Alternative Hose Line Stretches: Pike Pole Stretch

Pike Pole Stretch

The Pike Pole Stretch is very similar to the “Rope Stretch” covered earlier here:http://averagejakeff.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/alternative-hose-line-stretches-the-rope-stretch/

There are a few differences but the benefits are the same taking less hose to reach an objective, and keeping a majority of the interior stairway clear for companies, victims etc. It also keeps you from adding an additional tool to your fire truck (the rope) while I would like to think everyone has rope, I am realistic in the current Engine I am assigned to I am the only guy that had a 50 foot rope bag to hoist tools, extend search etc. The only rope on the engine was life safety rope, and our Unit tag line for searching. While they can work they have other specific jobs, and should only be used if there is no other option. I would hate to be using the life safety rope to stretch a line and someone else needed it for an over the wall rescue.

However EVERY fire truck has a Pike Pole and the stretch can be made just as with the rope stretch.

It is as simple as hooking the pike to the bail of the nozzle, however it could take additional man power as you have to have someone to hand it to above you. It could also cause for early fatigue if fireman have to leapfrog floors.

The only way to master it is to train, train, train.

Keep following along on twitter, and leave some feedback about what your doing in your department.

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE

Alternative Hose Line Stretches: Well Hole Stretch

Continuing on with our “Alternative Hose Line Stretches” series in this installment we will be covering the “Well Hole” Stretch. *Disclaimer* The pictures in this post are not mine they were taken from an article from Fire Engineering.

Well Hole Stretch:

The “Well Hole” is the void space in between the banisters on a U return stair case. This area can be used to stretch initial attack lines to upper floors of an occupancy.

The first thing you must do prior to executing a well hole stretch is to assess the size of the well hole. Typically if the space is big enough to fit your fist while wearing fire gloves it will be big enough to support 1 medium caliber attack line (1 3/4). Larger well holes can support high-caliber hand lines (2 1/2) or supply lines (3 inch), or multiple medium caliber lines.

Once the size has been assessed you have to determine how you are going to stretch the line. You usually have 2 options, either by hand or by rope. Usually hand stretching the line is the way to go, as deploying the rope would involve a fireman walking to the target floor than deploying the rope. Well if you are walking to the target floor why not take the hose with you.

The rope stretch however is highly valuable if while in an investigative mode with out a hose line on the target floor and it is discovered that a line needs to be deployed. Instead of walking down to get the line lowering the rope in the well hole and having someone stretch to the rope and connect it will save valuable time. Remember just like with the exterior rope stretch lower the rope down versus dropping the bag. This way you can navigate it around obstacles and it is not a flying object waiting to hit an unsuspecting fireman.

Once the line is stretched  just like the exterior rope stretch you have to ensure that enough hose is on the target floor, and you have to secure the line to a substantial object in order to prevent the charged line from falling back to the starting point.

The well hole stretch has several benefits:

1. Takes less hose to complete the stretch

2. Keeps Stairs Clear

3. Faster that stretching around the stairs

While these benefits are great like anything else there is give and take. You have to have good building knowledge, good physical fitness, additional tools (something to secure hose with, rope for rope stretch), and coordination with your entire crew to make this evolution work.

Also beware stretching more than one line in the well hole. While it can be done, you have to take great care when stretching the second line as the chance for it to wrap around the original line is high. When this happens all you will have is a 180-325 GPM barber pole (depending on the size of the hose line you used).

The Well Hole Stretch can be a highly usable option in the right circumstances, the only way to add it to your repertoire is get out in your district, and train on it.

Do not forget to follow along on twitter @averagejakeff

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!

Tough Mudder VA 2011

Well folks I did it, I am now officially a TOUGH MUDDER! For those that do not know what Tough Mudder is take a look http://toughmudder.com/

Like I have posted before, about 2 years ago I was up to about 216lbs, simply put I was fat, and out of shape. I finally decided enough was enough and I was going to change, so I decided I would run the Monument Ave. 10K and that race has been the catalyst for the change in my life. Since then I have been a 4-5 day a week gym goer, I have changed my eating habits, and I have run the 10k, a 5k, and the 9/11 Stair Climb. During all of this I have gotten down to 176lbs, go down several pants sizes, and have an overall better feeling about myself.

