Firefighters From Union, Seneca Hose, Reserve, and Winchester Train on Emergency Bailout Procedures

Another Type of Bailout is preformed when a ladder may not be in position. Firefighters are equipped with an emergency escape bailout system, built onto their bunker pants. A Gemtor Class II Harness is integrated into the bunker pants, which is attached to an RPI Bailout system, containing a carabiner, hook, descender, and webbing or rope. An emergency Bailout is begun the same way as stated above, but instead of using a ladder, Firefighters use the integrated system to hang and descend from the window/roof. The Firefighter clears the window sill of any glass or frame. The Firefighter then attaches the hook of the system to the window sill, ties off to a stationary object, or to a tool across part of the frame. The Firefighter then climbs out head first, staying low to the frame and hangs out the window by an arm and a leg. After verifying there are no obstructions in the descent path, the Firefighter lets go of the window, hanging from the integrated Harness. The Firefighter then uses the descender to lower themselves to another floor, or to the ground if possible. Pictured Below is Seneca Hose Firefighter Sikorski preforming a bailout using his harness.

To become Cleared and receive a bailout system, Union Firefighters must complete classroom instruction on the system they are using. After classroom, Firefighter must preform a few low-level bailouts, to practice the basics and techniques of bailouts. Firefighters then advance to high-level bailouts, (from 2 stories or above). During High-level bailouts, Firefighters are put in a secondary harness, and tied to a belay system for safety. The Firefighter then must preform high level bailouts, the final of which is blindfolded to simulate smoke conditions. Pictured Below is Seneca Hose Chief Myers assisting Union EMS Coordinator Kayla Weber who is beginning her bailout.

Pictured below is Reserve Chief Kaminski, giving instruction to a Union Firefighter who is kneeling on the low-level training rig. The Varying colors on the training window indicate different heat levels. Firefighters must stay low on the window while bailing out to prevent burns from extreme heat venting on the top of the window.