Firefighter Emergency Bailout Technique - The "Hang and Drop"

This video will demonstrate the "Hang and Drop" technique. It's a skill used to exit a window when a ladder is not available and the trapped Firefighter is not carrying a Personal Escape or Safety System.

This procedure should be considered a last resort to escape a hostile environment when all other means of egress are cut off or not existent. A key element to this tactic is getting both hands on the sill so you can position your body back upright with your feet below you. Your legs should be straight (or just slightly bent) with your knees and feet touching each other - When you impact the ground you want to immediately bend your knees and role onto your side to minimize the shock on your body. This technique is sometimes referred to as the "Parachute Landing Fall" or "Stuntman Role".

The effectiveness of this procedure will rely on many factors, including: Fire conditions, your fatigue level, if your gloves are wet, the size of the window, the number of Firefighters needing to exit and the obstructions or hazards below the window and on the ground - Are just a few! Your best bet is prevention, but when all else fails carrying survival equipment such as an Escape/Safety System may mean the difference between getting out alive or not getting out at all.

Train, Be Prepared, Stay Safe, Make the Save - SURVIVE!
Dale G. Pekel