Great video. Nice add to the toolbox. Biggest things to remember in these types of trainings. First, how do we prevent this. Solid 360s by everyone on the fireground and identification of basement or crawlspace involvement is critical. “Searching for origin” from inside is asking for basement collapse. Second, is the technique actually viable. If you can’t do it blind and with fire gloves on, will it actually work. Third, is the location viable. In the overwhelming amount of basement collapses, the hole the person went through isn’t a viable option. Either it is a blowtorch coming through the hole ( why it collapsed to start with) or the edges are too unstable to support multiple people’s weight or the hole is too small. Remember the hole may “flex” as the weight pushes the firefighter through, and will be smaller as the edges return to start point. If there is heat through the hole, the firefighter will most likely move away from hole to escape heat. Most fall throughs do not incapacitate the firefighter). These factors render most through the floor recovery drills as useless outside the drill ground.
This seems to be one of the best alternatives to the Nance knot I've seen so far. I've seen a lot of crews trying to come up with new improved ways of bringing a firefighter up through a floor over the years. The Nance knot was designed so that: #1 it could be accomplished with a minimal amount of equipment found on every piece of fire apparatus ( 1 rope ) #2 It was designed to be easy to tie and secure to a downed firefighter ( can be easily accomplished in zero visibility ). #3 It was designed to bring the firefighter up through the same hole he/she feel through ( reduced profile with the hands over the head ). #4 It was designed to be used on a conscious or unconscious person. I think most crews have forgot this or they were never taught this. I think this method meets all of the above criteria except for the reduced profile with the hands over the head. I also have some doubts on how effective this will be on a truly lifeless body. There's a big difference between carrying or lifting a lifeless body vs a conscious person or dummy. I think this method is worth experimenting with. However, I still feel the original Nance knot is the best method and the main method every firefighter should be able to tie.
This technique came about because of a trapped firefighter that could not be rescued. We simply made a training video for our department and posted it for everyone else to see. This technique as shown is the result of testing and improvement. It is very effective and quick to put into action. The best method for hand placement is thumbs up hand over hand. Thanks and happy drilling!
Definitely taking this to the station next shift, has this been proven/tested in action? Also what's the best hand placement for pull teams? Hand over hand with thumbs up or down?
