This week our guest Assistant Chief Becki White, takes us into the topics that help make us better instructors. We talk about how adults learn, we talk about classroom and environment, how to build and utilize powerpoint slides.
This episode lays the foundations for making you a better fire instructor.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
60 Second Safety - Protective equipment modifications
This week 60 Second Safety is about modifying your PPE.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
The nothing showing debate, or is it a firefighter behavior debate.
Allow me to provide a brief rant if I might. Hey it's my blog, I will rant if I want to.
I am reading articles recently about whether or not we should eliminate the phrase nothing showing from our brief initial reports. There are arguments that is changes the way our members behave, they might slow down or gear down. I have heard reasons for and against by some well respected folks.
We should not remove this term from our reports. We should add what side of the building we are reporting from. We should also indicate that this is an exterior report. (Nothing showing, side A , exterior) We should record our initial observation, because it will serve as a basis for any changes in reports we receive. It can help us determine spread and growth. It reports to the dispatchers whether they may need additional resources or not. It allows other stations or mutual aid to stand down a bit and know if they are responding.
If our members are gearing down, not preparing for fire, and not driving apparatus in the correct response mode, then the problem is not what we are saying on the radio, the problem is in the right front seat of the apparatus. Line officers have to do their job, and prepare for a fire every time they respond. EVERY TIME!
For the past year the other debate has been transitional attack, close the door, open the door, etc., and there are people that want to make sweeping wide ranging policy changes to achieve results.
I got an idea.....train and educate company officers and hold them accountable for their decisions. Give them the training so they understand their options and expect and encourage them to make good decisions.
As a fire service we should try to avoid these wide, absolute abandonment of things that might still be acceptable under the right circumstances.
Someone told me years ago, circumstances will dictate your procedures. Those circumstances are, the fire or emergency, what crew is on the first due engine or truck, who that officer is, and what equipment is available. Different crews and officers can achieve different results.
Pay attention to firefighter (and officer) behavior if you want different results.
......now stepping of my soapbox.......
Stay safe and stay thinking!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
I am reading articles recently about whether or not we should eliminate the phrase nothing showing from our brief initial reports. There are arguments that is changes the way our members behave, they might slow down or gear down. I have heard reasons for and against by some well respected folks.
We should not remove this term from our reports. We should add what side of the building we are reporting from. We should also indicate that this is an exterior report. (Nothing showing, side A , exterior) We should record our initial observation, because it will serve as a basis for any changes in reports we receive. It can help us determine spread and growth. It reports to the dispatchers whether they may need additional resources or not. It allows other stations or mutual aid to stand down a bit and know if they are responding.
If our members are gearing down, not preparing for fire, and not driving apparatus in the correct response mode, then the problem is not what we are saying on the radio, the problem is in the right front seat of the apparatus. Line officers have to do their job, and prepare for a fire every time they respond. EVERY TIME!
For the past year the other debate has been transitional attack, close the door, open the door, etc., and there are people that want to make sweeping wide ranging policy changes to achieve results.
I got an idea.....train and educate company officers and hold them accountable for their decisions. Give them the training so they understand their options and expect and encourage them to make good decisions.
As a fire service we should try to avoid these wide, absolute abandonment of things that might still be acceptable under the right circumstances.
Someone told me years ago, circumstances will dictate your procedures. Those circumstances are, the fire or emergency, what crew is on the first due engine or truck, who that officer is, and what equipment is available. Different crews and officers can achieve different results.
Pay attention to firefighter (and officer) behavior if you want different results.
......now stepping of my soapbox.......
Stay safe and stay thinking!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Rescue on spiral staircase
This week the tactical problem is a rescue from a lower floor or basement area. This is a child and an extremely narrow spiral staircase.
There are no specific questions this week, I am just planting the thought in your head. If you think because it is a child this will be an easy rescue, I think you might be fooling yourself. Some of these ornamental special stairways can be as small as 22 inches and every piece of gear you have, and your tools will get snagged. Think about how you will handle rescues in a variety of architectural features.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
There are no specific questions this week, I am just planting the thought in your head. If you think because it is a child this will be an easy rescue, I think you might be fooling yourself. Some of these ornamental special stairways can be as small as 22 inches and every piece of gear you have, and your tools will get snagged. Think about how you will handle rescues in a variety of architectural features.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Firefighting Today Weekly Roundtable - FDIC wrap up and why you should attend conferences
This week the panel will discuss FDIC and why you should try to attend conferences.
WATCH LIVE AT THE EVENTS PAGE HERE.
WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
You can watch all of the archives at http://www.firefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
WATCH LIVE AT THE EVENTS PAGE HERE.
WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
You can watch all of the archives at http://www.firefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Firefighter Training Podcast - Alarm Investigations
This episode has some similarities to the episode on common alarms but I went into a little more specifics and we confined the discussion to commercial buildings, heating systems, and residential smoke investigations.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
60 Second Safety - Apparatus Weight
This we we ask the question, is you apparatus overloaded?
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - MAYDAY a firefighter down in a commercial building
This week we have a firefighter down in a large commercial building.
1.) This is not only about a RIT simulation, but it is also about air management for members and the RIT themselves. If you are 150 feet deep into this structure, how much air have you used to get to this point?
2.) This is a large structure with 20 foot ceilings. How fast is the fire growing and how big is the fire to generate smoke this low?
3.) What are the advantages of a concrete floor in this scenario?
4.) How many personnel would this take in your department to move this firefighter 150 feet to the exit, and 50 feet beyond to safety?
5.) Have you trained on using pulley systems to assist with dragging downed firefighters? Even using large carabiners to gain mechanical advantage from an anchor point. Have you trained in large area search techniques?
You can email you answers to the questions and I will discuss them with you if you like. Pete@petelamb.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
1.) This is not only about a RIT simulation, but it is also about air management for members and the RIT themselves. If you are 150 feet deep into this structure, how much air have you used to get to this point?
2.) This is a large structure with 20 foot ceilings. How fast is the fire growing and how big is the fire to generate smoke this low?
3.) What are the advantages of a concrete floor in this scenario?
4.) How many personnel would this take in your department to move this firefighter 150 feet to the exit, and 50 feet beyond to safety?
5.) Have you trained on using pulley systems to assist with dragging downed firefighters? Even using large carabiners to gain mechanical advantage from an anchor point. Have you trained in large area search techniques?
You can email you answers to the questions and I will discuss them with you if you like. Pete@petelamb.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Yeah,...So what are you going to do about it ?"
As many of them are, this week's commentary comes from a conversation of the past week.
I was discussing and pretending to solve the problems of the fire service when a fellow worker told me this story.
He was at work during a slower period, when he began to write just short one line sentences, each describing a particular thing wrong with his department. He just sat for a few more minutes and then realized that he had filled one page, and had now spilled over onto the start of a second page.
As he was telling me the story, I was thinking about myself and how I had done this some number of times. I also began to think about other commentary columns I had read, and just recently, that I had written myself.
Gee, I am a real genius, I can find a problem at a hundred yards ! Finding is pretty easy, solving is something else altogether!
As we began to discuss this "list' constructed as a pastime, we both agreed that many of the items could be found in any fire service organization in America.
I then thought to myself, well suppose, just suppose we all make a list, just like the one made above.
Part II is, that we have to then make a second list of all the things that are right about our department, and things that go well.
Part III is really the toughest of all, and leads back to my title.
Pick one of the items on the "what's wrong list" and do everything in your power, whatever rank you are, and try to fix it this year. Yes I know you might be limited in what you can do, but if there is a morale problem in your department, don't YOU be the one at the kitchen table contributing to it. If training is a problem, then you do everything in your power to read, study and train.
This is really a tough personal assignment, and maybe it could even catch on. Let us not become like the two school kids that are fighting in the schoolyard, let us not bring up multiple problems, because somebody might just call you on that and say "...Yeah,...and what are you going to do about it?"
Tell me what you think, e-mail with your comments and / opinions.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
I was discussing and pretending to solve the problems of the fire service when a fellow worker told me this story.
He was at work during a slower period, when he began to write just short one line sentences, each describing a particular thing wrong with his department. He just sat for a few more minutes and then realized that he had filled one page, and had now spilled over onto the start of a second page.
As he was telling me the story, I was thinking about myself and how I had done this some number of times. I also began to think about other commentary columns I had read, and just recently, that I had written myself.
Gee, I am a real genius, I can find a problem at a hundred yards ! Finding is pretty easy, solving is something else altogether!
As we began to discuss this "list' constructed as a pastime, we both agreed that many of the items could be found in any fire service organization in America.
I then thought to myself, well suppose, just suppose we all make a list, just like the one made above.
Part II is, that we have to then make a second list of all the things that are right about our department, and things that go well.
Part III is really the toughest of all, and leads back to my title.
Pick one of the items on the "what's wrong list" and do everything in your power, whatever rank you are, and try to fix it this year. Yes I know you might be limited in what you can do, but if there is a morale problem in your department, don't YOU be the one at the kitchen table contributing to it. If training is a problem, then you do everything in your power to read, study and train.
This is really a tough personal assignment, and maybe it could even catch on. Let us not become like the two school kids that are fighting in the schoolyard, let us not bring up multiple problems, because somebody might just call you on that and say "...Yeah,...and what are you going to do about it?"
Tell me what you think, e-mail with your comments and / opinions.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
No weekly Roundtable this week
The will be no Firefighting Today weekly Roundtable this week in observance of Easter.
