tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32042112239024040882024-03-14T00:57:58.969-04:00Urban Firefighter MagazinePennwell Blogs Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15757232455847950283noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-5527393543355749862012-01-12T12:47:00.002-05:002012-01-12T12:55:34.240-05:00Tactical Safety: Annual Attack Certification<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Annual Attack Certification</span><div><br /></div><div>By Ray McCormack<br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">There are many topics in fire service training that hinge on annual certification: annual hose testing, pump testing and nozzle testing, but no test for putting it all together - that is a disconnect. Material testing, minus the human element. The problem is firefighters put out fires, not objects. If you wish to advocate for something worthwhile, try annual attack certification, where all the components are put together for us to evaluate how good we are at our trade.</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">This certification testing can be broken down into components like exterior, flanking, and aggressive-interior. Participants can then formally recognize the differences between the methods if they didn't know already and work their way through the progression. While testing of water delivery components is important, where is the importance placed on knowing how to use these tools within the system of fire attack? While it's comforting to know that individual pieces are working, what comfort do we draw from not knowing what we are collectively capable of?</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">You can always drill on fire attack by stretching some hose and simulating how it's done. You may even be able to add some fire to that training, but none of it is required. There is no certification, no paper to check off that you know how to fight a fire, and that your skills have been 'refreshed.' This is not about adding another layer of bureaucracy, it has to do with a missed opportunity to deliver training in a constructive standardized manner. </span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Who is to blame for this lack of annual certification? Us. Like many things in the fire service, somehow we missed this one. Do you need certification? Definitely. We have myriad other certification requirements, but none for actual firefighting, when lives are on the line. That is curious, indeed. </span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Even if we don't have it formally, what we need is to do is get to the place where we place operational hose line skills on a platform equal to or above other disciplines. These other topics did a better job of marketing their importance to the fire service while extinguishment lagged behind, and we let it happen.</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">It's actually disheartening to think that fire departments need to embrace fire, to build and rebuild the skills in their people to handle fire events, but without a formal 'push,' many lag behind. The entrenchment of auxiliary topics and specialty education only push the basics back. Ever hear of "Back to Basics" classes? They exist mainly because on the fire service super highway, the basics are often overtaken by current certification demands, new initiatives, and cultural training programs.</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">I don't see the fire service adding another annual certification any time soon, its too busy worrying about other things. It would seem, that at least for the near future, it is up to us to get our primary function: extinguishment, up to at least the recognition level. Imagine the fire service needing to recognize fire. Crazy. We embraces change in many areas, one change that would benefit us all would be to make sure our fire extinguishment skill sets - with or without annual certification - are the best they can be, now that's tactical safety.</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Next Tactical Safety - Paint Us Resistive Red</span><br style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "></div>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-22963842668521337262011-12-23T17:56:00.002-05:002011-12-23T18:03:40.738-05:00Tactical Safety: Beginner's LuckBeginners Luck<br /><br />By Ray McCormack<br /><br />Everyone hopes for beginner's luck when they start a new endeavor. Success can be assisted by the luck of good timing or opportunity. For the new firefighter who is not totally comfortable with their surrounding or job, luck is just another positive assist to move you along. Beginners' firefighters are not very picky and often take information from all sources without much of a filter. At a recent fire operations seminar, one of the students was a new firefighter with only several months on the job. While attending his first seminar, he realized - along with many in attendance - that there is a lot more to firefighting than what is provided at rookie school and department texts (policies). This firefighter knew one key element: that you can make your own luck.<br /><br />While attending firefighting operational seminars, you can pick up a tremendous amount of self-help. Ideas and tactics that work for all firefighters , whether urban or suburban, narrow the playing field, and dismiss cultural roadblocks that many throw around as devicive. Studying our profession is a journey that starts on day one - and doesn't end until you want it to. There is always a provider; your rate of information collection and capacity is up to you. Fireground tactics and base-knowledge culled from textbooks, media and studies all work to together to blend your continuing education.<br /><br />While there are many programs that explore peripheral issues and rare emergency events, firefighter operational tactics need to be fully understood. Departmental and other institutional classes may be taught by instructors who lack subject matter experience; however, that is just the way it is in many structured educational programs. When you attend a class on your own time -and on your own dime - instructor experience is part of the educational package. Their bio says a lot; their bio 'blanks' say a lot more. Stay alert for signs of instructor distress when talk of experience comes up. Information served up on a plate that lacks subject matter experience doesn't provide for a balanced diet. The starch of experience never hurts. Maybe it doesn't matter who gives you the information as long as you "get it." Make sure you really get it by knowing where the product originated.<br /><br />Some programming may be hard to recieve due to a poor fireground connection. The only way you can truly educate yourself is through research and self-study. Want to increase your tactical safety? Start with beginner's luck.<br /><br />Next Tactical Safety: Annual Attack CertificationErich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-63373397010958490092011-12-11T14:26:00.002-05:002011-12-11T14:40:32.636-05:00Tactical Safety: Laughing my Fire Assessment Off (LMFAO)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Laughing My Fire Assessment Off (LMFAO)</span><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >By Ray McCormack</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Having the opportunity to create a fire assessment is not something that is just relegated to a promotional exam. Your opportunity to assess is there at every fire you attend. While a 360 may or may not be part of your pre-entry actions, there is still plenty to take in just from the front. The sides may be blank, and the rear might be done via radio. No assessment is a solitary event.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Depending upon your rank, your assessment needs to include more than just smoke reading, consider: life, rescue, extinguishment methods and entry decisions. While all of the arriving firefighters need to note this intel quickly - while performing other operational tasks that lead to stabilization - the amount of time spent on various aspects of the assessment differ with rank and assignment.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">The assessment by a firefighter that handles 'truck work' is different than those bound to the task of extinguishment. This is just how it is: the brain is trained to look at different features due to indoctrination, repetition, and area of responsibility.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">While we all believe the incident commander (IC) is taking in the 'big picture,' that may not be the case, especially if they can not see the fireground. If that is the reality, radio reports will have to fill in many blanks - Talk about old school! LMFAO.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Could you imagine bringing a fire photographer to the fire and telling them that staging a block away truly provides the best "picture" of the fire? Talk about progressive fire scene management! LMFAO.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">If the amount of time taken for the assessment is too long, it can lead to incident decline and paralysis by analysis. Many fireground incidents are mismanaged, not because of a lack of effort, but a lack of know-how. Those that scoff at standardization, when the majority of the fire district contains similar structures, are inviting fireground troubles that flourish. This is based on a lack of planning, and beliefs that all fires are different. Fires are so different in our area that you can't have a plan, you have to be flexible! LMFAO.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Fires at their core are not different, they cover portions of building, spread and they endanger lives and properties. The way they are extinguished may vary, except for the fact that hose lines need to be stretched and nozzles opened into rooms to put fires out. Use your situational awareness at every fire, even the different ones, and don't get caught up in a tactical safety lapse by "LYourFAO."