Training Exercises

A roof ladder may be used on many of the sloped roofs on Fire Facilities’ towers. Depending on the slope of the roof, the peak may hold the ladder hooks without modification, however, an optional hook retaining bracket may be necessary to allow for use of other ladders and hooking at various locations on the roof surface. Since hooks vary on roof ladders, and tower roof slopes are custom to each tower, each ladder should be tested prior to training to assure hooks will snug-in on the peak and hook properly.

The roof chop-out curbs provided on many Fire Facilities’ training towers afford an easy means for instructing the proper methods of ventilating a roof surface. The furnished curb allows the installation of standard joist hangers, replaceable roof joists, and plywood sheathing. Penetrations can be accomplished with an axe or power equipment, safely and realistically. Training can include precautions in not cutting roof joists, the establishment and importance of wind direction, and the need to identify any overhead obstacles.Most of the roof chop-out props on Fire Facilities’ towers include ceiling framing that permits the installation of a piece of drywall on the ceiling plane. This allows for work with a pike pole after the roof surface has been breached. The roof sheathing, roof joists, and drywall can be quickly and economically replaced for successive exercises.

 The many configurations of Fire Facilities’ training towers provide the opportunity for various scenarios which replicate “real world” conditions. It is important that the training officer first considers the actual conditions he wants to train for, then analyzes the potential methods for duplicating these conditions in the training tower.The NFPA recommends all training be carried out above grade. This makes basement advancement difficult to set up, but not impossible. Assuming the burn room is on the first floor, firefighters should start their attack from the second level. An exterior stairway makes this easier and more realistic. This will provide all special conditions associated with fighting a basement fire while remaining within NFPA guidelines.

Most of Fire Facilities’ training towers are available with a riser (standpipe) system. This enables the training officer to plan exercises that entail the transport of hose to the upper floors and hook up to the F.D.C. at that floor. Proper connection, hose laying in the stairwell, and deployment can be demonstrated in this scenario.The hose bundles that are normally carried on the apparatus are also tested for completeness, condition, and practicality during this phase. The firefighter will transport the bundle to the required floor, check the outlet, and make the proper connection prior to the attack. Afterward, draining the hose while deployed on the stairs can be demonstrated.

Search and rescue exercises may be carried out in conjunction with live fire, artificial smoke, or blacked-out masks. Obstacles such as furniture, both in place and out of place, debris, and general clutter represent obstacles that can add valuable reality. Hazards, such as open trap doors or chutes, pose undue danger to the exercise. It is very important that the areas be searched to eliminate such hazards.

Realism can be maintained by changing the interior layout of the floors by moving and changing the furniture and by adding and moving partition walls. Each time a firefighter enters the structure the interior should be different. While this creates a bit of preliminary planning and effort, the need to keep each scenario unique is very important. Once a firefighter knows his way around a space, he will no longer get the maximum benefit of the exercise.

 Victim extrication can be included with search and rescue exercises. Placing a training dummy in a partial collapse can add another dimension to the exercise. It will produce a change in problem solving technique that will demonstrate the trainee’s decision making process and challenge his capabilities.

All training scenarios must include realistic communication, both between firefighters and command. The level of communication expected on the fireground should be used during all training scenarios, including calls for back-up and additional equipment.Face-to-face verbal communication, as well as proper radio procedures, should be monitored and evaluated. Firefighters must learn that good communication helps minimize confusion on the fireground. The combination of speed and accuracy help to assure all point people will have enough information to make logical decisions.

An SCBA Maze can be easily constructed of plywood and secured with hinges with removable pins. The maze should be flexible enough to allow for assembly in a number of configurations and sizes so firefighters do not learn to anticipate layout. Fire Facilities offers movable partitions that can be used in any type of structure. They can be easily and quickly repositioned to produce a variety of layouts.

Fire Facilities utilizes a number of confined space props such as elevator shafts and formed culverts, which provide both vertical and horizontal scenarios. Regardless of the training tower used, it is important a contingency plan is implemented to address the unique conditions of working within confined spaces, including disorientation and panic.It is recommended that heat never be included with this type of training. The hazards of confined space rescue need not be further increased by the affects of induced heat.

Rappelling rings are available on all Fire Facilities’ training towers. They can either be ordered with the tower at the time of purchase or be added later. Rappelling rings serve as anchor points for all types of training exercises. The railings, balconies, or other elements should never be used as anchors as they are not designed for this function.

 The most valuable training can be achieved by combining a number of exercises to build a “fire scene” similar to what is expected in the field. Conflicting fire scene information, mechanical problems, and the occasional surprise should be included in scenarios to provide firefighters with the tools to handle situations experienced in the field, thereby building confidence and experience.

When conducting fireground exercises, take the opportunity to train officers. There will be no better time to make an inexperienced young officer the incident commander for the first time. The firefighters can gain confidence in their officers while they gain confidence in themselves.