When firefighters are safely descending a ladder with an unconscious child, how should their hands be positioned?

When firefighters are descending a ladder with an unconscious child, it is essential for them to maintain a secure grip for both their safety and that of the child. Proper hand positioning is critical in ensuring control and stability during the descent.

Sliding down the beams provides a secure handhold, allowing the firefighters to maintain their balance and control as they navigate the ladder. This method allows both hands to effectively secure the firefighters' position on the ladder, reducing the risk of slipping or losing control while carrying the child. It ensures that one hand remains fixed while the other can assist in guiding the descent, making it a practical and effective approach for safely navigating the ladder under challenging circumstances.

By contrast, having hands positioned on different rungs or one hand on a beam and the other on a rung can compromise stability, making it harder to maintain balance and control. These positions may also not provide the best leverage and security necessary when managing the additional weight of the child.