</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Next Tactical Safety - Beginners Luck</span><br /></div>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-16825852219779302332011-11-26T13:45:00.002-05:002011-11-26T14:08:27.632-05:00Tactical Safety: The Fire Will See You, Now<span style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Fire Will See You Now</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: #000000;font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;" > </span><br /><br /></span><br /><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: #000000;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;" >By Ray McCormack<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">Even with a scheduled appointment, your visit to the doctors office typically entails a waiting period: A time out in the waiting (reception) area where your choice of activities range from staring off into space, reading a magazine or perhaps using your smart phone. You are not in charge of the waiting period, the doctor is. The waiting period between fires can be back-to-back, or it can drag on and on. Once again, you're not in charge of the wait, that is up to the fire.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: #000000;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">How long we wait between fires is one issue; the other is what we do in the fire 'waiting room.' If you spend your time doing nothing to improve your response to the next fire, either formally or informally, operational improvements will be hard to come by.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: #000000;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">When you respond to a fire on the fourth floor of a multiple dwelling, your wait for an operational hoseline should be longer than it would be for a fire in a one story ranch. How long does it take your crew to stretch one and get it ready for entry? After watching some recent extinguishment follies on video, maybe the fourth floor fire would be seen first. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">There is one standard that all fire departments must follow: that is to get the attack hose line in service quickly and efficiently. An engine company crew that has difficulty with, and is sloppy about stretching a pre connect forty feet to the home's front door, should ban all on scene photography and get their act together.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: #000000;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">For all the cultural change proponents out there, this is the culture that needs changing - A culture of apathy and excuses that allows substandard operations to take place when people's lives and property are at risk. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">When a fire occurs in a dwelling, the risk of losing everything is heightened when the fire crew that shows up can not get the attack line in service quickly. We can attend all the schools and create all the programs that make us more business-like, but when the bell rings, extinguishment skills are the hallmark of the fire service's promise to it's community.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: #000000;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">The need for fireground intervention, whether it's rapid or slow, increases proportionally to the time it takes to knock down the fire. Time and energy and training in extinguishment proficiency reduces the likely hood of intervention. Many videos tell us through shaky fireground imagery that operations would be best enhanced by a second function being brought into view than sidelining functional crews for potential intervention. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">Your risk assessment will have to be dynamic if you do not focus on extinguishment as Job One. If you command even a portion of fireground operations, you'll be turning blue as you hold your breath and await extinguishment by some of the crews that call themselves firefighters. You don't have to throw in the cards yet, as long as you understand extinguishment skills are what fire departments are about. Don't believe it? Then change your title from firefighter to responder. If you lose your foundation or do not understand our core mission, then you may be acting in the next video we all laugh and cry at.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: #000000;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">Keep your crew tactically safe by having a strong core understanding of what a fire department does and be great at it. Be ready for you next visit to the fire as you can never truly predict when "the fire will see you now."</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: #000000;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">Next Tactical Safety - LMFAO - Laughing My Fire Assessment Off </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;color:#0b6029;"><br /></p></span>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-69474552537072996942011-11-14T10:04:00.002-05:002011-11-14T10:09:28.898-05:00Tactical Safety: Never Mind My Air-Supply, How Much Gas is Left?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Never Mind My Air Supply, How Much Gas is Left?</span><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >By Ray McCormack</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">How much gas is left would depend on the amount you start with, and how quickly you use it up. Every firefighter's personal gas tank varies due to demand, capacity and efficiency. We can always spy a view of remaining air via the remote gauge, but your gas tank is not always so easily readable or reliable.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Roaming around the fireground uses up your air supply at different rates, depending upon the intensity of the performed tasks. It might seem correct to equate the two usages: air and gas; however not all fireground tasks require an air supply, but all require gas. Your personal gas usage is very important to you and your crew, and your capacity does not have to remain static, it can be increased before hand to limit rapid consumption.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Everyone's gas capacity diminishes over time. How long of a time period it takes is measured in minutes and years. Some firefighters run out of gas quickly while others take the long slow ride to diminished capacity. How do we maintain output while keeping a healthy reserve? We can always work smarter instead of harder, that helps a bit. We can make use of tools and techniques that lessen fatigue, and we can train our bodies for the work we do.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Your air supply is reduced as your demand increases; your level of air consumption even when increased does not increase your physical work capability, that is already predetermined by your fitness and recovery rate. I am not one to hammer anyone about fitness; however those are the facts. If you have a small gas tank or you rapidly deplete whatever your capacity is, you need additional capacity so that you can work beyond any artificial ceiling you've created for yourself. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">While we should be concerned about our air supply when we turn that valve, a bigger concern is our capacity to work and finish the tasks at hand. If you are out of gas soon after climbing several flights of stairs, you need to do something about that. If you think that time-outs are something you can call for because you are winded, it's not going to happen, and if it does there should be consequences. Maybe the best consequence is that you get a wake up call and commit to a more efficient and capable you.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">No one is telling you to do anything except to make sure you have the capacity to work when the time comes. Your air supply is there to help you gauge your level of need, listen to your rhythm of use and monitor how quickly the bell tolls for you. Realize that your tactical safety is based on every breath you take, ensure that you keep them coming with an enlightened commitment to physical capability.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Next Tactical Safety - The Fire Will See You Now</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Sent from my iPad</span></div>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-49551976011269602512011-10-31T09:46:00.001-04:002011-10-31T09:47:52.696-04:00Tactical Safety: Getting an Opinion<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3HOCPmwnf0/Tq6nAcVpn0I/AAAAAAAAAHs/eUxgWKq_0rs/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3HOCPmwnf0/Tq6nAcVpn0I/AAAAAAAAAHs/eUxgWKq_0rs/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669652606954872642" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; ">Get an Opinion</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; ">By Ray McCormack</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; "><br /> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; float: none; ">Getting an opinion from a firefighter is not usually something you have to request, they are generally handed out like candy on Halloween by the full. What do firefighters have to say on grant money, cutbacks, and the future of fire attack, just to name a few? Many will say something on cutbacks; some might say something about grant money, but many are silent on the future of fire attack. Why is our range of pertinent subjects so vague when we have abundant media available to us, as well as an instant knowledge extension? This may hurt a few of you out there, but you don't have a solid opinion because you don't care enough to bother.</span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; float: none; ">Cutbacks hurt us in many ways: from service arrival delays to accomplishment barriers and a loss of livelihood for some. Our profession is more than just a job, and to lose that center in your life is very difficult and painful. We can share that opinion and for most of us any depth beyond the surface will suffice; however when we want to do more than hope and dream, an education in government and economic factors are the lessons we need to brush up on. So why don't we do more? We have the time, we have collective thought opportunities; we have media access, but we are lacking one basic – and that is we don't care enough!</span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; float: none; ">Looking for leadership is just another example of waiting on the sidelines and being told what to do. Forget leadership and act. Doing something on our own and owning it is leadership. You don't have to ‘knight’ someone special, knight yourself and then do the work.