Ground Ladder Chocks We all learned how to throw ground ladders during our probationary days, no doubt on a 6,000-square-foot parking lot with a skinny building rising from the center. Yet how many fireground experiences actually resemble those dreadful days on the drill field? The territories in which we work vary dramatically even within our own cities and the art of throwing ground ladders, some will argue, is truly lingering. One little nugget I always like to pass on during ladder classes is the use of the ground-ladder chock. Progressive ladder companies in this country have been using ground-ladder chocks, or cribbing, for quite some time. However, through my travels I come across countless departments who operate without the use of a dedicated ladder company or are without one on the fireground for some time. FireNuggets has published several articles and offered many discussions in the forum on how to accomplish critical traditional ladder company tasks without a dedicated ladder company, which begs the question, “Who throws the ground ladders?” The purpose of this article is not so much on “who” but a little nugget on “how.” Every engine and ladder company in the fire fleet carries some compliment of ground ladders. When the time comes to throw a ladder on the fireground, what foresight have you taken to avoid placing those ladders on uneven footing? The uneven footing can range from a dip in the front yard, a sloped sidewalk or a concrete curb, and everything in between. Equip your engine or ladder company with this simple yet cost effective set-up and be prepared for placing your ground ladders on uneven footing.
Ground ladder chocks should always be taken by the firefighter(s) with the ground ladder and should, therefore, be stored in a place that will prevent them from being forgotten. Due to the various apparatus layouts encountered in the fire service today, this may take a little ingenuity on your part. Ground ladder chocks can be easily carried without precluding the importance of bringing additional equipment such as a hook.
It is hoped that ground ladders are used aggressively on the fireground to insure access or egress and affect ventilation. When ground ladders are placed on uneven soft ground such as a grass lawn, the situation may be easily overcome by digging the high side down to level with the heel of your boot or a tool. However, if the ladder is placed on uneven hard ground such as asphalt, ground ladder chocks are a necessity.
Ground ladder chocks are simple and easy to use. Place the wedge chock at a 30-45° angle to the ladder beam on the downhill side and firmly slide it from the wall until the ladder beam is resting on the chock.
When the ladder is placed on uneven ground steep enough to overwhelm the wedge chock, the additional straight chock can be used to supplement the height. You may encounter areas in your territory severe enough to warrant using a 4x4 piece of treated wood as the straight chock.
Often times, staffing levels allow only one firefighter to throw the ground ladder and accomplish a designated task, whether it be rescue, ventilation, etc. If the firefighter has to ascend (or descend) the ladder without the benefit of another firefighter footing the ladder, the wedge chock may be used on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete to foot the ladder. Although nothing compares to the safety of a designated firefighter footing a ladder, we all know times exist when it can not be done and the ground ladder chocks will afford us some degree of safety.
Only your imagination limits the use and construction of ground ladder chocks. If resources allow, the chocks can even be constructed from hardened plastic vehicle rescue cribbing that will endure the abuse of ground ladder operations. Take the time to outfit your apparatus with a set of ground ladder chocks- their use is invaluable and will give you a distinct advantage on the fireground the next time you throw those ladders. © Copyright Firenuggets.com 2006 • Click here for Terms and Conditions of Use
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