Which Halligan would you prefer to have with you? Why?
You are assigned the forcible entry position on the truck and your job will be to gain entry and search. Which Halligan would you prefer to have with you? Why? Would you want the same Halligan if you were assigned to perform roof ventilation? Why?
A common modification to the Halligan is to add a chain link to the fork, as shown above on the right. The primary use of this is to perform “floor above” ventilation or to ventilate from the roof. A rope or Halligan hook can be attached to the chain link, allowing the Halligan to be swung to lower floors to ventilate the windows.
This is a great option is that Halligan bar is going to the roof, but what if you’re forcing doors? Is it a help or a hinderance?
This link is useful for ventilation options but may inhibit your forcible entry choices..
The Halligan on the left has no link, and though it may be difficult to see in the picture, the “shoulders” of the fork are squared. This will allow the shoulders to be used as a striking surface, which is useful in tight spaces. In this scenario, the presences of the welded chain-link may inhibit our ability to use the shoulders as a striking surface. The link will likely deform, and it’s rounded surface will often cause the axe to glance off, reducing the force delivered.
I am in by no means against the link, but we must remember that different tools, and different tool modifications are often suited to certain tasks. Where possible, the appropriate tool should be paired with the person performing those tasks. In the above picture, the left halligan is assigned to the forcible entry firefighter, while the bar on the right is located on the tip of the aerial.
Be sure to let us know your thoughts and how this equipment may be laid out on your rig…
Also on TraditionsTraining…
- Video Tip: Striking the Halligan & Truck Ops in Longwood, PA – February 5, 2010
- Single vs. 3-Piece Halligans – April 5, 2010
- Vent Challenges with Metal Awnings – January 19, 2010
- The Vulcan Hook – December 8, 2009
