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We all know that when a victim is found inside a house fire, the priority is rapid, safe removal. During VES (aka VEIS) the most direct path of removal is often the same window the firefighter entered. Likewise, a search that begins through the front door doesn’t have to end there; a window may still be the fastest, safest way out.
This month’s article details a step-by-step technique for moving an unconscious victim through a window and onto a firefighter on a ground ladder for a controlled descent. I’ll paint the picture the best I can in words and pictures, but there is a video at the end of the article worth checking out as to help better visualize the process.
Before we get into the technique, let’s discuss how to properly set the ladder to make removal as safe as possible. When positioning the tip of the ladder, it should be placed at or below the windowsill (not inside the opening) and set at an angle for rescue of 60° or less. A shallower angle transfers more of the victim’s weight to the ladder and less to your arms, reducing fatigue on long descents. For more on ladder angles, following the head over to the Resources Tab and read “43 Degrees of Separation.”
Let’s start with the “inside” firefighter, or the firefighter that is inside the structure. This firefighter should begin by dragging the victim feet-first to the window. The standing leg-lock or double underhook drags work well because they position the victim supine and allow the firefighter to position the victim with their buttocks a couple feet from the wall. From there, the victim’s knees should be pushed to their chest in order to bend their legs in a way that positions their toes against the wall.
Next the firefighter should move to behind the victim’s head, sit them up, and use your knee to hold progress as they lift them into an upright position. From this position, it’s advantageous to hand the victim’s arms to the outside firefighter that’s on the ladder. While some suggest the ladder firefighter should communicate head placement, I’ve found it unnecessary because once the hands are transferred, the ladder firefighter can guide the head whichever way is needed.
The victim is now positioned for the window removal; think of them like a spring and push from behind the shoulder blades to drive them out the window. This pushing motion should feel rather effortless, especially when compared to trying to lift the victim’s dead weight from under their armpits. As the victim is pushed out the window, the ladder firefighter should guide the victim’s hands to the side they want the victim’s head to come out. Once the victim is brought out of the window in the chosen direction, the ladder firefighter should grip the ladder beam for stability and position their forearm under the victim’s trapezius, with both of the victim’s arms positioned off the side of the ladder. This creates a secure brace that prevents the victim from sliding headfirst off the ladder. The firefighter should also stay close to the victim, using their body to pin them against the ladder to control the descent and further reduce the chance of slipping.
Once the victim’s upper body is secure, the inside firefighter should remove the legs one at a time. For narrow windows, bend the victim’s heel toward their buttocks, lift at the knee, and slide the leg out. If needed, the ladder firefighter can move down a rung with the victim to create additional space. After the first leg is clear, the ladder firefighter should place their arm between the victim’s legs and grab onto the ladder’s beam for stability. The second leg can then be guided out of the window. With the victim fully on the ladder, the firefighter can descend in a controlled manner.
A few tips when drilling this technique: depending on the victim’s size and weight, repositioning the arm from the trapezius to under the armpit may provide better stability. If staffing allows, placing a second ladder parallel to the first creates a wider platform, and allows a second rescuer to assist with the descent. In cases involving large victims, a two-person team inside may be necessary.
When drilling, it’s always best to begin on a short ladder from a first-story window, then progress to second-story evolutions once crews are comfortable, always using a belay to protect against slips during the drill. Remember: window removals rely on position, leverage, and coordinated movement, not brute force. Execution under stress comes from simple, repeatable steps done the same way every time, so build those steps into your reps until they’re automatic. Practice dry, in smokey conditions, and on longer ladders.
Training Objectives
Upon completion, the firefighter will be able to:
Position a ground ladder at or below the windowsill and at a rescue angle (≤60°) to facilitate window-based victim removal.
Using a window as the egress point, remove an unconscious victim from inside a structure to the exterior.
From a ladder, receive an unconscious victim exiting a window and guide a controlled, safe descent to the ground.
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