( 4 hr ) Drill Night Series – Basic Rope & Knots HOT

Course Description

This 4-hour hands-on training program is designed to provide practical, skills-based instruction tailored to the specific needs of volunteer and career fire departments for in-service training. The training is structured to be flexible and responsive to local requirements, department protocols, and operational goals, making it ideal for regularly scheduled drill nights or on-shift company-level development.
The session emphasizes active participation, teamwork, and scenario-based learning to reinforce critical techniques and decision-making under realistic conditions. Topics can be selected based on departmental priorities and may include fireground operations, search and rescue, forcible entry, hose line advancement, ladders, ventilation, or specialized rescue tactics.
Each training block includes a safety briefing, equipment familiarization, skill demonstration, supervised practice, and a brief performance-based evaluation. The focus is on reinforcing foundational skills while encouraging confidence, consistency, and operational readiness among participants.
This program is adaptable to indoor or outdoor environments and can be conducted using available apparatus and equipment. It meets continuing education or annual proficiency requirements and supports NFPA training objectives as applicable.

Course Objectives

This training introduces firefighters and rescue personnel to fundamental rope skills essential for fireground and rescue operations. Participants will learn rope types, care, and maintenance, along with the proper tying and application of basic knots such as the figure-eight family, clove hitch, and bowline. Emphasis is placed on practical usage, safety, and knot efficiency to support tasks like hoisting tools, securing loads, and setting up basic anchor systems.

Course Details

• Hours: 4
• Maximum Students: 25
• Prerequisites: Basic FF
• Practical Skills Sheets Available: yes

Standards & JPRs

• Associated NFPA Standard(s) & Edition(s): NFPA 2500
• NFPA Chapter(s): 5
• Associated JPRs: 5.2.3

Equipment & Training Props

• Student Equipment / PPE: ppe
• Host Agency Equipment / Props: Basic rope and knot equipment, area suitable for training
• Vendor-Supplied Training Props: Basic low angle Rope Equipment, Ropes