RT @CvilleFireDept: Photo: Damage to the apartment building @ 522 Clevland Ave. Redcross assisting families. No injuries reported. http://t…6 hours ago
RT @kissmyaspie: @RGIII Sometimes you give to a city, and a city gives back to you. You bled for us, and we give to you. God Bless your wed… 7 hours ago
RT @SCFireFighting: One LODD Death is bad, however two for the same city in the same day is more than tragic. Rest easy brothers! God... ht… 7 hours ago
This is coming a little late in the month, but there is still time to do it! We just had a recruit school graduate at work and my shift was assigned a rookie. I love getting rookies. It really motivates the shift to get out there and train. Even though his first day was a Sunday we needed to get this new guy to hit the ground running, so we went out training focusing specifically on hoseline deployment and management.
Sometimes I think this gets ignored, because it is not sexy, its grunt work, and it can be repetitive. However it is the cornerstone training for an engine company.
Let me be clear….
WE NEED TO BE EXPERTS AT MOVING AND MANAGING HOSELINES! More lives have been saved by a properly placed hoseline than any other tactic every created. It has been said before but if you were going to start a fire department tomorrow and could only buy one piece of apparatus you would buy an engine!
Even if you’re the only one on your shift that wants to train, the above video can give you some tips on how to still train!
So get out there and become an expert on the hoselines on your rig. As always send in pictures and they will be featured on the blog, also comments are always welcome on any of the topics featured here via the comments section or on twitter.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Albeit a few days late, as you may or may have not noticed I decided to take a few weeks off from the blog world in order to enjoy the several events of the holidays and New Year. I have to say it was a great time, I went to my first New Years Eve party in about 7 years and it was a BLAST!
This is the time of year where people often evaluate there lives and see what they want to change and or accomplish in the next 12 months. Some dedicate themselves to fitness, some to work accomplishments, others just want to do something small like read more books. I like anyone often take this time to see where I have been and where I want to head in the next year.
The past year has been full of ups and downs. I have accomplished a lot of personal goals like teaching at FDIC, teaching at Firehouse EXPO for the first time, getting a pre conference workshop for FDIC 2013 (The Medical Mayday being taught Monday at 8am), becoming an ALS provider, running my first half marathon, and running the tough mudder, and getting the great chance to co-host a Firehouse Radio Podcast with Ryan Pennington (www.viewsfromthejumpseat.com).
Other things like promotion, selection for certain committees, and the like have eluded me yet again. I have been able to remain positive throughout my failures which is a HUGE step for me. I do not think my situation is unique in that some people don’t appreciate my brand of fire service dedication, writing, teaching, ideas, etc. Some I used to even call friend have tried to tear me down, and for every ata boy I get for my ideas, and accomplishments I get 10 fold ridicule. I used to let it bother me, I used to get so angry it would actually make me physically sick. Now? 90% of it I let it roll off me like rain on a roof. I surround my self with positive people, and listen to the ones that truly have proven to be my friends and have my best interest at heart. The list has gotten shorter but its the quality not the quantity.
So where to go from here? To be honest when I started this blog it was a place to express my feelings, and vent my frustrations. It has morphed into sharing ideas, fostering positive discussion, and has enabled me to expand and share my thoughts and ideas in collaborations through various websites, and media. It has also allowed me to develop relationships and friendships with guys like Ryan Pennington, Chris Huston (www.engineco22.net), Brian Brush (www.fireservicewarrior.com), Rhett Fleitz (www.Firecritic.com) and several others (If I left you out I am sorry). All of those things have made even the most negative feedback seem non existent.
So I plan to continue to spread my brand and ideas of the fire service this year and beyond! Haters will always hate, so let them. Thanks to all those who read, comment, tweet and email me if it was not for those of you who have told me something I have written or said has made a difference for you then I would have quit years ago. Remember I am just like you, the Averagejake name was not chosen just because it sounded cool, or would look good on a t-shirt (but it would right?) It was chosen because I feel that I am just an Average guy, and that the dedication and love I have for this job is what every firefighter at their base should feel. I mess up, I make mistakes, I cheat on my fitness and my diet, but at the end of the day I always have the passion for the fire service and the desire to try every day to get better. Chasing perfection knowing it is unattainable, yet pushing for it every day. Again thanks to all those who keep me accountable, and keep pushing me to the best I can be.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
It feels like I am always just catching up! This time of year what else can you do. Working, holiday things, kids, shopping, class, passing the sick bug around! It seems like an endless loop that never ends leaving you wondering when will I have time!
