The photo was that of a life net, one that hangs on the wall of a fire station. From some of your comments, it appears that firehouse walls seem to be a common location to find them. From condition of the few that I have seen, they must not have been used a whole lot. This one is in great shape, other than the leather straps beginning to show signs of rot.
I don't know anyone that has ever used one, even in drill. To me the concept seems high risk, especially for civilians. Hitting the center appears to be critical, as does landing properly. I've been told that three or four story jumps were possible. No thanks, I'll take the stairs!
I did ask the owners of this life net if they would demonstrate it for me, I had no takers on that one. I did manage to scrounge up the following video, It appears to have shot in the '60s and features the Detroit F.D.
I noticed that the life net that appeared in the video had metal springs where the canvas connected to the frame. It appears that the springs would provide a little more "give" than the leather straps and might be a bit more durable as well.
If you know of any agency that still uses one of these things, let me know - it might be worth a follow up.
Thanks for the comments and of course, thanks for reading,
Schmoe
As a matter of fact, I have both used and jumped into a life net early in my career. Our academy required training on them, though I do not know of any incident where they were used.
ReplyDeleteCapt,
ReplyDeleteI don't know of anyone who still uses one, but I have a distinct memory of the one and only time my department used one. In 1984 we took delivery of a used 1965 ALF and we found a pristine life net in the rear compartment. We lifted the stick slightly out of the bed and took turns jumping into it one Sunday morning, from the perilous height of about 12 feet. After that it went into storage never to be seen again.
Well fellas, I think that you have both dated yourselves! Anon- I am guessing that the academy you attended no longer trains with these?
ReplyDeleteMack 505 - 12 feet might not be so bad, I'll bet the chiefs heard of your drill and figured out that 12 feet would soon be three stories and decided to put that thing "in storage, never to be seen again." I can't blame them.
Thanks for the comments.