It is no secret that I think helmet cams, and cameras in general are great. Sure now we are always “on air” and a fire in your area could be on YouTube before you even finish draining the water out of your hose line. However think of all the learning we can accomplish because EVERYONES fires are now online for all to see. This is valuable to every fireman as we can learn from the comfort of our firehouse day room.
There have been a lot of talk about transitional attack, and the debate keeps getting heated up. I have written about it several times, because I think it is a viable option that needs to be in your tool box. You all know the arguments today’s buildings, fire loads, low mass synthetics, low staffing, etc. dictate that sometimes we must change our tactics. Notice I said sometimes, as I still feel that crawling down a dark hallway to the seat of a fire and applying water directly to it is still very affective and must be done when conditions allow.
However TODAY we must be able to adjust when that option does not present itself. In the video above you see what appears at first glance to be an older balloon frame construction house with an advanced fire from the second floor. Usually one would say with this construction type that if you beat it to the attic and cut it off you could fight fire for a long time in these structures with possibly plaster lathe construction, and true dimensional lumber. However it is not all about the construction, placing the fire loading with high heat release rates within older construction can still lead to advanced fire conditions, rapid flashover, shorter building collapse times, etc.
It is important that we realize that sometimes the best, most effective, and SAFEST form of fire attack may be to hit it from the outside and kill the flashover potential.
Take a look at this article from the Des Plaines Fire Department http://www.firetrainingtoolbox.com/safeattack.pdf This is a guide if you will to direct your action in todays fire environment. It is not gospel but it is thought-provoking and should be shared with your crews.
The point is in today’s fire service and in the dynamic battleground we find ourselves in on a daily basis there is more than one way to defeat our enemy. Frontal attack may be glorious but it sometimes is not the best strategy. Just ask General Pickett, and Col. Custer how frontal attacks went when the enemy was better fortified.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
After taking a month off due to all of the time-consuming activities Drill of the Month is BACK!
In the above video, we see an Engine company performing EMS on a victim. Every since the advent of Fire Service based EMS response this has become the norm in communities across the country. With the number of ALS providers and the seemingly endless availability of them (in my department there are usually several within a few feet of you on an EMS run) some of our BLS providers may not have the chance to practice their skills as often. There are not many times, but they do exist where we have a completely BLS engine, yet the service expectation by the citizens does not change. If they received advanced care previously then they expect it again.
The solution is to have BLS only drills. Have your BLS providers run a cardiac arrest and play it out without the insertion of an ALS provider. Have them practice their assessment skills on a variety of patients without the presence of advanced care providers, and if your organization allows it, have them take BLS transports while riding their tour on the ambulance.
Additionally you can up there understanding as to what ALS providers do. We call it ALS for BLS and train a majority of our BLS providers how to set up IV’s, acquire 12 leads, set up nebulizer treatments, etc. All of these things only increase the effectiveness of your EMS operations, and improve patient care for the citizens.
There will be a day when your BLS providers are waiting on a medic, will they be prepared? To make sure they are spend some time this month training them to succeed and do BLS skills to perfection. It is true that a good BLS provider can save an ALS provider, I would know I am living proof.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Toys R Us, or various other chain and brand name stores. No matter the name they go under they all have one thing in common.
THEY ARE HUGE!
They also provide a very difficult fire problem for even the largest and best staffed fire departments in the fire service. In these instances we must abandon our traditional “residential” tactics and deploy more logical approaches to dealing with these large structures. One of the most crucial things we must adjust is our initial on scene 360 survey.
In our ordinary residential setting the first due company officer performs a 360 scene survey on foot, noting building construction, fire conditions, presenting victims, hazards, etc. However in the commercial occupancy environment the 360 is just as important but a more daunting task. Simply put there is no way we can cover the needed ground, noting the important characteristics, fire conditions, and hazards while staying on foot. In a larger department with more resources simply assigning a company to side C could accomplish this task. However in departments that are resource challenged this is not always feasible.
