This week we look at ARFF on and off the field. We talk about airport firefighting operations as well as what to do if you have a small aircraft down within your response district.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Fast food restaurants
This week we look at a well advanced fire in a fast food restaurant. In addition to our normal questions we ask you need to so some "homework" or "research" on previous fires in these type of facilities and the fact that we have had LODDs in these establishments.
1.) Are the conditions different from the first floor and the roof? What should an IC do when evaluating conflicting information?
2.) What do you know about the roof construction in these type of structures? What is the roof load and how is it distributed?
3.) What are your first actions and what will you be investigating when entering or initially responding?
4.) Why is what you have showing different from a fire in the ductwork system? Or is it?
5.) Using your department's first alarm resources, develop your plan. Where are you deploying apparatus, personnel and lines? What size lines and where?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
1.) Are the conditions different from the first floor and the roof? What should an IC do when evaluating conflicting information?
2.) What do you know about the roof construction in these type of structures? What is the roof load and how is it distributed?
3.) What are your first actions and what will you be investigating when entering or initially responding?
4.) Why is what you have showing different from a fire in the ductwork system? Or is it?
5.) Using your department's first alarm resources, develop your plan. Where are you deploying apparatus, personnel and lines? What size lines and where?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
What Can I do?
There is always a question asked by folks for lots of different reasons. We ask when we vote in a national election, "Does my vote count?", what can I do to make a difference?
How often have we individually said, "Nah, why bother it won't matter.".
Well, I have written lots of commentaries on lots of subjects, and several training bulletins as well, and while I always try to provoke thought and discussion, sometimes folks are looking for hard and fast answers.
Well if you are looking for absolute answers, you are probably on the wrong website! You should be at a much higher level than me if you get my meaning.
I did however have some thoughts about how each individual firefighter could make a personal difference in changing the fire service into a better place.
Some of these are safety things, some of these are people things and they are in no particular order, they are just meant to be my suggestions on how a single individual can make things go a little better.
Always wear your gear fully and properly at every response. We do not know what might go wrong when. You are in direct control of how and when you wear your stuff.
Always wear your seatbelt when you are responding in your POV or in the apparatus. You are in direct control of wearing your seatbelt.
Try to attend and seek out as much training as you can get in a variety of subject. You are in direct control of how much training you need.
Be acceptance of other firefighters particular quirks and traits. Your reaction to them in the firehouse is yours and you have direct control over how you feel. That one is clearly tougher than wearing your gear or seatbelt !
Always be fair and honest with others. Nobody tells you to hide info or not give proper info about any subject, so you can decide and have direct control over how you deal with others.
Always at least give your best effort. Your results may not always come out as intended, your best effort and the amount of effort is in your direct control.
Never let your guard down. Even after the fire is knocked down, even while companies are picking up, even when investigating "smells and bells" calls, do not ever let yourself lapse until you are safely back at the station. This is very difficult to do as we become complacent when responding to the same types of calls over and over again. It is within our direct control and it takes great discipline.
Almost like the one above is....prepare for sudden changes in conditions always. As you handle and respond to incidents, play the "what if" game over and over in your head and develop a personal plan for what your actions might be if the "stuff" hits the fan.
Do not ever be on the emergency scene alone for any reason. Always have a partner able to help you and that you are able to help.
See a doctor and take care of your personal health.
Do something about your current level of fitness.
Rest, relax, de-stress a little and make yourself mentally ready to deal with all that the job and life throws at you. Sometimes we do not recharge enough. You are in direct control of that too.
These are just some little things that I have thrown together, but I would hope as you have read them you did realize two simple things: You are clearly in control of all of them, and if everyone practiced them, wouldn't things sometimes go a little better in this job?
You don't need an SOP, a general order, a company bylaw, a provision in the contract or any of the standard things that usually get us to react in some way.
You can make a difference if you choose.
Stay safe and take care.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
How often have we individually said, "Nah, why bother it won't matter.".
Well, I have written lots of commentaries on lots of subjects, and several training bulletins as well, and while I always try to provoke thought and discussion, sometimes folks are looking for hard and fast answers.
Well if you are looking for absolute answers, you are probably on the wrong website! You should be at a much higher level than me if you get my meaning.
I did however have some thoughts about how each individual firefighter could make a personal difference in changing the fire service into a better place.
