Hunter Hill from Fitchburg (WI) Fire Department sent in this simple method of storing webbing. Simply roll up the webbing and place it in a medical glove. This keeps the webbing from getting knotted up or hung up on anything in your pocket. These photos show a length of webbing with carabineers on either end, but it would work just as well with webbing that is tied in a continuous loop. Webbing is a versatile tool, and can be used in a number of different ways. Some uses call for a length of webbing, some call for a continuous loop. It’s not a bad idea to carry one of each.
64 thoughts on “Webbing Roll”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Our tower uses this same technique. Also can be easily labeled length wise with a sharpie right on the glove. Almost idiot proof. . . almost. 😛
let me guess…. some medic came up with this idea. just joking it is a good idea.
I use a similar technique, except that I make wide ‘rubber bands’ out of the cuff. They hold my webbing, spare wedges, etc. Expendable & free. I haven’t stretched one around my helmet…yet.
What are some of the pro’s and con’s of a piece of webbing that is looped and a length of webbing with caribiners? I am somewhat new to the fire service and I am just trying to get an idea of some of the equipment that other more experienced firefighters keep with them. I know a looped piece of webbing can be used for a down firefighter or victim, but what are some of the other uses? Any other suggestions on what equipment to carry?
Well the loop can also be used, as you said, for rescue purposes. It can also be used as a hose strap (even though we hate the pipe), as well as to keep a door open, among other uses I am sure.
To answer your other question. There are many variations on what to carry in your pockets. I personally carry webbing as shown here, at least 3 wedges, a carabineer, pair of pliers, trauma scissors, at least 2 knives, and safety glasses
A loop of webbing can be turned into a hasty harness.
I have both a loop and a single length of webbing in my pockets. For the loop I keep it in a daisy chain, the single length I keep rolled up.
I learned this from Chief James Crawford from dahntahn. It works. Plus after you pull the latex glove off, you can use it to insulate you when you pull the electric meter.
“you can use it to insulate you when you pull the electric meter.”
And to help protect from body fluids when using the ATOMIC ELBOW!!!!!!!
you are going to tell me that you trust a latex glove for electrical protection. you are one crazy fireman. i never heard of pulling the electic meter. what is that all about.
You all don’t want to even know what my first thought was when I was looking at the pic !! LOL good idea but what do you need webbing for when you have a donkey kick???
Bearpond 118, I hope you are kidding but if you are not. There are millions of things to use it for; just a few are search lines, saw slings, hose slings, carrying two extra SCBA bottles up a high rise, tether off a bucket or ladder while venting a roof, swinging a tool to a window below. I could go on all night, it is probably one of the most unutilized tools in our trade.
And FDRP_E4 one carabineer??? Does everyone carry one in your department I am a bit confused I have never needed one biner before and two knives??? LOL,, not trying to start anything but now that I am thinking I carry a Leatherman and a sharp buck knife too so I guess I carry two too.. 😉
Bearpond,
Rope, webbing, flashlightSSSSSSSS, spanner wrench with prying end, wedges, wedges, wedges, Incredible Hulk action figure. Minimum. Forget all the shit they try to sell you. You’ll never carry everything they want you to. These are the things I would keep if I could only pick a few.(And yes Im serious)
What length of webbing does everyone carry. I carry a ten foot loop and 20ft of 8mm rope I use in place of a long piece of webbing?
a sandwich sized zip lock bag works real good too
Unfortunately, Ive made this mistake. 10ft is not enough. At least 20 Id say.
Does it mater if you use a left handed or right handed glove???? HAHAHA, Just kidding, I carry an 18′ webbing the same way just looped with a water knot at the ends. As far as the multiple tools go, I try to carry some pairs of the same tools in seperate pokets. structural items in the bunker pants (Hard to get to jacket pockets with an SCBA on at times) and auto-x/rescue items in jacket pockets. Just an extra thought I guess. Im more in favor of having the tools you need with you so when the captain asks for it, you dont have to track back to the rig to get it. (Granted it is pretty cumbersome to lug around a PPV, Stokes Basket, and so on everywhere you go… lol) But on a more serious note, its good to have what you need with you, because you may not have the time or chance to get back to the rig next time you really need it…
And to DMAN72… Can I carry Jenna Jameson action figure instead of the Increadible Hulk.
