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Claymont Fire Company video: On June 10, Claymont, Del. Tower 13firefighters responded mutual aid to a house fire in Marcus Hook, Pa. After bystanders reported a victim on the second floor, Tower 13 firefighters performed a vent-enter-search (VES) operation, located the occupant and removed him through a second-floor window before transferring him to EMS.
Let’s watch crews in action: Firefighters arrive to find smoke and flames visible from the rear of 208 Market Street, prompting an immediate upgrade in their response. When Tower 13 arrived, bystanders reported a victim trapped on the second floor. Firefighters immediately initiated VES, located the occupant and removed him through a second-floor window, where he was transferred to EMS. Crews then completed primary and secondary searches of the home, locating and rescuing a dog from a bedroom closet.
While the rescue was underway, Tower 13’s officer and another firefighter completed a primary search of the first floor with no additional victims found. Crews then conducted primary and secondary searches throughout the home, rescuing a dog from a Delta-side bedroom closet.
3 highlights for firefighter training:
- Effective communication and coordination
The video highlights constant communication between dispatch, command and crews, with real-time updates on victim locations, ladder placement and tactical operations to maintain coordination and situational awareness throughout the incident. - Search and rescue under fire conditions
The rescue highlights the importance of rapid victim location and coordinated removal, with firefighters working together to communicate the victim’s position and safely complete the second-floor rescue under hazardous conditions. - Adaptability and teamwork in dynamic firegrounds
Firefighters demonstrated adaptability by adjusting tactics as conditions changed, transitioning between interior and exterior operations, repositioning ladders and hose lines, and reallocating personnel as needed. Throughout the incident, crews supported one another while maintaining accountability, prioritizing life safety and coordinating an effective fire attack.
Crew questions
- What communication strategies do you think were most effective during this incident, and how do you apply those on your fireground responses?
- In high-stress rescue situations like this, what techniques or training have you found most helpful when locating and evacuating victims quickly?
- How do you and your team ensure adaptability during rapidly changing fire conditions, and what lessons can be learned from this video for your department?