Some of these are safety things, some of these are people things and they are in no particular order, they are just meant to be my suggestions on how a single individual can make things go a little better.
Always wear your gear fully and properly at every response. We do not know what might go wrong when. You are in direct control of how and when you wear your stuff.
Always wear your seatbelt when you are responding in your POV or in the apparatus. You are in direct control of wearing your seatbelt.
Try to attend and seek out as much training as you can get in a variety of subject. You are in direct control of how much training you need.
Be acceptance of other firefighters particular quirks and traits. Your reaction to them in the firehouse is yours and you have direct control over how you feel. That one is clearly tougher than wearing your gear or seatbelt !
Always be fair and honest with others. Nobody tells you to hide info or not give proper info about any subject, so you can decide and have direct control over how you deal with others.
Always at least give your best effort. Your results may not always come out as intended, your best effort and the amount of effort is in your direct control.
Never let your guard down. Even after the fire is knocked down, even while companies are picking up, even when investigating "smells and bells" calls, do not ever let yourself lapse until you are safely back at the station. This is very difficult to do as we become complacent when responding to the same types of calls over and over again. It is within our direct control and it takes great discipline.
Almost like the one above is....prepare for sudden changes in conditions always. As you handle and respond to incidents, play the "what if" game over and over in your head and develop a personal plan for what your actions might be if the "stuff" hits the fan.
Do not ever be on the emergency scene alone for any reason. Always have a partner able to help you and that you are able to help.
See a doctor and take care of your personal health.
Do something about your current level of fitness.
Rest, relax, de-stress a little and make yourself mentally ready to deal with all that the job and life throws at you. Sometimes we do not recharge enough. You are in direct control of that too.
These are just some little things that I have thrown together, but I would hope as you have read them you did realize two simple things: You are clearly in control of all of them, and if everyone practiced them, wouldn't things sometimes go a little better in this job?
You don't need an SOP, a general order, a company bylaw, a provision in the contract or any of the standard things that usually get us to react in some way.
You can make a difference if you choose.
Stay safe and take care.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Firefighting Today Weekly Roundtable - FD Special Operations
Join us Sunday Evening March 30,2014 at 8:00 PM for the weekly Roundtable discussion. This week the panel will be discussing special operations, Haz mat, USAR, dive team high angle etc.
Watch us live on the google events page HERE.
YOU CAN ALSO WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
You can watch all of the archives of the show on firefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Watch us live on the google events page HERE.
YOU CAN ALSO WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
You can watch all of the archives of the show on firefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Firefighter Training Podcast - Cyanide in Smoke - An interview with Tom Warren Assistant Chief PFD (Retired)
This week we revisit a 2006 incident which led to a comprehensive study on the effects of cyanide in smoke at structural fires. This interview from one of the folks involved in the development of the study, will shed light on this problem, and give tips for things you can do within your own department to handle it.
The link to the study is here:
http://www.firefightercancersupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cyanide_poisonings_of_providence_firefighters.pdf
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
The link to the study is here:
http://www.firefightercancersupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cyanide_poisonings_of_providence_firefighters.pdf
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
60 Second Safety - Ethanol
This week on 60 Second Safety we discuss ethanol.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Fire in an Auto Salvage Scrapyard
Take a look and think about the challenges you might face in handling this problem. These can be small remote sites in small towns, or they can be sophisticated automated facilities.
As we discuss each week, get out and take a look at your facilities in your response area?
1.) How large in area is the facility? How long is the hose stretch and where is the water supply?
2.) Think about what material is burning here? Tires, seats, oils, ???
3.) How often do you train with using heavy equipment and loaders in conjunction with suppression operations? How do you protect the civilian operator if you use them?
4.) What impact will heavy streams be on the stability of stacked autos? Will the runoff have to be collected as in a hazmat situation?
5.) What are the additional personnel hazards that might be present in this scenario? List a bunch for yourself and describe how you would mitigate them.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
As we discuss each week, get out and take a look at your facilities in your response area?
1.) How large in area is the facility? How long is the hose stretch and where is the water supply?
2.) Think about what material is burning here? Tires, seats, oils, ???
3.) How often do you train with using heavy equipment and loaders in conjunction with suppression operations? How do you protect the civilian operator if you use them?
