r/interestingasfuck • u/Jumpy_Platform2143 • 17h ago

How firefighters open locked doors in just one second

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u/Gt03champp 15h ago edited 14h ago

Most of the time this will work, 90% of the time. But for extreme doors they will use what civilians MIGHT call the jaws of life. Instead or pinching, think spreading open.

Edit: And yes it’s sometimes faster to go through the wall itself next to the door.

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u/Ok_Dog_4059 14h ago

And you don't waste time finding out that plastic strip hits a deadbolt or something and won't unlock a door.

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u/Gt03champp 14h ago

I’m a paramedic working for the fire department, so if I need access I have to wait for the fire truck. So I have 5 mins to play around and find a way in.

The plastic sleeve usually works on a compatible lock in 30 seconds. If it doesn’t work, then it’s not a compatible lock and I would never get in with it. Time to find a window, open door, or give it a “gentle” shoulder!

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u/Reaver_01 14h ago

And if it's a fire, we have thick gloves on. I couldn't imagine fucking around with that wearing gloves and mask and all that.

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u/Mr_Bristles 14h ago

Extrication tools aren't used for entry, they take time to set up. There are much smaller and effective tools and metal cutting saws. No one says "let's go through the wall beside the door" either. it's got utilities and bracing in it 99% of the time.

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u/Gt03champp 14h ago

2.5 years ago A crazy person led 3 fire men down to a basement where he locked them in and planed on burning them all alive by murder SI. The firemen called a 10-1 and the other firemen went right through the wall. Listen man I’m not are wrong. I’m going on what I witnessed as a paramedic, sitting safely OUTSIDE. Chicago is going to Chicago.

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u/Mr_Bristles 14h ago

There is an absolutely massive difference in SOP for gaining entry and the single situation that you described. I'm not trying to check you, I rode backstep on heavy rescue and forced entry was something we spent incredible time training on.

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u/P-W-L 5h ago

Why would the fire team be with the guy but the meduc stay back ?

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u/collude 10h ago

I've had to go through an interior wall before because the door was barricaded with junk and debris. If it's standard dry wall construction, you can wet it down with the hose line and axe way the dry wall then slide between the studs. I wouldn't do this for an exterior door because it would take forever. I'd just look for another door or window.

Agree about extrication tools. If it's resisting the irons then we go to the K12 and that solves most problems.

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u/Mr_Bristles 9h ago

Totally get doing it inside, even for egress. 

Like you said, first due? Fuck no. Better look over your shoulder after the third strike with a married pair because someone's coming with a saw before the second due gets there, puts a hook through the front window and gets a lineman in. We did it to the first due as mutual aid to the city before the second due was there because truckies couldn't get a steel security door open with irons. I didn't finish "hey chief there's a hoseline and an empty ladder right there" before he was 1/2 way up with a nozzle smiling. 

Shit happens stay safe but no one is busting out a power pack and extrication tools for a structure unless it's a technical rescue. 

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u/Nolzi 13h ago

jaws of life

Damn, thosere some heavy duty shit

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u/FQVBSina 11h ago

Switching to the side wall is faster than reload the door... or something like that

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u/acrazyguy 14h ago

Firefighters are civilians. So are cops. I knew what you meant, but that’s a word with a specific meaning.