Chesapeake Fire Department
QA  Program   

Fire Training Topic  2

Mayday! Firefighter Down!

Practical Skills

The purpose of the “MayDay” skill session is to provide firefighters with the skills needed to save lives during emergency operations.  It should be noted that saving ourselves or another firefighter is the most mentally and physically demanding condition a firefighter can face. 

*This is a very physically challenging program.  Have personnel work at their own pace.  Safety for personnel is paramount. 

*All personnel shall receive 15 minute minimum rehab per station.

Equipment required:  Full PPE, portable radio, and breathing apparatus are required to simulate this exercise.

The following are TWO of the TEN practical skills:

Reference:  Virginia Department of Fire Programs Mayday! Firefighter Down Instructors Guide 6/10/99.

#1   Approaching The Downed Firefighter:

Performance Objective:  The firefighter shall successfully determine the condition of a downed firefighter in a hostile IDLH environment and determine steps toward the most favorable outcome.  This shall include assessing the reason for the condition such as entrapment, medical condition, exhaustion, low air, etc, and identify the most rapid means to remedy the situation.  Firefighter shall always carry forcible exit tool.

Performance Evaluation:  The evaluator shall have the firefighter approach the downed firefighter correctly and demonstrate the proper procedure when assessing a downed firefighter.

 

I.   The Call For Help:

A.	Notify command, using emergency traffic if necessary, to inform that you have located the downed firefighter.
B.	Give a size-up to command such as smoke, heat, fire conditions, injuries to downed firefighter, remaining air supply for you and downed firefighter and the potential for collapse.
C.	Give location and anything that can be used as a guide to approximate your position (ex: how far inside, window location).

 

II.  Check Breathing Of Downed Firefighter:

A.	Complete rapid patient assessment (including airway, breathing and obvious injuries).  Due to IDLH conditions this may not be possible.
B.	Pull face piece forward slightly to verify positive pressure on downed firefighter (listen for air escaping around mask).

 

III. Move To Safety:

A.	If possible, move to a safe area such as a window to obtain fresh air.
B.	Notify command of rescue firefighters intent (ex. maintain current location or attempt to exit structure with the downed firefighter.

 

  #2 Unconscious Firefighter Floor Drags

 

Performance Objective: The student shall rapidly move a “downed firefighter” a distance of 50’ using proper single person drag technique and 50’ using proper two person drag technique.

Performance Evaluation: The evaluator shall have the firefighter move from approaching the downed firefighter correctly into the one and two person “downed firefighter” drags.  They shall demonstrate the proper procedure for both one and two firefighter drags.  All actions shall be verbalized.

 

I.    Moving Downed Firefighter:

A.	Utilize SCBA straps for handles (ex. tighten downed firefighter straps and tie a half hitch if possible, this will prevent straps from pulling loose.)
B.	Rescue firefighter positions himself beside the downed firefighter  “Stay Low”.

Note: If you are right handed, it may work better if you pull with your right hand and push with your right leg, same applies for the left handed (left hand, Left leg).  Continue to repeat process until you are outside of the IDLH Area.

C.	Drag the downed firefighter on their side with the air tank on its side, this will help reduce friction.

II.    Two Firefighter rescue:

A.	Rescue firefighter #1 uses the same position as in the one person firefighter drag.
B.	Firefighter #2 approaches victim’s feet placing the top leg over the rescuer’s shoulder.

C.	Rescue firefighters utilize “Ready-Go” command to coordinate movement efforts (firefighter #2 calls out “Ready” and firefighter #1 calls out “Go”).  Repeat this process until personnel are out of the IDLH environment.

 

REMEMBER:  NEVER GIVE UP!