A Guest Commentary

This week I am extremely pleased to present a guest commentary from a friend, co-worker and experienced fire officer. This commentary was sent to Fire Engineering Magazine and was found in their last issue.

After thoughtful consideration and review, let us know what you think of Chief Gelinas' comments. He raises some interesting issues.

The Headfirst Ladder Slide.

Mr. Manning:

For years Fire Engineering has provided good information and education to the fire service but it is now apparent that Fire Engineering has been reduced to tabloid newspaper journalism. Sensationalism may sell newspapers and magazines but sensationalism is not conducive to the fire service as a profession. Specifically, I refer to the narrative in the October, 2000 issue, The Headfirst Ladder Slide: Three Methods.

Although the head first ladder slide has become the latest rage, there is absolutely no valid reason to train in or suggest use of this so-called self-rescue technique. The only reason so-called fire service professionals advocate this subject is for sensational reasons. It IS sensational. Advocacy of the headfirst ladder slide will get speaking engagements, but it is frightening to think that fire service people really propose that this technique be used in training or at an actual incident. There is a multitude of reasons why this method should not be taught but I cannot think of one valid reason why we should teach this method of rescue. If the firefighter is in a situation that calls for an exotic escape such as this, he or she will effect the escape based on basic and continuing training.

Variables are far too numerous to rely on headfirst ladder slide for a successful rescue. In training, conditions can be set up to ideal standards but in an actual fire situation, successful use of this technique is left to a very remote CHANCE. Conditions must be set up to exact specifications. Where is the ladder? How does the ladder get thrown to the proper window in a timely manner? At what floor is the firefighter? Is he or she above the reach of a portable ladder? Where is the fire? Is the ladder in the proper window? What is the ladder angle? What is the weather? Is the ladder tip placed in the window, below the window, in the center, or to the side? Is the firefighter on the roof? Is he or she in the cellar? What are the obstructions, i.e. parked cars, fences, exposure buildings? Is there a fire escape? Are there bars? Are there any shards of glass in the window? To train firefighters in the headfirst ladder slide is to train firefighters to injure, paralyze, or kill themselves. There are fire departments in this country that today, in the year 2000, still send firefighters who have not been sufficiently trained in basic fire skills into burning buildings, yet we advocate training in exotic, dangerous and sensational procedures such as the head first ladder slide. This is preposterous.

I am disgusted that Fire Engineering printed the narrative re the headfirst ladder slide thus giving validity to this procedure. Advocating this procedure is a disservice to the firefighter on the street. Immediately cancel my subscription to Fire Engineering and refund the balance of the subscription cost.


Sincerely,
John J. Gelinas
Deputy Fire Chief, Division 1
Cambridge (MA) Fire Department ISO Class 1 (25 years)

Recruit Firefighter Training Coordinator
Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (19 years)