Lowering a victim—by aerial ladder
features
EQUIPMENT
Removing victims from upper floors of multiple dwellings can be done quickly and effectively with an aerial, rope, stokes basket, and plenty of training.
The task of removing an injured victim from the roof or upper floors of a structure can be accomplished quickly and safely if rescue personnel are familiar with effective methods. Although in most situations it is possible to remove the victim to street level via an interior stairwell or elevator, an incident can arise where the only means of bringing the victim to street level is to lower him using ropes or other means. Under these circumstances the rescuer has several methods at his disposal depending on his training, the equipment available, and the conditions surrounding the rescue. Some methods involve using ground ladders while other methods use different arrangements of ropes and pulleys. Whichever method is chosen, the operation must be accomplished as soon as possible without endangering either the victim or the rescuers.
A simple method to execute is to use an aerial apparatus to lower the victim. This is certainly not a new idea to the fire service but it is often not used because rescue personnel are not familiar with it. By using equipment that is carried by most truck companies along with proper training, this operation can be very simple.
The equipment required is, of course, an aerial truck, sufficient rope, a stokes basket or litter, blankets, and one or two pike poles. The rope required for lifting should be a lifeline of at least 150 feet, preferably with a 3/4-inch diameter. This should only be used as a lifeline and therefore treated as such! With the many different types of fire service ropes now available, there are several excellent types of materials to choose from.
Other ropes that are required are two guidelines, these can be either 1/2 inch or inch diameter utility’ ropes at least 100 feet long. A short length of rope 25-50 feet may also be necessary to secure the victim to the basket if straps are not available. If a stokes basket is not available at the scene, a little ingenuity can create a suitable substitute. A short roof ladder, military-type litter, or backboard are some examples of items to which the victim can be secured. Whatever is used, it must have ample strength to support the weight of the victim and the tension of lifting.
Let us run through the mechanics of a rescue operation involving the removal of a victim from the roof of a commercial building. A truck company is assigned to assist ambulance personnel in removing a victim to street level for transport to the hospital.
Correct placement of the aerial apparatus is very important. The truck must be positioned so that it is possible to place the tip of the ladder at least 10 feet over the roof and maintain a satisfactory climbing angle. This is important to, properly place the stokes basket on the roof and to allow access to the roof via the ladder should it become necessary. Consideration must also be given to any obstructions such as utility wires, signs, fire escapes, or other objects that could hinder the operation. An area must be maintained structions so there will be sufficient room for the ladder to set the basket on the ground.
After the truck is in position, the ladder should be lifted slightly and extended for two or three rungs. One end of the lifeline is then threaded from the turntable under the bottom rung of the bed section, over the remaining rungs and down between the first and second rungs of the tip of the extended fly section.
To allow better control of the basket, it may be feasible to make one extra wrap of the rope around the bottom rung, depending on the type and size of the lifeline being used. The unused portion of the rope should be kept coiled on the turntable where it will not become fouled as it is fed out. A firefighter is assigned to stand by at this position throughout the operation to guide the rope as it is fed around the bottom rung. This person will later be responsible for tying a knot that will secure the basket to the rung. If a hose roller or rope guide is available, it should be secured on the second rung of the fly section to prevent chafing of the rope on the rubber tread of the rung. In lieu of this, the rope may be positioned on the side of the rung near the rail to where the tread does not extend.
The stokes basket is now positioned on the ground directly under the tip of the ladder; if a sling harness is attached to the basket, the rope coming from the ladder tip is secured to it. In absence of a harness, the rope is used to tie a fourpoint lifting hitch to the basket. Any equipment that is required on the roof for patient care (aid boxes, blankets, resuscitator, or additional medical equipment) can now be placed in the basket and secured with straps or rope. This additional weight will allow the basket to be lifted smoother. It is necessary to tie a guideline on each end of the basket. By tying the guidelines onto the ends of the basket, tension on these lines will tend to level the basket, rather than tip it sideways. Firefighters assigned to the guidelines are responsible for keeping the lines from becoming entangled and checking for possible obstructions. They are to remain at these assignments throughout She entire operation.
The ladder is now raised from its bed to approximately a 75° to 80° angle and rotated to face the building. It is then extended to place the basket up over the edge of the roof. During this phase, the firefighter on the turntable feeds the rope through the rungs, keeping the basket as close as possible to the tip of the ladder. When the basket reaches a position 5-10 feet above the roof, the operator lowers the ladder to place the basket flat on the roof. It may be necessary for personnel on the roof to guide the basket in by using pike poles. Once the basket is situated over the roof, it may be necessary for the firefighter on the turntable to slack the rope to allow the basket to be laid in position. When the basket is finally located on the roof, the rope is secured to the bottom rung of the ladder. After this, the firefighter assigned to this position remains there to monitor the knot.
During the lifting operation, the guidelines are used to prevent the basket from twisting or hanging up on any projections. When the lowering operation begins, these guide ropes must be kept taut to keep the basket level and to guide it away from any obstacles.
As the victim is placed in the basket, he is padded and covered to eliminate any movement. Often a Reeves-type stretcher can be used to cover the victim. Every attempt should be made to keep him as secure as possible, this includes securing him within the basket using strapping or short lengths of rope. Any equipment that is to be placed in the basket such as a resuscitator should be well secured. If the victim is conscious he should be informed of what is happening.
The operator can now raise the ladder slightly to lift the basket two or three feet off the roof, at which time all knots are checked. The ladder is then raised to clear any obstructions on the roof and rotated clear of the building. To lower the basket, the ladder is simply retracted. The basket can be lowered very quickly, since for every foot a section of the aerial ladder is retracted the basket is being lowered about two feet. The basket is set on the ground at the designated area and the victim removed. Should there be additional victims, the entire process is then simply repeated.
Experience has shown that the entire operation of attempting a removal from the top of a three-story building should take no longer than 10 minutes with a trained crew. The time it takes to lower the victim is only limited by the proficiency of the operator and the distance to be covered. All personnel that are liable to be involved in such a rescue should be familiar with the operation so they will know what is expected of them when they are needed. This training should not only be limited to firefighters but should include ambulance and police personnel as well.
The operation can be performed with a minimum of five or six firefighters. The officer in charge should assign all personnel specific duties so as to avoid confusion. It is advisable that all knots be checked by a second person to reduce any possibility of an accident. It is the type of operation that makes for an interesting drill but requires a fair amount of training. As we have seen, it is imperative that all personnel be proficient in the use of ropes and the tying of knots, since equipment may have to be improved upon.
This rescue can also be used with minor variations to lift someone from a ravine or the scene of a collapse. By understanding the basic methods used, this technique can cover many different rescue situations.