But after dinner and family time if you are looking for something to do you can check out the past episodes at http://www.firefightingtoday.com !
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
But after dinner and family time if you are looking for something to do you can check out the past episodes at http://www.firefightingtoday.com !
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Firefighter Training Podcast - training for advancing the hose line
This week we talk about how to train for advancing the attack hoseline, and some tips and techniques for operating and advancing that line.
We also reference the Water Supply episode and the NFPA 1410 episode.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
We also reference the Water Supply episode and the NFPA 1410 episode.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
60 Second Safety - Can the budget be a safety issue?
This week we are asking if the budget can be a safety issue.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - House Fire
This week a "bread and butter" fire that can be, and should be expected in your first due area.
1.) What is the quickest way to assist this self evacuated conscious and alert victim?
2.) Based upon this house, size, neighborhood do you expect this male occupant lives here alone? Can he tell you where other occupants "MIGHT" be found?
3.) Based upon the conditions shown, where do you believe the fire could be?
4.) What is the best tactic you could take with a small initial crew to improve this situation?
5.) How long will your department be on scene at this emergency?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
1.) What is the quickest way to assist this self evacuated conscious and alert victim?
2.) Based upon this house, size, neighborhood do you expect this male occupant lives here alone? Can he tell you where other occupants "MIGHT" be found?
3.) Based upon the conditions shown, where do you believe the fire could be?
4.) What is the best tactic you could take with a small initial crew to improve this situation?
5.) How long will your department be on scene at this emergency?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
by the work one knows the workman.
By the work, one knows the workman.
Jean de la Fontaine
The above quote has a slightly different meaning for all that read it, but I will make some very direct fire service connections with it.
Ask yourself the following questions:
How are you looked at by your peers?
How are you looked at by your superiors?
How do you see yourself?
Answer the above honestly as the relate to you in the performance of your fire department duties whether paid or volunteer.
Do you report to work, drills, and details on time or are you either 1 minute before or always late. Persons that do not show up until 1 minute before shift change or any other event really tell a tale of their values and beliefs. Contrast this to someone who is there a few minutes early and communicates with others.
Are you the first or the last to volunteer for extra assignments? This also tells something about your work ethic and you as a person.
Are you the best at anything on your department?
The best pump operator, the best driver, the best rope rescue person, the best EMT or paramedic, the best dispatcher........
The challenge for this week is an easy one. Take a picture of yourself mentally, pick a skill or position on your department, and strive to be the best at that particular skill or task. Or just be the most professional in general behavior.(Good attendance, promptness,appearance etc..)
As you raise your level of skill, and apply the mental commitment to whatever you choose, others on your department will begin to "recognize your work by the workman."
Don't become recognized as the slacker, door dancer, complainer, or the "one with the bad attitude." Those things easily identify the workman also.
Let's stop making the fire service a job, let's work together and become "craftsmen" working at a craft.
The key to being a good "craftsmam" is training, diligence, and attention to detail. It is hard work, but our efforts will truly pay off.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Jean de la Fontaine
The above quote has a slightly different meaning for all that read it, but I will make some very direct fire service connections with it.
Ask yourself the following questions:
How are you looked at by your peers?
How are you looked at by your superiors?
How do you see yourself?
Answer the above honestly as the relate to you in the performance of your fire department duties whether paid or volunteer.
Do you report to work, drills, and details on time or are you either 1 minute before or always late. Persons that do not show up until 1 minute before shift change or any other event really tell a tale of their values and beliefs. Contrast this to someone who is there a few minutes early and communicates with others.
Are you the first or the last to volunteer for extra assignments? This also tells something about your work ethic and you as a person.
Are you the best at anything on your department?
The best pump operator, the best driver, the best rope rescue person, the best EMT or paramedic, the best dispatcher........
The challenge for this week is an easy one. Take a picture of yourself mentally, pick a skill or position on your department, and strive to be the best at that particular skill or task. Or just be the most professional in general behavior.(Good attendance, promptness,appearance etc..)
As you raise your level of skill, and apply the mental commitment to whatever you choose, others on your department will begin to "recognize your work by the workman."
Don't become recognized as the slacker, door dancer, complainer, or the "one with the bad attitude." Those things easily identify the workman also.
Let's stop making the fire service a job, let's work together and become "craftsmen" working at a craft.
The key to being a good "craftsmam" is training, diligence, and attention to detail. It is hard work, but our efforts will truly pay off.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Firefighting Today Weekly Roundtable - Firefighting game show trivia
Join us this Sunday April 13,2014 at 8:00 PM Eastern for a little panel discussion in a 5 category firefighting game show discussion.
WATCH US LIVE AT THE EVENTS PAGE HERE.
WATCH US LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
Find all of the archives and video content at Firefighting Today at http://www.firefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
WATCH US LIVE AT THE EVENTS PAGE HERE.