However when my brother from my old shift Rude Boy (a veteran of about 30 road, and Triathlon races) suggested that we take on the Tough Mudder I wont lie and say that at first I said not only no but HELL NO! While I had made significant changes I did not think I was going to be able to take on a course designed by a former British Special Forces Operative that involved 10 miles, 25 obstacles, several of which seemed INSANE (the Electric Shock Therapy, and Death March most significantly). However one thing my friends know about me is that I am probably the most competitive person they know and when they threw down the list of people who had already committed to the race with the “come on man these guys are doing it” they knew I was going to say yes.

So I began to up my training level, but even as the event approached I was still unsure I had done enough to get through it, now I do have an athletic background, I wrestled at a high level from age 5-18, and also ran track, played football, and baseball. I have even done kickboxing, and Jiujitsu so I am not some guy who sat on the bleachers in gym class but still this was going to be tough.

Well as it turns out I even impressed myself! My training paid off in a big way! I was able to complete in all obstacles (of course with the team) and stayed out of the water unless that was the obstacle (the monkey bars, and balance beam had water underneath them so if you fell you got wet I did not fall on either). The hardest thing was the course itself on the ski slopes of Winter Green Ski Resort by far the toughest obstacle was the one entitled Death March a 1200 foot climb on a 12% grade Black Diamond Ski slope. Not to be outdone though was the Ice Bath or Chernobyl Jacuzzi as Tough Mudder calls it the video below shows that one, in short it was a huge dumpster filled with water and ice to the brim that you had to go through and under. I say this with absolute certainty it was the coldest I had ever been in my entire life, I could not breathe while in it, and it locked my body up, even walking after was a chore but you had to get over it cause right around the corner was a cargo net you had to go up and over.

Here are some pictures taken by El Guapos Wife:

 Here is me at the bottom of the mountain getting ready to board the shuttle bus

 Me, El Guapo, and Rude Boy after Check in El Guapo is  Former USMC and a Fireman on Truck 6/B, Rude Boy is a Veteran of about 30 road and triathlon races and also a Fireman on Truck 6/B

 Me heading down the slide

 Staring Down the Everest Wall

 I made it

 Cold, tired, wet, sore, bruised, but got a beer, cool headband and t-shirt!

 One Last pic before we hit the road, enjoying a “Road Beer”

Overall we did the course in just over 4 hours, while it is not a race but a challenge, it still felt good to get a respectable time. I knwo fo some folks that it took 7 hours to complete the course so 4 hours seems good to me.

If you are looking for a true mental, and physical challenge then look no further than TOUGH MUDDER!

I will be back later this week to continue the “Alternative Hose Line” posts, but until then you can always follow along on twitter @averagejakeff

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!

/Tough Mudder VA 2011, posted with vodpod

Alternative Hose Line Stretches: The Rope Stretch

In the next few posts on the site we are going to take a look at a few alternative hose line stretches. No building or situation is the same and a good engine company has to have many tools and techniques in order to ensure that the first line gets in service. *Disclaimer* The photos in this post are not mine they were taken off the internet from an article written for Fire Engineering Magazine.

The Rope Stretch

Benefits: Less hose needed to complete the stretch

                   Less staffing to complete the stretch (versus taking the interior stair that has corners to be managed)

                   Keeps stairway clear for victims, and in coming companies to the fire floor

Difficulties/Considerations: By passes a significant portion of the interior stair which could lead to victim/firefighter removal           problems

                                                          Need Rope

                                                          Have to ensure that enough hose is pulled into the “launching point” in order to reach the fire area

                                                          Must tie charged line to substantial object or line will fall back to the ground

                                                          Substantial training, and building knowledge

Procedure: So you have elected to do a rope stretch. First you must pick your target, typically a window a floor below the fire. Stretching this line a floor below the fire allows you to stretch into the stair to provide some interior stair protection. However I have seen several succesful stretches the fire floor itself, it depends on the location of the stair, and your fire conditions.

Next you ave to ascend the stairs to your target area (don’t forget your rope). Then open the window (either break, or open again condition dependent) and lower the rope down to the ground were a fireman should be waiting to attach the rope to the hose line of your choice. Some elect to drop the rope bag down to the ground, while this can be effective it can also cause a hazard, and can get caught up on window AC units, awnings, and balconies. The better option is to lower the rope down so that you can steer it around objects and ensure that it does not hit someone unsuspectingly.

Now you can utilize the above method of attachment, but I recommend attaching a carabiner, or snap hook to the rope and bending the hose on itself making a loop then running the rope through the loop and attaching it back to itself. This method will save time and take away the knot tying aspect which some have a hard time doing especially under pressure. However if you do not have snap hooks or a carabiner then you have to know the procedure for tying knots on dry and charged hose lines.

Once the rope is attached it is time to haul it up!

