Welcome to the Firefighter I Information: Forcible Entry web site. This page will provide information relating to the Firefighter I program as it appears in the state of Virginia. Particularly relevant to this site is information on one of the key aspects of the Firefighter I program: Forcible Entry. Because of the amount of information provided in the Firefighter I class, only this topic will be covered here. All information will come from Essentials of Firefighting, Fourth Edition, as this is the standard book used for the Virginia Firefighter I program. If more information is requested/required, please contact me by clicking on the "Contact Us" link; this will also include links to other firefighting websites.
Forcible entry is the technique used by fire department personnel to gain access to a structure whose normal means of access is locked, blocked, or nonexistent. Forcible entry techniques, when properly performed, do minimal damage to the structure or structural components and provide quick access for firefighters. Forcible entry should only be used when normal means of access are not readily available. Furthermore, forcible entry techniques may also be required to open means of egress (exit) from structures.
Forcible entry is a learned skill. It requires up-to-date knowledge of the construction features of the types of barriers that will be encountered. This includes doors, walls, floors, locks, padlocks, windows, and fences. Firefighters must remember that the purpose of these security devices is to keep people out. Forcible entry is no easy and must be practiced often. Selection of the appropriate tool or set of tools is imperative in forcible entry. A complete and thorough understanding of the basic types of tools used in forcible entry also ensures that the firefighter performing the task will be efficient and safe. Therefore, this site will focus only on the types of forcible entry tools as this is the basis for all forcible entry operations.
Before any type of forcible entry techniques can be discussed, firefighters must have a working knowledge of the tools available to perform forcible entry. Selection of the proper tool may make the difference in whether the barrier is successfully forced or not. This section will highlight the various categories of tools used for forcible entry operations. Forcible entry tools can be divided into four main categories:
E-mail: Will Hedrick, Firefighter I Certified
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 8:06 AM
