By C. “Mike” Elston
Many fire departments across the country have taken an out-of-service roof ladder and cut it into two sections, making two short ladders (locally known as a “Roanoke Ladder”). A short roof ladder can be a very useful tool to complete task on the emergency scene, from accessing first-floor windows on a structure that cannot be reached while standing on the ground to security bar removal and many other tasks.
Download this drill as a PDF HERE
For rapid intervention incidents, the short ladder is a lightweight, multiuse alternative to a stokes type basket, providing fire departments a useful option. Also, a combat-ready rapid intervention team (RIT) bag should be part of any RIT equipment cache and should include several extra-large carabiners and heavy-duty zip ties in the RIT bag to help facilitate the removal of a downed firefighter.
For this training drill, a short ladder is used in place of a stokes type basket for removal of a downed firefighter.
C. “Mike” Elston is a lieutenant for the Salem (VA) Fire-EMS, a member of the Kentland (VA) Volunteer Fire Department, and an instructor with Traditions Training, LLC.