Luckily I did have time to head to Fairfax City this past week to attend the 8 hour seminar “The New Firefighter: Intelligent Firefighting in lightweight Construction”. My brother and I along with about 200 other firefighters got to listen to a great seminar from BC Pete Vandorpe, and Firefighter Dalton from the Chicago Fire Department. The class focused on how to make intelligent decisions in newer construction homes. They exposed us to all kinds of data regarding the burn tests Underwriters laboratory has been doing on new construction components. While I was familiar with a lot of the studies it was great to hear from the guys that actually participated in them. I could go on and on about this but I’ll share two of the best things I gathered from the class.
1. Todays wood is different. The wood we have today is farmed and not allowed to age, affecting density so even when it is a true 2×4 is loses the potential to withstand heat and fails faster.
2. We have to stop calling training fires ‘Live Fires”. The fuel packages we use even in acquired structure burns are no where close to what happens out in the field. We need to call them “Simulated Fires” so that a false sense of security is not created in the public and in the younger firefighters we are training.
This was without a doubt a great class, sure some of the science stuff was dry but it is important in what we do. In order to make sound tactical decisions we have to analyse data, study fire behavior and building construction.
While I was away, I received a couple of requests to share some thoughts on Chimney Fires, so here are some.
Chimney fires can be tricky because we can be lulled into a sense of self security. Usually they are not all that difficult, and there in lies the problem.
ALWAYS CHECK THE ATTIC!!!! Thsi should go without saying but the fuel loads in attics are ridiculous! In newer construction homes the chimneys are not as insulated as the older ones and the fire can extend into the attic space and what was once a contained chimney fire, is now an out of control attic fire.
Place a chimney kit in service this time of year. You kit should be some type of metal bucket, a canvas tarp, and fire-place shovel. This allows you to cover the carpet in front of the fire-place, and scoop out the burning debris into the bucket from the fire-place and remove them safely outside. Some like to include a mirror to try to look into the flu and chimney pipe, I am not a fan as I find it always fogs up.
Some people like to use chimney bombs. I am indifferent to them. A chimney bomb is essentially dry chemical extinguisher agent in a plastic baggie that you drop in from the roof, through the top of the chimney. The bag melts due to the heat and the agent extinguishes the fire. I have seen it work and seen it not work, it is definitely a less damaging way to extinguish the fire as using water can damage the chimney cracking the mortar due to the rapid cooling effect.
However DO NOT be scared to utilize water application if you feel that the structure is in danger. I have had to use direct water application before and while it may damage the chimney water is still the best way to put a fire out.
Chimney fires can sneak up on you in a hurry, we need to treat them as STRUCTURE FIRES until we prove they are contained to the chimney and or fire-place.
Lastly thanks to everyone who listened to the first “Average Jakes Views From The Jumpseat”. The next episode will be coming VERY SOON so stay tuned to Firehouse.com .
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word and STAY SAFE!
Coming VERY, VERY soon to the West Point (VA) Volunteer Fire Department Traditions Training (www.traditionstraining.com) will be offering there 16 hour Forcible Entry Academy!
This is sure to be some excellent hands on training with top-level instructors that teach al over the country and work in some fo the nations busiest fire departments. If you can make it, you should sign up today as time is running out to learn things like this…
I will not be able to make it due to being on shift, but fear not Traditions will be making a return trip on February 9th to teach there 8 hour “Combat Ready” class! So while not a lot of hand on the mind-set of combat ready is very important and is something missing from todays fire service. That makes this a MUST ATTEND CLASS! The combat ready class will be held in Mechanicsville Va (my home town).
Today I attended the 2012 Virginia Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. During the service the 6 firefighters from the Commonwealth of Virginia were honored for their service, and dedication to Virginia’s fire service.
The service was great, it was not overstated but definitely not understated, and was perfect to provide some closure for the families (immediate and fire service).
Several Virginia Fire Departments played integral roles in either providing apparatus, honor guard, or just coordination of the event. A big thanks goes out the St. Andrews Legion Pipes and Drum Corps for providing the marching music. it just simply would not be a fire department function without pipes and drums and this band does an awesome job.
