When using a pike pole to break a window, where should the firefighter's hands be positioned?

Positioning the firefighter's hands higher than the impact point when using a pike pole to break a window is fundamental for safety and effectiveness. When a firefighter strikes the window, having their hands above the impact point helps to prevent injury from flying glass shards, which may fall downwards upon breaking. This technique also allows for a more effective strike, ensuring that the pike pole generates sufficient force to shatter the glass without compromising the firefighter's position or stability.

Using this method, the firefighter maintains control over the pole, decreasing the risk of mishaps that could occur if hands were placed at or below the impact point. This practice also facilitates a better angle for exerting force, thereby increasing the likelihood of breaking the window efficiently in one or two strikes, which is crucial in emergency scenarios where time is of the essence.