Kearney Volunteer Fire Department Modular SCBA Maze Always

Kearney Volunteer Fire Department Modular SCBA Maze “Always Ready” Since 1883 www. kvfd. net

Modular SCBA Maze Goals • • Provide quality training Functional training for any ability or skill level Challenge firefighters of any size or stature Ability to build skills and challenge firefighters Easy to set up for training Easy to reset between participants Eliminate firefighters from memorizing maze – Stop the “Trained Rat” syndrome and decrease the ability to “cheat” in training. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 2

Goal of this presentation • Show other fire departments how to recreate the Kearney Modular SCBA Maze • Let you learn from our experiences • Spread the knowledge Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 3

What The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department Ask Of You: • Give credit where credit is due: – Use the ideas, spread the knowledge but give the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department credit for the concept. • Be creative – If you see a way to improve on the design do so, but please share the idea with us and others. – Adapt this concept to work for your department • Build this yourself, don’t allow some person or company to make money off of it. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 4

What is a Modular SCBA Maze? • A maze designed to improve firefighter knowledge, confidence and ability to function in challenging situations with their SCBA. • A maze that can be “easily” reconfigured to challenge firefighters every time they enter it. • A maze that makes the small firefighter work with their SCBA the same as a large firefighter has to in order to clear an obstacle. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 5

What does it consist of? • A series of “boxes” called modules. • Each module provides a different challenge for the firefighter to overcome. • Overall, each module is the same size allowing them to be moved around within the maze – Only two modules remain in the same place, all others can be interchanged. – Currently Kearney has 13 different modules Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 6

What Equipment Do You Need To Build The Kearney Modular SCBA Maze? • Circular saw and drill • Highly recommended if building multiple modules: – Table saw – Radial arm saw – Impact driver Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 7

Basic Module Dimensions Constructed of 2”x 4” lumber and ¾” CDX Plywood • Interior Dimensions: – 32” wide – 48” tall – 8’ long Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 8

Why Use These Dimensions? • Kearney chose these dimensions based on the following information: – Measurements of a larger firefighter in PPE/SCBA on his hands and knees – Plywood comes in 48” wide sheets – It allows firefighters the ability to maneuver – Kearney uses a 53’ long connex (metal shipping container) with a 9’ 6” inside height • Adapt the dimensions to work with the space you have! Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 9

The Basic Module • Each module has 4 “ribs” – Constructed using 2”x 4” – Upright sections are 48” – Top and bottom are 36. 5” – Connected together with deck screws. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 10

A Jig Can Be Very Beneficial! Built From Scrap Material Simplifies The Building Of Ribs Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 11

Basic Module Assembly • Space ribs evenly and attach with deck screws to plywood to make one side. • Repeat for other side. • Install top and bottom using (1) 32” or (2) 16” pieces for each. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 12

The Completed Module • Completed dimensions: – 8’ long – 36. 5” wide – 51” tall • Prevent racking by installing corner braces on all ribs • Chest handles (2 per side) help in moving Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 13

Joist At Right Angle Module • Simulates crawling across joist • Build basic module without a floor • Install 2”x 6” at center and midway between center and ends on 16” center • Finish ends with a 2”x 4” stood on end over ribs Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 14

Bottom View Of Joist At Right Angle • Joist In Line would be similar • When placed on top of another module, provides more realism due to the fact there is more open space before the firefighters’ toe strikes something solid. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 15

Joist In Line • Simulates crawling along joist in line • Build basic module without floor • Position (2) 2”x 4” on 16” centers and attach to bottom of ribs • Finish ends with a 2”x 4” stood on end over ribs Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 16

Floor Tilting Over Center • Simulates crawling on a floor that starts to give way. • Construct the basic module without a floor. • At center point along bottom of sides drill a hole sized to the pipe you will be using. • This will be the pivot point. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 17

Floor Tilting Over Center • Using scrap pieces of plywood drill holes in them and attach to side of module to help support pipe. • Cap each side to keep pipe from sliding out. • Double layer the floor section trimming side to allow movement. • Trim 1. 5” from end to clear filler strip. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 18

Floor Tilting Over Cener • Using pipe clamp brackets secure floor to pipe. • Attach 2” filler strip to bottom of the “exit” end. • Attach 2” wide strip to underside of floor on the “entrance” side. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 19

