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Ladder Rescue Drills
We practice two different techniques for bringing victims out of an upper story window and down a ladder. Our preferred method is the "Legs on Shoulders" technique (also known as the "Sorority Carry"). In this rescue the victims legs go over the rescuer's shoulders; by leaning back away from the ladder and straightening their arms, the rescuer creates a cradle for the victim's body, making for a very secure carry. Additionally, all the victim's weight is very centered over the rescuer allowing the rescuer to take the victim's weight primarily with their legs, the stronger muscles in the body. To slow or stop the victim's descent, the rescuer just squeezes their arms and presses the victim against the ladder, creating additional friction that slows the victim down. Here is a video showing the steps of the Legs on Shoulders Rescue:
A second technique is "Pits and Groin". The carry is executed by placing the victim at a 45° angle, with one of the rescuer's arms through the victim's groin and grabbing the ladder rail, the other arm is under the victim's arm pit and grabbing the other ladder rail. While this is a slightly less secure body positioning, requiring a little more technique out of the rescuer, one advantage of this technique is, if needed, you can position a downed firefighter facing in toward the ladder which allows them to continue wearing their SCBA while being rescued. Video of "Pits & Groin" carry: |
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