A physically demanding rapid intervention training exercise where crews practice lifting a downed firefighter through a narrow, elevated window. The drill simulates a real tragedy in Denver where a firefighter died in a tight commercial hallway because crews could not lift him out. It teaches leverage, teamwork, and positioning to overcome the dead weight of a fully geared person in an area too small for standard lifting techniques.
Heard on the job
We're running the Denver drill out back using the prop window and a 200-pound rescue dummy.
Insider tip
The key to the Denver drill is using your legs and coordinating the lift; arm strength alone will fail every time.