Firefighter Rescue: Using a F.E.P.S. (FF Extraction Pulley System)
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2024
- This video will discuss and demonstrate the use of a F.E.P.S. (Firefighter Extraction Pulley System). We placed the first version of this piece of equipment into service back in 1994 to supplement our RIT operations. Through the years I refined the system to what you will see in the video.
The F.E.P.S. is intended as a backup (or option) to a traditional ladder rescue or "Denver Drill" - It's simply a 2-1 mechanical advantage haul system on a change of direction pulley. The system is designed to lighten the load and stress on rescuers without compromising the safety or speed of this type of operation.
Cost of the F.E.P.S. shown in the video = $398.00
Components include:
• 150 feet of ½" static kernmantle rescue rope = $175.00
• 2 - X/L Omega screw lock carabiners = $30.00 each
• 2 - 2" CMC pulleys (NFPA "General Use") = $50.00 each
• 1 - Large Black Diamond screw lock carabiner (with "key style" gate) = $10.00
• 1 - 9 foot webbing loop (made from a 20 foot length of 1" tubular webbing) = $6.00
• 1 - 16 inch webbing loop (made from a 54 inch length of 1" tubular webbing) = $2.00
• 1 storage bag = $45.00
Train, Stay Prepared, Be Aggressive, Make the Save - SURVIVE!
Dale G. Pekel
Another good video.
A few things to add for everyone regarding the “drawbacks” to the system.
My department has used essentially the same system with the exception of the length of rope (ours is shorter) and the size of the carabiners(ours are larger).
Through consistent training we found that by using two ladders, the initial access ladder used by the rescuer can be rolled to either the left or right side of the window as soon as the rescuer enters. Two quick rolls and it’s out of the way providing enough room to work and lower the victim, but still close enough to quickly roll it right back to escape position for the rescuer, all but eliminating the need to deploy your escape system.
The second option we practiced was to rapidly lower the victim and send the pulley right back up, the rescuer connects to their integrated harness (standard issue for all of our members) steps/rolls out and we lower them right to the ground.
Also we’ve done this with carabiners only. Just insert a carabiner in place of each pulley.
It still creates a high anchor point, still creates a 2:1 m.a. it’s just much more difficult to pull/raise the victim since the ease of movement gained from the pulleys is no longer an option.
Congratulations on this and the rest of your videos, and thank you very much for sharing your knowledge are the others.
Greetings from Spain!
but most of the tips presented here are very useful and can save lives, thank you.
Please , in spanish ???, I am Peruvian , You channel is very good
Dale - What are the drawbacks, if any, to hauling straight down under the ladder as opposed to away from the building?
Good question - The ADVANTAGES: #1 - It's your only option if exposures to the rescue building are too close to the base of the F.E.P.S. ladder (trees, vehicles, other buildings). #2 The hauling operation is straight up and down so the tip of the ladder stays in place and doesn't pull away from the building as opposed to holding the haul side of the rope and walking backwards from the ladder. The DISADVANTAGES: #1 - There is more stress on the ladder at the change of direction pulley (narrow angles on a COD can double the force/weight at the anchor point/rung - Rungs are rated at 1000lbs each so this would only be a concern if the pulley slid to one side and wasn't loaded evenly in the center of the rung. #2 - The rescuers have to haul hand over hand versus simply holding onto the rope and walking backwards (if room allows). #3 - The haulers/rescuers are operating right under the window so vision is obstructed and they have to worry about drop hazards. With all this being said we practice both techniques - Hope this helps!
Thanks Dale!
Hey Dale, the video won't play on iPhone's. Says the author hasn't authorized the video for play back on iPhone devices... : / just FYI
I'm dealing with heights every day. I'm a painter, high ladders for me are normal .... i cant see some of the technics presented here working over 15 ft ,,, ladders are moving and they need shoulders to sit stable on the walls
Can't watch it on iPhone or iPad :/ only reason for dislike.
Rieader21 What do you mean?
Taejun Chang I posted this 7 years ago, at the time it wouldn’t play on iPhone or ipad. Now it does and I’ve removed the dislike
Rieader21 Ah. I see.