Course Description

Effective aerial operations begin with proper placement, as a well-positioned apparatus expands access, improves reach, and enhances the truck company’s overall impact on the fireground. This program trains the aerial driver/operator to understand how apparatus configuration—mid-mount vs. rear-mount and ladder vs. platform—influences spotting, operating envelope, scrub zones, and tactical capability. Through blended classroom instruction and hands-on rotations, students learn to assess structures, setbacks, terrain, obstructions, and incident priorities to position the aerial for maximum effectiveness. All decision-making is centered on the three functional objectives of aerial placement—Roof, Rescue, or Water—ensuring operators place the apparatus with purpose, efficiency, and fireground advantage.

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Classroom Learning Objectives:

• Identify the operational differences, advantages, and limitations of mid-mount vs. rear-mount and ladder vs. platform aerial apparatus.

• Explain how apparatus configuration influences spotting, reach, scrub zones, and operating envelope on the fireground.

• Analyze structural features, setbacks, terrain, obstructions, and incident priorities to determine optimal aerial placement.

• Understand the three functional objectives of aerial positioning—Roof, Rescue, or Water.

 

Hands-on Training Objectives:

• Conduct full apparatus setup and stabilization while demonstrating accurate depth perception, tip control, and finesse.

• Spot and position both mid-mount and rear-mount aerials for Roof, Rescue, and Water functions across various structures and conditions.

• Perform placement adjustments involving short-jack, jack-lean, and grade compensation to maintain operational capability.

• Execute platform-based and ladder-based victim removal, including Stokes basket operations.

• Deploy master streams using flow-from-above, flow-from-below, low-flow, and sweep techniques with appropriate water supply management.

• Perform outside truck functions, including ground ladder placement, parapet operations, and roof-edge coordination in support of aerial operations.