Many times, forcible entry drills involve firefighters using a flathead axe and halligan to force a door. This is a basic skill that all firefighters must be proficient at performing. For this month’s forcible entry drill however, I want to share an unconventional forcible entry drill I conducted with my team a few weeks ago. The objective is to get hands-on, practical knowledge about leverage and mechanical advantage. For this hands-on experience, gather a forcible entry door prop, various tools, a deck of cards, and, of course, the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). In preparation, select a diverse range of hand tools from the apparatus. Tools should include not only those commonly associated with forcible entry but also a variety of tools beyond that scope. This drill encourages firefighters to use hand tools creatively in order to apply force and mechanical advantage to successfully force entry.
RULES:
1. Draw a card
2. The suit will determine the type of door
DOOR
♣️ = inward, left swing
♠️ = inward, right swing
♥ = outward, left swing
♦️ = outward, right swing
3. Whether the card is odd or even will determine which parts of the halligan the first firefighter can use.
FIREFIGHTER #1 HALLIGAN
Odd = Adz/Pike only
Even = Forks only
4. The number on the card will determine the tool used by the second firefighter.
*Note: Only use cards assigned to a tool and remove all other cards from the deck. For the example provided, only use cards Ace through 9.
FIREFIGHTER #2 TOOL
A: Halligan (able to use both ends)
2: Flathead axe
3: Wedge
4: NY Hook
5: TNT
6: Hawk versa tool
7: Raptor squad man
9: Crowbar
5. With a partner, you get 60 seconds to force the door
6. If unable to force the door in 60 seconds, both FFs do 20 push ups
This was a fun, quick company level drill that forced participants to think outside the box when given an unconventional pair of tools. For an additional challenge, consider constructing a wall adjacent to the door prop, thus limiting the space available for firefighters to work within. In the accompanying images, you'll observe our use of a pallet to achieve this added difficulty.
Training Objectives
Upon completion the firefighter should be able to….
apply force and mechanical advantage to successfully force a door.
Cole Kleinwolterink is a member of the Waukee Fire Department, Granger Fire Department, and Fire Science instructor at Des Moines Area Community College. Feel free to reach out to him at kleinwolterinkc@gmail.com with any questions, comments or inquiries.
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