That’s why I love this site, everyone else has waaaaay better ideas than me!
Darn, my ailias is out… oh well. I am glad you liked the idea tho…
Oi, pulling the electric meter? Where’d you learn that? Maybe back in the old days, but I have yet to see an academy or company officer yet instruct ANY firefighter to pull a meter.
One, it’s hazardous (that glove is not going to insulate you), and two it doesn’t even work. Your best bet is to throw the breakers and that’s way simpler anyway.
FFHutch,this is a long running joke due to a previous post. The argument that ensued damn near caused a holy war!
I don’t know if it will work on pulling meters, but a Trojan Magnum will carry your webbing, or 8mm rope, and then some. Might even protect against body fluids from the Atomic Elbow!
LOL,, ya know our town flooded last week a real sh%t storm, anyway we had PSE&G (electric company here in NJ) pull twenty plus meters. I wanted to pull one but was denied by the lineman. LOL, I offered him a ride in the tower but he was not impressed. I have the utmost respect after seeing this guy pulling meters in wet conditions and popping in blanks like it was nothing..
I’ve been carrying mine like this for a few years, and most of our guys started following suit shortly thereafter…got the idea from Tony Tricarico at FDNY here http://cms.firehouse.com/web/online/Rescue/Trics-Of-The-Trade–Nylon-Tubular-Webbing/3$51056
In addition to the other utility webbing I have on me, I carry a piece of green webbing (USAR standard, 5′). two water knot loops in each end. One that passes through the ‘biner, the other loose. I use it as a ladder tether. Girth hitch around the rung and snapped into the Class 1 belt. You gotta put the tether on your belt before climbing the ladder as fishing it out with a tool in your hand can be difficult. Throwing the girth hitch around the rung one-handed takes some practice but you can do that in the house.
Currently I have a screw lock carabiner but am thinking that a non-locking carabiner would be better for quick release in the event of a fast getaway.
I’ve been carrying my webbing like this for a few years too. Got the idea from FF Chris Botti from FDNY. Keeps it ready to go with no knots or anything in your pocket.
Is the webbing in the glove really that practical? We are talking about going into fires with big thick gloves on right? While the webbing can melt, how about the thin @ss glove? In addition, when it is on and you need to deploy the webbing, do you really want to be messing with a tight glove all jacked around the webbing? Seems counterintuitive to me. Same with the daisy chain – in zero visibility hot smoke.
I carry 20′ of 1″ water-knotted with a small loop on one end with an aluminum beaner. I stuff the other end in like an accordion and only leave the beaner hanging out of my pocket. I use the Velcro of the pocket to hold the beaner by affixing it inside the oval.
I always have positive control with beaner and only pull out what I need, when I need it, so that I don’t have 15’ of webbing whipping around.
If it’s hot enough to melt a latex glove through the pocket of your turnout gear, you have bigger problems than how you’re storing your f@#king webbing.
So what you’re telling me is that one would deploy their webbing glove wrap melt sandwich inside their pocket? While you’re messing with the fancy webbing storage solution going “hold on, I almost have it”, I’ll be doing the Heisman down the hallway with victim in tow. How about skip the webbing and just donkey kick your victim out the front door!
I usually Donkey Punch the ones that wont keep quiet…
Another use I haven’t seen on here yet is using the webbing to foot a ground ladder by walking up the webbing as you raise it. That’s why you need to carry a minimum of 15′. You really only need this technique for ladders over 28′.
Just pull the whole glove out and shred it when removing the webbing. Get another afterwards.
I keep mine rolled in a similar manner in one of those R.I.T. bags they sell for pocket organization. Our dept. got tired of repairing ripped pockets and started issuing them, and the big pocket on it works well to hold a roll of 25′ webbing. I have it tied in a water knot, with that part sticking out the top, easy to grab and deploy.
calm down. it is going to be ok. most of you guys writing in dont even go inside any ways. most of you stand out side and shoot water into a window or a door. so the way i see it, most of you dont need the turn outs or the webbing. but if you did go inside to fight fire, just carry the webbing in your turnour pants. it is that easy.
That’s gonna get some people goin. Anyway, I get your point about webbing storage being 6 one way, a half-dozen the other. However, it’s also good to get other takes on stuff…tends to broaden the horizons, so to speak.
I gotta say though,I do like the way you dogged everybody on a site called vent, *ENTER*, search.