</span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; float: none; ">Grant money is a wonderful thing, and the fire service should get its piece of the pie so that we can test theories, tools and products. Do you know who gets the biggest dollar grants and how much they receive? And have you ever seen the results of all this Federal largess?</span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; float: none; ">Most of us have not and why is that, what excuse sounds the most plausible? Go and look up the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant program (it's under FEMA) and see for yourself. It's not that any monies have been misappropriated, it is about educating yourself; information that the well rounded opinionated firefighter should possess. You might be surprised at how the money is dispersed. Thirty six million so far this year, ($36,000,000) just to associations and colleges – not fire departments!</span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; float: none; ">The future of fire attack is another interesting topic that many in the fire service have no real clue about. Things will change on the fireground, and if we look around, many places do it differently from the way you do it already. You must look beyond tools and technology and examine trends that are being pushed forward and by whom. You must also understand the impact of independent testing events and how event outcomes morph into new operational guidelines often without proper vetting. A new future on the fireground is up to you to develop or you can just pick a prepackaged option from the shelf it is up to you.</span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; float: none; ">Dig deep. It is certainly worth your time and effort to see how the playing field is set up, who plays, and what the score is on many fronts. If you do or do not like what you see, then that is a reward for personal research. An opinion that is based on knowledge allows you to decide what is good or bad for yourself and anytime we are thinking things through our tactical safety will benefit.</span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; float: none; ">Next Tactical Safety - Never Mind My Air Supply, How Much Gas is Left?</span></span> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--></span></p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-15606851301922892612011-10-09T21:08:00.002-04:002011-10-09T21:09:19.553-04:00Tactical Safety: Demolition Derby<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGjxOsREbd4/TpJFtaX5HXI/AAAAAAAAAHk/jipzkDD-GAg/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGjxOsREbd4/TpJFtaX5HXI/AAAAAAAAAHk/jipzkDD-GAg/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661664328034098546" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 17px; ">By Ray McCormack</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; "><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; ">I went back and forth on this piece trying to decide what the title should relate to – at least this time around. There are good things that occur in the fire service that move us along in a positive direction, and there are other events and movements that can set us back a bit. I know because even I have been accused of the latter. In a Demolition Derby, the last car banged up, but still limping along wins. So the fire department that takes the hits and keeps going wins in the end? Perhaps; however, not without adapting and modifying. The hits can accumulate as small dents or as a devastating blow; it depends, and no department remains unscathed, eventually the dents occur.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; ">Using modern technology to send an electronic dent is very popular these days. There is no shortage of fire folks who wait like snakes in the grass to spit their venom and put their fangs into their latest victim. It's okay to dislike something that has occurred, we are still entailed to a free will and mind, but doing it as sport is another thing. There are web sites where individuals base their whole existence on going against the grain, and it's not about opinion, it's about being noticed and spreading angst. Their enlightenment of the rest of us grows tedious; without a true identity, you are masked and can be seen, too and not just heard.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; ">So what do we do? Take it! Take it all in, and hold it up for appraisal and then move forward.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; "> </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; ">What type of fire department would you be if your work load changed to a steady diet of multiple fires in vacant buildings? You would be forced to adapt your current model for sure. What you ended up with would be quite different than the utopia you dream of, and if you don't think so take a better look. The dings that are so freely exchanged and expressed towards fire department models we don't fully understand should give us pause. The fire service derby will never end, but maybe we should all do a few laps under the caution flag.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; "> </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; ">I appreciate something substantial that can be tried, not just phrases linked together that sound like something. This ‘something’ being a mystery to most readers, until the developer finally figures out a way to attach the catch phrase to a previously understood model, thereby making it palatable for general consumption – but not always.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; ">Derby participants adapt to maintain tactical safety to their needs and circumstances; venomous observers and new age pontificators are off track.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; ">Next Tactical Safety - Get an Opinion</span><br /><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--></span></p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-8719935987907740992011-09-30T11:18:00.002-04:002011-09-30T11:19:21.056-04:00Tactical Safety: Forcible Frustration<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WdvlRfOms0/ToXd8HN70zI/AAAAAAAAAHc/rYcTv3wG7cg/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WdvlRfOms0/ToXd8HN70zI/AAAAAAAAAHc/rYcTv3wG7cg/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658172531660280626" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">Forcible Frustration</p> <p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Have you ever experienced forcible frustration? You know, that special moment when the door you’re beating up punches back hitting you straight in the ego. Some doors are much better at resisting your forcible entry skills than others; some are set up to crush even the best practitioners. That’s why you should always carry “Humblers” insurance, so that when you meet your match, the secondary wallop from your coworkers should subside rather quickly. That’s only if you have minded your manners in the past and have resisted bragging over lesser opponents. <span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes it is the door that fights back and sometimes it is all about you and your lack of skill that gives the best fight. This occurs for several reasons: one of course is that the firefighter involved does not know what they are doing. I say firefighter singularly because the one with the Halligan is where the skill is centered. I never had a problem swinging the axe for an under experienced “Irons” because I knew that I would not waste my swings on a poorly positioned Halligan. Once you gain that understanding you will now be assisting with entry beyond just the power and accuracy of your swing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Skill levels are best put to the test on tough doors. While formula-based entry is popular and assists many to remember what may be needed: step C, as step A can also work. I like to place my hands on the door to get its pulse and state “No ‘Shock’ Advised.” Which of course, I see as humorous and others see as step jumping and uncomfortable. When I worked as a firefighter, the irons position was not as democratic as I see today. If you were the ‘Jonnie,’ you assisted the irons firefighter until your graduation to another position. The benefit of course was that you learned by watching and developed a keen eye for spotting potential problems early while often enjoying forcible frustration as it played out on gifted firefighters.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the swinger who delivers the force, you will see some interesting twists to gaining entry. It is not unusual to have to play along for a little while when some unorthodox or seemingly odd events take place in front of you on bended knee. Just remember to use your SA (Situational Aroundness) to evaluate whether what you’re witnessing is going to work or not. Number one on the top ten list, that the firefighter with the irons has no clue of, is when you see them spinning the Halligan around like they’re trying out for baton twirling team. “Houston, we have a problem!” </p> <p class="MsoNormal">If our swinger is bad or weak, you may have to switch with the cheeseburger and manage both halves of the entry. This way at least power will be delivered to the Halligan. Do you want the door opened or not? You have to capitalize on your knowledge and that includes the realization that the firefighter with the axe stinks, and to get the door you will do the hitting while directing the Halligan’s movements, too. Don’t let your forcible frustration gab hold to such an extent that you become crippled – entry must be gained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If the entry difficulty is manifested as a lack of skill, hydraulic entry is an option. If the problem is the door and its locks, the hydraulic ‘helper’ may work.<span> </span>Because you cannot always use the hydraulic entry tool due to door type your forcing, craft comes into play even more because of these limiting options. Your tactical safety is heightened when your forcible frustration is low. Knowing which tools to use and how to use them can stop a cheeseburger from giving you heartburn.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – Demolition Derby</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-63273653383101031902011-08-27T17:31:00.001-04:002011-08-27T17:33:41.614-04:00Tactical Safety: Scaling Ladders<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbi2ico9yYM/TlliihAtxDI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Lzhr1zfrfzY/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbi2ico9yYM/TlliihAtxDI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Lzhr1zfrfzY/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645651953002071090" border="0" /></a>
