SAVING OUR OWN: MOVING THE DOWNED FIREFIGHTER UP A STAIRWELL

SAVING OUR OWN: MOVING THE DOWNED FIREFIGHTER UP A STAIRWELL

BY RICK LASKY AND TOM SHERVINO

When considering the different types of situations involving the rescue of a firefighter, we might take for granted that of moving a downed firefighter up a flight of stairs. This task may seem quite simple, but it can be difficult. Often we have heard a firefighter say that he would have no problem removing his partner or a fellow firefighter from danger by taking him up a flight of stairs. When the time came to do it, however, whether it was during a drill or on the fireground, it just wasn`t that easy.

When the need to move a firefighter up a flight of stairs arises in a building that is involved with fire, the smoke, fire, and weakened construction of the building present additional obstacles to the rescue.

When teaching the Saving Our Own program at the Illinois Fire Service Institute, we present this scenario to the students by discussing it and allowing them to practice different methods of moving a downed firefighter up–and, in some cases, down–the stairs.

A QUESTION

One question often asked is, “Why would we need to carry a firefighter up a flight of stairs?”

The simple answer: “As long as there are buildings that have interior staircases and as long as we have to use them during an interior firefight, there will be a time when we will have to use them to carry an injured firefighter up or down.” Being able to get a fellow firefighter up a flight of stairs may make the difference between whether that firefighter lives or dies.

Following are several situations, along with their obstacles, in which a downed firefighter would have to be moved up the staircase:

The firefighter has run out of air and is nearing unconsciousness.

The firefighter has fallen through a weakened floor; the only way out is up the stairs.

The firefighter may have fallen down the stairs while descending.

Many other situations also may create the need to make a rescue via the stairs.

The reasons this task is so difficult become evident as we observe the different types of staircases in our response districts. The type, size, and configuration vary with the occupancy type. In places of public assembly and most stores, for example, the staircase usually will be larger and wider–usually because codes have mandated it. Things change when we start looking at stairs in single- and multifamily residential structures. Most likely, we will have to get a firefighter up and out of a basement/cellar. It gets difficult as the stairs begin to wind or change direction as we move upward; we tend to run across debris or different items left on the stairs by the occupants. Also, the size of most staircases will make it difficult for two firefighters in full turnout gear and SCBA to stand side-by-side or on each side of the victim.

Several methods for doing this task will work, but you must train in them so that you will be prepared for whatever situation presents itself.

METHOD 1

When only two firefighters are present to make the move, the following method works well:

Step 1. After assessing the downed firefighter and calling for help (see “Saving our Own: Approaching a Downed Firefighter,” Fire Engineering, September 1997), both rescuers should move the victim to the base of the stairs using the shoulder straps of the SCBA as handles, if possible (photo 1).

Step 2. Rescuer 1 takes a position on the stairs at the victim`s shoulders while Rescuer 2 takes a position at the victim`s legs (photo 2).

Step 3. Rescuer 1 lifts using the SCBA shoulder straps while Rescuer 2 lifts the victim`s legs (photo 3).

Step 4. As soon as they are up a few stairs, Rescuer 2 (at the legs) can now position himself between the victim`s legs, placing each of the victim`s legs over his shoulders while staying low to allow him to lift up on the victim`s thighs and waist (photo 4).

It may be easier to keep the victim`s legs up on your shoulders while at the same time keeping your hands on the stairs while moving up in a “bear”-type crawl. It may be more difficult for others. If it is difficult to keep the victim`s legs on Rescuer 2`s shoulders, he may have to hold onto the legs when lifting.

Step 5. Working as a team, they lift and move the victim up (photo 5).

Communications are key here, as they always are while working in a smoky environment. Rescuer 1, who is in the most awkward position (moving up and backward at the same time), must give clear, loud orders concerning when to lift–such as “Ready, lift.” If Rescuer 2 lifts on his own, he risks pushing Rescuer 1, located at the top of the stairs, down and could now have two firefighters falling in his direction.

METHOD 2

This is an alternative to Method 1 when two rescuers are present and the following conditions prevail:

The victim is not wearing an SCBA for some reason.