Good luck with the ensuing “discussion”, I’ll be at the Holiday Inn Express again tonite brushing up on my meter pulling. 🙂
FYI- Take the above example, fold the fingers up and the cuff down so 1/4 of the whole webbing roll is visible and exposed (the rest is in the glove), and take a few wraps of medical tape around the glove (basically taping the fingers up to the webbing roll)…and you will have NO deployment problems whatsoever, and the roll will never work it’s way into the glove. You just constructed a custom-sized pouch which won’t cinch down on the webbing like a chineze handcuff.
Make friends with those on the puss-bus and give it a shot for zero cost, keeping your Magnums for saturday night (but NOT for the “women” on said pus-bus)!
Stay safe all, once again good shite.
Hey Chris…It DOES matter if you use right handed/left handed gloves…Right handed glove goes in right pocket, left handed glove goes in left pocket.
Come on man, it’s not rocket science… 🙂
i completely understand carring a loop and a straight piece of webbing, but if you have a straight piece with a beaners one on each end why not hook’em together if you need a loop to save room in your pockets
Nice, never thought of the glove. I just use a wrap of 1″ tape and it works but it makes a mess if it stays in the pocket for to long without getting taken out. Gonna give it a go later this afternoon.
Oh and I also never use lockers on my webbing or bailout kit, the last thing I want to do is deal with a bound up screw gate or an auto locker that is full of pocket funk. As long as you use the right rigging, it will be fine. That comes from 10 years of big wall climbing (not NFPA certified of course : )
BTW, if it is hot enough to melt gloves in your pocket, you may have more to worry about than melted shit.
Puss- Bus, hahaha love it
I definitely agree about the gates. It’s all about speeding the operation and making it as hassle free as possible. That’s why this site was invented, I suppose. Its a great way for everyone to pass on things that we may never be able to. What works for you may not work for me. The only thing I will say about that is, just because it came from here, or FDNY, or Phili, or Kentland, does not mean we should take it as gospel without vetting it for ourselves. I can’t say enough about VES.com and laugh every time I see a donkey kick comment or a crack about meter pulling, but that doesn’t mean I don’t always question a suggestion or article.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I would only ask you to answer two questions. Would you wear latex gloves under your fire gloves or better yet, wear latex medical gloves without fire gloves and stick your hands in your pocket? If you answer yes, cool. If not, I would question the suggestion. Have you ever melted scotchlite, flashlights, face pieces, visors, or skin? How about the rubber innertube on your helmet. It does happen: We’re firemen right? We go to fires. I don’t worry every time it gets hot. Trashmen don’t get worried every time they smell really sticky trash; it’s part of the job.
Second, do you prefer pulling your webbing out to wrap a victim in a fire with two hands, or one? If you’re okay with two, this method will work. If you have not thought about it, think about it, and come up with something that will work.
Never thought webbing could be so contentious, but firemen will be firemen, that what makes it so fun.
Now, I’m gonna practice donkey kicking some meters off. Just in case.
Stay safe-
I actually didnt know they had right and left handed EMS gloves. Sweet!!!! LOL, How about this, don’t store your pocket knife in the same pocket as your webbing… for those of you who are anit-latex-pocket-webbing-protector people; keep your webbing in good condition so that you would trust it with your own life. if its in a glove or not, all that really matters is that it is not damaged, burnt, frayed, melted, etc… (And yes, I do know a knife will stil cut throught the latex glove) So protected or not, just keep the darn webbing in “in-service” status.
That’s why there always seems to be ‘one’ glove left in the box. It’s because someone’s worn two left ones at the same time, causing an extra right one to be left over…it’s like the extra sock that always appears in your drawer. It’s a left one leftover from wearing two right ones.
Webbing is webbing. Bottom line is figure out what works for you and use it. We’re all doing the same job in different applications.
I like to wrap my webbing around a meter and tie it off on a probie, then donkey punch him. His reaction will jerk the meter right off the house. Works every time, and keeps me safe from electrocution!
I do the same with my webbing, coiled and stuffed into an EMS glove. However, I do not carry the webbing in my turnout gear pockets. I found that the best way to carry it is by shoving it up my ass with a carabiner dangling for easy access. That way when I need it to bailout of a window, I can grab it while kissing my ass goodbye!
