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Over the past year and half of doing this course we have continued to develop new ideas and instructional methods to enhance a firefighters performance and confidence in search line operations.

The following are some more advanced obstacles to consider:

Photos By Timothy Sendelbach


Spring loaded floor assembly

This particular obstacle requires the firefighter to enter the course through a triangular opening to an angled floor assembly that is equipped with springs. Once the firefighter places his/her weight on the floor it immediately drops a short distance. The key to this obstacle is to see how the firefighter reacts to the changing conditions and to see what information he/she communicates to his/her partner.

Photos By Timothy Sendelbach

Photos By Timothy Sendelbach


High / Low Passages

The high / low passage is designed to require the firefighters to use their tools for navigation and probing as much as possible. By making firefighters climb a series of debris piles and then enter a restricted passage, tool navigation and probing become second nature.

Photos By Timothy Sendelbach

Photos By Timothy Sendelbach


High / Low Ramps

Firefighters have been taught to navigate downward slants and stairs feet first, but seldom to do they do so because of fatigue and the general inconvenience on the fireground. These obstacles require teamwork, effective communications and a degree of creativity to safely navigate.