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mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Scaling Ladders</p><p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is a good chance your apparatus does not carry a scaling ladder. Pompier ladder is the more traditional trade name for scaling ladder, derived from the French. Scaling ladders are single beam ladders that can allow the user to scale a building from floor to floor. In that case, it is like no other ladder in the fire service. It has been successfully used to reach victims trapped beyond the reach of aerials and platform ladders, and to beef up “personal comfort” of recruits to new heights and self determination. Can it make a comeback into today’s fire service specifically for VES or VESS?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Scaling ladders have remained fairly traditional in their style over the years with minor changes in design. Modern scaling ladders are made from aluminum which helps to keep their weight down. If you have never held one, they are top heavy, with the hook at the top always feeling like it’s looking to smash into something - which for firefighters is a good thing. This ladder functions like a giant hook; and can be used to take windows; however that is not its primary function. Its primary function is to move firefighters into windows and that’s where its value with regards to VES comes in.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Think of VES graduating from its present state now injected with additional tactical safety and usefulness: VES-S the additional S for scaling ladder. Using VESS, firefighters could still select their window of entry, clear it and make entry. The scaling ladder would then be placed in the opening. Now the original ladder used for entry can be moved to the next window of choice and the steps repeated. How does this increase our tactical safety? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It increases it in several ways: for those that like to have a physical marker of where they entered the room to bump into, the hook portion of the scaling ladder provides such an identifier extending into the room by several feet. Your ladder will not slide along the siding and fall down because it’s held into the opening of the window. The scaling ladder provides perfect placement, every time, of the “top rung” and does not interfere with your entry or exit into the room. Once in place, other firefighters automatically know that a search is being conducted in that room. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Utilizing the VESS method places scaling ladders at multiple windows and protects firefighters. Should scaling ladders be further modified? I believe they should be further refined just for VESS. Imagine hanging several of these ladders on your apparatus stacked neatly, compactly, and ready for deployment. Once in place, the scaling ladder provides an alternative to rope-based bail outs while providing a means for additional firefighters to enter your space if needed - and leaves the adjustable ladder available for other duties.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The scaling ladder can also be used on porch roofs where firefighters generally perform VES. Using the scaling ladder just placed in the window provides a ‘guide rail’ for anyone to stabilize and increase their footing on this incline. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This next generation of scaling ladder would allow for more efficient and logical VESS. Not everything old is out of style until we say so. Looking back at the scaling ladder provides new alternative uses for a reliable tool on the fireground while increasing your tactical safety.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – Forcible Frustration </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-41908225821171099762011-08-07T13:29:00.001-04:002011-08-07T13:30:44.050-04:00Tactical Safety: Hay Bales<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opqSFtEk8T8/Tj7LvUBKqoI/AAAAAAAAAHM/tiimQlBmPhs/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opqSFtEk8T8/Tj7LvUBKqoI/AAAAAAAAAHM/tiimQlBmPhs/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" alt="" 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unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Hay Bales</p> <p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have never baled hay a day in my life, but I have burned with it. Most live burns use hay to function as the catalyst fuel source and fire development agent: to support combustion of wooden pallets, slower acceleration, as well as being used to ‘smudge’ areas. When damp, it creates a nice dark umber of a smoke (smudge). The other factor with using hay for live fire sets is that it is fairly predictable. The other factor about using hay for live fire sets is that it does not truly replicate the modern fire ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">NFPA 1403 does not say that only hay must be used to provide the fire for the day: What it does state is that the burn materials used must have (known) burn characteristics. That is a fair policy and a sound approach to live fire fuels. If we wish to demonstrate to new firefighters what the modern fire environment is like, we should explore and investigate alternative Class A fuel packages.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The use of hay is not the real problem, hay is a great fuel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It can be easily placed, moved and spread about, it can be sprinkled and layered where needed, and it does a good job of creating and supporting fire. What it does not provide for students and instructors is the dense smoke that common home elements contain. Is that an issue, a problem?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Live fire training in many locations has been relegated to pit fires and flashover chambers. From the perspective of fire extinguishment, flashover chambers leave a lot to be desired: They represent a passive form of learning through observation of fire development. There are no turns or hallways to navigate with the hoseline; no coordinated extinguishment typical of a common house fire. Extinguishment of the chamber fire is typically handled by the training staff.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We need to examine realistically replicating modern fire conditions in a controlled live fire environment. We need stop vilifying the limited use of typical combustibles that are found in the modern house in live fire training. We need to validate the use of some alternative Class A combustibles that provide a more realistic, while safe fire environment, for firefighters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We should not run from using alternative burn materials, we should study them and find a workable mix that enhances live fire training.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the use of live fire training is seen as too hazardous for new firefighters to experience, then we need to evaluate why that might be. If you just ban live fire training that may be the simple solution, but avoidance can cause a loss of firefighter awareness and skill development. If you want to know why some firefighters do not understand and operate properly at house fires, it is often due to a lack of basic fire knowledge gained through live fire training.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Model programs, that gradually takes students and instructors through the process of fire development, along with corresponding extinguishment techniques, helps to properly prepare our firefighters. If you think that live fire has no value, then you have probably never been exposed to a well-planned, comprehensive live burn program. If we think one cannot be developed, then we are selling ourselves short.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We have built live fire training classes on a hay and pallet foundation; we should now graduate to teaching current fire examples by tweaking the ‘mix.’ Give your firefighters and instructors the modern tools they need to stay tactically safe on the training ground and the fireground.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – Scaling Ladders</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-15658187773283896172011-07-27T11:03:00.002-04:002011-07-27T11:04:36.028-04:00Tactical Safety: The Lost Art Show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byl4N_RhTMQ/TjAo8mqUBmI/AAAAAAAAAHE/RTsPQ_APWic/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byl4N_RhTMQ/TjAo8mqUBmI/AAAAAAAAAHE/RTsPQ_APWic/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634048155475773026" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">The Lost Art Show</p> <p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Firefighters may not stereotypically fall under the category of art lovers, but many, deep-down, should be. I am not talking about being a patron of modernist, or sculpture, but I have known a few who have worn both of those badges. No, the art show I am referring to is the show made up of lost fire tactics and principles: You know the lost art of VES, Aggressive Attack, and Forcible Entry. These three main categories make up the lost art show. Some towns lost their art years ago, some have turned a blind eye to its beauty, and, sad as it is to say, some in the fire service want the ban to continue, which will only expand lost art categories. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The lost art of VES: <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>VES stands for vent enter search, a concept where firefighters enter rooms from the building’s exterior, conduct a search and then exit the same way(out the window). Now, some in the fire service see this search tactic as very dangerous; some see it as a tactic that places firefighters in less danger. A case can be made in either direction, however, when examined closely, we have a firefighter entering a room from outside (protected area), judging conditions and getting low upon entry; Closing the room door to provide additional search time and then leaving. It could be said that this technique places the firefighter in (less) danger for a shorter amount of time because the firefighter does not have to travel (less) distances inside the fire building to reach the search room: Less time inside, less travel distance inside - the art of VES.