The victim`s SCBA straps fail and break when lifting.

Step 1. Following the steps in Method 1, Rescuer 1 can use a small length of rope, webbing, or his personal rope and wrap it around and under the victim`s arms and shoulders, giving him the “handles” to pull up on when lifting (photo 6). (Photos 7, 8) Note: This method can be used in place of using the SCBA shoulder straps for Method 1. Rescuer 1 can lift and move backward or, in some cases, turn to face the top of the stairs and lift using the webbing.

METHOD 3

This method works when three rescuers are available:

Step 1. Rescuer 2 follows the same steps as in Methods 1 and 2.

Step 2. Rescuer 1 turns to face the top of the stairs, standing slightly off to one side of the victim. Rescuer 1 will now be in position to grab the SCBA shoulder strap nearest to him (photo 9).

Step 3. Rescuer 3 ties one end of a length of rope or webbing to the victim`s SCBA or wrists (John Norman`s “handcuff knot” on page 18 works extremely well when tying to the wrist) and takes the other end to the top of the stairs (photos 10, 11).

Step 4. While Rescuer 3 attempts to stay low at the top, Rescuer 1 gives the order to lift. As Rescuers 1 and 2 lift, Rescuer 3 pulls up, using the rope or webbing (photo 12).

SOME CONSIDERATIONS

As you consider these methods and their options, you can again challenge your people. If you choose to use a “live” victim while training, don`t use the smallest member in your company or department. Use the big guy. If they can get him up and out, they will then know that they can get anybody out. Another choice for some departments may be to use a weighted manikin instead of a live victim.

Another consideration when conducting this drill would be to use an “out-of-service” SCBA (one that has been disabled and will no longer hold compressed air). Label it “For training purposes only” so that one of your in-service units is not accidentally damaged.

Also, before you have your members perform this drill, discuss proper lifting techniques to reduce the chances of back injuries. You may want the members to do a stretching exercise before lifting.

As you work your way through these methods, some of your personnel may find a method that works as well as or even better than those being used. One discovery your members will definitely make is that getting a firefighter in full turnout gear and SCBA up a flight of stairs is not easy at all.

If available, more than three rescuers can be used. Keep in mind how difficult it is to rescue a firefighter with fewer than three rescuers. How many rescuers can be used depends on how many firefighters you have available and how many can fit on the stairs. Consider also how much weight the stairs can hold before failing.

With good teamwork and clear communications, you can master the technique of moving a downed firefighter up a stairwell. If your personnel never try it, how will they ever know they can do it? Give them the chance to learn one more way to save one of their own.

Note: The Saving Our Own series utilizes an instructional team concept with contributions from the following program instructors: Dave Clark, IFSI (IL); Don Hayde, City of New York (NY) Fire Department (FDNY); Bob Hoff, Chicago (IL) F.D.; Ray Hoff, Chicago (IL) F.D.; John Hojek, Oak Lawn (IL) F.D.; Rick Kolomay, Schaumburg (IL) F.D.; Rick Lasky, Darien-Woodridge (IL) F.D.; Sal Marchese, FDNY; Bob McKee, Chicago (IL) F.D.; John Norman, FDNY; Tom Shervino, Oak Lawn (IL) F.D.; and Mike Spalding, Indianapolis (IN) F.D. For additional information on the Saving Our Own program, contact Instructor Dave Clark at the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute at (217) 333-8928.

RICK LASKY, a 17-year veteran of the fire service, is an assistant chief with the Darien-Woodridge Fire District in Darien, Illinois, and is currently assigned to the Training/Safety Division. He is an instructor for the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) and the Illinois Fire Chiefs` Association and the creator of the IFSI “Saving Our Own: Techniques for Firefighter Rescues” program.

TOM SHERVINO, a 20-year veteran of the fire service, is a captain with the Oak Lawn (IL) Fire Department and is currently assigned to Squad 1. He is an instructor for the Illinois Fire Service Institute and the Illinois Fire Chiefs` Association and instructs with the IFSI “Saving Our Own: Techniques for Firefighter Rescues” program.