Here are some pictures:
St. Andrews Legion
Most of the pictures I took were on the outside as during the ceremony I did not think taking pictures was appropriate.
While sitting through the event, and often during things like this I began to have some self-reflection. Listening to the eulogies, reading the stories of the life and death of my fellow brothers, and seeing the reaction of the families and crowd mae me dwell on a few points.
1. I do not want my wife and kids getting one of those flags: This may initially come off as harsh but I am sure if you could ask the 6 honored today they would not have wanted this outcome for their family either. That flag while a great symbol of the dedication they served signals an end and sometimes and end not in the best of circumstances. Sure things happen in this job but I do not want my wife and kids sitting there getting that flag for something I could have prevented.
2. Have I let people know how I feel about them?: All fo the 6 honored had someone come up and speak about them. They all offered great stories, and kind words about the fallen. While those words are appreciated, I hope the fallen got to hear them while they were alive. I hope the people I care about (family and fire service family) know how I feel about them, but in case they don’t I am gonna make sure to let them know before they are no longer with us.
3. Motivation/reinforcement: While reading about the causes of these deaths mostly medical related in nature, It has validated the changes I have made in my diet, and fitness regimen. It also validated that the attention to detail, constant training, are truly the right path. These are things I have always known but every once in a while you need that validation. I know this path is the right one and I am motivated to continue walking it, and even expanding it! As I said earlier things happen on this job but I know I can prevent a lot of them by being well-trained (physically, and mentally), and doing the right things.
4. Sadness: You would think this emotion would be a prerequisite for events like this but usually I do not get sad I get mad. I get mad at the lack of turnout, I get mad that people can not take a few hours of their own time to pay respects to our fallen brothers. However this time I just felt sad. Sad for those who did not make it, as they missed out on a chance to view or participate in something that could change their life. Much like the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb so many people missed out on a chance to do something meaningful, and life changing. In just my department alone there are 600 firefighters, in the metro Richmond area there are probably around 2-3,000, who knows how many are in the entire Commonwealth and not a lot of people showed up to this event. I have gotten beyond anger and just feel sad for the ones who choose to pass up great chances.
Overall this was a great event! I am glad I went and will definitely go again.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
On February 20th 2003 one of the deadliest fires in the history of our country occurs in West Warwick Rhode Island. In the 9 years since have we actually learned our lessons from it?
As the result of several influential fires (Beverly Hills Supper Club, Coconut Grove Night Club, and Rhythm Night Club) the creation of better fire protection codes, and code enforcement were born. Even some of our strategy and tactics have changed as a result of these incidents.
With all of these things though have we really “gotten it” routinely (just look on youtube) we can see engine companies attack large fires with undersized handlines, we still have people who consider aggressive fire tactics to be how close they are to the fire and not the actions they are performing on the fireground, the term transitional attack is met with ridicule and disdain from the “aggressive fireman” even with empirical data that solid and straight streams do not push fire or raise temperature in adjacent rooms.
I was told this a while ago and it rings true today, “you can not use house fire tactics on commercial occupancies”. One captain I used to work for used the term “teddy bear tactics”. The “teddy bear tactic” is something that makes you feel good but does nothing to mitigate the fire, or emergency. An example would be using an 1 3/4 line on a fire that requires a deck gun. Sure that 1 3/4 line is our safe zone it makes us feel really good when we deploy it right, and are fighting fire. However that 1 3/4 line is not really doing anything but making us feel good and putting on a show for the neighbors.
Who has occupancies such as restaurants, night clubs, etc. in there first in? How often do you get inside them? At the company level in my department we perform business inspections, however we do not perform them on special occupancies (schools, large assembly areas) or food/restaurant service occupancies. So unless we catch a run to them, or go out to eat in them we usually never see the inner workings of these occupancies. I will be honest it is something a lot of fireman ignore (myself included) because they so seldom happen. The result of that is we focus our training and walk through on the more likely events.
The problem with that is when this happens with out minimum staffing first in company we are quickly overwhelmed which could result in us resorting to our “teddy bear” or comfort zone and making an improper decision. Just think about the video above and apply it to your department. In mine it is a 3 alarm fire, with MCI that we are going to have to involve outside agencies in order to handle (mostly on the EMS side of things). It is going to involve a unified command, mutual aid, relief crews, extensive rehab, etc. The success of which will hinge on the actions of the first in officer.
