I hope everyone had a chance to read the great article in Fire Engineering Magazine by Matt Rush of 22 Engine down in Austin, Texas regarding ground ladder chocks. It was one of those articles that really hit home with me. Not only is Matty a good friend, but the article brought forward a great tactic and as Mike Ciampo would say a “Street Smart” way of addressing uneven grade laddering obstacles.

Here in rocky coastal Maine; throwing ground ladders with jagged topography is a daily challenge and the use of ladder chocks is essential. I was told many years ago that “Ladder create opportunities”. We need to place are ladders were they can be most effective, not necessarily where it is convenient to throw them.

Recently, we had a situation in which one reluctant firefighter was trying out a “different” approach to an overcoming an obstacle while throwing a ground ladder. While executing the new tactic of using ladder chocks for the first time, this firefighter had an entanglement with the rope connecting the two ladder chocks on his SCBA. When the rope finally freed itself, the rope popped up and hit the back of his helmet knocking it off his head. After that incident he was ready to throw in the towel and abandon the method forever. Upon reviewing the scenario, we collectively agreed that there was a potential problem and figured out a way to overcome the issue to prevent it from happening again.  

            Firefighters are known for confronting challenges an overcoming them. I hope this technique will help others and allow for safer more effective operations.

Be Safe!