4.) What impact will heavy streams be on the stability of stacked autos? Will the runoff have to be collected as in a hazmat situation?
5.) What are the additional personnel hazards that might be present in this scenario? List a bunch for yourself and describe how you would mitigate them.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Some Thoughts on traffic Control
What do we really know about traffic control, and who taught us?
For this week 's training topic I have decided to work on a couple of small drills that involve our personal safety at to protect us while operating at the scene.
Just review a few of these with the troops and review your own department SOPs on this issue to get everyone on your piece or your station on the same page.
If your apparatus has warning lights or directional arrow LED bars is everyone using them and familiar with them?
How far should traffic cones be placed behind your rig? Do you realize it depends upon the size of the cone, the amount of reflective material on the cones, and the normal expected speed of the traffic on the roadway you are operating on.
These same rules apply to our apparatus that we use for blocking. When blocking with a piece of apparatus, place the rig far enough back that if it were to be hit by a tractor trailer unit you would have time to get out of the way before you were struck while operating at the scene. Most of us do not do this because we want equipment from that unit and it is too far away. Make a better plan! If you are going to use the rig, maybe you need another one.
Are your personnel on or off the rig when it is used as the blocking piece? I have heard discussion about both of these practices.
What reflective clothing are you wearing while working. The scotchlite or reflexite on a turnout coat is not nearly sufficient. ANSI makes standards on type I, II, II reflectivity of material for operating on different speed roadways. These lightweight vests can be worn over turnouts if necessary.
Do you angle apparatus so the pump operator is protected?
Are all of your personnel trained to look in mirrors of check traffic before dismounting the rig?
You can drill with these concepts in real life and have some personnel spot apparatus in a large open parking lot to set up a traffic pattern, or you can make a scale mock up of this using "Matchbox" vehicles. If the Matchbox are to scale if you will then remember to make that scale apply to how far they are placed apart....that is 3-4 truck lengths behind the accident.
Take a look at respondersafety.com for further information or contact your local police department and obtain some of the training they get for their officers in controlling roadway construction blocking.
Take care and stay safe!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
For this week 's training topic I have decided to work on a couple of small drills that involve our personal safety at to protect us while operating at the scene.
Just review a few of these with the troops and review your own department SOPs on this issue to get everyone on your piece or your station on the same page.
If your apparatus has warning lights or directional arrow LED bars is everyone using them and familiar with them?
How far should traffic cones be placed behind your rig? Do you realize it depends upon the size of the cone, the amount of reflective material on the cones, and the normal expected speed of the traffic on the roadway you are operating on.
These same rules apply to our apparatus that we use for blocking. When blocking with a piece of apparatus, place the rig far enough back that if it were to be hit by a tractor trailer unit you would have time to get out of the way before you were struck while operating at the scene. Most of us do not do this because we want equipment from that unit and it is too far away. Make a better plan! If you are going to use the rig, maybe you need another one.
Are your personnel on or off the rig when it is used as the blocking piece? I have heard discussion about both of these practices.
What reflective clothing are you wearing while working. The scotchlite or reflexite on a turnout coat is not nearly sufficient. ANSI makes standards on type I, II, II reflectivity of material for operating on different speed roadways. These lightweight vests can be worn over turnouts if necessary.
Do you angle apparatus so the pump operator is protected?
Are all of your personnel trained to look in mirrors of check traffic before dismounting the rig?
You can drill with these concepts in real life and have some personnel spot apparatus in a large open parking lot to set up a traffic pattern, or you can make a scale mock up of this using "Matchbox" vehicles. If the Matchbox are to scale if you will then remember to make that scale apply to how far they are placed apart....that is 3-4 truck lengths behind the accident.
Take a look at respondersafety.com for further information or contact your local police department and obtain some of the training they get for their officers in controlling roadway construction blocking.
Take care and stay safe!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Firefighting Today Weekly Roundtable Discussion - Current Events
This week the panel will discuss the current events, trends, and issues in the fire service.
Watch the episode LIVE HERE ON THE EVENTS PAGE.
WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
Visit the website at FIREFIGHTINGTODAY.COM to view live or see any of the previous episodes.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Watch the episode LIVE HERE ON THE EVENTS PAGE.
WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
Visit the website at FIREFIGHTINGTODAY.COM to view live or see any of the previous episodes.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Firefighter Training Podcast - The Collapse of the Hotel Vendome - An interview with Captain Rick Connelly BFD (Retired)
This episode we take a look at the Fire and collapse of the Hotel Vendome in Boston, Massachusetts on June 17, 1972. This tragic fire in firefighting history has many lessons that can still be valid today.
The fire took the lives of 9 firefighters:
Fire Fighter Thomas W. Beckwith
Fire Fighter Joseph F. Boucher
Lieutenant Thomas J. Carroll
Fire Fighter Charles E. Dolan
Lieutenant John E. Hanbury, Jr.
Fire Fighter John E. Jameson
Fire Fighter Richard B. Magee
Fire Fighter Paul J. Murphy
Fire Fighter Joseph P. Saniuk
Captain Connelly is also the author of the book Returning to Quarters, a history of all of the boston firehouses and companies in the city. The book is available for sale and Rick has agreed to waive the shipping for our listeners, and sell the book at $22.00.
If you would like a copy send regular mail with a check to:
RTQ
PO Box 216
Stow, Ma 01775
PS: Please indicate if you would like the book signed.
To contact Rick Directly you can reach him at stowfirec2@live.com
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
The fire took the lives of 9 firefighters:
Fire Fighter Thomas W. Beckwith
Fire Fighter Joseph F. Boucher
Lieutenant Thomas J. Carroll
Fire Fighter Charles E. Dolan
Lieutenant John E. Hanbury, Jr.
Fire Fighter John E. Jameson
Fire Fighter Richard B. Magee
Fire Fighter Paul J. Murphy
Fire Fighter Joseph P. Saniuk
Captain Connelly is also the author of the book Returning to Quarters, a history of all of the boston firehouses and companies in the city. The book is available for sale and Rick has agreed to waive the shipping for our listeners, and sell the book at $22.00.
If you would like a copy send regular mail with a check to:
RTQ
PO Box 216
Stow, Ma 01775
PS: Please indicate if you would like the book signed.
To contact Rick Directly you can reach him at stowfirec2@live.com
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
60 Second Safety - Dispatchers as part of safety
This week 60 second safety includes our dispatchers.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Enclosed Shopping Mall
This week we take a look at the challenges of an enclosed shopping mall.
1.) Conflicting information immediately comes to mind. This should be a fully sprinklered building, how did I get this much smoke showing?
2.) Is your highrise or extended lay hose pack equipped with 2 1/2 inch line? Less friction loss for long lays, hooks directly to standpipe, plenty of firepower if you need it.
3.) What are the ventilation challenges, do you understand the systems used to handle smoke? Pay attention to members working in an area far beyond their air supply.
4.) How do you handle the people, how to you "search"?
5.) Fires in these structures are rare, but consider contents, large storage, vehicles and displays in main concourses, large open areas, and always remember the possibility of a fire in a void space. A small fire in a void space can generate a lot of smoke.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
1.) Conflicting information immediately comes to mind. This should be a fully sprinklered building, how did I get this much smoke showing?
2.) Is your highrise or extended lay hose pack equipped with 2 1/2 inch line? Less friction loss for long lays, hooks directly to standpipe, plenty of firepower if you need it.
3.) What are the ventilation challenges, do you understand the systems used to handle smoke? Pay attention to members working in an area far beyond their air supply.
4.) How do you handle the people, how to you "search"?
5.) Fires in these structures are rare, but consider contents, large storage, vehicles and displays in main concourses, large open areas, and always remember the possibility of a fire in a void space. A small fire in a void space can generate a lot of smoke.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Traditions in the fire service
This week I am going to look at a word that has tremendous impact on the fire service today and that is the word tradition.
Who really cares what I say, let's take a look at Webster and see what is said about this week's term.
Tradition - 1.) Transmittal of elements of a culture from one generation to another, especially by oral communication. 2.) A set of customs and usage's transmitted from one generation to another and viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present. 3.) A time honored practice.
Wow ! Read that one over again and see if that begins to explain anything in your mind! Think about our training activities, or station activities, our radio procedures, and maybe even our death and injury statistics.
Think for just a minute about a couple of simple issues in definition 1 about oral communication and our training practices and you might get a chuckle or two.
