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Post by papacheese on Mar 22, 2008 6:36:45 GMT -5
I call them the unsung heros of interior attack, those who advance behind the attack line to cover the means of egress or fire advancement. Never fully appreciated for what they do, yet a vital component of Offensive mode. I for one think the pucker factor lowers considerably knowing there's someone who has your back as you push deeper into the structure.
In your opinion, what are some good performace objectives that a back-up line should be following? Placement/positioning is of course vital, but also communication and situational awareness.
Whenever possible, I try to emphasize the importance of giving good "back-up"....what does your department teach, train, and actually do?
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Post by thelurker on Mar 22, 2008 19:13:05 GMT -5
Great topic, this has never been anything that I have ever encountered in training, or on a fire scene. IF a back-up line is pulled, it is left on the ground by the front door, or is in the thick of it, fighting fire with the initial line. Never had the experience of a "REAL" back-up line.
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Post by firstin312 on Mar 22, 2008 19:50:27 GMT -5
We always train with the teachings of using and having a backup line. Yes to many times I have seen firefighters inside in a situation that a backup should be there and there is none. Need to be smart about the crew of a backup line, don't block the path of the initial attack crew and the advancement of that line, also being smart about if the s$%# hits the fan and you are protecting the attack crew stay out of their way so they can get out and you can still protect their backs. Always looking for advancement of the fire where is it and where is it going, telling the attack crew all the info that you can, if they are on the second floor and you are protecting the stairwell let them know that it is advancing and possible compromising that point of egress. Eyes always looking and use an imager as well, be smart!
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Reverend
Forum Lieutenant
"Well done is better than well said" BF
Posts: 84
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Post by Reverend on Mar 22, 2008 19:50:44 GMT -5
Equal or larger than initial line
Supplement attack line
Place where fire conditions warrant
Hold the steps for the Division 2 crews
Go above the fire
If the attack line is in service the line stays in place on the interior.
This is way it can do its job, BACK UP.
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Post by papacheese on Mar 23, 2008 6:35:55 GMT -5
This thread is an unabashed effort to highlight the importance of TEAMWORK when fighting a fire....too often all we hear about afterwards is the attack crew, what they encountered, how they advanced, what they found...etc. It's important for everyone to understand that without firefighters performing the less-than-glorious roles of back up, pump operations, or just simply chasing kinks, that attack crew would have an entirely different war story to share.
Everyone wants the knob....it's part of our make-up to do so...but NEVER underestimate the vital necessity of being a good back-up or helping to feed the attack line around a doorway ten feet back. Without personnel to do those critical tasks, nothing would be accomplished.
My thoughts on performing the back-up role mirror those already posted...but I would add an extra caution here for our younger FF's: DO NOT LOSE FOCUS ON WHAT YOUR JOB IS. You are there to protect the attack crew, not investigate other rooms, perform a primary search, investigate likely fires, or sit back on your butt. I've seen it happen before as I'm sure many have: the back-up crew becomes bored and begins "freelancing" around the structure, thinking they're helping by advancing themselves, thereby leaving the attack crew exposed and unprotected. THINK....WATCH......PROTECT.
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