The point is to expand your mind, test theories out on the training ground, train, read, and keep an open mind. There is NOT one end all be all tactic in the fire service! Normally it is a combination or several things that lead to success on the fireground. There is no one size fits all tactic all fires, firefighters, and fire departments are different be a student of the game and do not be afraid to think outside the box, and leave that “teddy bear” at home.
I’m not going to lie either I do wonder what would happen here if different tactics were applied. I try to not criticize but to put myself in there place with my staffing, and my thoughts and try to imagine what it would be like. THATS NOT WRONG!!! Study these fires, use youtube to get a better idea of what you would or would’nt want to do.
Knowing your district is VITAL to succesful fireground operations. You may be the best hose stretcher, tactical officer, and firefighter around but if you do not get there all of those skills are for nothing. However knowing your district is not enough, you have to be very familiar with your second, third, and maybe even 4th due!
This is a lesson that has been reinforced to me hard recently, as I have been moved to a part of town I am very unfamiliar with. Sometimes the maps (whether hand drawn, or GIS) is not enough. This (hypothetically of course) could lead to you running a fire in your second due and not knowing 100% were you are going and ending up 2nd due. Sure you still get to do some good fireground work but you should have been on the initial attack line and….well Im rambling and this in no way really happened (lol).
But seriously knowing the roads, buildings, different routes, etc. is very important and sometimes gets very over looked.
So this month dedicate some training time, to driving your district and the surrounding districts, get in the map book, get in your buildings, and take some different routes back to the station to see some streets you may never see. Also no matter how good you know your district always look it up in the map book, or your mapping system it will get you used to using it and will make finding locations easier under the gun.
Be sure to keep following along on twitter @averagejakeff
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
Welcome to part 3 of the FDIC 2012 Review! When we last left you it was friday of FDIC and the conference for me was just about wrapped up. We (my group) had all intentions of heading out that evening to the Indy Local 416 Party and Pumper Pull, but we wanted to eat at the Tilted Kilt first. Well before we were even done with our meal the rain came and it got cold and it never stopped.
I hope this is not a deterrent for Local 416 to not have the party again, or to move it back to the Union Hall. In the past they have had this party at their Union hall which is ( in my opinion) a considerable distance from the Down Town area and convention center which is the epi center of everything going on with an about the conference. Having been before when I was in college, I have always tried to convince my “group” to go but they never wanted to make the trek. This year they decided to move it to Georgia Street just outside the convention center. So of course the year I convince them to go IT RAINS!!!!! Oh well I hope it is back on Georgia Street year and the weather is better.
Basically after that the conference was over for me, I made one last trip over to do a final sweep of the exhibits. At one of the booths they were offering up a knife if you could win three hands of black jack well…..
THEY SHOULD HAVE NEVER PLAYED AGAINST THIS KID!!!!
But that is not all I won. It is obvious that not a lot of people have bought into the whole “social media” phenomenon, @FDIC was tweeting things all week-long and giving away free stuff to people who knew the answers to trivia questions. Well as we were waiting for our ride back to the airport to head home @FDIC tweeted that they would give away an IPAD 2 to the first person to answer a trivia question. Well the only people who responded where me, my wife, and my brother
BUT I GOT MINE IN FIRST!!!! Thats right folks I walked away with a free 16g IPAD 2 from FDIC all by following them on twitter! FDIC is not the only thing given away via twitter, celebrities host contests all the time. Just the other night NASCAR driver Joey Logano gave away race tickets to the upcoming race in Richmond. In addition you can get expanded content from all your favorite fire service bloggers, websites, personalities, etc. So bottom line is get on twitter and while you’re at it follow @averagejakeff
Even with all the great stuff the best part of it all was getting to take my dad out to his first FDIC! I wrote a little about my dad in the post here: http://averagejakeff.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/nostalgia/ My dad is a simple guy with simple pleasures, a cold beer and a recliner and you put him anywhere and he will be happy. He would have never though of spending his own money to go to FDIC because it would take money away from his family, so when my wife was given a free full conference package after entering a Facebook contest (see social media) and we had the free hotel room for being instructors I knew if his department would put up some money we could get him out there. They did, and so he came and I think it is safe to say he had a blast! I hope this is not his last time wanting to make the trip, but if it is I am glad he got to see me teach, and see Karen push her book.
