SCBA should be removed if the area is tight, victim is moved to a window (to prep for final removal from building) if it is entangled in wires or for any other reason that the rescuer deems necessary to effect rescue.
Starting with victim on back:
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Work from “high side” shoulder.
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Remove MMR if not already removed.
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Loosen “high side” shoulder strap.
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Slide “high side” hand and arm under shoulder strap and place over heart.
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Slide shoulder strap over arm and onto ground.
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Remove waist harness.
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If in place remove truckmans belt, gut belt or other auxiliary tool belt that has flashlights or tools attached. These can become tangled on the window sill, ladder or in tight areas during the final removal process.
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Place low side arm up over victims’ head. If left down it will tangle in the SCBA strap when you try to remove it.
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Roll FF back on stomach or face down.
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As you begin rolling the FF back to the face down position allow the SCBA to remain on the ground. This rolls the FF away from the pack.
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Pull second strap from around arm and discard SCBA.
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Place arm back over victim’s head and roll over on to back.
If rescuer is tired, this method works fast and only requires you to roll the victim. No lifting of the firefighter is required.
Submitted by mkirby on Thu, 10/25/2007 - 20:54.
