Course Description
This 8-hour Hands-On Training (HOT) course is designed to build firefighter confidence, efficiency, and operational competency through repetition-based ground ladder training focused on real-world fireground operations. This program places heavy emphasis on practical application, teamwork, and aggressive ladder company fundamentals that directly translate to the street.
Students will spend the day performing ladder carries, raises, deployments, climbing operations, victim removal considerations, and first-in fireground ladder placement through realistic and physically demanding hands-on evolutions. The focus of the course is simple — repetition builds competency, and competency builds confidence on the fireground.
This is not a classroom-heavy lecture course. Students should expect a fast-paced, physically active training environment centered around hands-on drills, movement, communication, and teamwork. Evolutions are designed to sharpen basic skills while pushing firefighters to operate more efficiently and effectively under realistic fireground conditions.
Ground ladders remain one of the most important and underutilized tools in the fire service. This course is built to reinforce aggressive ladder operations, proper placement, fireground decision making, and safe operational practices while improving overall firefighter readiness.
Course Objectives
Demonstrate proper carrying, deployment, and raising techniques for ground ladders.
Identify appropriate ladder selection and placement based on fireground conditions.
Demonstrate safe climbing, working, and transitioning techniques from ground ladders.
Perform single-firefighter and team-based ladder raises.
Demonstrate proper ladder placement for rescue, ventilation, and fire attack support operations.
Reinforce communication and teamwork during ladder operations.
Identify common ladder hazards and operational safety considerations.
Demonstrate victim removal considerations utilizing ground ladders.
Improve operational speed and efficiency through repetition-based practical evolutions.
Participate in realistic fireground ladder scenarios and problem-solving drills.
Course Details
- Hours: 8
- Maximum Students: 25
- Prerequisites: Basic FF
- Practical Skills Sheets Available: N
Standards & JPRs
- Associated NFPA Standard(s) & Edition(s): 1001
- NFPA Chapter(s): 5&6
- Associated JPRs: 5&6 Ladder JPRs
Equipment & Training Props
- Student Equipment / PPE: Structural FF PPE / SCBA / Spare Cylinder
- Host Agency Equipment / Props: Ladder truck (If Available) Ground ladders and applicable training site.
- Vendor-Supplied Training Props: Belays and Safety Equipment where applicable