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When the con version is allowed to flourish - usually without much constructive debate - then we have a lost art.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is no mushy way to put this: ‘Aggressive Attack’ is how most fires are extinguished. The lost art of aggressive attack starts when we fail to understand the concept of interior-extinguishment - water versus fire. There will be future developments in extinguishment as there have always been and there will be those that bristle at such a term. Being ‘boldly assertive” (synonym) against a fire is fair play. The last thing we want, or do we, are fire operations based upon “passivity” (antonym).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The lost art of aggressive attack is something that can become a lost art if we let it, if we as firefighters frown at hearing the term much less using it to our advantage then we have a lost art.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If we are not engaged in battle to protect lives and property, then get some new signage; If we are not engaged when attack comes to the plate then the art has been lost.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Forcible entry is an art: Quality forcible entry is when you can get through anything put in front of you expeditiously. Not every firefighter who picks up the irons will be a master. To be a master you need quality tools and a rich canvas and engagement. ‘Mule kicking’ imprints can get it done, but are not highly valued at the art show. When forcible entry becomes a lost art, then we only have only ourselves to blame, because it only grows and flourishes from a local touch. The best techniques come for inquiry and patience and much practice like most good art. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adding features to the lost art show is not something we should hope happens. Let’s bring back the principle players in the show and show the ‘non participants’ how great our craft looks, feels and sustains our tactical safety.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – Hay Bales</p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-44196403096557786142011-07-16T12:04:00.000-04:002011-07-16T12:06:00.754-04:00Tactical Safety: Emotionally Charged LinesBy Ray McCormack<br /><br />“Firefighter down; I’m running out of air; we can’t find the door. Children trapped!” These are some of the emotionally charged lines you may hear en route to the scene, or on scene. Some of these lines will be communicated to you for informational purposes and others will be a cry for help. When you hear these lines you must adjust accordingly.<br /><br />Upon hearing “firefighter down,” you must listen for more detailed information - especially location. Are you nearby? Are you able to assist if the location is close? Will your assistance create a hardship or unsafe event to occur? If the event takes place out in front of the building your assistance may not even be required. Even if you feel your assistance is needed, just because the words were spoken, does not always pan out. If you wish to get involved, first make sure there is a need for your help. Make an inquiry and create a backup plan for the task your stopping and get permission.<br />“I am running out of air,” can occur from getting entangled, to losing your way. This personal distress call is time-sensitive. Our first question should be, “how much air do you have left?” An assistance plan will take in many components, the urgency is always there, but the urgency and plan of attack to resolve this announcement may involve more firefighters, and tactical changes depending upon the amount of reserve air available. While a firefighter rescue team may be standing by, and be used to remove this firefighter, additional reserve units may also assist, and a greater alarm struck to help resolve this issue as quickly as possible.<br /><br />“We can’t find the door.” This tells us that we have multiple firefighters in trouble. This trouble is compounded when we are dealing with buildings that afford a limited amount of entry/escape openings. What has taken place here? The conditions have probably gotten worse, and what was thought to be memorable trail, is no longer true. We should always consider that things will get worse prior to improving. Sometimes the equipment needed is taken with the firefighters, but not used, because it did not appear necessary at the time.<br /><br />“Children trapped.” This is given to you via dispatch and always cranks up the troops. Here again you must stay focused and take this information with a grain of salt. It may well be that children are trapped and it may just be someone’s way of trying to get us there quicker. Someone must ask a few questions such as the ages of the trapped and where they were located a few minutes ago. The age tells you if they are mobile, and the location may help speed up recovery.<br /><br />We should always strive for focus. These and other emotionally charged lines can snap our focus. Listen up, know that you will hear many things like this on the fireground, keep your focus sharp, only then can we provide tactical safety for all.<br /><br />Next Tactical Safety – The Lost Art ShowErich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-30917064937786623532011-07-06T15:24:00.000-04:002011-07-06T15:25:18.667-04:00Tactical Safety: You Have Some Nerve!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1daLhUsWkJ8/ThS2keXXpVI/AAAAAAAAAG8/_m_YNhTO05M/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1daLhUsWkJ8/ThS2keXXpVI/AAAAAAAAAG8/_m_YNhTO05M/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626322572235220306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I hope you have some nerve, not to be obnoxious, but to be aggressive. Firefighting is about nerve in a lot of respects. Some firefighters have nerves of steel, whether it is making decisions or a tough push. You need some nerve just to deal with the various incident types we face. Do you have the nerve to stand up for what is right? Do you have enough nerve to concentrate on the mission at hand? Do you see nerve displayed by others both good and bad? We are in the nerve business, and without some nerve you could be passed by, regret a lost opportunity, and be fooled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bluster and bravado are often spoken in coded language such as, “I’ve been crawling down hallways.’’ When you hear people describing themselves in such terms, chances are they have not done much hallway crawling at all. What is usually the case is the fact that they feel the need to identify with those who have. They have some nerve! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Firefighter makes daring rescue!” Dare is measured differently in firefighting circles then by the civilian definition.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When a firefighter is recognized by their peers, and their fellow firefighters actually talk about the rescue in glowing terms, then we truly have high praise. That rescue took some nerve!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Utilizing teachings from questionable sources and personalities, with limited depth and or experience, may be the wave of the future, but not yet. When you want to learn about this craft, find an instructional source that checks out. Learn the important lessons: firefighting is real, it is difficult, and it takes many intellectual skill sets; make sure you learn how to determine what should stick from what is ‘throwaway.’ Remember, firefighting takes nerve.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tired of wondering how your beloved fire service could think certain things (were) a good idea? You need to get involved so the next change does not surprise you. Wondering what or who is driving these fire service agendas? It could be you if you take the time to research the organizations and their platforms. Think about using some of your precious in-between call time to get the information you need to place your ideas on the next steering committee.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He has some nerve getting involved!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Becoming an excellent firefighter takes some nerve. Firefighters who search for excellence unfortunately are often taken to task by others for their intense interest in our craft. To those that aspire to become great through training and self improvement - and participation - it is a long steady climb. The five-year-wonder is only a wonder if handled correctly. The need for self-acclaim is a poor outgrowth for some interested firefighters. Your knowledge that you have absorbed in one form or another is nothing new, it is how we all learn. When you discover a new twist, enjoy your level of participation, and remember that all ideas were new once and only time will tell if it lasts. Don’t let your knowledge get on others’ nerves.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Use your nerve to stay tactically safe.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – Emotionally Charged Lines</p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-53739047772660245312011-06-25T17:36:00.003-04:002011-06-25T17:37:48.859-04:00Tactical Safety: On Guard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPPGunvpEeg/TgZVCG0iPYI/AAAAAAAAAG0/j7RWw8BKPZc/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPPGunvpEeg/TgZVCG0iPYI/AAAAAAAAAG0/j7RWw8BKPZc/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622274679497702786" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte 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mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It seems that every classic movie scene with a sword fight starts with the phrase, “On Guard!” This simple statement declares, “here we go; game on; battle time.” The opponents back away for a second to collect themselves and stare their challenger directly in the eye - and then the fight begins in earnest. They are there to fight, they are equipped to fight, and their safety is in their skill. Every fire is a challenge to our skill and commitment. Are you incorporating an on guard before your attack? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Your safety is increased when you back away just before you start to do battle. This battle posture allows you to focus and put yourself in drive. This is your ‘on guard’ moment. When firefighters arrive unequipped to enter the battle, they defeat themselves and our cause. When firefighters enter the battle under-equipped to overpower the enemy, they are not playing smart.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These two statements refer to some basic omissions on the part of our people, lack of tools, lack of SCBA, the lack of a charged hoseline, hard to believe you say? Watch some videos.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Your safety is about thinking smart, being prepared, and fighting to win. When you do not have the capability to bust down a door or hit an advancing fire, or continue a search due to smoke in your eyes, you’re not being a tough guy, you’re being a jerk! You have let us down with your inability to function at the most base level on the fireground.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You know that certain tools are used at every fire, like charged hoselines, tools for entry, ladders and SCBA, why are they missing from your attack mode?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Does your special presence on the fireground trump these tools somehow?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If not, then how could you make such mistakes?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Firefighters who arrive looking and acting like they could be from another profession are not very effective under normal conditions, especially when the chips are down. The chips can come down at any moment, and not being ready is a sad excuse to have hanging around your neck after the battle. Any excuse supplied would be simply weak, if we would even care to listen. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">To be effective, you must fight the fire with all the tools available to you. Firefighting begins with you, your training, your knowledge, and your dedication.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You wanted to do this, make sure it’s more than just talk, and put it all together to be tactically safe. On guard!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – You Have Some Nerve</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-37138034218579094162011-06-16T13:24:00.001-04:002011-06-16T13:24:39.594-04:00Tactical Safety : Defensive Fire<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> 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mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Defense Fire</p> <p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Defensive fire operations may start upon arrival or sometime afterward. Defensive fire operations, by their very nature, use a fall-back mode strategy of containment, withdrawal, and extended operational time just to name a few. Fires that do not respond to or thwart interior operations graduate into defensive fires - and utilize exterior hose streams. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shooting water through windows and doorways during an exterior fire operation are the primary delivery points available to us. Operating through doors and windows limits our attack scrub area, but it is usually all that remains. Determining when to go defensive through exterior stream placement is a decision not taken lightly; however the choice of less efficient extinguishment always trumps potentially catastrophic results if not undertaken. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">A defensive fire posture is not always handled from outside the fire building:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Engine companies can switch from aggressive to defensive within the frame work of interior attack. When additional areas or larger fire rooms are come upon, it is not unusual to be in a battle that does not show instant promise. This slug fest often happens at the onset of a good job when the engine is temporally hunkered down due to amount of fire, limited access, and along with below and above grade fire attack.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not all engine attacks are without pain; some of the pain is relegated to growing; if you believe that things always go like the training tower, that is not the case. Fire areas have a tendency to create surprises in layout, increased hoseline drag, and fire intensity. You must cross the threshold with determination supported by a plan, skill, and teamwork. Aggressive interior attack is the most efficient method of direct extinguishment and egress protection that is provided by limited staffing - the nozzle team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The need for us to be defensive in our attack also correlates with a thorough fire attack. In other words - really work the room. Moving the nozzle to provide total coverage of the fire room with your initial pass is something the nozzle team needs to work on. We defend ourselves as we march through the fire area by not missing rooms or by an inadequate fire knockdown.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are special teams in the fire service such as RIT, but there is no special ‘defense team.’ We all must be aware that elements from fire-attack-slowdown, through operational withdrawal, are all part of our game. Upon arrival, we must provide containment and extinguishment; if we switch to defensive, make sure you bring it on just as you should when you go inside. The plan for the game should not be fought within a restrictive framework that dismisses alternative strategies without regard; however, there also needs to be a firm understanding of base extinguishment techniques so that we can provide tactical safety no matter what mode we’re in.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Many have touted that the back-up line should be larger than the one it is backing up. For exterior hose streams, that guideline makes sense. When our attack is rebuffed initially due to a large body of fire or other ingredient that overwhelms us, we need to get a larger line. This next size up larger line may have won our initial battle, but because it was not first choice, we have inherited a defensive posture. The larger line will assist us with extended reach and penetration power and increased efficiency by delivering a substantial increase in extinguishment capability albeit from a limited access vantage point.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – On Guard</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-37647531412398444152011-06-07T19:10:00.002-04:002011-06-07T19:11:26.352-04:00Tactical Safety: Stream Shaper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wvf9kLAahdU/Te6wCTelWjI/AAAAAAAAAGs/uckP4tLFOYg/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 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mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some nozzles come with stream shapers built within the nozzle while other stream shapers are add-on attachments. Smooth bore nozzles - noted for their solid stream pattern - hold their shape much better when a stream shaper is added to the nozzle package. There is another type of stream shaper in the fire service: that is the people behind the movement of nozzles to exterior positions for initial fire attack. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are starting to see stream placement through windows in occupied buildings by fully-protected firefighters at what appear to be single-room fires as ‘act one’ upon arrival. This is a very curious “moth- to -the -flame” approach to firefighting which leaves out the most important consideration of line placement: Egress protection! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we spot window flame and move directly to exterior knockdown, without any interior size-up, we’re operating in deference to interior life safety conditions. The reasoning behind this exterior “shoot to kill” is that it will make it safer for firefighters who eventually will be allowed to go inside the structure. Knowing the true purpose of the interior hoseline is fundamental to firefighter as well as civilian safety. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nozzle placement, in regard to fire attack, is not just about fire extinguishment. If it were that simple, municipalities could save a lot of money on equipment and personnel by just letting the civilians shoot water through a window. This new modern ‘take’ on the ‘bucket brigade’ could be further regulated and standardized so that every home would come equipped with a set amount of hose and attached nozzle. Any time a fire was spotted, the safety stream could be utilized through any available opening; and the need for timely resources, incident command, situational awareness, crew resource management, azure cards, tags and a balanced attack strategy that the local fire department provides would be greatly diminished. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not all fires that show themselves are contained just to the show window; what we often see is fire extension from another location. How many lines will be used when you employ thru the window extinguishment? Will it be a single line that initially shoots water through a window, and is then repositioned to the doorway? Will it be a single line, and after the shoot – to – kill, the line enters through the target window? Should there be a second line? Will it be the one inside? Should the second line be at the window?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Do you know where your hoseline belongs? Does your placement convert to improved safety? Make sure your stream is in the right place to provide tactical safety for all. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – Fire Defense</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-83288158134681661222011-05-26T17:50:00.002-04:002011-05-26T17:52:56.748-04:00Tactical Safety: Benchmarks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rstGE2TKxso/Td7LrGex4vI/AAAAAAAAAGg/hk2gFNp-jyk/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rstGE2TKxso/Td7LrGex4vI/AAAAAAAAAGg/hk2gFNp-jyk/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611146127084741362" border="0" /></a><br />By Ray McCormack<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">We use benchmarks on the fireground for determining levels of accomplishment through determining levels of deterioration. Benchmarking progress during fires - and timely accountability of your people - is part of fire extinguishment, and should be easier with today’s technology.