I was fortunate enough to attend the "train the trainers" course down in Eugene OR last week. It was a 3 day course put on my Petzl that covered the history, design, use and cleaning of the equipment.
I am pretty impressed with the system, and wonder what you all think of it. It is obviously a last ditch piece of equipment, but when it is needed there is nothing like it. There are those who say they will never need them, and I pray you don't, but I am one who wants to be prepared. It was designed by NYFD in response to Black Sunday, and if it were up to me we all would have one.
Please post any thoughts on the EXO.
Would you train with it and carry it everyday? Do you think it is worthwhile?

My wet behind the ears opinion? You sure..? Well..I love it, but not so much the price tag. In the state of NY, there is now state law requiring every structural FF to have a bail out system. But nothing about how each Dept can recieve funding to purchase this new equipment. I would love to see our pro-active, FF safety-minded (sometimes alittle too much) State enact a similar law, only with the funding issues addressed. It is the most tested piece of FF self-rescue equipment available, with thousands upon thousands of tests trying to f*#k it up. If you haven't heard my schpeal on Black Sunday and our brothers Bellow, Meyran (LODDs), Cawley (painful 2 YEARS of P/T), DiBernardo, Cool (both force retired) and Stolowski (fully paralyzed 2 months, an internal decapitation and 20 surgeries), Im very pro a complete, pre-rigged, harnessed bail out system. And I hope noone I know ever has to use one.

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"Stay low boys, keep those feet moving."

“We did our job, and that’s what we’re paid to do. There’s nothing more to say.’’
John Smith, Boston Fire Department

DTRT- KTF

Like Matty said, it's a known quantity. It's by far the most tested and it's been through the UL NFPA ringer. Therein lies it's only faults imo. Being NFPA compliant makes it heavy and expensive. The hook is second to none and F'ing bomber! The "flat rope" (looking at you Matty ) and the descent device are nothing revolutionary but it puts it all into a clean package. Another is like Matty states.........cost. The Exo w/ training puts it over $500/unit last I heard. Not many departments or brothers for that matter will foot that bill. With a little thought and a class or two you can build your own (read: non NFPA) for under $100 w/ a Crosby hook. I know it's not all about the Benjamins but if I can buy my own Irons w/ Pro-Bar a class 1 belt and a bailout kit w/ Hook for less than the Exo I'm all over it, and that's exactly what I've done. I know the irons will save my ass at some point. In a nutshell:

PETZL Exo - Bomber, expensive, NFPA

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"Safety in regards to decision making is primarily about knowledge. When you have sufficient knowledge, your ability to make safer decisions is enhanced."

Ray McCormack

Good information. Just remember "readyme" that it's FDNY not NYFD.

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Leatherly,

Chad
Ladder co. 72/Engine co. 94
Snohomish County, USA

My bad Chad...that is what I get for just writing off the top of my head.

I understand the cost is a major issue, because it is more me as well. $350 is kind of steep, but it does get you a proven life safety device that has literally thousands of hours of testing and development.
Whether you use an EXO or something else, I encourage you to use it under "real" conditions and really have a serious understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

Rehashing an old post....

Cox, any chance you can post some pics of the setup you have? I've been looking at doing a belt with a crosby hook myself and would love to see how you set yours up.

I'd actually spring for the EXO system but if I'm not mistaken you cannot purchase the petzl rig until you have taken the 3 day course. Is that right 'readyme'?

Also, anyone have any experience with these "RIT personal harnesses"? Look cool but wondering how they work and wear. Check it out here:

http://www.allhandsfire.com/RIT-CLASS-I ... tegory=154

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Spencer Nelson
Pipe Major, SFP&D
Backwards on SFD Truck Co. 3

There are several good bail out systems out there. The SWWA FOOLS chapter tested the Sterling F-4 and gave it a thumbs up. After looking at my options I chose to buy the F4 8mm FireTech Escape Kit - NFPA 1983 Certified. It fits great on my Fire Innovations Colorado belt, it’s easy to use and works great. The bail out system (without the belt) runs at about $300, but the plus side is you do not have to pay for or fit in a 3 Day class. If you want to try it out before you buy, no problem. The SWWA FOOLS will be teaching a May DAY class for Tumwater Fire on July 22-24. We have a demo model available for trial. Just PM if it is something you are interested in.

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Mike Buchanan

Olympia Fire Department

Here are pics of my rig. Hook by Cox.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1312&p=5649#p5649

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With Safety In Mind,
Rob Gebhart
FTM-PTB

Chehalis Fire "Old School Look New School Thought and Process"

"A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else."
John Burroughs

Thanks for posting those Rob. My setup is just like Geb's just with 6mm and a different bag. I would highly recommend the F-4 if you're looking to set something up. It's relatively inexpensive and bomber.

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"Safety in regards to decision making is primarily about knowledge. When you have sufficient knowledge, your ability to make safer decisions is enhanced."

Ray McCormack

Thanks for the posts guys, and the invitation to try your system, Mike. I cant make it that weekend but thanks again for the invite!

The F4 system seems good and the recommendations from you guys holds a lot of weight for me.

I found this guy who has a pretty unique set up on his belt. He has a seperate vid showing how he set it up. Check it out here if you want:
http://www.youtube.com/user/FFDGP#p/u/38/NZoXFsqk_uM

His setup, explained (if your interested):
http://www.youtube.com/user/FFDGP#p/u/13/lT9eCQPWzmo

Great and helpful pics, Rob. Thanks for sharing.

_________________
Spencer Nelson
Pipe Major, SFP&D
Backwards on SFD Truck Co. 3