WATCH US LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
Find all of the archives and video content at Firefighting Today at http://www.firefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Firefighter Training Podcast - Tactical Common Sense an interview with Bob Pressler
This week we take a look at what we are calling Tactical Common Sense. Bob has 40 years experience in the fire service from FDNY, to smaller departments and 20+ years as a national fire service instructor. I think that Bob simplifies many complex issues and talks about how to make things work for you in your department, and how to consider what is important on the fireground.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
60 Second Safety - Cross contamination with FD Medic Units
This week 60 Second Safety is about cross contamination with FD Medic Units.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Colonial with victims
This week the tactical fire problem is a residential with possible victims.
1.) Using your own first due engine or first alarm assignment, explain how you deploy resources and personnel based on this scenario.
2.) What is the most likely room that the fire is showing in?
3.) What do the victims exterior tell us? What caused the father to be overcome? Is there anyone from the family missing?
4.) Are these victims....do they require immediate treatment by 2 medics (EMTS) or do you assign 1 for the two and commence primary search and fire attack?
5.) What size lines and where? What is your plan? Where is this fire going to go next?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
1.) Using your own first due engine or first alarm assignment, explain how you deploy resources and personnel based on this scenario.
2.) What is the most likely room that the fire is showing in?
3.) What do the victims exterior tell us? What caused the father to be overcome? Is there anyone from the family missing?
4.) Are these victims....do they require immediate treatment by 2 medics (EMTS) or do you assign 1 for the two and commence primary search and fire attack?
5.) What size lines and where? What is your plan? Where is this fire going to go next?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
I am just asking why.......
This week I am just pondering a bunch of questions that all begin with the question ...Why? Think about these, add your own, but most important stop and get your own answer to why.
Do firefighters think that their fire chief is different from them, when he has generally risen from the same ranks as they have and represent the same organization, while wearing the same uniform. Why can't there be some recognition on the part of both parties?
Don't we get outside of our organizations more often to get other points of view and training?
Do we think we should keep portions of our career that we love so much from our significant others in our lives?
Are we afraid to take chances, risks, or face changes?
Do we spend so much time thinking about what we don't have versus the tremendous wonderful things that we do have...in our lives, jobs, departments?
Do firefighters feel they have to die and take unreasonable risks?
Are we so quick to criticize others?
Are so reluctant to take a hard look at ourselves?
Do we speak more than we listen?
Is training for firefighters not mandatory everywhere?
There is not more regionalization of fire departments?
Don't we use class A Foam and additive agents more?
We beg for Better equipment and better gear and then bitch about using , or neglect to use both of them?
Aren't more pumpers more standardized?
Do we have to kill 100 members every year?
Can't labor and management form real working partnerships?
Can I see everyone else's faults better than my own?
Must we speak badly about others?
Do we believe that technology will make us safer instead of changing our behavior?
Don't we listen to the European Fire Service More?
Don't we say thank you enough?
Are we so trendy? We have to try every idea that comes along.
I just had all of those questions bouncing around in my head, and I thought I would share them with you. If anybody has any good answers to any I would be interested in hearing them.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Do firefighters think that their fire chief is different from them, when he has generally risen from the same ranks as they have and represent the same organization, while wearing the same uniform. Why can't there be some recognition on the part of both parties?
Don't we get outside of our organizations more often to get other points of view and training?
Do we think we should keep portions of our career that we love so much from our significant others in our lives?
Are we afraid to take chances, risks, or face changes?
Do we spend so much time thinking about what we don't have versus the tremendous wonderful things that we do have...in our lives, jobs, departments?
Do firefighters feel they have to die and take unreasonable risks?
Are we so quick to criticize others?
Are so reluctant to take a hard look at ourselves?
Do we speak more than we listen?
Is training for firefighters not mandatory everywhere?
There is not more regionalization of fire departments?
Don't we use class A Foam and additive agents more?
We beg for Better equipment and better gear and then bitch about using , or neglect to use both of them?
Aren't more pumpers more standardized?
Do we have to kill 100 members every year?
Can't labor and management form real working partnerships?
Can I see everyone else's faults better than my own?
Must we speak badly about others?
Do we believe that technology will make us safer instead of changing our behavior?
Don't we listen to the European Fire Service More?
Don't we say thank you enough?
Are we so trendy? We have to try every idea that comes along.
I just had all of those questions bouncing around in my head, and I thought I would share them with you. If anybody has any good answers to any I would be interested in hearing them.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Firefighting Weekly Roundtable - Words to live by
This week the panel is less tactical and a little more philosophical as we express what some terms mean to us. Some opinions about our personal opinions.
WATCH LIVE AT THE EVENTS PAGE HERE.
WATCH US LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
WATCH LIVE AT THE EVENTS PAGE HERE.
WATCH US LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
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