OK, so have you heard the firehouse talk that goes something like "...and John is a good firefighter because he would never leave you in a building, and if someone ever leaves me in a building I will...". I have had people leave me in a building before. It does not happen every week and simply has become the legend and story we like to think about when we determine the measure and meddle of a "good firefighter". If as many people left as times this story was told we would be standing amid rubble in this country. Put your macho in your pocket so you have something else to play with, besides your change, while your are in there.
Why is salvage always taught with overhaul? We always say that in one sentence. What the hell is that about? Oh I know 'cause that is the way it always has been taught.
How come every new recruit can identify all of the signs of a backdraft but is more challenged when asked about the signs of a flashover? He will see a flashover many more times than he is likely to see a backdraft. I am not suggesting that we ignore it, we just change emphasis.
We cut a 4 x 4 vent hole in a residential fire and an 8 x 8 hole on a commercial. Please send me an email if you have ever seen either of these occur because I got to tell you that in 30 years + I have yet to see either.....! Cut the biggest hole you can safely, with the air supply you have...that should be the rule.
These are just a couple of firehouse things that have been kicking around that maybe we should think about fixing.
Look at the way we speak on the radio and use portable designations and procedures. Our procedures for speaking on the radio have either been handed down or copied from the largest metropolitan city near us. Portable radios should be designated as the division (sector) that they are located. This enhances firefighter safety, accountability, and tactical priorities. It is simple and we don't want to change it, "because that is the way we have always done it".
Face the facts....I have no idea where portable engine 1 is located, or portable 100, but I do know where the crew is when the answer me "basement division". I know where to send help, I know where the first and second line should be placed, and lots of other good things.
Definition 2 above speaks about precedents that influence the present. I am always on this bandwagon so I will be brief. We will continue to kill the same number of firefighters (100 a year) (precedent), each and every year (Present) until we decide to change our behavior and look at the risks we take.
In some cases traditional structural firefighting practices are killing our members. Class A foam, large lines, and a more defensive posture will make us safer.
Now on a more positive note....not all traditions are bad.
Some of the best traditions I know belong to the fire service and those we should, teach, treasure and cling to and make sure our newest members know them all. Further when they do not honor these then we need to apply some corrective measure to be sure they understand.
The camaraderie of firefighters...
Always being prepared and ready...
Helping at all costs in a time of need...
Compassion for others...
Bravery....
The humor and firehouse levity...
Eating and breaking bread together as a family....
Protecting one another...
Dedication...
Loyalty...
These and many many other things are what make the fire service the greatest profession in the world and they give us ...
A proud past, and a promising future
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Who really cares what I say, let's take a look at Webster and see what is said about this week's term.
Tradition - 1.) Transmittal of elements of a culture from one generation to another, especially by oral communication. 2.) A set of customs and usage's transmitted from one generation to another and viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present. 3.) A time honored practice.
Wow ! Read that one over again and see if that begins to explain anything in your mind! Think about our training activities, or station activities, our radio procedures, and maybe even our death and injury statistics.
Think for just a minute about a couple of simple issues in definition 1 about oral communication and our training practices and you might get a chuckle or two.
OK, so have you heard the firehouse talk that goes something like "...and John is a good firefighter because he would never leave you in a building, and if someone ever leaves me in a building I will...". I have had people leave me in a building before. It does not happen every week and simply has become the legend and story we like to think about when we determine the measure and meddle of a "good firefighter". If as many people left as times this story was told we would be standing amid rubble in this country. Put your macho in your pocket so you have something else to play with, besides your change, while your are in there.
Why is salvage always taught with overhaul? We always say that in one sentence. What the hell is that about? Oh I know 'cause that is the way it always has been taught.
How come every new recruit can identify all of the signs of a backdraft but is more challenged when asked about the signs of a flashover? He will see a flashover many more times than he is likely to see a backdraft. I am not suggesting that we ignore it, we just change emphasis.
We cut a 4 x 4 vent hole in a residential fire and an 8 x 8 hole on a commercial. Please send me an email if you have ever seen either of these occur because I got to tell you that in 30 years + I have yet to see either.....! Cut the biggest hole you can safely, with the air supply you have...that should be the rule.
These are just a couple of firehouse things that have been kicking around that maybe we should think about fixing.