Floor Tilting Over Center Weighted end on “entrance” side will allow floor to “reset” after firefighter exits opposite side while also filling gap between floor and rib due to increase in floor height created by the pipe. Filler strip on “exit” side provides a flush floor if firefighter was to enter from this end. Also encloses the gap between the bottom of the floor and rib for safety. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 20

Floor Tilting Side To Side • Allows firefighter to work on balance • Build basic module without floor • Pivots on a pipe running the length of module • Cut hole slightly larger than your pipe centered on (2) 32”, 2”x 4”s Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 21

Floor Tilting Side To Side • Use (2) pieces of 32” OSB screwed together for floor. • Attach to pipe with pipe clamps as with Floor Tilting Over Center. • Trim to length and width, allowing floor to tip • Cap ends with 32”, 2”x 4” to hold pipe in place Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 22

Spongy Floor Module • Allows firefighter to experience “spongy” floor feeling in a safe environment. • Construct basic module without floor. • Attached to bottom ribs to keep plywood from sliding under the firefighters weight. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 23

Spongy Floor Module • Use a 32” wide piece of ¼” or 3/8” plywood for the floor, attaching it to the filler strip on one side only. • The amount of give in the floor is achieved based upon the size of filler strips and plywood thickness. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 24

V-Floor Module • Provides unfamiliar surface for firefighter to maneuver across. • Construct basic module without floor. • Utilizing scraps plywood cut (2) 3”x 8’ pieces • Secure them to the bottom of the module to secure sloped sides. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 25

V-Floor Module • Cut two 8’ pieces of plywood to form the “V”. • The width of the two pieces used determine the angle of the “V”. • The KVFD used two pieces 24” wide. • Attach “V” to the bottom and sides. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 26

Plastic Tube Module • Used to simulate crawling through a confined space. • Build basic module. • Acquire 8’ piece of plastic pipe that will fit in the module. The KVFD used a 24” diameter piece. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 27

Plastic Tube Module • Using 2 x 4’s create supports for the pipe inside the module as needed. • Attach pipe to supports and module. • Apply Rubberized Undercoating to bottom of tube to reduce slipping. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 28

Reduced Opening Module • Used to create a reduced opening for the firefighter to maneuver through. • Size of opening can easily be changed to challenge firefighters of all sizes and to meet the training objective. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 29

Reduced Opening Module • Construct a basic module. • Centered in the middle of the module make a 1” trench cut on the top, bottom and one side of the module. • Use pieces of plywood to span the top and bottom openings. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 30

Reduced Opening Module • This creates a channel for the insert to slide in. • Attach a large slide bolt to side of module with a corresponding hole in the insert to lock them in place. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 31

Reduced Opening Module • Inserts are made out of ¾” CDX plywood. • Insert is 4’ tall and at least 41” wide with at least one grab handle to facilitate change out. • Size of hole determines if the SCBA remains on or off. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 32

Reduced Width Module • Simulates firefighter moving through a reduced width space. • Width adjustable from 28” down to fully obstructed. • Build Reduced Opening Module complete with slide bolt. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 33

Reduced Width Module • Cut one 4’x 41” insert with grab handle. • Cut (2) 44”x 47” pieces of plywood. • Attach to insert with door hinges. • Attach a garage door roller on top and bottom of both moving pieces of plywood. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 34

Reduced Width Module • Attach 2’ piece of garage door track to top and bottom of moving plywood on each side of module. • The garage door rollers and track allow the interior plywood to move. • Guides the firefighter to the opening. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 35

Reduced Width Module • With insert slid completely in scribe where it meets the module. • Interior width corresponds to exterior measurements. • Slide bolt keeps width from changing during use. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 36

Moveable Pipe Module • Build basic module • Prior to installing the sides, drill 5 vertical holes centered between the outside set of ribs on both ends. • Install these side walls. The holes will hold the sections of pipe. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 37

Moveable Pipe Module • Cut (8) ¾” thick by 4’ spacers at least 1” wide. • Attach on each side of vertical holes. • Cut (4) ¾” thick by 4’ cover pieces to span the spacers and pipe. • Back two cover pieces are screwed in place. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 38

Moveable Pipe Module • On front side secure cover pieces with hinges and add slide bolts to form a door. • Slot can be cut to view pipe position with door closed. • This keeps the pipes from sliding out during use. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 39

