Another great video and well thought out plan! Your desire to help out others in a positive way is definitely shown and is commendable. Only thing is how long will it take to find out there is a missing broom? You could blame it on purple shift but you spilled the beans in the video.
Hi. I really appreciate all of the hard work you put into making these videos it helps me out a lot. I can't make my departments trainings since they fall on the days that I work. So i have to train on my own. Except for the once in a while trainings we have on a weekend that I can go to. So, I watch a lot of videos on youtube and I have learned a lot from your videos. Do you know where I can get a pouch like that? It would be so helpful to have one.
Love your videos! They really opened my eyes to personal bail out kits. I saw you have used the lightning gt hook and f4, as well as some cmc products. Before I purchase some cmc escape web, do you think the escape web would work effectively with the f4 and save some space in my pockets? I currently have some 8mm rope configured but my Dept purchased new turnouts with only the smaller coat pockets(no more pants pockets). Wanna know what you think before I start carrying the kit externally. Thanks!
Hello Greg - Thanks for question! I can't say if the the F4 would operate safely with CMCs webbing as I never tried it, but I can tell you that Sterling specifically states that the F4 is designed to work with 7.5mm - 9mm rope. CMCs escape web is flat and has a hollow core and even though it's listed to have a width of 11mm, it compacts to a diameter smaller than 7.5mm - So having proper friction control with the F4 would be a concern.
Hey DJ - Thanks for the comment! - You have quite a few options on these types of systems - Either commercially made setups to systems you can piece together yourself. Just do a Google search for firefighter escape systems.
Really useful information. Thank you I honestly believe that the people interested in your videos are people with basic knowledge and understanding. So you really dont have to explain it like you are teaching a kindergarten class. Just saying……………
Great video!!! I have a much similar system but with 50 ft of 8 mm rope. Is there any chance you have designed a packing jig for this diameter and length or can suggest measurements to do the same thing with that size?
I don't Matt, but the key component to the jig is to match it up with the bag you store your system in. There's not a huge difference between 8mm vs 7.5mm, but 10 extra feet is significant - You would need to make the posts on the jig taller than what I have. As far as the width apart, again that would depend on the dimensions of the storage bag you have. It took me a few prototypes before I got the one shown in the video dialed in to work perfectly with our system and bag.
Hey, I have been watching a lot of your videos and learning a lot, and you have me convinced to get an escape belt and bail out kit now. I know people tell me you can't put a price on your life and that I should invest in the best gear, but I really don't have the money for some of the rope descenders. I have been looking at the figure 8/Rescue 8 descenders as an alternative for a DCD and was wondering what your opinion on them was. I've seen them implemented in some bailout kits but I've also heard the disadvantages of not auto-braking. Do you think you could post some videos on bail out techniques using the Rescue 8, how to keep the rope in the device under tension so when you bail out you aren't just free falling or having the line slip from you?
Danny I actually started with a body belay - Wrapping the rope around yourself for friction, than we incorporated a carabiner (using triple wraps on the rope or a tying a munter hitch) than went to the mini 8 and other friction controlled descenders that you mentioned and now the next level is self braking/auto locking DCDs. Any body belay technique or use of a "Friction" controlled DCD relies on maintaining a break hand on the rope and appropriate tension. If you do that while you exit you can control your descent relatively proficiently. To answer your question specifically about technique while using a figure 8 descenders or similar device - As soon as you are about to commit your weight to the rope you want to pull your hand down and to your side/hip (right or left) - I like using an overhand grip. You can add additional friction and control by putting a bend in the rope by rotating your hand - Similar to raising a halyard on an extension ladder. When you want to go faster you bring your hand and arm away from your hip and loosen your grip on the rope. However the issues that are not always mentioned in training are the problems that can occur with any friction reliant method, for example; Dealing with wet gloves, an injured hand that can make it harder to feel and control the rope, stress and fatigue from the fire and the incident you're facing, a difficult window to negotiate - tall sill with a narrow opening width and short height - Any of these can make it difficult to ensure you maintain break hand discipline throughout your exit and rappel/decent. These are the reasons for the progression to autolocking/self braking DCDs which you allow the possibility to use both your hands to negotiate your exit and control the speed of your rappel/descent - If you panic and let go of the device you will stop. Adding a last ditch anchor hook to your system is the ultimate backup when you have no other means of anchoring your rope. I understand the money issue, I was once there myself. Start with what you can and practice, practice, practice to make your moves smooth, safe, fast and efficient. I'm sure if you search TH-cam you can find videos demonstrating basic rappels techniques using a figure 8 or mini escape descenders. Than apply the same techniques to the equipment you decide to purchase. Good luck!
It's primarily for victim rescue and alternate anchoring techniques - You can see it used in some of the other VRS/Escape system videos I've produced and uploaded. Here's just one of those videos: th-cam.com/video/KapUDnfi8YQ/w-d-xo.html
@@DALEGPEKEL really? And that is enough for most buildings? I am from france and here there is alot of buildings above that height. What do you do in those cases?