Utilize a smooth hand slide to ensure that your hands are always touching the rope, that way it will not fall back to the ground. Remember to stretch enough line into your launching point to be able to reach the fire area and get to all the points on the fire floor. Once you have enough hose on the floor tie it off to a substantial object with a rope hose tool, the rope you used to stretch the line, or webbing. Once the hose is secured call for water.

The rope stretch is and can be a useful tool in any Engine Company arsenal, however it takes training, precision, and good fireman ship skills in order for it to be succesful.

Be sure to follow along on twitter @averagejakeff

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!

BRING THE IRONS!

This video depicts a problem plaguing my department. I am not against the hydra-ram, in fact quite the contrary. I think it is a great tool in the right situation, and when I was assigned to a truck company I took it every time we had a call to an apartment building, or hotel because the chance to force multiple doors presented themselves and after forcing a few doors with the irons even the most in shape forcible entry team is going to get tired.

However there is a time and place for everything, and residential doors are not the time and place for the hydra-ram or hydraulic forcible entry tools period. 

Where we run into problems is that we have these tools on every rig in the department and it becomes a laziness issue, and our commercial forcible entry simulator favors using the hydra-ram because it is metal on metal. So when guys go do their forcible entry training and the hydra-ram works every time, and they never pick up the irons, it is no wonder why this tool is used way to much and applied improperly. I have personally seen what happened in the below video happen several times, and companies fail to get into doors.

It is ok to use the hydra-ram when it applies (inward opening doors with metal frames) but it should not be the only thing you bring. If the tool fails you have got to have the irons available to finish the job. If you’re the forcible entry guy on your crew and you come off the rig with out the irons your wrong plain and simple YOU ARE WRONG. Sure you can add other stuff to your compliment (hydra-ram, K-Tool, vice grips w/chain) but the irons are non negotiable!

One suggestion is to split the Irons with your partner. On the truck I was assigned to we only rode with 3 (Driver, Officer, and Firefighter) so in order to ensure we got all of the tools we would need into an occupancy the officer carried a flat head axe, and 6 foot NY Roof Hook, and the firefighter carried the halligan and a 6 foot NY Roof Hook. This allowed for the interior team to perform forcible entry to gain entry into the occupancy, and on the interior if needed, and open up the walls,ceilings, and windows. Additionally it promoted great team work and accountability as the irons typically (although there are single firefighter techniques for them) function better as a team with 2 members.

Be sure to keep following along on twitter @averagejakeff

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!

BRING THE IRONS!, posted with vodpod

2011 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Live Stream

 

If you are interested in viewing the services this weekend from the National Fire Academy in honor of our fallen brothers then look no further that right here. The stream is below.

The schedule of events is here http://weekend.firehero.org/media/live.html also Firefighter Netcast will be broadcasting live on Blog Talk Radio from the event as well (www.firefighternetcast.com )

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE! (Especially this weekend)

 

 

1st collector for 2011 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Live…
Follow my videos on vodpod

 

Updates and FDIC 2012

Well folks it has been super busy here! Work, life, hobbies it is all taking up so much time that sleep has become that relative that comes to visit every so often and never tends to stay long. Some cool things have been happening though and I want to tell you about them.

First some of you may or may not know that my wife Karen has started a blog (www.stickysidedown.wordpress.com) it focuses on the EMS and Emergency Management side of things since that is her expertise. One thing that she has started is posting exercises for EMS providers. A lot of times career EMS providers do not have a home, they are constantly posting (staging in a strategic location) in order to provide rapid response. So unlike firefighters and firefighter medics they seldom get a chance to workout on duty. Also she noticed there is very little tracking of EMS LODD deaths and what information there is not great. So in order to try to make a difference she has been posting EMS Fitness excercise every Monday. These exercises are typically body weight exercises that can be done anywhere with very little equipment. If your lucky enough to have a station or gym access then it will only enhance them. Be sure to go on over and check them out or share them with people who could use them.

In other news about my wife she just gave me some very exciting news about a year ago (give or take a bit) she had been writing EMS articles for Fire Engineering Magazine, and had taught at FDIC East, and FDIC (oh yea she was first, and I can fully admit it). She was asked if she had ever though about writing a book. Well that original conversation after some hard work and long hours is VERY close to being a reality! She just told me that the final product is being shipped here to our home for her final approval. The book as already been in pre sale for a few months and you can get your copy here: http://www.pennwellbooks.com/inmaforems.html I am super proud of all of her hard work, if there is such a thing as an EMS Warrior then she sure fits the bill!

