Avon (OH) Fire Department Forcible Entry Training

Great training with Avon (OH) firefighters of all experience levels.  Thanks for the invite.  Pictures are worth more than words as usual, so the summary will be short.

  • What tools are on your rig?  Different haligans, axes, sledgehammers?
  • Gap, Set, Force the door!  Repetition is hard to come by, so take advantage of acquired structures and props.
  • Know your saw; starting, stopping, changing the blade.  I encourage a little friendly competition.  Who on the crew can change the blade fastest?
  • Think about ways to stabilize a padlock or chain.

COMMERCIAL DOOR FORCIBLE ENTRY SIMULATIOM

GAP

SET

FORCE!

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RESIDENTIAL DOOR FORCIBLE ENTRY SIMULATION

This prop was more difficult than residential doors these firefighters have encountered.  They had to gain a gap, fill the gap to prevent losing it, change tool placement, and force the door.  The challenge really improves a firefighters ability to understand tool mechanics.

REBAR CUT STATIONS

Remember to get the rpm’s up prior to making contact with the metal you are cutting.  If you get a tap on your shoulder; release the throttle, stop the blade, and listen for instruction.  Maybe your officer has vital information about fire conditions or a change in tactics.

Overhead. Try to get the center of the blade above the object being cut.

Side cutting with arm rest

Ensure your coat and fingers are protected by the saw guard.

CHAIN CUTTING / PADLOCK SIMULATION

This method works depending on chain size and haligan spike size.

The chain regularly slipped off the spike with this method.

Vise grips with an eyebolt, carabiner, and prusik cord.

Pass it on!