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There are other benchmarks that tell us a different story: a story of time, and firefighters who went before. Some of the sagest advice you will ever receive will be passed on to you from a senior firefighter and or officer. What time elapsed benchmarks have you collected for your future use?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had a bench at my firehouse, made from hardwood and cultured over decades of use. It was not particularly comfortable, but it was set near the corner of the kitchen and provided a great vantage point as to what was taking place within the hub of the firehouse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I can remember that one of our senior firefighters loved sitting there, legs crossed, smoking a pipe, and commenting with total clarity on the multiple conversations and things happening in that busy space. Not only was he a very astute observer, he often orchestrated the events of that room through gentle pokes and prodding, and always with an escape clause, “I’m just a blue shirt what do I know”? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had a hierarchy of seating in that room; that may have seemed crude to some outsiders, but it worked for us, much like the differences in the fire service that unite us - or separate us, now. What works for one place does not always translate into broad acceptance: Bench time was not for the junior members, and it never seemed a problem as some goals in the fire service must be earned - and waited for. Different ideas for different times wear a beach well. We do not want carbon copies of generations as much as some want you to believe. There is no way that all the benchmarks from decades ago will stand the test of time, and that’s fine; what needs to remain will, and these benchmarks are at our core. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some benchmarks are deeply grooved straight lines while others tend to bend a bit in one direction or another; still others go full circle, proving that everything old is new again, even in the fire service. The arms of that bench seemed to have the deepest wear from where the elbow rested to the forward end, where a hand was placed into the ‘starting blocks’ of a new response.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This fixture of the firehouse tells its story in a silent narrative that all can understand and hopefully appreciate. For it is the not only the stories that are important, it is the story tellers’ comfort that bring about the best tales. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes a cushion would be added to the bench for comfort and sometimes it was taken away to restore its originality. We often hear versions of stories that contain their own cushion for the storyteller; and some that believe that ‘story cushions’ are unnecessary, and only deflect from the true experience. It is up to each of us to find our place on the bench and our comfort level for storytelling. Sit for a bit and share a story that was told to you and has kept you tactically safe.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – Stream Shaper</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-50515129016742275752011-05-03T13:28:00.001-04:002011-05-03T13:30:11.132-04:00Justice for my Brothers' Killer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> 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id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Justice for My Brothers' Killer<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The news that Osoma bin Laden was killed was great news - and will remain great news forever. The death of this famed coward who killed 343 members of my department along with thousands of other innocent victims is justice served. This news is the culmination of a pledge made to America and the FDNY that we would not rest until the murders responsible were caught and brought to justice. The news made me especially proud of our military and security forces, happy that justice was finally served, and peaceful that now this monster that has over shadowed our lives does so no more.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span>America needs to remember the inspiration 343 firefighters provided us on that terrible day. Today is the day America’s promise to itself was fulfilled; and while we all felt sad and confused on 9/11 we can all feel good about this news. One death can have much healing power; those directly affected by loss have one less concern today.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span>My brothers do not physically walk among us any more, however, what they did and what they stood for on 9/11 inspired the world. Their sacrifice can never be diminished through forgetfulness, neglect or cultural shift. They are heroes who will live on forever in every firefighter that hears their story. God Bless America and the FDNY. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-44296692800277257322011-04-16T18:15:00.001-04:002011-04-16T18:15:50.428-04:00The Fire Department Polio Vaccine<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> 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Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">by Ray McCormack<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This week marks the anniversary of the distribution of the polio vaccine to American children. The significance of this endeavor was that Polio was virtually eliminated as a debilitating disease: A disease that struck children, the effects of which stayed with them forever. The fire service needs a vaccine as well when it comes to educational intervention and firefighter safety and effectiveness. This “shot-in-the-arm” needs to be bottled and dispensed at every fire academy - and some providers of which need to wrap their heads around some basic principles of firefighting that some have not passed on. Incomplete foundational firefighting principles are being dispensed to a large portion of the fire service and this ‘placebo’ can hurt us. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The other day, I read a statement by a firefighter who stated we should never attack a fire ‘head-on.’ There were further comments that went on to inform this apparently young firefighter that he was mistaken; and other comments stating that he was at least partially mistaken. None of his detractors spoke to the root cause of his confusion. Can we all have an opinion? Of course! Don’t we all come with one already? That is not the issue; the issue is the fact that many do not understand the role of the hoseline. See, once you understand its primary function, it’s positioning follows suit. Unfortunately, this firefighter’s dilemma was that he was taught wrong. Some fire academy instructors apparently do not understand the role of the hoseline either. If they did, operational discord would be quieted, and the voice of confusion would be lessened.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For a firefighter to say that we never attack a fire head on is just plain, well…unbelievable. This firefighter owes his ignorance to some academy staff somewhere. I’m sorry if you disagree or are offended. If you are, then maybe you believe as he did in a strategy that is not only inefficient, but dangerous. If our new firefighters coming into the fire service are not being taught properly - and this has nothing to do with new techniques or scientific studies; this has everything to do with basic fire extinguishment - then we really do have an epidemic of lost, base knowledge. We are still the fire department - and if we poison our recruits with bad information, then not only will our results be shameful to watch, our people will be in danger as they operate under a cloak of confusion.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You see, the primary function of the hoseline is to protect egress. When hoselines are mistakenly placed in areas that do not protect civilian egress, you’re in the wrong spot. <i style="">Protect life then property</i>. Yes it’s a simple theory, but it’s more than a theory, it’s a fact. Does it vary at times? It can, but that is not the point. The point remains that you need to understand the initial consideration. If you do not know where your hoseline should be placed initially - or your initial placement is backwards - then of course you don’t get it - and you have been taught without foundation. Remember, civilian egress is the first part of egress protection; firefighter egress is also accomplished once the line is where it needs to be; Think direct access and protection of hallways and stairways.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The biggest problem is in the educational delivery: The fire service which differs on just about everything needs some consensus on this front because it is so (basic). Protecting egress affords us the proper use of our greatest life saving tool: a properly positioned hoseline - Fire extinguishment is the bonus.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So if you have the pleasure to instruct new recruits and old veterans alike, get one thing right: the hierarchy of hoseline placement. Let’s eradicate this illness from the fire service once and for all and put our students on the right track. Proper line placement is the key to fireground success for everyone. Now that didn’t hurt did it?