Firefighter's safety kit

Abstract

Apparatus for assisting a firefighter in descending from an elevated position comprises a bag having a permanently closed end and an open end selectively secured by a pair of snaps. A length of rope has one end secured to a first loop permanently attached to the inside of the bag at the permanently closed end and the other end secured to a carabineer. A second loop has opposite ends affixed in spaced relation to the exterior of the bag at the permanently closed end. The bag, with the rope and carabineer disposed therein, may be carried on a harness worn by the firefighter by passing the second loop around an exposed portion of the harness and passing the bag through the loop. Alternatively, the bag may be carried in a bunker pants pocket of the firefighter's protective clothing with the second loop extending through the open, upper end of the pocket and draped outside thereof. When it is necessary for the firefighter to descend, the carabineer is hooked to any available anchor at the elevated position and the rope is used to assist in the descent. The apparatus may also be used as a tag/search line.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Apparatus for assisting a firefighter in descending from an elevated position to a lower position, said firefighter wearing protective clothing and equipment including at least one of a harness having at least a portion exposed exteriorly of all other clothing, and an exterior pocket, said apparatus comprising: 
 a) a bag having a permanently closed end and an open end with selectively releasable closure means;    b) a length of rope having first and second ends;    c) a first loop secured within said bag, said first end of said rope being secured to said first loop;    d) hook means to which said second end of said rope is secured; and    e) a second loop having opposite ends secured to said bag.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second loop opposite ends are secured to the exterior of said bag substantially at said permanently closed end.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said second loop has a length sufficient to extend outside said exterior pocket when said bag is disposed within said exterior pocket.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said second loop has a length sufficient to pass around said exposed portion of said harness and permit passage of said bag through said second loop for temporary attachment of said bag to said clothing and equipment.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said hook means comprises a carabineer.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first loop is secured within said bag substantially at said permanently closed end.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said selectively releasable closure means comprise at least one snap.  
     
     
         8 . A firefighter's safety kit comprising: 
 a) a length of rope having first and second ends;    b) a carabineer to which said first end of said rope is secured;    c) a bag having a closed end and an open end;    d) a pair of snaps secured to said bag for releasably closing said open end;    e) a first loop within and permanently attached to said bag, said second end of said rope being secured to said first loop; and    f) a second loop comprising a strip of flexible material attached at opposite ends to said bag.    
     
     
         9 . The safety kit of  claim 8  wherein said first loop is attached to the interior of said bag adjacent said closed end.  
     
     
         10 . The safety kit of  claim 9  wherein said second loop is attached to the exterior of said bag adjacent said closed end.