On Monday, October 23, West Grove Fire Company members traveled to the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in South Coatesville to drill on our standing orders for box alarms. Members divided up to staff the first due Engine and Ladder and second due Engine assignments.

- First due Engine tasks included establishing a supply line to the fire and positioning apparatus to provide access for the Ladder, performing initial size - up using a 360 degree assessment, deployment of the initial handline to the seat of the fire and searched off the line for any possible victims.

- First due Ladder arrival positioned on the A- side of the building (or the street side), crews deployed ground ladders to the A- side in the rescue position, and then performed interior primary search and provided horizontal ventilation in coordination with the engine crew.

- Second due Engine tasks included completing water supply to the first due engine, deployment of the second handline to backup the first due engine crew, and assessed the basement level (if applicable).

Members rotated through all of these assignments under live fire conditions, under the supervision of Chester County Fire Instructors. A debreifing was conducted at the conclusion of the drill to discuss positive performance and identify any areas of opportunity to improve upon. Fire companies in Southern Chester County have implemented "Stand Orders" to streamline effectiveness during the first 10 minutes of the incident, while cutting down on the amount of radio transmissions during this time.

Photo credit - FF/EMT Matt Imming