Podcast Episode 20 - Common Emergencies

Just a quick overview and some commentary on some common fire and emergency incidents.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE.

Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013

Baltimore Expo Handouts

Here are the two handouts for my presentation at the Baltimore Expo.

Interoperability

Gadgets and Software

These handouts will be available on this site for 14 days after the EXPO and will be taken down on August 10, 2013.

60 Second Safety - Properly Fitting Gear & PPE

This week on 60 Second Safety we look at your gear and how it fits.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.

Stay Safe and Stay Thinking!

Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013

Fire Extinguisher Training

We often think about fire extinguishers as something the civilians use as first aid fire fighting equipment. Extinguishers are very valuable tools and we should train with them more frequently.

Often we don't train because of monetary reasons as agent and extinguisher maintenance is costly.

Let's just look at some basics of what fire extinguisher training should be like.

* Briefly discuss fire behavior the fire triangle and tetrahedron.

* Discuss the five classes of fires.

A - Normal combustibles wood paper etc.

B - Flammable liquids and gases

C - Energized electrical equipment

D - Combustible metals

K - Commercial cooking equipment, and oils

(More on class K later on but check it out, not many folks know it and it is not in the Essentials manual but it is in the new Delmar publication on Essentials.)

* Review the different types of agents and their various properties.

CO 2 , water, dry chemical, foam, etc.

* Talk about inspection of extinguishers

* Talk about extinguisher ratings and how they are rated by square footage of area and the use of a trained operator. Explain the limitations of size and duration of agent discharge.

If you decide to conduct small pan fire evolutions using extinguishers please check the following:

* All students will wear full protective gear.

* All students will properly carry and handle the extinguisher.

* All students will test fire the extinguisher before approaching the fire.

* Students will approach fire from upwind.

* Students will approach but maintain a safe operating distance.

* Students will use the P A S S method of extinguisher operations.

Pull

Aim

Squeeze

Sweep

* Students will complete;y sweep vigorously across the surface.

* Back away from the fire while facing forward.

* Insure the fire is extinguished from a distance.

If you have the chance, use dry chemical extinguishers in conjunction with a fog water stream. The fog stream can provide cooling and the dry chemical can be fired into the water pattern from behind the nozzle.

* Live fire training should be conducted by a qualified instructor.


Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013

Weekly Firefighting Roundtable Using Google +

All you need is a gmail address, a webcam, and microphone.

Tactical Fire Problem - Another Store with Apartments above

This week another commercial taxpayer type occupancy with heavy smoke and fire from the door.

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1.) Indicate your first priority in this scenario.

2.) Can your first alarm assignment handle this, and if not what is the best use for the manpower you have?

3.) What do you anticipate for openings and access on the "charlie" side?

4.) What problems might be indicated that could hinder ground ladder use?

5.) How many total lines will you need for this incident and describe their placement.

Stay Safe and Stay Thinking!

60 Second Safety - Severe Weather

This week think safety when operating at an incident during severe weather.

LISTEN HERE.

Stay safe and stay thinking!


Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013