THE MOTORIZED “360″
The Motorized “360″ is simply stated utilizing the apparatus to perform the 360 scene survey. When arriving on scene to a large commercial occupancy stay in the apparatus, and if possible drive around the entire building. While doing this perform your survey as you would any other time noting fire conditions, building construction, hazards, egress points, victims, water supply, etc. Once this is completed you can develop your action plan and assign units accordingly.
The benefits of this are:
1. Faster scene survey
2. More accurate size up of fire and smoke conditions.
3. More eyes on the structure (Even if only staffed with 2, fours eyes looking at the structure is better that just two, more staffing equals more eyes looking and reduction of the chance that something critical will be missed)
4. Location of deployment point options (The front door in these occupancies may not be the best option, a side or rear door may put you closer to the fire limiting your exposure to a dangerous floor plan and fire conditions)
5. Location of on scene hazards in the rear and sides of the structure
6. More accurate victim information. (Not everyone evacuates via the front entrance, especially employees in the storage areas of these occupancies. This will give you a more comprehensive assessment of how many possible victims you are dealing with, their locations, and access points to them)
7. More accurate size up of building construction and current building conditions.
While the 360 scene survey is always important the fact that these occupancy types are daunting alone when not on fire even add more emphasis. As previously stated we must abandon our residential tactic mentality and utilize a methodical approach. Taking the time to do an accurate size up will enable first in company officers to gather critical, life saving information for victims and all firefighters on scene.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
The above photo says it ALL!!!!!! This job is dangerous but it is your job to make it less dangerous. We do this by wearing our PPE, training, acting proactive on the fire ground, making fitness a part of our lifestyle, and treating this job not as a job but as a life style.
We all chose to be here no one made us turn in that application to volunteer, or accept a job offer, so act accordingly. Even if your department is not what you think it should be you can still be the fireman you know you should be!
So do not wait, get out there and improve yourself today and everyday. As Bobby Halton said in his FDIC opening ceremonies speech, the fire service is about selfless service. The act of serving should be honor enough. We owe our families, our citizens, and our department to be the best we can be.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
FDIC 2013 is over. It was another great conference and time getting to be around like-minded firefighters from all over the world. FDIC is the greatest and best conference in the world but even using those words do not feel like justice enough to describe something so great. This years FDIC all started actually last year when I put in to teach my first ever 4 hour pre conference program.
Monday at FDIC was all teaching for me. I got to present my 4 hour class “The Medical Mayday”. The class focused on the fact that cardiac events are still killing firefighters and that all of our RIT training focuses on pulling people out of buildings, not the continuation of care after the firefighter has been pulled from the hazard zone. It also focused on the fact that firefighters are unique patients, and some talk and discussion about injuries on the fireground and some rehab and prevention measures. It was supposed to have a practical component along with it but there was a small mix up in that area, but that will NEVER happen again. Even with the mix up felt it went great! The preconference programs are not ala carte like the regular class room sessions. The students who wish to attend sign up for the class prior to the conference so the fact that 30 people felt like this was good enough to take prior to the conference made me feel awesome. I got great reviews and everyone really seemed to enjoy the class.
Tuesday I took no classes and had no teaching engagements so me and my brother decided to check out the NCAA Hall of Champions. Little did we know that we would find an inspiring story inside these walls.
This young man wanted to be a firefighter so bad he chose his college athletic career location-based on a volunteer fire station! Talk about inspiring most college athletes are just looking to go to the biggest school for a championship and move on the pro’s. Instead this guy was looking at a career first.
That brings us to Wednesday which is becoming my favorite day of the conference. I used to always skip opening ceremonies but the past few years I have gone and I have never regretted it. It starts with bag pipers then the presentation of the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award, followed by a usually AWESOME speech by Bobby Halton, and a key-note speaker.
This year was no disappointment! You really need to log onto Fireengineering.com and see the video of opening ceremonies but here are some articles highlighting what was said.