@@myname-mz3lo a 40 foot system is enough to span 3-4 floors in the USA - If the system does not reach the ground it will usually get you to a safe location below the fire where you can access another window, balcony OR maybe get you within reach of a ground or aerial ladder
The bag is completely custom - I designed it and a local upholstery company -makes them. You can contact Steve Orkolski at Commercial Upholstery LLC for more info. His phone # is: 262-391-5565
No I don't sell any equipment. I prefer the CMC FlashLite over Sterlings hook as it works better for some of the other deployment options we use a VRS for. That's why we built our own system and didn't go with any specific manufacturers as we couldn't find one system that fit all our needs across the board.
It's an excellent DCD - Both the Sterling F4 and CMC Escape Artist are the ones I recommend the most - Each has their own positives and negatives, but there is no DCD on the market that's perfect across the board. CMC offers both a single brake and double brake design for the Escape Artist - The double brake has an anti-panic feature.
Steve I haven't tried the FCX yet - The FCX has 3 holes vs 4 which will for some FFs, adversely affect when using the DCD for secondary deployment (techniques we teach for victim rescue). Besides this the FCX lever is a pull vs a squeeze on the F4. It also has an anti-panic feature - If you pull the lever back too far your descent is stopped. I don't really care for this feature, but many manufacturers are providing it and some FFs love it; CMC, Sterling, Petzl all offer anti-panic DCDs. Sorry I can't give you an opinion based on actual hands on experience with the FCX, but our members have been very satisfied with the F4.
Not that I know of, but every commercial manufacturer that sells these types of systems only look at them as a one dimension piece of equipment - In other words just for self rescue. Our system is designed from a storage and deployment standpoint to be, as the name states, a much more Versatile Rescue System and the bag is a integral component of that design.
DALE G. PEKEL Ok Thanks. Let me just start by saying your channel is AMAZING an I've learned a ton from it. I work for a FD in Charleston SC , originally from Troy , NY and down here these are an option so I'm trying to assemble this kit for myself because I do see the value of this. Keep doing what you do cause I love it.
This is such a valuable channel. Nothing but street smart shit.
Another great video and well thought out plan! Your desire to help out others in a positive way is definitely shown and is commendable. Only thing is how long will it take to find out there is a missing broom? You could blame it on purple shift but you spilled the beans in the video.
That’s awesome, thanks for all your hard work!
Hi. I really appreciate all of the hard work you put into making these videos it helps me out a lot. I can't make my departments trainings since they fall on the days that I work. So i have to train on my own. Except for the once in a while trainings we have on a weekend that I can go to. So, I watch a lot of videos on youtube and I have learned a lot from your videos. Do you know where I can get a pouch like that? It would be so helpful to have one.
I’ll be making this soon
Love your videos! They really opened my eyes to personal bail out kits. I saw you have used the lightning gt hook and f4, as well as some cmc products. Before I purchase some cmc escape web, do you think the escape web would work effectively with the f4 and save some space in my pockets? I currently have some 8mm rope configured but my Dept purchased new turnouts with only the smaller coat pockets(no more pants pockets). Wanna know what you think before I start carrying the kit externally. Thanks!
Hello Greg - Thanks for question! I can't say if the the F4 would operate safely with CMCs webbing as I never tried it, but I can tell you that Sterling specifically states that the F4 is designed to work with 7.5mm - 9mm rope. CMCs escape web is flat and has a hollow core and even though it's listed to have a width of 11mm, it compacts to a diameter smaller than 7.5mm - So having proper friction control with the F4 would be a concern.
Awesome video! Where can I find one of these kits to buy?
Hey DJ - Thanks for the comment! - You have quite a few options on these types of systems - Either commercially made setups to systems you can piece together yourself. Just do a Google search for firefighter escape systems.
Where can we get a bag like yours?
Contact Steve Orkolski from commercial upholstery (262) 391-5565
Really useful information. Thank you
I honestly believe that the people interested in your videos are people with basic knowledge and understanding. So you really dont have to explain it like you are teaching a kindergarten class.
Just saying……………
can you link the used kid ?
thx
Great video!!! I have a much similar system but with 50 ft of 8 mm rope. Is there any chance you have designed a packing jig for this diameter and length or can suggest measurements to do the same thing with that size?
I don't Matt, but the key component to the jig is to match it up with the bag you store your system in. There's not a huge difference between 8mm vs 7.5mm, but 10 extra feet is significant - You would need to make the posts on the jig taller than what I have. As far as the width apart, again that would depend on the dimensions of the storage bag you have. It took me a few prototypes before I got the one shown in the video dialed in to work perfectly with our system and bag.
What type of knot your hook tied with?
Hey, I have been watching a lot of your videos and learning a lot, and you have me convinced to get an escape belt and bail out kit now. I know people tell me you can't put a price on your life and that I should invest in the best gear, but I really don't have the money for some of the rope descenders. I have been looking at the figure 8/Rescue 8 descenders as an alternative for a DCD and was wondering what your opinion on them was. I've seen them implemented in some bailout kits but I've also heard the disadvantages of not auto-braking.
Do you think you could post some videos on bail out techniques using the Rescue 8, how to keep the rope in the device under tension so when you bail out you aren't just free falling or having the line slip from you?
