in conjunction with private ambulance services. 
2. RIT teams- It is not uncommon for firefighters to feel useless when they are given the assignment of RIT. The perception is that nothing can be done aside from standing around and waiting. A RIT team can absolutely be proactive in "softening" the structure. In fact, it may vary well be the egress points created by the RIT team that will be used to extricate a downed firefighter. 
3. Apparatus chauffeurs- Especially at multiple alarm fires, chauffeurs may be uncommitted to assignments such as operating the attack pumper. Even for those who are involved in tasks like water supply and pumping, there is usually some down time once initial setup is complete. Many good chauffeurs are already doing an excellent job of support operations.   

• Please know that I am not suggesting that these three groups do not have other critical roles on the fire ground. First and foremost, they should attend to their traditionally assigned tasks, and be available at any moment to do so. What I am saying is, there might be room to join in throwing ladders while still monitoring the incident for their need elsewhere.

If we are all honest, none of us want to do more work than we feel is necessary. We tend to rationalize leaving ladders on the apparatus because it takes effort to carry and raise them; "why bother if there is a chance that the ladder will not get used?" This is a poor excuse. These tools are too valuable to let laziness get in the way. A shift in mindset might be all that it takes to throw ladders on a regular basis.

Correct equipment purchasing can also ease the burden of ground ladders. Ladders are built to different specifications amongst the various manufacturers. Two of the more common manufactures are Duo Safety and Alco-Lite. A search of their own websites revealed that there is almost a 30 pound difference between their current model 28' extension ladders (Duo Safety being the lighter of the two). For those of us who do not regularly grace the front of the department's annual calendar, thirty pounds is a significant disparity. While weight is not the only factor in purchase decisions, a simple consideration of the exertion required raise a ladder should play a role in what we decide carry on our rigs.

Finally, training is the key for everything we do. Repetition will lead to efficient, pro-active deployments. Confidence in the task is generally all that is needed to overcome the many excuses that are given for a lack of ladder usage.