Again I can not stress enough the power and moving experience of what FDIC Opening Ceremonies is. Even if you can never ever go to FDIC you should live stream it online when it is going on, or watch it on video. Also share it with your crew it will be worth it.
After opening ceremonies the rest of the day was spent taking classes, all of which were great. Then my favorite social event of FDIC The FOOLS Brotherhood Bash took place on Wednesday night but first we got some dinner at Hooters
Not very many other places in the world does that happen, yet it is a common occurence at FDIC! The Brotherhood Bash was made even more cool by the fact that this year a local band from Richmond Va was headlining Rosie Soul and The Rock and Roll Cowboys!
Thursday brought one more classes but also exhibits!
Also on Thursday I got to see some of the yearly Firefighter Combat Challenge
This is an awesome event, I have never run one but have watched several. If you have the chance find one near you and go out and see it!
Thursday night also brought about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Stop Drop and Rock and Roll party in the Indiana Roof Ballroom. We had never been before. IT WAS A BLAST!!!!! For $15 we had some great food, good music, AWESOME fellowship with other brother fireman and it all goes to the NFFF www.firehero.org I know I will be hitting this event up again in the future, and recommend you do the same!
Friday morning I boarded a plane headed for Charlotte NC and my brother boarded a plan set for Cleveland as we could not get the same flight and our FDIC was over.
It was another great trip as you can see by the review, here are just a few of the people I got to see again or meet for the first time:
With all of the things happening in the world today, specifically the LODD’s in West Texas, and the Boston Marathon bombing it can be easy to dwell on the negative things in life. I was even discussing with my wife how I am glad we are done having children because I don’t know if I would want to bring another child into this world full of hate, and danger.
However there is light at the end of the tunnel. Some will look for religion, some will look to family and friends, or even a combination of things. Me? This couldn’t come at a better time because I get to go to the greatest fire service conference in the world FDIC!
FDIC always recharges my fire service batteries and ignites my passion for the fire service. It is a breath of fresh air to be around like-minded fire service brothers for a week. No one goes to FDIC that doesn’t LOVE the fire service. Words can not describe just how awesome FDIC is, but in my attempt here is the 3 part review I posted from last years FDIC
Here is also some videos from FDIC past and previews for this year
If that does not bring a smile to your face then I do not know what else can. Also do not forget the FOOLS party on Wednesday, Courage and Valor 5k on Thursday, Stop Drop and Rock and Roll on Thursday, 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Friday afternoon, Local 416 Union Party, and several other meet ups (Fire Service Warrior,ISFSI, etc.) during the week.
I will be heading out to Indy early Sunday morning, and will be there in early afternoon. Monday I will present my 4 hour pre conference workshop “The Medical Mayday” at 8am. Unfortunately I will have to leave before the end of the conference very early Friday morning, so again I will miss out on the Stair Climb, and since my class time will be limited I will for go running this year in the 5k so that I can maximize the classroom session time.
I will be live tweeting the conference on twitter @averagejakeff using the hash tag #FDIC13 (unless FDIC comes up with something different).
So if you are coming out to Indy come on over and see me, if not follow along on twitter, FDIC.com, fireengineering.com, blogs, etc.
As usual thanks for reading spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
Do you ever have the problem on the fireground of not knowing who you are talking to? Sure we all have identifiers, apparatus or station numbers on our helmets, name tails on our coats, or even identifiers on our airpacks. Sometimes they are readily visible other times they are hard to see, and let’s be honest once the face piece goes on we all look very similar, and all sound the same.
Just yesterday I had a firefighter come talk to me at a fire face to face and I knew what company he was from but had no idea who he was until he walked away and I could read his name tail.
How about adding a name identifier to your face piece? I have been doing this for years as just another way to mark my equipment, but never realised the gains it gave me until just a few months ago. Everyone knows it is me when they are talking to me, In the event of a MAYDAY this is one more way to be identified, it enhances communication, enhances accountability, and lets everyone know who’s mask it is.
