Stokes Basket Operations — Study Materials Flashcards

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Purpose

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Establishes an operating guideline for removal of victim(s) in a Stokes basket using Houston Fire Department aerial apparatus. It standardizes procedures and references applicable NFPA standards. The guideline ensures consistent, safe operations for above-grade rescues.

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Objectives

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Standardize emergency evacuation of victims at above-grade incidents and set guidelines for safe operation of aerial ladders/towers during Stokes basket operations. Also references NFPA standards for technical rescue, rope care, and life-safety equipment. Ensures training and procedural consistency.

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Anchor Slings

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Two high-strength nylon webbed straps with D-rings on both ends used to quickly set a strong anchor. They must be secured without twists or kinks and placed per apparatus-specific locations. Inspect for damage prior to use.

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Auto-Locking Carabiners

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Carabiners that autolock to attach rescue rope ends to the Stokes basket bridle, bridle straps to the basket, and anchor slings to bracket tubes. They reduce the chance of accidental gate opening and must be checked for proper operation. Do not oil or grease them.

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Brake Tube

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An aluminum rope friction device designed for controlled lowering of heavy loads. It is manned at all times during lowering and used with a specified wrap and tie-off procedure. Store with the gate closed to prevent gate bending.

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Guide Ropes

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Utility ropes attached to the ends of the Stokes basket to stabilize it while moving. Two guide ropes are used to maintain control and keep the basket clear of obstructions. Firefighters maintain control and serve as spotters during operations.

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Landing Zone Unit

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Firefighters assigned to ladder trucks who deliver the rope bag to the Turntable Unit, prepare the Stokes basket (knots, bridle, straps), and maintain control of the basket throughout the incident. They attach guide ropes, perform safety checks, and assist with patient transfer. They never work beneath a suspended aerial.

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Pulley System

Back

A system using two large pulleys to spread the load across ladder rungs. The right pulley is reserved for the Technical Rescue Team (TRT) while the left is reserved for the ladder truck, and the rescue rope should run over the left pulley. The pulley system is pinned to apparatus-specific rungs.

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Rescue Rope

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A 200 ft. x 5/8 in. orange rope with a red tracer used only for emergency rescues. After any emergency use the rope must be removed from service, tagged "USED," and exchanged for a new rescue rope per HFD guideline. Training ropes (yellow with blue tracer) are never used for emergencies.

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RoofTop Unit

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First responders who make initial contact with victims on roofs or above-grade incidents and help assess aerial placement. They package victims, secure them to the Stokes basket using tapered backboards and approved straps, and coordinate with Turntable and Landing Zone units. They also may direct the lift and confirm safety checks.

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Stokes Basket

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A stainless steel litter (basket) used to carry or lift transport victims. It accepts tapered backboards for spinal immobilization and has rail squares for attaching the bridle. Victims must be secured with HFD-issued straps only; no webbing.

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Stokes Basket Bridle

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A sling-type device with a metal O-ring and four high-strength nylon webbed straps, each fitted with an auto-locking carabiner. Two short blue head straps and two long black foot straps attach to the Stokes basket squares with gates facing inward. Inspect daily and do not modify or mark the webbing.

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Stokes Basket Tender

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An assigned TRT member who rides attached to the Stokes basket with the victim to provide basic medical care during rescues using ladder trucks. They stabilize and monitor the patient during movement and coordinate with the RoofTop Unit for patient care. The tender assists with in-transit medical needs.

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Turntable Unit

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Company responsible for raising and lowering the aerial ladder or tower, connecting anchor slings and brake tube, and coordinating with RoofTop and Landing Zone units. The Senior Captain on this unit performs brake tube wraps, manages slack, and conducts safety checks under load. They feed rope and control final tie-off.

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Size-up

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Incident size-up includes assessing patient condition, injury severity, and order of removal, along with identifying multiple patients or locations. It determines apparatus placement and whether multiple set-ups are needed. The IC initiates incident command and tactical channels.

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Patient Packaging

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Victims moved using Stokes basket operations must be packaged per HFD protocols using tapered backboards for spinal immobilization. Only HFD-issued straps are used to secure patients; no webbing allowed. Ensure patient comfort to minimize anxiety during transport.

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CPR/Airway Considerations

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Patients requiring constant medical attention, airway protection, or CPR may necessitate tower/platform removal to provide a stable environment. TRT members ride with the patient when needed to provide airway care or CPR during movement. Choose a tower to minimize risk when feasible.

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Safety Limits

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Ladder/towers must not be deployed in winds greater than 35 MPH. Members must wear minimum PPE of helmet, eye protection, and gloves. Personnel shall never work under a suspended Stokes basket and must continually check knots and safety knots.

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Dropped Hardware Policy

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Any drop of metal hardware over three feet requires that equipment be removed from service, tagged "DROPPED," and turned in to Supply. Drops can induce metal fatigue leading to catastrophic failure under load. Report and replace affected parts immediately.