Purpose. The article provides an analysis of people rescue procedure from height during a fire with the help of an aerial ladder, defines the speed characteristics for people to descend the ladder, analyzes the factors that influence the speed of descent, and offers the technique for determining time for rescuing people from height. Methods. To develop the calculation methods the authors of the article used the methods of statistical analysis, field observation, including the analysis of video recordings, and mathematical modeling. Findings. The search for records suitable for the conditions of the experiment resulted in ten videos containing elements of rescuing people from height. Video analysis made it possible to collect and generalize data on 27 descents during actual fire situations. The key parameter that needed to be assessed in the analysis is the speed of descent. Taking into account the method of obtaining data, the unit of measurement at the first stage was the number of steps of the ladder passed for unit (one minute) of time. After analyzing all the descents an average speed of descent was determined, as well as speeds of descent depending on various parameters, such as the gender of the escaping person, the way of descent, and various combinations of these parameters. Research application field. The obtained results can be used for methodological support of the process of pre-planning documents development in terms of determining the required means and forces for rescuing people from height with the help of aerial ladders. Conclusions. The technique proposed by the authors allows determining the necessary fire service means and forces to conduct rescue operations with the help of an aerial ladder.