We all know that when a victim is found inside a house fire, the priority is rapid, safe removal. During VES (aka VEIS) the most direct path of removal is often the same window the firefighter entered. Likewise, a search that begins through the front door doesn’t have to end there; a window may still be the fastest, safest way out.
This month’s article details a step-by-step technique for moving an unconscious victim through a window and onto a firefighter on a ground ladder for a controlled descent. I’ll paint the picture the best I can in words and pictures, but the online version may be worth checking out as it includes a short video to help you visualize the process: bit.ly/IowaFirefighter.
Before we get into the technique, let’s discuss how to properly set the ladder to make removal as safe as possible. When positioning the tip of the ladder, it should be placed at or below the windowsill (not inside the opening) and set at an angle for rescue of 60° or less. A shallower angle transfers more of the victim’s weight to the ladder and less to your arms, reducing fatigue on long descents. For more on ladder angles, following the aforementioned link to the online articles, head over to the Resources Tab and read “43 Degrees of Separation.”…