Ground Ladders, Search, and Victim Removal
Ladder knowledge
Ground ladder types include single, extension, roof, attic, and combination ladders; know the parts - beams, rungs, fly, bed, halyard, pawls, butt spurs, and tip. Placement rules drive most questions: the tip goes even with or slightly above the sill for entry, the base is set out about one-quarter of the working length, and the climbing angle is about 75 degrees. A roof ladder hooks over the ridge. Extension ladder reach approximates the working length at the proper angle. Always heel or foot a ladder that is being climbed, and use a ladder belt when working from it.
Search
Primary search is fast, oriented, and starts from the entry point - a right- or left-hand search pattern keeps orientation in smoke. Secondary search is thorough and occurs after fire control. VEIS (vent, enter, isolate, search) is a targeted technique for known victims behind closed doors, not a general tactic for every room.
Victim removal
Match the method to the victim and the path: clothing drag, webbing drag, extremity carry, seat carry, ladder slide, and stairwell rescue. Protect the airway, maintain spinal precautions per protocol, and communicate continuously.
Traps
Distractors place the ladder tip at the sill with no penetration above, or set the base too close or too far. Another confuses primary and secondary search timing. Candidates also forget that a ladder must be secured before a victim is brought down it.
Rule of thumb
One-quarter out, three-quarters up, 75 degrees - and the tip at or slightly above the sill.