LV Firefighters Train on Bailout System

Members of the LVFD had the opportunity to demo one of the top rope bailout systems on the market this past Monday, May 24th, at our headquarters. Rescue Products International, maker of the RPI Rope Bailout System, brought their trailer and bailout equipment to Locust Valley for a product demonstration.

In the unfortunate event when a firefighter is faced with the life threatening split-second decision to bailout of a window, they need to have the tools available to do so. Recognizing this need, RPI (http://rpiinc.net/) developed one of the most verstatile bailout systems available on the market today. The RPI System 40/50 is a high strength, light weight, low profile, preattached, prerigged personal escape system. The components of the system include a hook, rope, descender and pouch.

10 members of the LVFD had an opportunity to do a few practice bailouts using the RPI system and came away very impressed with this compact, lightwieght, easy-to-use, and versatile system.

NYS passed legislation over a year ago which now requires all fire departments in New York State to have a plan for firefighters rapid escape from structure fires, whether it be through the use of ladders or a bailout system of this type. Locust Valley Fire Department is currently in the process of evaluating the top systems on the market today.