Moveable Pipe Module • Cut access door between the two center ribs. • Attach hinges to bottom, slide bolts to top and sides. • Facilitates inserting pipe into back wall. • KVFD used 1 5/8” OD pipe cut to 35” lengths. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 40

Forrest Reeder’s Box of Death • The Box of Death concept was created by Chief Forrest Reeder. • Consist of a wooden footlocker with two arm holes cut in the lid. • Student inserts arms in, instructor has them perform a task without being able to see what they are doing. Forrest Reeder is the Battalion Chief & Director of Training & Safety for the Pleasantview Fire Protection District Serves as the drill master for Firefighter. Close. Calls. com. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 41

Forrest’s Reeder Box of Death • Idea came after hearing Chief Reeder speak. • Solved the problem of transitioning students from one side of connex to the other. • These two modules always remain in place at the far end of the connex. Give credit where credit is due. These two modules are a modification of Chief Reeder's Box of Death. We simply modified the idea to work for us. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 42

Forrest Reeder Box of Death • 32” deep, 64” tall and 8’ wide to allow the firefighter to kneel. • (8) 36. 5” and 64” x 2” wide material for ribs. • Center ribs are 32” from outside ribs. • 9” arm holes centered 7” from end and 36” from bottom. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 43

Forrest Reeder Box of Death • 32” deep, 32” high and 8’ wide. • Built same as bottom module, dimensions adjusted accordingly. • (2) 9” holes centered in plywood. • Firefighter lays on side to stick arms out of module. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 44

Forrest Reeder’s Box of Death • Bottom module allows firefighters to kneel and stick arms out. • Top module allows firefighters to lay on side and stick arms out. • Instructor has them tie knots, adjust nozzle settings, identify hose ends (way out), etc. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 45

Floor Drop Module • Allows instructor to decide if floor drops or not. • Firefighter falls onto foam mattress (double stacked) held in place by carpet to protect mattress and hold it in place. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 46

Floor Drop Module • Recommended that 2 x 6’s used for durability due to movement during drop. • Use (8) 36. 5” & (8) 99” 2”x 6” for ribs. • Sides are 2 full sheets of plywood plus (1) 3”x 8” piece • Top and bottom are 32”x 8’ pieces of plywood. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 47

Floor Drop Module • To construct each half of the floor use (2) 16”x 8’ pieces of plywood. • Attach each wing with heavy duty hinges on each side of module at a height of 54”. • Attach an 8”x 8’ piece of plywood to the underside of the back wing along the front edge. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 48

Floor Drop Module • The 8” piece of plywood will support both sides until the “wings” are clear of the floor. • Wings were constructed of (2) 24”x 18” pieces of steel. (2) heavy duty hinges were welded to each wing along with two castor wheels. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 49

Floor Drop Module • Cut a 24” tall section between the two center ribs allowing the wings to swing clear of module. • Lever was made by cutting down a 2 x 4 and bolting it to the module. • A cable is attached to the lever and wings. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 50

Floor Drop Module • Cut a 24” high access door between the outside ribs. Attach with hinges and slide bolts. This provides access to reset the floor. • (2) cleats are attached to the bottom of the floor to keep wings at a right angle to the floor. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 51

Floor Drop Module • Although this may seem simple, several prototypes were used to refine the process. • Once dropped the instructor asks the firefighter to perform LUNAR or similar report and then self rescue to continue in the maze. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 52

Entrance Module • Entrance module allows firefighter to enter the maze and also serves as a means to exit maze. • To exit maze firefighter breaches a wall or passes through an entanglement maze. • Also provides air movement in SCBA maze. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 53

Entrance Module • Overall depth is 4’, 6’ wide and has a 54” floor height to match other modules. • Width allows instructor to access rest of maze. • Design is similar to floor drop module with center ribs modified to allow room for wall breach. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 54

Entrance Module • For room to accommodate wall breach a header was created. • (2)4 x 4’s were ripped to 2. 5”x 3. 5” to create “studs”. • Custom “hinge” was built to allow for abuse. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 55

Entrance Module Hinges Each hinge consist of 2 chain links welded onto (2) pieces of flat stock Conventional hinges do not take the abuse of a firefighter trying to exit the maze. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 56

Entrance Module • “Studs” on 16” center. • Channel created to keep studs in place. • Holes drilled for 6” long piece of sacrificial dowel to simulate sill plate. • ¾” slot created for drywall to be breached by firefighter. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 57