All of these things with a simple label from a label maker. If there is more than one person with your last name, add the first initial of your first name. The point is that something this simple can create huge dividends in the fog of war. It’s why soldiers wear dog tags, and why before dog tags they would sew identifiers on their uniforms.
It doesnt have to be like Ricky Bobby’s Fig Newtons sign on his car (even though they are delicious), just big enough for someone to read and figure out who they are talking to.
What other things have you done to enhance your fireground? Leave a note in the comments section or on twitter @averagejakeff
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
I was so excited a few weeks ago when I found out that BURN was coming to my hometown of Richmond Va. It came to DC a few months ago but I just could not make it up there to see it. This time I was not going to miss it and I am glad I didn’t!
I was able to attend the opening night festivities and it was a blast hanging out with a bunch of fireman, drinking a few frosty beverages, and they really did the event up with one of Richmond Fire’s Quints out front of the theatre, vendors, and food from the Halligan Bar and Grill owned and operated by Retired Henrico Fire Lt. Shawn Gregory. Here are a few pictures:
At about 10 mins to 7 they ushered us into the theatre and it was time for the movie! WARNING SPOILER ALERT!
The movie itself was great, it shows the true story of a city that has lost control and the firefighters who risk their life daily to try to protect it. The biggest problem and biggest debate is the 80,000 vacant homes in the city and how to deal with them. Some of the fireman think that every fire no matter what they should be going in because some of the homeless people use these as homes to squat in. The new Fire commissioner feels that if they are no danger to occupied homes and no one is in them to let them burn.
The 2 stories that spoke to me the most were of Dave Parnell and “Doogie”
Parnell as he is called is getting ready to retire after 30 plus years with the department. About 5 months before hs retirement his wife dies and now he is faced with living the rest of his life without his wife, or his fire department. This made me think a lot about my own retirement. While I am a ways off, all I have done since I was 15 years old was be a fireman. What will I do, and who will I be without the fire department. Sure I will still visit the stations and what not but I will not be pushing in, driving the rigs, going on EMS call, I will not be in the department anymore. It gives me a sick feeling in my stomach just thinking about it.
Brendan or “Doogie” came on the job as a 19-year-old firefighter and 11 years later he is in a wheel chair as a result of injuries received at a building collapse. Again this spoke to me because I have been involved in the fire service since a very young age, and have literally zero other skills in my life. All of my training, education, and choices have been based on whats best for my fire service career. If I was hurt today how would I survive, what would I do?
This movie will speak to you and make you think. It will also make you appreciate what you have both in you personal and Fire Department lives. This is a MUST SEE FILM! It was so good I went to see it again with my shift from work this past Sunday.
A big shout out goes to a group of fireman from the City of Richmond who with some Union help brought this film here for us all to enjoy.
This story needs to be told, get this movie to your town or go see it in another town. Go to http://www.detroitfirefilm.org/ for more information on how to bring it to you and how to give donations. Lets et this movie in every major US city and get it put out on DVD.
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
Sure the calender says Spring but here it has been COLD! A few days ago we even had 3 inches of snow! Due to that a lot of times our Hands On Training (HOT) has to be postponed until warmer and less oppressive weather returns. However this is no excuse to let our training suffer.
A few years ago while assigned to a different station on a particular winter weather day the shift decided to get creative and not let a perfectly good 24 hours go to waste.
Utilizing the steel bar joist roof construction of the bay, a simple folding ladder, ropes, harnesses, and 8 plates we were able to practice single person rappels, pickoffs, self rescues, and lock offs all from the comfort of the bay.
This is just one example of how creativity can still provide great training! The options are ENDLESS, all it takes is some initiative and ingenuity.
Do not let the frigid temperatures slow you or your shifts progression down utilize the vast resources of your own fire station and get to work! The warmer months will be soon upon us, but do not put it off until then!
As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!
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!
