CRAB/SIDE CRAWL
BY BOB SANBORN AND KEITH MEFFORD
Staying low and crawling inside a structure sounds easy enough, but firefighters know that under the heat and smoke conditions of a fire it can be extremely difficult. While the methods used to move through a building during search and fire attack are varied and numerous, several techniques can make this difficult operation smoother and safer.
The traditional four-point crawl used by many departments places the firefighter in an awkward position with the head down and the balance shifted forward. This position also makes coordinating movement and communication difficult when advancing a hoseline. We began working on alternatives to the traditional four-point crawl after riding with members of Ladder Company No. 120 of the City of New York (NY) Fire Department. During a drill session with the department, firefighters of Engine Company No. 231 advanced the attack line in a low crawl position with a leg out front. After observing those firefighters and reading numerous articles, we started drilling using the crab crawl on our attack lines and search operations. Through repeated drilling and trial and error on the fireground, we have refined these techniques and now use them routinely.
FIRE ATTACK
When advancing line for fire attack, the nozzleman places his right leg out in front of his body and drapes the line over his right hip. The right leg slides out front, and the firefighter aims his hip in the direction of advancement. The hip position places the firefighter in a side-crawl position with the left hand used for balance. The firefighters advance in two-scoot increments. The two scoots are followed by a brief pause to allow continued size-up and to prevent too-rapid advancement under heavy heat and smoke conditions. Moving in two scoots allows for a coordinated pull on the line between team members and provides an opportunity for communication during the brief pause.
The second firefighter places his left leg out behind the nozzleman, close enough to touch but with enough room to help manipulate the line. If the nozzleman directs the stream right or left, the second man can sweep the line in the opposite direction. The second firefighter can place his right leg out, but we found that the left leg out improves line maneuvering. When the nozzleman is flowing water, the crab/side crawl allows him to place his elbow against the inside of his leg for support against nozzle reaction and to improve stream manipulation.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
The crab/side crawl also can be used during search operations. A left-hand search is performed by placing the right leg out similar to the fire attack position. The leg is swept from side to side during the search. The left hand is used for balance and to maintain contact with an anchor point (wall, lifeline, or hoseline). Using this technique, the firefighter also can sweep his right hand out front and above his head. A tool could be placed in his right hand to aid in the search process. The second firefighter fits in the space behind the lead firefighter and places his right leg out front. When the room is wide enough, the second firefighter should swing out to the right to increase the search area. The second firefighter should maintain contact with the first firefighter`s right hip or leg throughout the search process. The second firefighter`s grip should be firm enough to allow the lead firefighter to recognize that the second firefighter is in contact (any loss of grip would alert the lead firefighter to stop). The search team also advances in two-scoot intervals with a brief stop. The second firefighter sweeps out as far as possible during the brief stop and then signals the lead firefighter to continue (the signal may be verbal or a predetermined tap).
COMMUNICATIONS
To reduce the confusion inside during an interior attack, a tap sequence is used to communicate directions to the nozzleman. When the second firefighter wants a stream directed to the ceiling, he strongly taps the helmet of the nozzleman. If the second firefighter wants the stream directed to the left or right, he simply taps the appropriate shoulder. Any maneuvering of the nozzleman is performed by gently pushing or pulling the nozzleman on the appropriate shoulder. Water flow is indicated by a tap; movement is indicated by a push or pull.
(Editor`s note: Signals vary from department to department. In FDNY, for example, pats on or nudges of the shoulder or back are used for opening or shutting the nozzle; directional tugs on the arm or nozzle are used as the signal to change nozzle direction; and a push on the back or air tank means hold or stop the advance. Whatever signals are chosen, it is essential that they be SOP and definitive, leaving no room for confusion or doubt amidst the noise and occurrences typical of a fire.)
Coupled with voice commands, these signals enhance teamwork and reduce confusion. Voice communications are also made easier due to the positioning during the crab crawl. The positioning allows the second firefighter to place his speaking diaphragm near the ear of the nozzleman without having to crawl over him as required during the traditional four-point positioning. An emergency evacuation signal is indicated by delivering several hard taps to the lead firefighter`s boot.
The body positioning used during the crab/side crawl offers four distinct advantages over the traditional four-point crawl:
1. The head is upright, allowing the firefighter to detect ceiling rollover.
2. The balance of the firefighter`s weight is on the rear of his body, with his leg out front to safely detect any drop-offs or holes in the floor.
3. Hand and verbal communications are greatly enhanced.
4. The elbow is braced on the inside of the knee to help with nozzle manipulation.
There is no proven method for body positioning when performing a search or advancing line. Companies should drill to find what works best for their staffing and firefighting needs. The crab/side crawl offers advantages that should be considered when developing a method to fit your individual needs. As with any new technique in the fire service, the crab/side crawl will seem odd and uncomfortable at first, but with continued drilling the method will pay off in improved efficiency and safety.
BOB SANBORN is a 16-year veteran of the Bowling Green (KY) Fire Department, where he serves as captain and EMT. Sanborn is a state-certified fire service training instructor and an EPA-approved haz-mat technician instructor.
KEITH MEFFORD is a seven-year veteran of the Bowling Green (KY) Fire Department, where he serves as a fire apparatus operator and an EMT. He is a state-certified fire service training instructor and has a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology and management.
