I often get asked about a quick way to squeeze a little reminder training into our busy work schedules. My department used to make "Recipe Sheets" (or "Recipe Cards") for such quick-hit reminder training. Here’s how it works: Take a basic topic (e.g., hose loads on your apparatus), and build a card to distribute to personnel. (We hung ours on the bunker gear lockers.) Personnel then review the card, sign and date the back, and put it in a collection box. Trainers review the cards for comments and completion.

An example of a Recipe Card would look something like this:

Choosing the Right Ladder

An easy formula to pick the right ladder is: Choose a ladder by using the first number in the length to equal the floor you want to reach. Here are some examples:
14' = First floor or single-story roof
24' = Second floor or two-story roof
35' = Third floor or three-story roof
Note: When performing a rescue off a ladder, place the ladder at the window sill.

A "Recipe Sheet" may also include photos. It might look something like this:

Hydra-Ram Recipe Sheet

The Hydra-Ram kit contains the ram, a rubber mallet and the "R" tool. It's in a black bag located in the upper driver's side compartments between the doors so it doesn't fall out when they are opened. When you need to perform a forcible entry, grab the bag and other required tools (e.g., haligan, sledge and axe), and take them all to the door. You should have everything you need for 99 percent of the doors we will force.

To use the Hydra-Ram, simply slide the tips of the working end of it between the door and the jam just above or below the lock. On doors with two locks (e.g., a deadbolt and a doorknob), try to put it in between them. If necessary, you can strike the Hydra-Ram with the rubber mallet in the kit. Then remove the lever strap and pump.

The ram will extend almost 7" so it should handle most doors. It is designed primarily for doors that open in, but we will certainly find more applications for it. There is a lever under the large lever to release the pressure and close the ram.

FireRescue Technical Editor Scott Cook welcomes reader feedback, and invites you to contribute your notes to his column on firefighter ingenuity and street wisdom. You can reach Scott by e-mail at scott.cook1@sbcglobal.net.