Maximizing Your Own Harness
If firefighters understand the simple capabilities of our own integrated harnesses, we can quickly put them to use in a variety of scenarios.
Alexander Degnan
The Latest
Mitigating the Fire Escape Advance
Alexander Degnan offers a multistory building fire tactic that gives firefighting crews another, rarely considered option for advancing hose.
Modified Rescue Maneuvers from Your Pocket
Alex Degnan considers some scenarios in which necessity compels firefighters to adopt down-and-dirty rescue tactics for immediate removal.
When Top-Floor Fire Escape Landings Are Your Only Option
This article discusses some of the simple actions firefighters can take under duress to ensure we get to the roof.
More Alexander Degnan
Tagging and Extending a ‘Blind’ VES
Alexander Degnan offers tips to firefighters who may find themselves needing to search for victims in an IDLH atmosphere that offers almost no visibility.
The Inside Approach: Venting Stairwell Scuttles and Bulkhead Doors
Alex Degnan considers venting from the roof door or scuttle hatch over the stairs and how this tactic can positively impact firefighting operations.
Easing the Strain of the 2½-Inch Hose
Alexander Degnan offers these tips on how to handle the force and strain that using medium-sized hose exerts on a firefighter’s body.
Last-Ditch Top-Side Rescue
Alex Degnan reviews a last-resort method for rescuing victims using bailout lines when firefighters have exhausted all other options.
Quick Task Accomplishment: Engine Company Primary Search
Alexander Degnan looks at the best ways to prepare for, anticipate, and perform when conducting the all-important primary search as part of the engine.
Moving Victims Alone Using a 2:1 Mechanical Advantage System
Creating a simple 2:1 mechanical advantage system with virtually no equipment is simple, expedient, and tailored to enabling a single firefighter to move a sizable weight alone, writes Alex Degnan.
Hydraulic Ventilation in Increasingly Poor Atmospheres
Alex Degnan outlines some tactical hydraulic ventilation techniques, advantages, and applications.
Water on the Fire Supplement February 2020
Download our latest supplement, with pieces on use of the can, guide ropes during firefighting, the importance of second-due companies, and more.