In other news did you know that FDIC 2012 is only 187 days away? Did you know that you can register already? Well if not then WAKE UP 187 days will go by super fast, so DO NOT  let going to FDIC 2012 pass you by. Ask anyone who has ever been this is the greatest fire service experience of your life. Hands on Training, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits, Vendors, Fire Trucks, Parties, Athletic Events! WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT!!! I went for the first time while I was in college and have tried not to miss one since. The experience I liken FDIC to is like getting to catch a pass from Joe Montana, or play hoops with Jordan those guys are superstars well FDIC is full of fire service SUPERSTARS! Guys who blog, write articles, produce videos, etc. are all in one location and not only can you meet them, they want to meet you and give you the knowledge that you crave and need to do this job.

I am humbled to say that I have once again been selected to teach a 1 hour 45 minute classroom session. Last year I taught my class “Long Stretch Solutions” this year my class will be entitled “Engine Company Emergencies”

Engine Company Emergencies

Master Firefighter Robert Owens, Henrico (VA) Fire          

What to do in emergencies other than those involving Maydays and the need for rescue is the focus of this class. Four engine company emergencies are presented. Students discuss the problems and offer solutions. Scenarios include a trapped hoseline under a door, an initial attack line that is short of its objective, the loss of water for the attack handline at a hostile fire, and hostile fire events such as flashover. Students will understand the importance of situational awareness and its role in the successful outcome of engine company emergencies.

The funny thing is the class has already evolved even before I have taught it! I had an epiphany the other day that lead to the “Do you have a play for this” post and I am going to add some of those thoughts and things that I have gathered since the post in the class. I think it will be really good and I hope if you’re coming that you come see it!

Also you remember that wonderful lady I was talking about earlier? Well not to be outdone she got accepted to teach again as well keeping her streak alive.

Beyond the Water Cooler: EMS Role in Rehab

Emergency Operations Assistant Manager Karen Owens, Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services

Incident rehab is normally an easily overlooked aspect of emergency response. Many agencies rely on personnel or on-scene officers to make the decision about whether rehab is necessary and how extensive to create the rehab sector. However, rehab should be a priority for all responders. It provides time for recovery of vital signs to a normal level and can significantly decrease the negative health impacts of the job. Topics include the all-inclusive definition of rehabilitation, the National Fire Protection Association standard covering rehab, the relationship between incident rehabilitation and the incident command system, and the need for a standard operating guideline for rehab and how to develop an effective one

Additionally my father in law is has been involved in EMS and Emergency Management longer than I have been alive will be presenting his signature class

Emergency Responders vs. Electrical Hazards

HMERT Coordinator Frank Cheatham, Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services    

When is the last time your department examined its procedures for responding to incidents involving utility hazards? Many departments are still approaching utility hazards as they have been doing for years. Yet, the rate at which society uses electricity is increasing by leaps and bounds, creating more hazards. This class examines, from the perspectives of the fire service and the electric utility, what steps to take to reduce emergency responders’ contacts with electrical utilities. Students will learn of a training program available to the fire service and will be shown recommended response procedures

In addition to his EMS experience he spent 33 years working as a lineman, and Supervisor for Dominion Va Power and is an absolute expert when it comes to dealing with electricity, and its interaction with public safety providers. This class will answer all your questions about dealing with electrical utility and how to better interact with your utility company.

Well as you can see it has been exciting times here, and it just keeps getting better, stay on the look out for more great things, and be sure to follow along on twitter (@averagejakeff, and for the Sticky Side Down blog @stickysidedwn)

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!

Do You Have a Play for This?

Fast forward the video to about 1:56 in it you will see an exterior fire attack being performed. During this fire attack the firefighter on the nozzle goes down (unknown reason) and is experiencing some sort of medical emergency.

After a few minutes a sort of Mayday is called stating that a firefighter is down and they need the Paramedics for medical assistance. Now I’m sure we could focus all day on the improper Mayday call, and even the tactics themselves for this fire but the real question here is Do you have a play for this?

I use the word play interchangeable with plan. At my old company we had an Engine Company play book that laid out all the various type of scenarios that we responded to and our actions according to riding position. This gave us an avenue to focus our training and to have maximum efficiency on the fireground/emergency scene. I can tell you with honesty we had NO PLAY for the on scene firefighter medical emergency.

