Firefighter In Below Grade Trapped Scenario

The Nance Drill is based on the death of John Nance of the Columbus Fire Department. Engineer Nance was trapped in the basement of a commercial occupancy following a floor collapse. Despite the exhaustive efforts of multiple crews, engineer Nance was unable to be removed from the occupancy prior to succumbing to the elements. Several attempts were made in John's rescue attempt including dropping a ladder in the hole for him to climb out. Unfortunately John was too disoriented to complete his own extrication from the below grade area.

The Rescuer Enters The Hole

One rescuer is lowered into the hole with either ropes or the utilization of a charged hose line. Once at the trapped firefighter the rescuer prepares a bow-shaped knot called a handcuff hitch in each rope and slips the "handcuffs", one set at a time, around the trapped firefighter's arms between the elbows and wrists. Each rope is held by two of the firefighters who are waiting above. When the ropes are tightened, the rescuer steps back and calls up. “Lift!” The firefighters pull the trapped firefighter up through the opening in the floor.