Entrance Module • Cut down roof ladder used to access maze. Holes cut in floor for roof hooks. • Entrance covered with scrap pieces of fire hose to block out light. • Fans move air through SCBA maze for safety. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 58

Entrance Module • If instructed to exit through entanglement prop firefighter maneuvers through a 4’ entanglement prop. • Second entanglement prop allows one to be in use while the second is reset for the next evolution. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 59

Stairs • Stairs were constructed that allow the firefighter to transition from the upper to lower level. • Firefighter sounds treads when descending. • Treads can be easily removed. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 60

Entanglement Props • Box is 4’ long. • Constructed using (12) 2 x 4’s 36” in length bolted together. • Use (4) 24” pieces of plywood on all sides. • Drill a 1” hole in corner of each rib to attach wires. • Keep cutters close by. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 61

Modules In Connex Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 62

SCBA Maze Rules • There is nothing built into this training prop designed to hurt you. • This evolution is designed to build upon the SCBA skills you already possess and to help you become more proficient with your SCBA. • The purpose of this training is not to intimidate or belittle you. At no point will you be “set up to fail”. • Take a tool with you. • Carry that tool safely! • Radio is recommended if training situation allows. (KVFD Channel 2) • The only portion of this prop that you are allowed to “destroy” is either: A) Entanglement prop (wire) to exit the maze B) Wall breach prop (drywall) and widening the base of the 2 x 4’s to exit. Otherwise do not attempt to force your way though the maze Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 63

SCBA Maze Rules • If you need to remove your SCBA to maneuver a portion of this maze, put it back on, to include waist belt, as soon as you clear that obstacle. • Do not remove your fire gloves while in this maze. The next time you are required to perform these skills it might be in a really hot environment. • No alternate light sources are to be used. • This is not a timed event. Speed will come with proficiency. Become proficient! • If you “cheat” going through this maze you may have just cheated yourself out of a valuable skill you may actually need on an emergency scene. The decision to cheat today may negatively affect your fellow fire fighters in a real emergency. • Don’t screw over your fellow fire fighters and yourself! Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 64

SCBA Maze Rules • If you encounter a situation in this maze that would trigger a Mayday on the emergency scene, call the Mayday!! Suggested Minimum Information (LUNAR): • L: Location (Where are you or where was your last known point) • U: Unit (What apparatus were you working off of) • N: Name (Who are you. Who are we looking for? ) • A: Assignment (What was your assignment. Search, attack, vent, etc? ) • R: Resources (What do you need to clear your Mayday? ) • If you encounter a real life Mayday event, pound on the wall until the instructors answer you. We will then determine your situation and remove you from the maze if needed to clear your Mayday. • Once a fire fighter exit’s the maze help them Rehab. Then reset the prop. • Only after you have gone through the maze are you allowed past the entry prop. • Train Like You Want To Fight! Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 65

Estimated Build Cost • 2011 cost was $10, 000 -$12, 000 – Excludes cost of 53’ “high boy” connex • Do not let the cost to build the entire maze discourage you! • Start with a few modules. • Two different type modules could be combined to make one with dual roles. • Make this idea work for you and your department. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 66

Kearney Volunteer Fire Department • • • Established in 1883 Motto “Always Ready” Covers 272 square miles Population served: 50, 000 11 Fulltime Engineers (cover stations Sun-Fri) Part time drivers (cover stations on Sat) 1 Supervisor 1 Office Manager 65 Volunteers. Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 67

Kearney Volunteer Fire Department • Response area: – – – Residential Commercial Industrial 2 Hospitals 2 Colleges • University of Nebraska, Kearney • Central Community College – 3 state highways – 17 miles of Interstate I-80 – Busiest section of railroad in the world • Union Pacific. One train every 17 minutes Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 68

Kearney Volunteer Fire Department • • 6 Engines 2 Aerial/Platforms 4 Brush/Grass rigs 3 Tankers (tender) 1 Rescue (16’ walk around) 2 ARFF Apparatus 4 Stations (3 manned 24/7) Training Complex Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 69

Contact Information • • Todd “Walt” Walton Engineer Kearney Volunteer Fire Department 2211 Ave A Kearney, Ne 68847 308 -233 -3226 Station 1 twalton@kearneygov. org www. kvfd. net Kearney Volunteer Fire Department SCBA Maze 70