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.
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)