1. Ground Ladders

2. Introduction
Fire service ground ladders are essential in the performance of many fireground and rescue scene functions.
It is crucial that firefighters be knowledgeable of the characteristics and proper uses of fire service ground ladders.

3. Objective
The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of ground ladder operations, positioning of ground ladders, carrying ground ladders, raising ground ladders, and climbing ground ladders.

4. Ground Ladder Skills Review
Identify the purpose of fire service ground ladders.
Identify parts of the ladder.
Demonstrate proper placement and safe climbing technique.
Raise portable ladders carried on apparatus.
Climb correctly the full length of those ladders.

5. Basic Parts

6. Butt - The bottom end of a ladder; the end that is placed on the ground

7. Spurs - Spikes attached to butt to prevent slippage

8. Dogs(pawls) - Holds fly section in place

9. Bed - Bottom section of extension ladder

10. Beam - Main structural member of ladder

11. Fly Section-Extendable section of ground extension ladder

12. Halyard - Rope used in hoisting fly section(s) of extension ladders.

13. Pulley - Small, Grooved wheel through which the halyard is drawn

14. Rungs - Cross members that provide for footing

15. Hooks - Secures roof ladder to roof peak

16. Tip - Top of ladder

17. Heat Sensor Label - Indicates if ladder has been subjected to high heat

18. Ground Ladder Types

19. Roof Ladder
Single ladder with hooks at tip for anchoring to roof ridge.
Distributes firefighters weight, prevents slipping.
Length range from 12 to 24 feet.

20. Folding Ladder- Commonly called attic ladders
Folding Ladder- Commonly called attic ladders. May be folded and used in narrow spaces (attic access). Most common length is 10 feet.

21. Combination Ladder
May be used as a stepladder or single extension ladder.
Lengths range from 8 to 14 feet

22. Extension Ladder
Adjustable in length, it consists of a bed section and one or more fly sections

23. Ground Ladder Safety Always wear full protective clothing
ALWAYS check for overhead obstructions
Use proper ladder for proper job
Use leg muscles when lifting
Make sure ladder is at proper climbing angle
Do Not overload ladder

24. Always secure into ground ladders with leg lock or ladder belt when working off of
Inspect for damage and wear after each use
Make sure pawls are locked on extension ladders before climbing
Use proper number of firefighters for each raise
Always deploy second ladder for secondary means of egress.( opposite ends of building if possible)

25. Proper Ladder Selection
Before raising ground ladders, the firefighter must select the proper ladder for the job.
Residential story - 8 to 10 ft.
Commercial story - 12 ft
Ladder should be extended 5 rungs above roof line, provides a means to see exit off roof.

26. Place ladder even with top of window on the upwind side when used for ventilation or access from the side.
Place ladder under windowsill for rescue.
Place ladder directly in front of window when used to direct hose stream or to place a ventilation fan

27. Ladder Selection Chart
First Story Roof - 16 to 20 ft.
Second Story Window - 20 to 28 ft.
Second Story Roof - 28 to 35 ft.
Third Story Window or Roof - 40 to 50 ft.
Fourth Story Roof - Over 50 ft, will use aerial ladder.

28. One Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry

29. One Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry

30. One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise

31. One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise

32. One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise

33. One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise

34. Two Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry

35. Two Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry

36. Two Firefighter Flat Raise

37. Two Firefighter Flat Raise

38. Two Firefighter Flat Raise

39. Two Firefighter Arms Length On Edge Carry

40. Two Firefighter Arms Length On Edge Carry

41. Roof Ladder Deployment One Firefighter

42. Roof Ladder Deployment One Firefighter

43. Applying A Leg Lock On A Ground Ladder
Apply leg lock to the opposite side that you are working from.

44. Applying A Leg Lock On A Ground Ladder
Note that on this leg lock the foot is around the beam instead of the rung.

45. For more information on ground ladders please reference the following
Firehouse.Com Training Zone - Drills of the Month (Ground Ladders)
Essentials of Fire Fighting ( Fourth Edition) Chapter 9
Fire Service GROUND LADDERS (ninth edition)