Forcible Entry for the Lone Firefighter: Setting the Bar on Outward Doors

Sam Hittle of ‪@TraditionsTraining‬ compares two different approaches to single-firefighter bar setting on outward doors.
Read the full narrative: www.fireengineering.com/firef...

[@ritirons2726]

It’s not ideal, but I wouldn’t consider this a “BS cowboy tactic”.
I don’t think the point is to promote working alone, but more to show how this could be a potential solution in a low manpower situation when forcible is necessary.
I understand your view but having the optimal amount of members per piece of apparatus isn’t realistic for some departments.

[@Joshua-zl8xp]

Cccc❤

[@Rescue-mt7fl]

While I understand this can be done, the question I have is if this isn’t normalization of deviance? When we all u destined that engine crews should be 4 person. That the operational arm of that should be 3, as all data demonstrates that the best response to a mayday is the crew with you when you have the mayday and one person just isn’t enough to drag you out. Yet we still watch the normalization of 3 man crews with the entry team being two people. Now we demonstrate how to do the work by yourself. This gives the rise to the “salty” firefighting classes that promote BS cowboy tactics. That doesn’t mean you aren’t aggressive. To be aggressive you need the right tools, the right water, the right tactics with the right training, backed by the right crews performing the work.

[@sosalmor]

I’m watching this as a police academy cadet. I’ve found these types of tactics from firefighters might be useful at some point. Cops are usually alone or doubled up to start a call for service.

[@Rescue-mt7fl]

@@sosalmor while cops are generally alone for patrol work, a dynamic entry of this sort should never be undertaken by a lone officer. There are specific tactics to be used by officers when forcing doors. This can often include use of shields and longer halligans that place you further to the side while a partner drives halligan home while standing to the opposite side. That way you aren’t in the line of the fatal funnel as directly. The method being demonstrated here is far slower and loud, advertising to the bad guy that you’re directly in front of the door. Wait for the proper manpower and use the proper techniques for your specific application.

[@sosalmor]

That’s fair! I tend to be a bit zealous when it comes to the scenarios. I would likely not try this if there’s some kind of suspect that needs capturing. I was thinking of it more from the sense of a trapped victim unable to exit a structure. Thanks for the insight 👍🏼

[@ryanburgess5497]

Its a real life situation, not the fairy tales that we wish would come true. Shit happens and you have to go to work with less than you'd like sometimes. Be prepared for it instead of bitching at the door that you cant get it open because your 4th banged out.

[@Rescue-mt7fl]

@@ryanburgess5497 you have no business going through the door alone. Therefore you should have another with you before making entry. 2 is 1. 1 is none. Making excuses and allowances for why it’s reasonable to work without a partner is why the number one cause for maydays is lost or separated.