年代izing up the building’s rear with a halligan tool on a fire alarm call, the truck firefighters noticed water running out the back door. During door size-up, they could see hinges, indicating that it was an outward-opening door. A firefighter quickly inserted the halligan tool’s adz end into the gap between the door and the frame. Having nothing to strike the tool with to set it deeper into the gap, the firefighter used his hand to hit it. When flesh hit metal, pain instantly shot through the firefighter’s palm and wrist. Sound familiar?
In numerous truck company operations classes, it is drilled into students’ heads that when you get off the truck you’d better have a tool with you. Many departments still preach this creed and abide by it today, while other departments have standardized riding positions and tools assignments. For example, firefighters assigned to the “irons” position normally carry a halligan tool, an ax or a maul, and possibly a hydraulic forcible entry tool.
年代o what happens when firefighters aren’t assigned to the forcible entry position? Many firefighters carry only one tool, whether it’s a favorite hand tool or a hook. The problem with carrying only one tool is that you are limited to the things you can accomplish with that tool or to the areas in which you will be able to work with that tool. How many times have you tried to overhaul in a tight space such as a closet with a six-foot hook? The hook’s length often makes this a difficult and impractical operation to perform.
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