Rapid Turnout Gear Removal Drill

By Scott Meinecke

     Every now and then I have had a firefighter become overheated or for any number of reasons become incapacitated. When this happens they need immediate attention. This drill is intended to provide additional training to a rapid intervention team for the downed firefighter after they have been moved to a safe location.

     Begin this drill with a firefighter in full turnout gear including an SCBA. Have the victim lay flat on their back. Well, at least as flat as they can be wearing an SCBA. Have one firefighter sit at the head of the victim with their legs straddling the victim. Grasp the SCBA shoulder straps and pull the victim up between the first rescuer’s legs cradling the SCBA cylinder between the first rescuers legs.

     Other rescuers then assist the first in releasing the helmet, then the hood. Grasp the rear straps of the face piece and rapidly pull it off by rotating it over and down. Don’t worry about shutting it off at this time. Release the SCBA straps and buckles. Lengthen them out as well. Open the turnout coat and raise the victim’s arms. If the gloves are still on remove them at this time. The first rescuer pulls on the wrist cuffs as the other rescuers pull the victim down and away from them. It’s a little like giving birthJ.

     At this time CPR could be effectively started. If not needed release the suspenders, open the waist hooks, and pull the boots and bunker pants off together.

     I have seen internet demonstrations of firefighters providing chest compressions with the victims SCBA still on. If you try this a few times I’m sure you will agree this is a much better technique and can be done extremely fast. This will also allow the use of an AED much quicker as well.

Training Objectives

     Upon completion the firefighter should be able to….

     • Discuss the need for rapid intervention.

     • Describe the process of Rapid gear removal.

     • Demonstrate the rapid removal of turnout gear.

     Scott Meinecke is a member of the Sheldon Volunteer Fire Department, an instructor at Northwest Iowa Community College, and field staff for the Fire Service Training Bureau. He can be contacted by email  smei@nwicc.edu