How to operate firefighting water rescue equipment line thrower?

Deploying the line thrower

1. Conduct a visual inspection to insure that the bridle lines are properly connected to the “live end” of the line – and that the “dead end” of the line is connected to the eyelet on the launcher or otherwise secured. (fig.11c-d)

 

2. If deploying the Sling check to insure that the lines from the burst capsule are properly attached to the bridle lines on the projectile. (fig.18a-b)

 

3. Fully depress the Valve Key in the vertical position, and rotate the Valve Key 90 degrees clockwise to the horizontal position. Release the Valve Key. (fig 15b-c)

 

4. Check the pressure gauge to verify pressure. (No pressure reading on the gauge may indicate that you did not successfully open the valve in the nozzle or that your projectile was not charged with air when loaded in the launcher.)

 

5. Press the Safety Push Knob to the “off” position to release the mechanism. (fig.13b)

 

6. If the launcher is equipped with a folding stock hold butt of the stock against your shoulder, as you would a firearm, at a 35-degree angle aiming OVER the victim. (fig.20a)

 

Figure 20a

 

7. If the launcher is not equipped with a folding stock brace the elbow of the arm holding the Launcher Handle against your hip at a 35-degree angle aiming OVER the victim. (fig.20b)

 

Figure 20b

 

8. Squeeze the trigger. Hold the line thrower steady as the projectile leaves the launcher and the line “pays out.”

 

Adverse Weather Conditions - Sling Only

When deploying in adverse weather conditions with water spray or heavy rain, do not expose the line thrower ’s burst capsule and Sling to excess water as the auto-inflator may inflate the Sling before you make the deployment. It is packed into the burst capsule and designed to inflate within 3-5 seconds after submersion in water, but heavy exposure to rain or spray for a period of time could also cause the Sling to inflate.

 

Re-Packing the Sling/Burst Capsule

The Sling projectile comes packed and ready for first use.  After each deployment into water, you will need to replace the Co2 cartridge and soluble bobbin and use a new Sling Burst Capsule. To repack your Sling use the following steps:

 

1. Deflate the Sling COMPLETELY. (NOTE: it will not fit into the plastic burst capsule unless this is done.)   Insert the black cap upside down on the red oral inflator tube to release all the air. (fig.21a)

 Figure 21a       Figure 21b

 

2. Once the Sling is completely deflated, re-install the black cap over the oral inflator tube. (fig.21b)

 

3. After each deployment rinse all components thoroughly in fresh water.

 

4. Allow all components to dry completely.

 

5. Unscrew the bobbin cap from the auto-inflator and remove the used red plastic bobbin.

 

6. Insert a new bobbin into activator with white surface facing up. Do this FIRST before you replace the Co2 cartridge.

 

7. Screw bobbin cap back into place tightly.

 

8. Remove used Co2 cartridge, turning it counter-clockwise.

 

9. Install new Co2 cartridge firmly into place.

 

10. Fold the Sling in half, and then in half again.

11. Keep the auto-inflator on top and facing you. Organize the bridle and main lines so they are not tangled and are clear of the sling. Note position of strobe safety light. (fig.21c)

 

Figure 21 c

 

12. Roll the sling tightly, with the auto-inflator on the inside of the roll. (fig.21c - d)

 

Figure 21 d

 

13. Insert the rolled Sling into the plastic Burst Capsule through the slit in side. The bridle lines and bobbin cap must face the open end of the Burst Capsule.  Insert one end first, then push the rest into the capsule. Squeeze the capsule back into shape. (fig.21e )

 

Figure 21 e

 

14. Reach inside the open end of the burst capsule and gather up the slack in the bridle lines inside the capsule. (fig.21f) Attach the burst capsule onto the end of the projectile cylinder. Follow the instructions “Attaching the Sling to the Projectile” (fig.18a-b)

 

Figure 21 f

 

Using the Sling During Training

After the first deployment and inflation, simply re-pack the Sling into a new plastic burst capsule without replacing the Co2 cartridge. This allows you to practice without wasting cartridges or taking the time to wait for the sling to dry between each shot. (If you are practicing in a controlled environment where you actually have a victim in the water then the Sling can be pulled out of plastic burst capsule and manually inflated by the victim to simulate