ladder company
Definition
Noun: A "ladder company" is a type of firefighting unit that is equipped with a ladder truck, primarily used for rescue operations, ventilation, and accessing upper floors of buildings during fires.
Usage Examples
- (A firefighting unit using a ladder for rescue.)
- (A firefighting team training with their specialized equipment.)
Advanced Usage
- "Ladder company" is a specific term within fire services, distinct from an "engine company" (which focuses on water supply and extinguishing fires). Ladder companies often perform tasks like roof ventilation and forcible entry.
- The ladder company was tasked with cutting a hole in the roof to release smoke. (A specialized firefighting role beyond just using a ladder.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ladder truck (n): the vehicle used by a ladder company, equipped with an extendable ladder.
- The ladder truck can reach heights of over 100 feet. (The vehicle itself.)
- Aerial ladder (n): the extendable ladder mounted on a ladder truck.
- The firefighter climbed the aerial ladder to reach the trapped person. (The specific part of the equipment.)
Synonyms
- Truck company: another term for a ladder company in some fire departments, emphasizing the "truck" (ladder truck) rather than the "ladder."
- Aerial unit: a firefighting unit that uses an aerial ladder or platform.
Related Idioms
- "To call in the ladder company": to request the specialized firefighting unit for rescue or ventilation operations.
- When the fire spread to the upper floors, the chief called in the ladder company. (To summon the team with ladder equipment.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Ladder up: (informal, within fire services) to extend the ladder or ascend using the ladder.
- The crew laddered up to the roof to begin ventilation. (They raised and climbed the ladder.)
Related Idioms (continued)
- "Ladder company crew": the team of firefighters assigned to the ladder company.
- The ladder company crew worked together to breach the door. (The specific personnel.)