Tactical Edge Tuesday #9
Vent Enter Search. Have you heard the phrase? Do you know the skill? Have you performed it in training or on a scene?
Often times, you hear firefighters say they have a tool in the toolbox for that, or you may hear someone refer to a strategy or a tactic as an audible or play from the playbook, but the consequences of not knowing our positions on the fireground are far more serious than a missed call on game day. Lives are at stake.
Vent Enter Search (VES) is not just another tactic to casually reference. VES is a disciplined, high-impact operation that can make the difference between life and death for the citizens we serve. VES doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need to be something that you practice and are ready for. When performed correctly, it allows firefighters to quickly access areas that may be cut off by fire conditions, giving trapped occupants a chance they otherwise wouldn’t have. Watch the video below for some reference, and a potential eye opening information.
Vent Enter Search should be something that all teams
But here’s the reality: VES is only effective if it’s trained, understood, and executed with purpose. VES is not a “figure it out on scene” skill.
To be efficient at VES, it requires reps, well understood coordination, and a clear understanding of roles. From ladder placement and flow path control to maintaining orientation and isolating the room, every step matters. Skipping one step or rushing the process can put both victims and firefighters at unnecessary risk. Remember, we must only risk alot to save alot. Risk a little to save a little.
For fire departments, VES must become more than a buzzword. VES needs to be a standard. That means committing to realistic training, building muscle memory, and having honest conversations about timing, conditions, and decision-making. All ranks need to know the plan, how the plan plays out, and when to perform this plan.
When fire conditions are deteriorating and time is critical, we don’t rise to the occasion, we fall back on our level of training.
So ask yourself again: Have you heard the phrase? Do you know the skill? Have you performed it under realistic conditions? Have you trained on commanding the scene where fire attack and VES is taking place at the same time?
Because when the moment comes, it won’t be about what you’ve heard it’ll be about what you can do. After all, that is the type of service we expect.
Vent - Taking a window
Enter - Enter and control the flow path if possible
Search - Get in, and make it happen!
Take this weeks Tactical Edge Tuesday and use it as an introduction or refresher, but most importantly, ask yourself some hard questions and start preparing yourself to train for the worst while staying safe through knowledge and reps!
Reminder: Log your training appropriately with our Training Form. For a description, make sure that you enter : Vent Enter Search Basics
Be Elite!
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