Welcome to Part 1 of 3 of the Firefighter Challenge Series, host by Hussien Jabai and joined by competitor and record holder Trevor Fera of Fit Firefighter. In this episode we will provide an overview and introduction into what the Firefighter Challenge is and the tasks involved in the competitive event. Jabai and Fera discuss the mentality and physicality required to compete in the event, while also discussing obstacles that athletes and teams may face when aspiring to attend/participate. Fera will also share his start into the space, aspects of getting involved, and experiences, wisdom, and lessons learned during his journey.
Description: Wearing “full bunker gear” and self contained breathing apparatus, pairs of competitors race head-to-head as they simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting. Performing a linked series of five tasks including running up a 5-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175lb. “victim” they race against themselves, their opponent and the clock.
Competitors will be donned with SCBA and ushered onto the course. Competitors may have their hands on the Hi-Rise Pack. The start commands are "Ready, Go". Competitors must wait for the "Ready, Go" command; an early start may result in a restart or a 2-second false start penalty. Each event must be performed in the order specified below.
The first event is the stair climb with Hi-Rise Pack. The Hi-Rise Pack is a 4-foot bundle of 4-inch hose weighing 42 pounds. This is carried on the outside shoulder when moving up the stairs and must be deposited completely in or on the box on the top floor of the tower (40 ft., 6 flights, 60 steps). Missing the box constitutes a 2-second penalty. No part may touch the deck of the tower. A 2 second penalty is assessed if any part of the Donut Roll is touching the tower platform. The hose load must stay on the platform or the competitor is disqualified. When ascending the tower handrails may be used. Steps can be taken one at a time or in multiples on the way up. When descending handrails and steps must be used. Failure to touch each step on the way down will result in a 2 second penalty per infraction.
A 45 lb. donut roll of hose and 5/8" kern-mantle rope are used. Competitors 5'6" and under are allowed to stand on the Hi Rise pack (no penalty will be given to these competitors). The Donut Roll must be hauled (usually hand over hand motion) up to the top landing of the tower, lifted and placed in the box on the top of the tower. Missing the box will result in a 2 second penalty. The donut roll must remain in or on the box. No part may touch the deck of the tower. A 2 second penalty is assessed if any part of the donut roll is touching the tower platform. The donut roll must stay on the platform or the competitor is disqualified. A fallen donut roll may not be retrieved.
The forcible entry evolution utilizes a chopping simulator. Using a 9 lb. shot mallet provided. The competitor moves the beam completely past the decal. Once this task is complete the competitor must place the hammer on the designated 4' x 4' area. If the hammer does not stay on the 4' x 4' area a 2 second penalty is given.
Competitors then run as fast as he/she can around the hydrants a distance of 140 ft. then shoulders the nozzle end of a fully charged 1 3/4 hose line then drags it 75 ft. Once the nozzle crosses the 75 ft. mark, the competitor opens the nozzle, hits the designated target with the stream of water, shuts the nozzle and places it on the ground. If the nozzle is not shut before it is placed down, the competitor must go back and close it. Failure to do so results in a 5 second penalty. If the target is missed a 2 second penalty is assessed. Once the hose advance is complete the competitor moves towards the final task, Victim Rescue. Note: if the nozzle opens again after it hits the ground, there is no penalty and the competitor can continue.
A 175 lb. mannequin must be dragged backwards a distance of 100 ft. Carrying the mannequin in your arms or over your shoulder is not permitted. The mannequin must not be grasped by its clothing or appendages. Time stops when the competitor and mannequin cross the beam at the finish line with the mannequin’s feet completely crossing the blue line.
Firefighter Challenge: http://firefighterchallenge.com/
RIT Team Radio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807779547418871/
Website: www.jabaiperformancetactical.com
Guest Speaker: Trevor Fera
Contact Email for Trevor Fera: [email protected]
Visit the podcast page at: https://jabai-performance.mykajabi.com/podcasts/r-i-t-team-radio-2?_gl=1%2A1b1utxm%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE2Nzk1MzU4MjcuQ2p3S0NBaUFqUHlmQmhCTUVpd0FCMkNDSW1CTXFoNjh2VW1fcjVocnljOHQwN0pKY0UybEtKMV9RV2VzSW9YUmtuQUFDdF96aWVfYmxob0M0b1FRQXZEX0J3RQ..