Taking one look at the USFA LODD Annual report will show you that our fireman are dying on scene from medical emergencies, usually not on the interior of fire buildings. Yet we have ZERO training, drills, or even plans for how to deal with the Firefighter on scene medical emergency in the middle of an emergency. Sure we train on RIT/RIC but that focuses more on removing firefighters, bailing out, wall breaching, buddy breathing, etc. It NEVER focuses on how to treat, or handle the exterior or even interior medical emergency.

Sure we have great training, and plans if the medical emergency happens interior to get the firefighter out, but then what? Just hand them off to the medic unit, What if it’s not there. In my department we do not send a medic until it is a confirmed working fire, so that is a lot of lag time between the arrival of the first in companies and the arrival of the medic, a lot can happen in that amount of time, so whats your plan for treating that sudden cardiac arrest?

Like everything in this job we have to adapt our plans, and evolve to meet the current needs and emergencies we are facing, for years we have been experiencing medical emergencies on the fireground, and still there is nothing out there to deal with these instances. If we are our best chance of survival then perhaps we should begin to adapt our Firefighter survival training to more realistic events that have actually happened.

If you are doing anything like this in your department, then please drop me a line in the comments section, twitter @averagejakeff, or on email.

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!

Do You Have a Play for This?, posted with vodpod

Hostile Fire Event!

 

First take a look at the video, I’ll wait….

In the video you see a house fire with heavy involvement to the B/C (or 3/4) side of the structure. It looks like it could be an attached garage, or an addition but either way it is burning, and beginning to extend into the other portions of the structure.

You can see heavy pressurized smoke coming from the ridge or apex of the roof, and then BOOM! A hostile fire event. The thing is which is it a smoke explosion, back draft, or does it even matter. To me it seems like a backdraft triggered by the sudden influx of oxygen when the person who you see running from side A opened the door to exit. I could be wrong (not the first time by a long shot) but that’s what I see.

One thing to consider is that our classic definition of “Backdraft” does not seem to apply here. You only see the grayish, yellowish smoke AFTER the event, and at no point did the building look like it was “breathing”. The only indicator we have of any pressure build up in the structure is to take a look at that smoke exiting from the ridge/peak of the roof. Its obvious based on the restricted opening, yet rapid velocity that the smoke is leaving the building that this building is under extreme pressure. The color means nothing as it is white probably because it is being filtered through a ridge vent, or the shingles themselves. The generator of this pressure is the huge fire to the rear.

With the way houses are built, and upgraded to keep in heat and AC to reduce associated costs buildings building up pressure is becoming a more common occurence. Buildings simply do not “breathe” the way they used to. Furthermore these building features are throwing us, because they develop fire conditions that do not meet our “definitions”. In order to combat this we have to develop new ways of doing things, and create new definitions of what today’s fires are doing. We also have to ensure that we are performing comprehensive building and fire assessments PRIOR to entry. It is as simple as performing a 360, I would hope on this 360 any firefighter of officer would notice the heavy fire conditions and the broken windows that looked like an explosion and not failed from the heat of a fire, if not then do some reasearch and find out the difference. Also the glass debris in the yard could indicate that something is a miss.

Bottom line after the event we do not know what condition the building is in, how the fire is now spreading, etc. we have to look for the visual clues because unless we see it (which this engine company did not) then we may not know if we just go charging in like every other time.

Do not keep this video a secret, sit down and show it/discuss it with your crew. Talk about the indicators of hostile fire events, talk about what YOU would do in this situation, then get out there and see if there are any buildings in your area like this, and also get out there pull the lines off the rig and rehearse/train on it before it happens to you.

Leave any feedback, or comments in the comments section, email, or on Twitter (@averagejakeff)

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!

 

 

Backdraft, posted with vodpod

October Drill Of The Month: Which Way Out?

 

 

It may seem simple but watch any video, look at any recruit class even veteran firefighters mess this one up. Getting this one right usually makes the difference from “man that was a close one” to “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY”.

The good part about this is that it does not have to be an in-depth drill. I know some people who have a prop done up for this but really all you need is a section of hose and couple it together. The you can have the guys in your crew black out there masks put them on, and them hand them the coupling. If you want to be more in-depth put them in gear, and disorient them (spin them around, place them in the middle of a long section of hose) and have them crawl to a coupling and make the determination. Also make sure you are doing this in FIRE GLOVES!!!

Some people like to use the “bumps to the pumps” saying to remember which way to go, and while this works nothing beats the muscle memory of actually feeling these bumps.

So get out there and put your shift through this simple, yet life saving drill. It doesn’t always have to be “sexy” in order to be worth while!

Be sure to keep following along on twitter (@averagejakeff)

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!