Look at the way we speak on the radio and use portable designations and procedures. Our procedures for speaking on the radio have either been handed down or copied from the largest metropolitan city near us. Portable radios should be designated as the division (sector) that they are located. This enhances firefighter safety, accountability, and tactical priorities. It is simple and we don't want to change it, "because that is the way we have always done it".
Face the facts....I have no idea where portable engine 1 is located, or portable 100, but I do know where the crew is when the answer me "basement division". I know where to send help, I know where the first and second line should be placed, and lots of other good things.
Definition 2 above speaks about precedents that influence the present. I am always on this bandwagon so I will be brief. We will continue to kill the same number of firefighters (100 a year) (precedent), each and every year (Present) until we decide to change our behavior and look at the risks we take.
In some cases traditional structural firefighting practices are killing our members. Class A foam, large lines, and a more defensive posture will make us safer.
Now on a more positive note....not all traditions are bad.
Some of the best traditions I know belong to the fire service and those we should, teach, treasure and cling to and make sure our newest members know them all. Further when they do not honor these then we need to apply some corrective measure to be sure they understand.
The camaraderie of firefighters...
Always being prepared and ready...
Helping at all costs in a time of need...
Compassion for others...
Bravery....
The humor and firehouse levity...
Eating and breaking bread together as a family....
Protecting one another...
Dedication...
Loyalty...
These and many many other things are what make the fire service the greatest profession in the world and they give us ...
A proud past, and a promising future
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Firefighting Today Weekly Roundtable - EMS Delivery
Join us this week, on Sunday March 16, 2014 at 8:00 PM eastern time for a discussion on EMS in the fire service.
WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
WATCH LIVE ON THE GOOGLE EVENTS PAGE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
WATCH LIVE ON THE GOOGLE EVENTS PAGE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, March 9, 2014
The Firefighter Training Podcast - The Entry Level Firefighter, it's more than certification.
Just some thoughts this week on integrating new people into your organization, verifying their training and making sure they "FIT" your organization.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
60 Second Safety - Training Resources
This week we talk about some training resources as a safety issue.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Firefighting Today Weekly Roundtable - Standard Operating Procedures
This week the weekly Roundtable is all about standard operating procedures.
Join us Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 8:00 PM Eastern time. (Remember DST!)
You can watch it live on the event page or you can watch it live on YouTube.
You can see all of the past episodes at http://www.firefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Join us Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 8:00 PM Eastern time. (Remember DST!)
You can watch it live on the event page or you can watch it live on YouTube.
You can see all of the past episodes at http://www.firefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Fire at the flea market
This week we don't have specific questions, because this scenario requires you to use your minds eye, and to make you think and go out and preplan and "what if" in your own response district.
Fire at a flea market
What could this fire be? Is it a number of tables? Is it the parking area with multiple vehicles? Is it a group of lean to, canopy type structures? Is there an enclosed open auction type building?
What does it do to your apparatus placement and hose stretch for the first hoseline?
If you have one in your area, go while the venue is open and take a look.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Fire at a flea market
What could this fire be? Is it a number of tables? Is it the parking area with multiple vehicles? Is it a group of lean to, canopy type structures? Is there an enclosed open auction type building?
What does it do to your apparatus placement and hose stretch for the first hoseline?
If you have one in your area, go while the venue is open and take a look.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Why decisions are tough - Officer Training
Why Decisions are Tough
There is an awful lot of talk about making the tough decisions. My thoughts this week as I have recently watched the inability of some chief officers and in one small case that was recounted to me about a union leader afraid to make a decision.
While I think I understand these cases that I refer to, I am taking the point of view that we must better prepare our first line supervisors and other organization leaders to be able to make these tough decisions.
The first issue stems from becoming unpopular and not being liked. It is a natural human tendency to want to be liked. When we make a tough call, we know that the troops are going to go back to the kitchen table and talk about "what a bad-ass" we are and how we forgot where we came from.
So what? We know this is going to happen and probably has happened. Three things are going to happen after this. After a period of time they will either calm down and realize that you did the right thing and in time things will be the same again. The other thing is they may never agree with your decision but will get back to normal, and always harbor this as a negative incident in the back of their mind. The third thing that could happen is that you have made an enemy.
Let's look at these a little closer.