“I do not carry the webbing in my turnout gear pockets. I found that the best way to carry it is by shoving it up my ass with a carabiner dangling for easy access. That way when I need it to bailout of a window, I can grab it while kissing my ass goodbye!”
OMG I need a new keyboard, I just spewed coffee all over my desk!
some of you guys are soooo funny. you guys must be working at a supppppppper slow fire department. you guys got tooo much time on your hands to be able to write all the funny stuff. i bet you guys have never even be inside a fire except in a training excerise. so stop talking all big.
What do you mean Smoke Eater 33? I’m writing this from INSIDE a fire right now. See, I put my 10″ mini netbook in my right turnout pocket, and my fancy dancy glove-entrusted webbing in the left. I must say though, finding a wi-fi signal was kinda tough, but luckily the homeowner was nice enough to leave his router unlocked. But, I think I will have to let you go for now – since my battery is dying and I cannot find a wall outlet (those damn Truckies have still not ventilated the structure…..again!). 😉
T54 Capt,, now that is funny shit,,,, how did I never think of that !!! Dammmm I bow to you sir!!!
Smoke Eater,, are you trying to be a dick or just born that way ??? A little birdie told me you could not find your way out of a brush fire.. Is that true,, if so just use your webbing if not borrow Matthew’s it may be smelly but it will work !!! LOL 😉
Go brickcity1306…lol. Smoke Eater 33… I assume you are using funnyguyFF’s tecnique that caused Matthew to spew his morning brew all over his keyboard? FYI, you should only use 16-18 feet of webbing in this application, not 50! I may not run 20 calls a day or 10 workers a month, but its hard to beat a 0-call day on overtime pay. You must be an expert at writing reports with all those “calls” you must run. I’d like to see what you would do at an all hands fire with 750 gallons of water, 3 people, and your next in is 45 minutes out on a good day. You wanna dog the smaller, slower departments that do the same work with less people, recources, and funding??? Does that give you the right to “talk big”?
I would like to emphasise on what Nate999 said above
“I gotta say though,I do like the way you dogged everybody on a site called vent, *ENTER*, search.”
“Smoke Eater 33” is just mad because someone mentioned Kentland in a non-positive light. “Oooh, I’m 33, we are sooo busy. That is why I think anyone who has time for humor must be from a slowwww department.” Go screw yourself and your over inflated ego. People like you give the good people in PG county a bad name.
Medical glove trick, great idea, just packaged my webbing yesterday.
Donkey punching probies tied to an electric meter, even better idea. But since I am with a “supppper slow” department I will never get the chance to use it. Maybe I should join “Smoke Eater 33” at Kentland and learn how to fight fire.
And of course I mean no disrespect to any Kentland FF worth their weight. Most of them are. I would assume that “Smoke Eater 33” does not represent the best interests of your fine organization.
Hummm I don’t know Drew,, when it gets real real slow at my house that is the time the new guys try to run silent and deep, somehow I can find them no matter how hard they try to hide !!! 😉
At my work I spend my time trying to think of ridiculous posts I can make on VES.com. Usually smart-ass things about donkey kicks and meter pulling. Oh and facebook.
why is everyone hating on Smoke eater33. he has a point, put the webbing in your pocket and call it good. i am from a small back wood department and thats how we roll. hey smoke eater33 i will back you up in a fire anyday. oh yea it is soooo easy to get under some guys skin.
Funny…
“Now, I’m gonna practice donkey kicking some meters off. Just in case.”-RS3
Funnier…
“I like to wrap my webbing around a meter and tie it off on a probie, then donkey punch him. His reaction will jerk the meter right off the house. Works every time, and keeps me safe from electrocution!”-T54
(have to try that, and remember when the rook asks “is it going to shock me?” just reply “bout to find out”)
Funniest…
“I do not carry the webbing in my turnout gear pockets. I found that the best way to carry it is by shoving it up my ass with a carabiner dangling for easy access. That way when I need it to bailout of a window, I can grab it while kissing my ass goodbye!â€-funnyguy44
I’ve been away from the site for awhile, I used to read it everyday buuuutttt…sometimes the little city is as busy as the big city.
The “puss-bus” was good too. I’ll have to use that.
Love the post. Love the commentary….f*ckin hilarious.