Here are just some other pictures from FDIC:
Well that’s the end of the FDIC 2012 Review Part 3. I hope you had as good a time reading it as I did living it! If I didn’t get t meet you or if we met and I missed talking about you please no hard feelings, it happens. Hopefully there will be an FDIC 2013 for me, but as the kids get older and more obligations come to the forefront you have to sacrifice. One thing I can guarantee is that this will in no way be my last FDIC, I plan on attending these things even after I am retired, hopefully to see one if not both of my sons follow in my foot steps.
Hope you enjoyed the review, keep following along on twitter @averagejakeff, please give the guys I mention in these reviews some business they are all doing GREAT WORK! Also I won (my wife won) one other thing at FDIC that I am keeping a secret that I will be giving away VERY SOON so stay tuned for that.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
Greetings from the HOOSIER STATE!!!! FDIC 2012 is off running and in full effect. Yesterday was great, I started off the morning teaching my class “Engine Company Emergencies” to a full room. When I went to check my class evaluations they were all really good. I would say I had about 60-70 people in the room and only 1 person who had negative stuff to say about the class so the old adage “you can’t please everyone is quite true”
The best part of yesterday was getting to finally meet some people I have been conversing with for several months via twitter, email, and blogging.
Most of those guys even took time out of the busy day to come to my class. It was an honor to meet them, and to talk to them. I am sure it will not be the last time.
Last nite also was the Annual FOOLS Brotherhood Bash, and as usual it was awesome! After that we hit the hotel for a “night-cap” and ended up running into Rhett Fleitz from www.firecritic.com . I always enjoy talking to Rhett, he is very honest and blunt about his fire service opinions and I love that since I am not a beat around the bush type of guy. He also was very instrumental in my starting to blog, and continuing to blog. He also gave me one of his challenge coins they are high quality and great, and I feel honored to have one.
So today is another day filled with classes, and at 6 I me and my wife @stickysidedwn will be running the Courage and Valor 5k Run. After that it will be more of the same learning, talking, and “consumption”.
I will be doing a full FDIC 2012 review when I return home complete with pictures. Until then keep following along on twitter @averagejakeff for pics, comments, and views from the conference.
As usual thanks for reading,spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
Welcome to APRIL, and you know what that means? ONLY 13 MORE DAYS UNTIL FDIC! But before you go out and get some of the greatest fire service training on the planet, take some time this month to go over the Hydra Ram.
The hydra ram is a self-contained hydraulic forcible entry tool used to open inward swinging commercial doors. I can be used on residential doors but you run the risk of displacing the jamb so much that the tool is no longer affective.
In addition the tool is actually powered by mineral oil and not hydraulic fluid.
When checking the hydra ram during your morning apparatus check it needs to be placed under a load. This allows the mineral oil to actually reach the gaskets keeping them moist. 90% of the hydra failures you see have to do with the gaskets drying out, and failing under load. When the gaskets fail you will either not be able to generate enough pressure to extend the ram enough in order to displace, or defeat the locking mechanism. Or you will just have complete failure of the tool and a big mess to clean up.
Lastly always remember to bring the iron with you whenever you deploy the hydra ram. If it fails the irons will the only way you are getting in the door. The hydra ram is a valuable tool but unless you have a mastery of the irons then you should not use the hydra ram, as when it fails the irons will be what you have to use to defeat the door, and if you’re not good with them then the entire operation is in jeopardy.
So get out there this month and get familure with your hydra ram. If possible get to a building, or forcible entry simulator and actually use it, but at minimum exercise it under load, do some PM (preventative maintenance), and read the following articles
Remember if you’re coming out to FDIC be sure to come say hi, I will be teaching “Engine Company Emergencies” on Wed. 1030-1215, I’ll be Running the Courage and Valor 5K, attending the FOOLS Brotherhood Bash and MUCH MORE. If you want to know where I am the best thing to do is follow along on twitter @averagejakeff
Also I just found out yesterday that my wife the author of ICS For EMS will be doing 2 separate book signings at the Penwell/Fireengineering Bookstore. Come out and get your copy of ICS For EMS and meet the author and get it signed. Be sure to follow her on twitter @stickysidedwn as well.
Hopefully we will see you at FDIC but if not be sure to follow along for all the FDIC updates.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
