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Ken Dempsey, President of Sling-Link, Inc., has developed a weapon for rapid intervention teams to use on downed firefighters incapable of removing themselves from a structure. The "MAST" device, or Multiple-Application-Service-Tool, is a pre-connected series of 5 large color-coded loops that fit over the extremities of an incapacitated firefighter. There are two yellow loops for the arms, two red loops for the legs and one green loop for over the head. It is a rated system that meets the NFPA requirements for harnesses.

The MAST device can also be used as a dragging device while moving a firefighter or civilian victim along a horizontal surface similar to using a piece of continuous loop webbing. The tool comes in a carry pouch that will fit into a turnout gear pocket, a dedicated RIT bag, or carried freely. It comes in 3 sizes; a small version for carrying in turnout gear for personal use, a one inch size webbing for normal use, and a two inch version for heavy duty applications.

My opinion is that rapid intervention teams are most likely going to fail during the removal phase of a firefighter rescue. It is at this point that brute strength and agility will determine the outcome of the victim. It is also at this point that usually some form of technical rescue procedures will be required to complete the operation of removal. Operations that involve using fire service equipment such as specialized rescue tools, rope and rigging, or ladders. One of these operations is a removal procedure taught for an elevated rescue attempt. In the event that access to an upper floor of a structure has been cut off due to a collapsed stairwell, a secondary means of removal must be established. A quick and readily accessible way of performing this elevated rescue operation is by using a 2 to 1 mechanical advantage lowering system connected to a fire service ground ladder. Either by using a pre-rigged pulley system or rope laced through the rungs as a friction braking device, we can safely lower an incapacitated firefighter to the ground using their SCBA and a ground ladder. The one issue that is required with this procedure is that the firefighters SCBA system must be converted into a body harness. Now before you rules and standards police start to crucify me, this procedure is absolutely a last ditch effort in saving a firefighters life. The condition would have to exist, that if we don't rig this ladder and lower this firefighter out of this window now, they will succumb to their injuries or environment. This firefighter could very well be someone you know and work with daily, or quite possibly be even yourself.

This procedure only works with SCBA harnesses that incorporate metal rivets or bolts holding the system together and metal waist belt buckles. Most SCBA systems are ruggedly built, but I have observed a trend in some SCBA manufacturers developing their systems with financial interests in mind or in an attempt to make them lighter, and just about everything on these SCBA is plastic to include the waist belt buckles. This lowering operation cannot be attempted with plastic waist belt buckles. The buckles may disconnect when the weight of the firefighter being lowered is placed onto the plastic buckle and the firefighter may slip out of their SCBA and fall to the ground.

The answer to this rapid intervention team dilemma with this particular operation is in the Sling-Link MAST device. The MAST is easily carried into the structure, deployed and placed onto the downed firefighter, and the rigging system hooked onto the MAST. The firefighter is then lifted over the windowsill and lowered to safety with their weight being supported by the rated MAST device, and not their SCBA. Some areas of concern that require mentioning here are:

1. Any ground ladder used for this operation must be current in testing status and recently inspected.

2. Rungs must be rated for a capacity of 500 pounds.

3. The ladder tip must be able to be positioned above the window being used.

4. You must be advised that converting an SCBA over to a body harness is not an approved or rated safety harness.

5. Anyone performing this operation must be thoroughly trained before it is attempted.

6. When practicing this operation, use a rescue dummy in place of a live victim if possible. If using a live victim, ALWAYS use a safety belay line connected to the practice victim before lowering.

7. Use approved life safety rope and inspect the rope before using.

8. Use up to date and approved locking steel carabiners.

9. Understand that this lowering system reduces the weight of the firefighter being lowered in half.

10. Pre-rig a pulley/rope bag for this operation for ease and quickness.

As with all RIT operations, each situation will dictate what type of rescue procedures will be required at the time. I feel for certain, that this lowering system used in conjunction with a Sling-Link MAST device, will undoubtedly someday save a firefighters life. I personally want to thank Ken Dempsey for bringing this device to us and providing it at such a reasonable cost. The MAST is definitely a must have "Firefighter tool". My personal turnout gear size MAST is in my Pittsburgh turnouts on every shift. For more information on the Sling-Link MAST go to www.sling-link.com or call Ken at 1-800-874-7219.

About the Author

James K. Crawford is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine and a firefighter with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire assigned to Truck Company #33. He is a fire Instructor for the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and the Assistant Chief of Training with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard fire department-Pittsburgh. He holds several national fire service certifications and has over 24 years experience in the career and volunteer fire service. He presents programs nationally on the subject of Rapid Intervention Teams and has been a guest speaker at events such as Firehouse Expo, FDIC, Worcester Safety & Survival seminar, and East meets West fire safety conference.