BY LANCE C. PEEPLES
Truck company functions that must be completed during the critical first few minutessimultaneously with the stretching of the first lineinclude forcible entry, vent-enter-search (VES), and vertical ventilation. Failing to perform any one of these functions in a timely manner may prevent the first line from advancing and any trapped occupants from being rescued. To make sure that these three key areas are covered, the smart company officer will preassign these roles at the beginning of the tour.
This article addresses what it takes to successfully complete your job when the officer says, "You've got the roof." (Note: The information presented here is based on a two ladder company response, at least four or five firefighters per ladder company.)
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