You gotta really want this job…..

I have been reading some pretty motivational stuff as of late, specifically the “Owning The Job” Series over at www.firecritic.com. It has come at a good time when I am kinda down on my motivation (not personal but departmental). Sometimes it is just hard to do a good job with people who do not care (not any one specific person just an overall feeling) so I am trying to take some of these motivational words to heart and trying to stay motivated even in the face of non caring.

I try to be the change, or better yet the fireman I want to see others become. Sadly and for some reason loving the job, and wanting to be fully immersed in it will not only cause ridicule but down right hate for you when dealing with some people. I am being serious when I say that there are people who absolutely HATE me, all because of my level of involvement with the fire service. They know nothing of me the person, yet they still choose to hate usually from a distance.

So then I came across one fo my favorite motivational speeches from one of my favorite movies “Brotherhood” (it’s a must see). It is short and sweet but it really speaks to me. This job is not given to you, sure you can fake your way through a career but at some point the stuff is gonna hit the fan and your going to get exposed for what you really are. You really have to want this job in order to do it the right way, and if you want it you have to come and get it, it is not going to wait on you.

Bottom line I am still chasing this job, there are things that I need work on, and there are things that I have a great grasp of. I even stepped into a whole new world as a medic to which I am like a rookie all over again. I am not perfect (in any aspect of life especially verbal expression, well at least in diplomatic verbal expression) but I will always be chasing, going after the job. Will you? Or will you let this job take a back seat?

Keep following along on twitter @averagejakeff

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

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You gotta really want this job, posted with vodpod

January Drill Of The Month: Ladder Climbing

 

With the recent injuries, and deaths involving ladders (I know they were aerialladders) I felt that this month it would be a good idea to return to some basic drilling and go over some safe ways to climb ladders.

Lets face it climbing ladders is tough on a normal day, people fall from ladders all of the time and they do not have to wear PPE, SCBA,or carry tools, and rescue victims.

Unfortunately climbing ladders is something I feel we take for granted especially from an engine company perspective. Think the last time your ladder came off the engine? It probably only comes off to check it, or to clean it.

So now lets look at some important points when climbing ladders:

1. Always maintain three points of contact with a ladder:  This is accomplished by using the beams instead of the rungs. When your climbing let your hands slide along the beams, this way you always have 1 foot and 2 hands in contact with the ladder at all times, making it easier to catch yourself if you were to slip. This also in my opinion makes the climb smoother. When you use the rungs the ladders tend to bounce a lot due to the shifting of your entire body weight from one side to the other, you really see this in your straight stick aerials and longer extension ladders (35-40 footers). If you slide up the rails if takes some of the bounce out making the climb easier. This also makes victim rescue techniques easier.

2. Slide the tools: This goes along with the above but we should never be empty-handed on the fireground, so we need a way to carry tools up the ladder. With smaller tools like the halligan and axe using the same slide technique as mentioned above works well, and maintains ladder contact. With longer tools like hooks, simply use the length of the tool and hook it on the highest rung you can reach. When you reach the head of the tool repeat until you have reached your destination.

3. Use Rope: Were we really get into trouble is carrying saws to the roof. Saws are heavy, they take a hand away causing us to break contact with the ladder, and they can through us off-balance. In this case rope is the answer. Take a rope bag (I carry a 50 footer on my air pack at all times) tie or clip the rope to the saw, then start climbing (with the bag attached to you of course) while you’re climbing the rope should play out. Once you reach your destination you can then hoist the saw up. Utilizing this method allows for you to climb the ladder safer, more efficient, and faster than having to lug the saw up. It also allows you to carry your hand tools as well.

4.  Aerial Ladders: Climbing Aerial Ladders is a different animal all together. Some of the same techniques work (using the beams when at low angles, and using the hook method for long tools) but all together it is different. If you have a bucket try to utilize it as often as possible. This will reduce fatigue (easier to ride than climb), allow you to carry all of the tools you need, and give you a relatively safe working platform. If you must climb an Aerial ladder then you must be equipped with a ladder belt, or some sort of fall protection device

5. Footing the ladder: It amazes me that people are still getting taught to foot the ladder from the rear. The best place to be is in the front. You can see what is happening to the building, you can see what is happening to the firefighters climbing the ladder, you are in the perfect position for victim rescue (firefighter or civilian), and you can assist in taking the bounce out of the ladder. In addition you can keep an eye what is going on, and avoid falling debris.

Bottom line is climbing ladders is a serious, and dangerous part of our job. It should never be taken for granted, and should be practiced often. Take some time this month to pull the ladders off the rig and climb ladders. You should of course be doing this in full PPE and SCBA in order to get the full effect.

Do not forget to keep following along on twitter @averagejakeff

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

 

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January Drill Of The Month: Ladder Climbing, posted with vodpod