Danny I actually started with a body belay - Wrapping the rope around yourself for friction, than we incorporated a carabiner (using triple wraps on the rope or a tying a munter hitch) than went to the mini 8 and other friction controlled descenders that you mentioned and now the next level is self braking/auto locking DCDs. Any body belay technique or use of a "Friction" controlled DCD relies on maintaining a break hand on the rope and appropriate tension. If you do that while you exit you can control your descent relatively proficiently. To answer your question specifically about technique while using a figure 8 descenders or similar device - As soon as you are about to commit your weight to the rope you want to pull your hand down and to your side/hip (right or left) - I like using an overhand grip. You can add additional friction and control by putting a bend in the rope by rotating your hand - Similar to raising a halyard on an extension ladder. When you want to go faster you bring your hand and arm away from your hip and loosen your grip on the rope. However the issues that are not always mentioned in training are the problems that can occur with any friction reliant method, for example; Dealing with wet gloves, an injured hand that can make it harder to feel and control the rope, stress and fatigue from the fire and the incident you're facing, a difficult window to negotiate - tall sill with a narrow opening width and short height - Any of these can make it difficult to ensure you maintain break hand discipline throughout your exit and rappel/decent. These are the reasons for the progression to autolocking/self braking DCDs which you allow the possibility to use both your hands to negotiate your exit and control the speed of your rappel/descent - If you panic and let go of the device you will stop. Adding a last ditch anchor hook to your system is the ultimate backup when you have no other means of anchoring your rope. I understand the money issue, I was once there myself. Start with what you can and practice, practice, practice to make your moves smooth, safe, fast and efficient. I'm sure if you search TH-cam you can find videos demonstrating basic rappels techniques using a figure 8 or mini escape descenders. Than apply the same techniques to the equipment you decide to purchase. Good luck!
Where can this kit be bought?
This was a custom made system, but you can purchase all the components on line, minus the storage bag.
Can you explain the purpose of the second Carribean?
Its just a rope stop
It's primarily for victim rescue and alternate anchoring techniques - You can see it used in some of the other VRS/Escape system videos I've produced and uploaded. Here's just one of those videos: th-cam.com/video/KapUDnfi8YQ/w-d-xo.html
What's the length of rope you're using in your system?
40 feet of Sterling FireTech 32 Technora (7.5mm in diameter)
how much rope is that ?? seems like not much
40 feet
@@DALEGPEKEL really? And that is enough for most buildings? I am from france and here there is alot of buildings above that height. What do you do in those cases?
@@myname-mz3lo a 40 foot system is enough to span 3-4 floors in the USA - If the system does not reach the ground it will usually get you to a safe location below the fire where you can access another window, balcony OR maybe get you within reach of a ground or aerial ladder
What type/brand of bag is that? I've been looking for one that's can be made low profile just like that.
The bag is completely custom - I designed it and a local upholstery company -makes them. You can contact Steve Orkolski at Commercial Upholstery LLC for more info. His phone # is: 262-391-5565
How do you make that jig
Did you watch the video? - I describe how to make the jig at the end.
@@DALEGPEKEL yes I realized that later. And realized I don’t have the tools too make it
Are you selling this complete package? F4 package comes not with a cmc hook but their own. To get the cmc ID have to buy it separately.
No I don't sell any equipment. I prefer the CMC FlashLite over Sterlings hook as it works better for some of the other deployment options we use a VRS for. That's why we built our own system and didn't go with any specific manufacturers as we couldn't find one system that fit all our needs across the board.
DALE G. PEKEL I was looking at this system or the one from cmc. What's your thoughts on the cmc escape device?
It's an excellent DCD - Both the Sterling F4 and CMC Escape Artist are the ones I recommend the most - Each has their own positives and negatives, but there is no DCD on the market that's perfect across the board. CMC offers both a single brake and double brake design for the Escape Artist - The double brake has an anti-panic feature.
Dale, have you tried sterling's FCX DCD yet, and if so is there much difference from the F4? Thanks
Steve I haven't tried the FCX yet - The FCX has 3 holes vs 4 which will for some FFs, adversely affect when using the DCD for secondary deployment (techniques we teach for victim rescue). Besides this the FCX lever is a pull vs a squeeze on the F4. It also has an anti-panic feature - If you pull the lever back too far your descent is stopped. I don't really care for this feature, but many manufacturers are providing it and some FFs love it; CMC, Sterling, Petzl all offer anti-panic DCDs. Sorry I can't give you an opinion based on actual hands on experience with the FCX, but our members have been very satisfied with the F4.
Any bag comparable to the one you designed?
Not that I know of, but every commercial manufacturer that sells these types of systems only look at them as a one dimension piece of equipment - In other words just for self rescue. Our system is designed from a storage and deployment standpoint to be, as the name states, a much more Versatile Rescue System and the bag is a integral component of that design.
DALE G. PEKEL Ok Thanks. Let me just start by saying your channel is AMAZING an I've learned a ton from it. I work for a FD in Charleston SC , originally from Troy , NY and down here these are an option so I'm trying to assemble this kit for myself because I do see the value of this. Keep doing what you do cause I love it.
Thanks brother! - Good luck w putting your system together