In the first case you will have to feel uncomfortable for maybe a few hours to a few days. If you are comfortable and confident in your decision you can just ride it out. If you really cannot tolerate this uncomfortable feeling, then go to the affected parties and try to see what the root of the problem was. When we do not have information, our minds tend to insert the worst case scenario, so communication can bridge these simple tensions. Talk about the problem and not the people or personalities.
In the second scenario there has been some slight damage or a trigger event that will always surface or be used in the next confrontation you may have. Understand this, try not to focus on it, and when it does get raised at some future time, refocus the conversation on the present conditions. This person got over it the first time, and while there may be some initial trouble, they will get over it again. This person will always be a little problematic but you know how to handle it now.
In the third case you have made an enemy. There are very few people in the world that do not have any enemies and you just need to understand and deal with that. You can speak with enemies you can interact with enemies and you can coexist with enemies. None of it is easy but it can be done.
So whats the big deal, make the proper decision and stand by it. Failing to take an action or putting the action off to another person does not show any signs of leadership.
Remember acts of both bravery and cowardice happen on the fireground and in the firehouse as well!
How can we create a training scenario that gives a new officer this unpleasant feeling the first time, before we turn them loose in the firehouses? I am looking for ideas that are safe, but would force a person to make some difficult choices and more importanlt to live with the consequences. Let me know if you have any ideas.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
There is an awful lot of talk about making the tough decisions. My thoughts this week as I have recently watched the inability of some chief officers and in one small case that was recounted to me about a union leader afraid to make a decision.
While I think I understand these cases that I refer to, I am taking the point of view that we must better prepare our first line supervisors and other organization leaders to be able to make these tough decisions.
The first issue stems from becoming unpopular and not being liked. It is a natural human tendency to want to be liked. When we make a tough call, we know that the troops are going to go back to the kitchen table and talk about "what a bad-ass" we are and how we forgot where we came from.
So what? We know this is going to happen and probably has happened. Three things are going to happen after this. After a period of time they will either calm down and realize that you did the right thing and in time things will be the same again. The other thing is they may never agree with your decision but will get back to normal, and always harbor this as a negative incident in the back of their mind. The third thing that could happen is that you have made an enemy.
Let's look at these a little closer.
In the first case you will have to feel uncomfortable for maybe a few hours to a few days. If you are comfortable and confident in your decision you can just ride it out. If you really cannot tolerate this uncomfortable feeling, then go to the affected parties and try to see what the root of the problem was. When we do not have information, our minds tend to insert the worst case scenario, so communication can bridge these simple tensions. Talk about the problem and not the people or personalities.
In the second scenario there has been some slight damage or a trigger event that will always surface or be used in the next confrontation you may have. Understand this, try not to focus on it, and when it does get raised at some future time, refocus the conversation on the present conditions. This person got over it the first time, and while there may be some initial trouble, they will get over it again. This person will always be a little problematic but you know how to handle it now.
In the third case you have made an enemy. There are very few people in the world that do not have any enemies and you just need to understand and deal with that. You can speak with enemies you can interact with enemies and you can coexist with enemies. None of it is easy but it can be done.
So whats the big deal, make the proper decision and stand by it. Failing to take an action or putting the action off to another person does not show any signs of leadership.
Remember acts of both bravery and cowardice happen on the fireground and in the firehouse as well!
How can we create a training scenario that gives a new officer this unpleasant feeling the first time, before we turn them loose in the firehouses? I am looking for ideas that are safe, but would force a person to make some difficult choices and more importanlt to live with the consequences. Let me know if you have any ideas.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Firefighter Training Podcast - rural Firefighting Academy - Interview with Domenic Colletti
This week we are talking with Domenic Colletti of the Rural Firefighting Academy Online Learning. In addition to talking about the online learning we also venture into talking about Class A Foam, Compressed Air Foam, driving of Tankers (tenders) and training in general.
Lots to learn in this episode.
www.livefiretraining.com
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Lots to learn in this episode.
www.livefiretraining.com
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
60 Second Safety - Make an inspection hole
This week a quick thought about poking an inspection hole.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014
What would you be willing to do.......
What would you be willing to do to prevent a line of duty death? I have grown a bit weary about all of the talk about safety and what we should change to make our job safer. I have grown a bit tired from folks in very large departments mocking the way small departments are forced to fight fires because of lack of personnel and/or resources.
