Downed Firefighter Pike Pole Removal

I try to look at the tools that we use every day and then find unique uses for them. Here is a great example of that. The pike pole offers more than just overhead work. Here is a great use of the tool to help a downed firefighter.

We've all done the training. Preparing for the day we hope never comes. A downed firefighter. We need to find, stabilize, and remove that firefighter ASAP!! The training usually consists of something like DRD drags, FF grab and go, webbing or rope removals, or a combination of those. We put one of our guys in the house somewhere and the object is to find and remove right?  The training facilities or houses that we use usually have an egress point near by. You grab your buddy and you drag him around until you're out on the porch or yard or something. You get out of breath, but you're not whooped by any means. Well, I ask you this.  What if one day you and your crew are in a warehouse or large industrial building and the unthinkable happens? Are you going to be able to drag your partner 50, 150, 300 feet or more? Are there stairs? Are there obstacles? You could drag your partner as far as your crew can. Maybe you get out. Maybe you get lost. Maybe now there is multiple firefighters down. This technique with pike pole type tools is meant to make FF removal more efficient on air, effort, and stress. Fast forward to the 2:06 mark to see the start of the Pike Pole removal. 

VIDEO:

Downed Firefighter Pike Pole Removal

(All credit for the video goes to Fire Engineering.)