Capitol Fire Training

**Capitol Quick-Tip Nō. 50**🏆
“Shocking Doors”
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When it comes to forcible entry tactics on residential & commercial doors one of the most talked about tactics is “shocking doors”…Which many are for and many are against. Even amongst our instructor group, our cadre is about 50/50 split for like vs dislike. And that is amongst many experienced instructors from all over the east coast.
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Here is the take from Rj on his stance being against shocking doors. The main principle that exists with many is the fact that most shock doors to identify if a lock exists versus the intent of blowing the door open. Nobody would argue the fact that if we hit the door hard and it opens that’s a win and let’s move on with the firefight. Where it becomes a problem is when we hit it multiple times and it’s not opening, now we’re mule kicking it, and just looking like we don’t have it together.
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Anytime we start with our tool in the door with the intent to create a gap, the gap will always point to our next lock. We have to be able read the door. The flex will always point you in the direction of the lock. Instead of hitting the door 3 times, we can get the bar positioned off the rip and get to it!
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If your intent when you identify a lock high or low is to then address the lock right then and there, then that’s a home run. But….often times that’s not people’s plan. It’s a hit high, low, middle then start forcing. For many that have taken our classes, you know we never would tell people not to shock the door, but, often times with us it’s not talked about until asked about.
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(This Capitol Quick-Tip marks a milestone of Quick Tip Nō. 50 with CFT. Our first Quick Tip was April 12th, 2023 and here we are still rocking out training tips for you all. Thank you to everyone who’s supported each and everyone, and for those of you who take “something” away every time).
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Recently instructors from CFT traveled to Southfield Michigan to help co-instruct for the “Non Traditional Truck Company Ops” class alongside , , , and . This class brought instructors from a few training companies together to deliver real world struck skills. During this program students were able to learn skills in:
-forcible entry
-search tactics
-portable ladder work
-vertical ventilation
-VES
Following learning about the skills, they were then able to put into a real world scenario under live fire conditions.
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Thank you to Capt. Ashley who organized bringing the groups together, designed the program and gave the students a top notch program. Special thanks to .o.t for putting on yet again another great fire conference in Pontiac Michigan and at the Southfield Fire Dept.
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**Capitol Quick Tip**
“Team Based Movements”
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When we get tough doors the reality is we may need to work with another team member to get it forced. Understanding, there has to be fluid movements between the two players in order for them to be in sync. If done properly the person with the bars’ sole responsibility is to watch the forks as they navigate the space between the door and the frame. The member with the axe is only responsible for watching the the bar in one spot and delivering the blow to that spot. Communications between the two members is equally important, as we want to ensure that the tool is where we want it before delivering the next strike to the bar.
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On an inward swinging door, the bar should be moving toward the frame after every hit, every single time. When done correctly the striking firefighter should start on and exaggerated angle to the door and end in line with the door. If the communications and the movements are in sync with each other that’s half the battle of a successful force of an inward swinging door.
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(🎥 : CFT instructor reviewing successful movements for team based forcible entry while at the hosted by .f.r.t_fire_rescue_training in Külsheim Germany).
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🚨**Product Alert**🚨
“Phenix TC-1”
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We are pleased to announce that is now our premier choice for protective headwear. Specifically the new TC-1 (traditional composite 1) lid.
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For years we have worn old hand me down training lids, or decommissioned lids from the job, in an effort to just get by while we teach. That’s all changing as we have found the one we like it of the box. This one has the typical traditional look with all the feels and completely customizable the way that fits our needs and still matching our style. Some of the features that we like and decided to go with that just collided with our vibes:

🔥- Matte/flat black paint scheme
🔥- Traditional burke eye shields
🔥- Low profile & low center of gravity 🔥- Lightweight (55 oz.)
🔥- Suspension liner & comfort pad
🔥- Black removable ear-laps
🦅- Traditional American Eagle (color customizable)
🇺🇸- MADE IN THE USA
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If you haven’t had an opportunity to see how Phoenix helmets have changed the game in both leather and composite fire lids, check them out. Lots of good stuff, keeping the traditional fire service look and not compromising our safety at the same time.
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