Ask yourself some questions about what can you do to make a difference.
Would you be willing...
* To be criticized for ordering a tactical withdrawal from a structural fire? This criticism might be from your own personnel, your peers, or mutual aid neighbors.
* To enforce your department's rules and regulations, and SOPs, and be called all sorts if names, and being told you forgot where you came from?
* Admit you have made errors and increase your personal training effort to make sure it doesn't happen again?
* Make an appointment with a physician to be poked, prodded and tested to prevent your own LODD?
* To begin and maintain a physical training program to be sure you are fit for duty!
* To correct the most senior man on the job or the newest rookie on a safety violation? And endure the departmental "shunning" because "Who the heck do you think you are anyway?"
* To have an uncomfortable conversation with a brother or sister who is under severe personal, or critical incident stress? ...or is that not "your job"
* To always wear your all your gear correctly and always wear your SCBA even when it "looks like" you don't need it?
* Are you willing to give up some personal time to teach or mentor another firefighter in need, regardless of what they need?
These are some of the things you must be willing to do if you want to be proactive. We have all seen photos of firefighter funerals where thousands of firefighters gather to pay tribute and we should. But at these same funerals we have seen photos of young widows who are so overcome with grief that they are inconsolable. We have seen photos of the children left behind, clutching a flag, a badge, or some momento of a father or mother who is no gone.
What would you be willing to do to prevent that photo from ever having to be taken again?
If you are really strong enough and have the courage, do something to make a difference.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Ask yourself some questions about what can you do to make a difference.
Would you be willing...
* To be criticized for ordering a tactical withdrawal from a structural fire? This criticism might be from your own personnel, your peers, or mutual aid neighbors.
* To enforce your department's rules and regulations, and SOPs, and be called all sorts if names, and being told you forgot where you came from?
* Admit you have made errors and increase your personal training effort to make sure it doesn't happen again?
* Make an appointment with a physician to be poked, prodded and tested to prevent your own LODD?
* To begin and maintain a physical training program to be sure you are fit for duty!
* To correct the most senior man on the job or the newest rookie on a safety violation? And endure the departmental "shunning" because "Who the heck do you think you are anyway?"
* To have an uncomfortable conversation with a brother or sister who is under severe personal, or critical incident stress? ...or is that not "your job"
* To always wear your all your gear correctly and always wear your SCBA even when it "looks like" you don't need it?
* Are you willing to give up some personal time to teach or mentor another firefighter in need, regardless of what they need?
These are some of the things you must be willing to do if you want to be proactive. We have all seen photos of firefighter funerals where thousands of firefighters gather to pay tribute and we should. But at these same funerals we have seen photos of young widows who are so overcome with grief that they are inconsolable. We have seen photos of the children left behind, clutching a flag, a badge, or some momento of a father or mother who is no gone.
What would you be willing to do to prevent that photo from ever having to be taken again?
If you are really strong enough and have the courage, do something to make a difference.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Supermarket Fire
This week we are looking at a significant roof fire in a supermarket.
1.) One of the first considerations at a structural fire (after life safety) is the size of the structure. What does the size of this structure indicate about, the volume of fire, length of hoseline needed, and air consumption of SCBA?
2.) What heat and smoke conditions might you encounter on the main floor?
3.) Does the supermarket in your area have a second floor area, or partial mezzanine for offices in front or for stock in the warehouse?
4.) What do you know about roof construction?
5.) Based upon what you see, what is the plan? Can you gain access from an inside ladder and scuttle? Should you? Can your thermal imager give you a good reading from 30 feet away? (Inside floor to roof)
What amount of work will be involved? How long has this been burning?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
1.) One of the first considerations at a structural fire (after life safety) is the size of the structure. What does the size of this structure indicate about, the volume of fire, length of hoseline needed, and air consumption of SCBA?
2.) What heat and smoke conditions might you encounter on the main floor?
3.) Does the supermarket in your area have a second floor area, or partial mezzanine for offices in front or for stock in the warehouse?
4.) What do you know about roof construction?
5.) Based upon what you see, what is the plan? Can you gain access from an inside ladder and scuttle? Should you? Can your thermal imager give you a good reading from 30 feet away? (Inside floor to roof)
What amount of work will be involved? How long has this been burning?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
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