The Devil’s In The Details

I suppose someone can look at this from a different perspective than I am, but what I see are two of Erie's Bravest doing whatever it takes flawlessly.

Only a special few would recognize this at a glance, as many wouldn't pay attention to the details like these fine gentlemen are. Good habits and muscle memory begin long before the bell goes off, but there's more to it than that.

Purchasing decent tools and taking care of them is a good start. Every detail tells a story and we've emphasized that for a while now. Recently, we've showed you that a spur or chip in the metal can make a difference as to whether or not you can set the adz or fork between the door and the jamb. Keep in mind this applies to every instrument regardless of quality and purpose. Thick three- piece bars (welded / riveted) or "gimmicky" tools that advertise they can be also be used as eating utensils don't even belong on the rig in the first place. Not to digress, but there are so many variations on the market today.

Don't be so quick to use the rabbit tool or hydra- ram in every instance, but before I go any further, I'll remind those that need it that there is a difference. We should all be familiar with their respective history, which is more applicable for the task at hand, and lastly, the reasoning behind it. A wise man once said that you need to learn how to use the irons before you use the hydraulic tools, and I wholeheartedly believe him.

We demand that the newest members get to know every tool on the apparatus, but why is it that we typically neglect its use in every aspect? Is it Pride? Fear? Laziness? In any case, no excuse
is acceptable. If you're not comprehending how this is relevant, just ask your fire service friends and shift mates how long the 24' ground ladder on the engine is without being extended. Perhaps you'll have a better understanding then, and you'll be more aware of why it's important. Knowing terminology, i.e., the difference between the concave and bevel sides, will make it that much easier to communicate as well as be aware of each other's intentions.

Of course, it goes without saying that the skills you practice and instill today will prepare you more for tomorrow, so take advantage of every opportunity. Position the halligan against a door every now and again; unfortunately, it's not the same as riding a bicycle.

If you're fortunate enough to be doing the majority of the grunt work, keep an open mind and know when to go to "Plan B". Size up the door, the frame and its encasing. Push on it with your weight and look to see what locks are engaged. This action alone might create the gap that you need. Metal doors and frames, specifically, might require a little more finesse and convincing. If you're holding the bar and using the fork filled with deliciousity, it might be necessary to rotate the bevel side between the door and frame a few times.

Take a special note where the standing firefighter in the photo is looking if you haven't done so already. He's not concerned about his hands being hit. You could say it's because they have plenty of visibility, but we all know that there are ways to work around those "less than ideal" environments. Rather, the bar man is focusing on looking, listening, and feeling where the fork is going.Consider it the ABC's of forcible entry. If he’s looking back at the member who is striking, he’s obviously more anxious about what that other guy is doing than getting inside. Train together, work together. This image, along with their action, is a perfect example of accomplishing a task in unison.

The striking firefighter has taken a knee to get into a better position. You'll be able to concentrate and function more smoothly with a stance that's relatively comfortable. Be aware that if the bar man is new or overly rambunctious, he or she is likely to demand "HIT!" a split second before moving the halligan. Fortunately, and unfortunately, more than likely that’ll only happen once.

You might have also noted that the head of the axe is perpendicular to that of the adz. This is no coincidence, nor was it done by accident. The member hitting the halligan is less likely to miss (causing an injury without accomplishing the task) and he's driving all the force straight down the shaft into the fork where the fulcrum is needed.

The tasks that we are assigned boil down to the details so much more than we care to recognize. If you want to better yourself, pay attention to the little things.

Try before ya pry...
I know these guys did.