VIDEO: East Providence Firefighters Make the Leap

In the heart of Phillipsdale Landing, in a warehouse fit for a horror film, a line of firefighters wait their turn to jump out a window last Friday.

But they weren't about to fall to their demise. Firefighters were learning how to use ropes to extricate themselves from burning buildings. The exercise was a part of Rapid Intervention Training.

"They're nervous," says one of the trainers as he preps a firefighter to rush out the open window. "Don't say 'splat' around these guys.'"

According to Thomas Kenney, a Heavy Rescue Inc. instructor and Hyannis firefighter, firefighters utilize this technique when no other options are available. If a firefighter can successfully get out the window of a burning building - and make sure the connecting rope has a secure anchor - most of the danger is behind. However, if the anchor, usually a tool called a "halligan" that is a cross between a pick and and ax, becomes dislodged, the firefighter runs of the risk of getting hit in the head.

"They have made a decision they have to leave the building immediately and this is the only way to do it," Kenney said.