Where firefighters come to talk training

THE SUNDAY PREACH

Push it in or pull it out?

"Are there objects that will impede your ability to gain access from the outside or limit your egress from the inside? Look for bars on the windows and how they are fastened, is the outside vent
man able to quickly remove them with a Halligan or will it take a company with a saw (fig. 12–7)? Are there air conditioners in the windows (fig. 12–8)? Communicate these findings to the
personnel going into the structure." Chapter 12, Page 123, The 360-degree Check.

Completing a 360 prior to entry provides additional information that will impact the decision-making process so knowing what to look for and what to do with that information is vital. Being vigilant about the building status is one part of this equation and in these summer months observing a window unit AC is common. The window unit AC can become a roadblock to the fleeing occupant or suddenly trapped firefighter. Additionally, it can become another hurdle to the firefighter trying to gain entry and perform VEIS.

So, what do you do with the window unit AC when you need to vent that room, enter or exit it, or even possibly search that room? Do you pull it out onto the ground or do you push it to the floor? More importantly, why do you do it?

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