Denver Drill Window

The FireVent Denver Drill Window is a very heavy duty modular unit, that consists of four main panels (front panel, 2 side panels and floor). Also included are the bolt in place fixed ladder, 4 removable jack casters, and 2 observation steps.

The Denver Drill Window is designed after the actual dimensions of the confined area that claimed 16 year veteran Firefighter Mark Langvardt’s life in 1992. Specifically, it is a “hallway” 28 inches wide, 8 feet long with a window at one end that is 20 inches wide by 28 inches high and a sill that is 42 inches from the floor.

The Denver Drill is a vital training exercise for firefighters to practice rescuing an incapacitated or trapped colleague from a tight, confined space through and elevated window.

Performing the Denver Drill:

• Rapid Intervention: It is performed by a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)—the specialized crew standing by at a fire scene strictly to rescue other firefighters.
• Window Entry: The first rescuer enters the tight space headfirst through a high window, using proper body mechanics and leverage to reach and stabilize the downed firefighter.
• Lifting and Positioning: Rescuers manipulate the victim’s body and gear (such as adjusting the self-contained breathing apparatus straps) to lift the firefighter onto a rescuer’s knees or shoulders.
• Extraction: Team members coordinate commands to push and pull the downed firefighter up and out of the window opening to safety.