As for Smoke Eater 33, rock on brother. Folks used to get in our face and hate us cause we were supposedly a little “cocky”, our response…”DON’T HATE US CAUSE YOU AIN’T US” So keep doin’ what your doin’ if that’s how you roll. But remember, respect goes a long way.
All in all I carry an 8′ piece with loops in both ends and a 20′ piece with a beener on one end daisy chained with a different finish so it’s VERY easy to come out.
Carry whatever, nothing or everything, but at least SOMETHING. I carry a good amount of items, every one of them is something I WISHED I had when the truck was a half mile away and I had to walk.
So as always the site kicks ass, well done brothers.
And please…PLEASSSE…keep up the commentary, y’all had me rollin’.
BROTHERHOOD ABOVE ALL.
Be safe.
Sorry Matthew, I guess I owe you a new keyboard! On a more serious note, nice to see that the fire service is still made up of a bunch of very diverse thinkers! Carry webbing in any way you see fit. Remember that fire will kill you regardless of how busy or slow your fire departments are……the only thing that will help you or one of your crew is to have a good length of webbing. Doesn’t matter whether you are volly, part-time or full-time, do whatever works for you. STAY SAFE AND STAY SHARP OUT THERE BROTHERS!
Wow, I thought I was smart and came up this idea all by myself. O.K., my webbing is shorter ( 8 ft. tied in half with a water knot and with carabineers on both ends), and did NOT think to put it in a rubber glove. The uses of this set-up is extensive. Was that a left-handed glove? Great idea Hunter!!
I’ve been carrying webbing with and without carabineers for a while now and for the life of me I never seem to find a good use for the carabineer. Is it simply the way we do business here or is there some magical use I’m not seeing?
2-3 rubber bands work better than a glove. You can do a flat lay 6″ long, fits the pocket better. Just break ’em.
Web also helps moving those 500 pounders,strong,cheap,can be tossed after.
564’s right, pleeze carry SOMETHING.
A couple of our guys bought the Channellock 6-in-1 rescue tool. After a few weeks they moved to their lockers, too heavy, didn’t fit the jobs they needed done.
But they tried.
I have used the two carabineers to hook directly to the saw (or a trucker’s hitch) then place the strap over the shoulder for carrying. Keeps hands free to hold rungs or beams when climbing. Also, helps to carry extra scba bottles, hose rolls, etc. You could use the strap with or without carabineers. I like to have the option to clip it if possible.
Adding a 6″ long section of 5/8″ rubber garden hose to your webbing loop makes it easy to retrieve from your pocket, plus it makes an awesome handle for dragging victims.
Great idea, I’ll try it next drill.
Ok so kind of a stupid question and I hope Im not jacking the thread by asking here. Does anyone have a video or pics on how to deploy and use webbing for dragging a victim or other FF? I was taught how to do it a long time ago however no one that I know has webbing (except for myself) and have since forggoten the method. I only remember you lay it in a circle around the victim and the finished product forms a harness.
Place the webbing in a circle (tied with water knot, square knot,etc.) Grab one end of the webbing, lift up and flip over, forming an “eight”. Make both “circles” the same size. The overall length of this “eight” can be 4 to 5 ft.in length. Roll the Firefighter onto the webbing. You will now have two “handles” (loops) to grab onto. One Firefighter on each side lifting. Works good for lift and carry. Hope this makes sense. The other method for a drag is called a “hasty harness”. Look on u-tube and FireEngineering.com for this. Any problems/questions respond back. Maybe someone has pics.
I’ll try to clarify better. It is late!!
The hasty harness is for lifting a patient or FF with a rope system. But could be used for a drag.
A simple way to drag a FF with a tied off webbing is to simply put the loop through both airpack straps (in the back) and come back through the knot. Grab the webbing and pull.
Brilliant! Simple, but Brilliant! Going to use this now!
I guess according to all of these posts, especially RS3, is that firefighters only go down during the heat of the fire. I have dealt with downed firefighters during overhaul and even when there was no fire at all. The latex glove technique is a tool and just that, a tool. You use it when it calls for it. Most importantly, it keeps your webbing neatly stored in your pocket for easy deployment when needed. Just like any other tool in our toolboxes, it has its place and time to use. Let’s all look at the BIG pictures brothers and not the smaller ones, that is how we learn… Keep on discussing the job and teach each other, it’s our fire service tradition!