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March 2026
This article focuses specifically on single-firefighter window bailouts using a personal escape system. While the hardware referenced throughout is the CMC LEVR, the fundamentals discussed are not unique to one manufacturer. These concepts can be adapted to other NFPA-compliant bailout systems with appropriate training and an understanding of how each system operates.
The CMC LEVR is used here simply because it is the system I personally carry and understand best. Its inclusion should not be interpreted as an endorsement. Emergency escape is a last-resort skill. When that moment arrives, success depends far less on the logo on the equipment and far more on repetition, positioning, and disciplined execution under stress. Firefighters should train with, and deploy, the bailout system issued or approved by their department, and ensure they are proficient with its specific capabilities, limitations, and operating procedures.
System Deployment and Anchoring
The firefighter begins by deploying the system from its stowed position by pulling out the Flash Escape Anchor. An appropriate anchor point is selected based on building construction and available features. Both styles of hook options, the Flash G and Flash.2 anchors, are rated as emergency escapee anchors per NFPA standards.
Photo credit: CMC Pro
Establishing a Controlled Exit
The actual bailout sequence begins with a window hang, which allows the firefighter to transition from the interior to the exterior in a controlled manner while maintaining system integrity.
From a low position in the window opening, the firefighter should get their top 50% out of the window while their anchor side arm hooks the corner of the window sill (if using a remote anchor) or their anchor side hand holds the Flash.G or Flash.2 Anchor in place on the window sill.
The opposite hand, referred to as the tail-side hand, maintains continuous contact with the escape webbing distal to the anchor. This practice, known as tail-hand discipline, keeps constant tension on the system and helps ensure the anchor remains properly seated throughout the bailout.
As the firefighter leans farther out of the window, the first leg (opposite the anchor-side arm) is moved completely outside the opening. The second leg, on the same side as the anchor-side arm, briefly hooks the opposite side of the window. As proficiency increases, this hook becomes minimal, and the firefighter transitions smoothly toward full exit.
From the window hang, the firefighter pivots on the anchor-side arm and transitions the entire lower body out of the window, fully loading the system.
Photo credit: CMC Pro
Edge Transition and Device Placement
Ideally, the LEVR descender is positioned outside the window once the firefighter has fully exited. However, if it remains inside, the descender’s egg-shaped profile allows it to roll smoothly over the window sill without getting hung-up and caught.
Photo credit: CMC Pro
Rappelling Body Positions
Following a successful window exit, the firefighter transitions into a rappel position to support a controlled descent and obstacle negotiation. There are two basic rappelling positions: standard and feet-down.
In the standard rappel position, the firefighter places both feet against the exterior wall and leans away from the building. When transitioning from the window hang, placing the outside knee against the wall before full exit positions both knees against the wall once the firefighter clears the window.
This position allows the firefighter to “walk” down the wall during descent, reducing strain by transferring load to the legs. It also provides improved control when negotiating exterior obstacles such as light fixtures, balconies, signage, or window hardware.
In the feet-down rappel position, the firefighter fully exits the window and free-hangs on the system with the front of the body facing the building. This position will be dictated by urgency or building features, such as overhangs, balconies, or full curtain-wall construction where foot placement is not possible.
The firefighter can transition from the feet-down position to the standard rappel position at any point during the descent. This transition is accomplished by pushing away from the wall with the arms while simultaneously tucking the knees upward. From this position, the firefighter rocks back into the standard rappel stance while gradually releasing the LEVR descender. While performing this maneuver, some firefighters find it beneficial to briefly tension the webbing with their tail-side hand to stabilize the knee-tuck during the transition.
Photo credit: CMC Pro
Descent Control and Operation of the LEVR
Once positioned, the firefighter initiates descent by rotating the LEVR descender to release the auto-lock. Under load, approximately six pounds of force is required to begin descent. The device may be operated with one hand on the control handle and one hand on the web tail, or by routing the web tail between the thumb and index finger of the control hand to create friction against the handle. Descent speed is controlled by the degree of lever rotation and the amount of friction applied to the web tail. To stop descent, the firefighter simply releases the LEVR, allowing the auto-lock to re-engage.
Effective use of the CMC LEVR, like any bailout system, is dependent on deliberate, repeated training. Emergency escape is a low-frequency, high-consequence skill with very little margin for error, and successful execution is driven by familiarity with the system, sound body positioning, and disciplined movement under stress. When training these techniques, a secondary belay system should always be used to provide an added layer of safety and prevent uncontrolled descent in the event of a mistake, equipment issue, or loss of control. A properly managed belay allows firefighters to train realistically while still protecting against the inherent risks of bailout training, ensuring repetitions can be performed confidently, consistently, and without unnecessary exposure to injury.
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