TACTICS, TRAINING AND RESOURCES
on positive pressure ventilation and attack
Positive pressure attack and ventilation are tactics commonly abbreviated as PPA and PPV. Most recently, it has also been called Pressurized Fire Attack and Forced Ventilation. We try to use the terminology of attack, or PPA, to help emphasize the proactive, tactical use of ventilation in a coordinated attack. For free ventilation training available online, click here.
Positive Pressure Attack and Ventilation (Press Release)
Published March 2010 in
Asia Pacific Fire Magazine published by MDM Publishing
Ventry Solutions, Inc. is the manufacturer of VENTRY® Fans for Positive Pressure Attack and Ventilation (PPA and PPV). Our mission is to build the best equipment keeping safety, quality, and value in mind with a simple design, for minimal maintenance and intuitive, cost-effective operation.
Positive Pressure Ventilation is a tool every fire department should have in their toolbox. Cancer rates among today’s firefighters are increasing along with the higher fuel loads and greater smoke toxicity present in today’s modern fire grounds. With proper training, PPV can lower firefighters’ exposure by removing the poisonous smoke quickly.
Positive Pressure Attack (also know as Tactical Positive Pressure Ventilation) is an aggressive coordinated fire attack using positive pressure ventilation. This coordinated attack—using a high air volume fan—can transform the fire from a potentially explosive fuel-controlled fire into a stable ventilation-controlled fire within seconds. This rapidly delivers fresh air to victims, reduces temperatures, purgesflammable gases, and increases the stability and survivability of the interior environment. With improved visibility, crews can proceed with their attack, safely eliminating the need to crawl blindly through a hot and potentially explosive environment. Interior conditions improve quickly allowing for a fast fire attack, efficient searches, reduced knockdown times and lower environmental temperatures. This minimizes firefighter exposure to environmental toxins and improves victims’ survival rates while decreasing property damage.
The first few minutes of a fire attack are crucial. PPA requires knowledge, training, and a fan capable of pushing a large volume of air. The engineered features of VENTRY Fans—including their aircraft style propellers, curved legs and small size--make them ideal for aggressive, coordinated attacks.
The trademarked three-legged design and smoke-busting safety propellers of VENTRY Fans provide unparalleled versatility and volume. These features allow VENTRY Fans to be placed far back and off to the side where firefighters need them, not in the middle of the path where they are trying to advance hose lines and execute an attack. The propeller materials and shape make them safe and efficient. They quickly move a very large volume of air and produce a narrow air cone for precise aiming from a greater distance. The legs allow the fan to be positioned on uneven ground, straddle debris, set up on stairs, and aim the airstream over obstacles while requiring only one firefighter to operate. Legs provide aiming and unlimited placement of VENTRY Fans, for better access and communication with the crews. With unique, all-terrain versatility, VENTRY Fans stand UP to the challenges of today’s fires.
Please visit www.ventry.com to find the perfect VENTRY Fan model and the ideal options for your fire fighters.
James Neils
CEO, Mechanical Engineer, Assistant Fire Chief and Certified PPV Instructor
Ventry Solutions, Inc.
14128 N Hauser Lake Road
Hauser, Idaho 83854-5619 USA |
