Fireman's pole

Fireman's pole is a pole used by firefighters to quickly descend to the ground level from higher floors in a fire station. The pole is typically made of brass, a material that provides a smooth, frictionless surface for a quick and controlled slide. The use of a fireman's pole allows firefighters to respond to emergencies more rapidly than using stairs or an elevator.

History

The fireman's pole was invented in the late 19th century by David Kenyon at the Chicago Fire Department's Engine Company 21. The introduction of the pole significantly reduced the time it took for firefighters to reach their fire engines, thereby improving response times to fires and other emergencies.

Design and Use

A fireman's pole is typically located in a hole in the floor near the sleeping and living quarters in a fire station. The hole is usually surrounded by a railing to prevent accidental falls. Firefighters access the pole by opening a door in the railing, which also prevents drafts that could cause the pole to become too cold to slide down.

To use the pole, a firefighter will step onto a small platform, grasp the pole with their hands, and wrap their legs around it. They then lean back and let gravity pull them down to the ground floor. The firefighter's grip on the pole controls the speed of the descent.

Safety Concerns

While the fireman's pole allows for rapid response to emergencies, it also presents certain safety risks. Firefighters can suffer injuries from falling off the pole or descending too quickly. To mitigate these risks, some fire stations have replaced the traditional pole with safer alternatives, such as enclosed slide chutes or spiral staircases.

In Popular Culture

The fireman's pole has become a symbol of firefighting and is often featured in media representations of the profession. It is commonly seen in children's playgrounds and in popular culture, such as in the Ghostbusters franchise, where the characters famously slide down a fireman's pole to reach their ghost-fighting equipment.

See Also

• Firefighter
• Fire station
• Chicago Fire Department