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-83226348805028652442011-04-11T13:00:00.000-04:002011-04-11T13:01:11.574-04:00The Aggressees<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> 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Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">The Aggressees</p><p class="MsoNormal">by Ray McCormack<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Many do not understand the Agressees at all</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Prefering to think them a bit outta sync</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some call it old school, with a snicker and scowl</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Old school or new, the Agressees adapt </p> <p class="MsoNormal">for a 360 is simply a lap</p> <p class="MsoNormal">easily done in a snap</p> <p class="MsoNormal">for the Agressees, its simple, flat out is the speed</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Which is always best tempered by need</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Many do not understand the Agressees at all</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Who love to kill the enemy, spring, summer, winter and fall</p> <p class="MsoNormal">They break things; and move forward to battle the beast </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hit em’ with water to melt em’ away</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some still do not understand the need for a good spray</p> <p class="MsoNormal">They look for the hidden, who are hidden indeed </p> <p class="MsoNormal">To find them fills our core need</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Agressees are chided for being so bold </p> <p class="MsoNormal">But you have to remember, their just doing as told</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For them, its simple, kill the beast and go home</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And when you save a life, is a treat all its own</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-5979536005501361892011-04-06T11:44:00.002-04:002011-04-06T11:45:16.570-04:00Tactical Safety: Popping Doors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr1tP9TtqA8/TZyKgEeHZyI/AAAAAAAAAF0/_P_ePxSLxOo/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr1tP9TtqA8/TZyKgEeHZyI/AAAAAAAAAF0/_P_ePxSLxOo/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592497120847816482" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">Popping Doors</p> <p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mysteries abound on the fireground behind doors that need popping. Yes, we can have smoke behind doors in states varying from seeping to pumping, but the mystery is still not solved with a barrier between us and the fire; Getting in also ranges from clumsy kicks to a studied-entry technique for a worthy opponent. To have never faced such a door is a shame, because the great challenge is something all firefighters should experience.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is a difference between wood and steel. There is a difference between well-lit and smoked-out, but in talented hands, it makes little difference. Knowledge of forcible entry is the corner stone of truck work. Some may find that a debatable point, but without entry, we have no interior fire attack. Our interior launching pad only lifts off when entry is accomplished. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Doors range from moderate to extremely difficult to open: The makings of a tough forcible entry situation are not strictly based upon lock load. Tight spaces that restrict movement may have to be made more user-friendly by taking out the wall covering and creating the room we seek. Angles that cause us to work from a different approach than the norm can give us all pause; however, the biggest obstacle any firefighter will face from a door starts long before they arrive at the welcome mat if their knowledge of technique is as rusty as an ax left out in the rain.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Forcible entry technique needs to be understood from the basic steps through multi-lock doors. Why? Even if you never face a tight door with a few locks, the techniques of tool movement and placement - and leverage - principles are never wasted – and can be utilized for other operational fireground tasks. I worked with a firefighter who not only exuded confidence, he proved it, and feared no door. He relished the challenge and worked his skill-set beyond what others knew so that he could pass on the how-to of the majority forcible entry situations; however, knowledge is not enough: you need skill and a mind-set that aggressively attacks the challenge. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Your knowledge and experience blend together with a positive attitude that says, “I will get through this door,” establishes you as someone who should have this assignment. There are many soft evaluations and considerations that we can fumble through, and the answer we receive can be right or wrong and no one gets hurt - forcible entry is not one of those. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">When it comes down to it, and we arrive at the fire building and start operating, the locked door needs to be opened; It needs to be opened quickly and thoroughly – and the people assigned to that task must have the skill-sets necessary to handle what is thrown at them. Their task may be difficult, but their training and determination will see them through their best efforts. Play time is over. It is now time to pop the door and start operations. Knowing your way through doors increases your tactical safety. See you on the other side.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety - Benchmarks</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-46465555173863623012011-03-06T21:47:00.001-05:002011-03-06T21:52:38.740-05:00Tactical Safety- Urgent Need<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNs-0oINFDo/TXRIZgF9VhI/AAAAAAAAAFI/bRzRkzIeOu0/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNs-0oINFDo/TXRIZgF9VhI/AAAAAAAAAFI/bRzRkzIeOu0/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581165441167742482" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if 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mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">To increase our collective efficiency on the fireground, the fire service should investigate the implementation of the “Urgent” message. An “Urgent” is different from a traditional Mayday in that it is a stepped-down transmission of need. Fireground emergency communication is often graded upon need, which is often manifested solely in the requester’s volume and urgency. The need for a standard message prompt in the form of “Urgent” helps classify requests and makes for more orderly fireground communications. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The use of the term “Urgent” prior to announcing the specific request is one form of message transmission. Another is to specifically transmit just “Urgent,” and await a reply from command. Either style will require a command acknowledgement of the message. With the “Urgent,” we are highlighting a request or observation and requesting some form of action - or appraising command of our action in response to the situation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When an “Urgent” is broadcast over the tactical channel, all must listen up as to the specifics mentioned as well as the response from command. The use of this signal may step on other transmissions and requires normal fireground traffic to cease until this situation has abated. The acknowledgement of any message is always important, as it is a signal of accountability. When messages of an urgent nature are given, accountability must be maintained due to the high probability of repeated communications between at least two parties on a focused topic.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Categorization of “Urgent” messages is also helpful: so that message remain succinct. Rambling messages under the “Urgent” umbrella are all wet. To develop categories of urgent messages, departments must look at common fireground events that place firefighters in danger, but do not reach the level of a “Mayday” transmission. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Common events that endanger firefighters: fire extension, loss of water, and predictable event-triggers, all fall within urgent messages. Sometimes an “Urgent” may be needed just to break through routine traffic: The frustration of the originator to continue to wait in line for their message to simply be heard can lead to an “Urgent” prompt. The message itself may not fall under strict criteria, but if it pings too long under call waiting, then maybe a truer, more formal urgent need will emerge. The point is that we have a form of communication that lies between standard fare and “Mayday.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You can always upgrade from an urgent to a mayday with some criteria of messaging; however, the Urgent is a less dramatic message prompt to hear than Mayday. With urgent, we know there is a heightened need, and that danger still lurks, but one of the main differences is that we can usually remove ourselves from the area as opposed to being trapped by a situation. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The deployment of a rapid intervention team may or may not be part of your Urgent message deployment package. Response to Urgents, fall under a situation evaluation that may only involve the confirmation of the message to verification of repositioning. All messages on the fireground are not created equal: The grading of messages into set parameters greatly assists all fireground communication when used properly. Let’s not just let the importance of a message get diluted due to a stacked delivery and lack of a prompt. Command the urgent and get heard for increased tactical safety.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – Popping Doors</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-56375217740653035822011-02-24T21:54:00.002-05:002011-02-24T22:17:08.152-05:00Anniversary - Erich Roden<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> 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10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">By Erich Roden</p><p class="MsoNormal"> Publisher and Editor, Urban Firefighter Magazine<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> 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ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Today is Urban Firefighter Magazine’s first Birthday. And yes, presents are mandatory…What began with two minds and a thousand ideas has become a magazine that has seen nearly four million page views in its infancy in just four issues – that’s MILLION. The braggart in us aside, this number proves more humbling to me than it serves as the industry’s benchmark for success. And humbled was I this day last year: I’ll let you in on a little-known fact: Urban Firefighter Magazine was not supposed to launch on February 25, 2010; rather, like every Grand Opening, there were a thousand little things Ray and I wanted to add-remove and stew about before releasing our baby to the public; we actually planned on waiting another week. Furthermore, I was on the back-half of a tour at the firehouse that day when an early-morning fire came in…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We were second-due truck to a private-dwelling and the engine had already started water on the fire as we arrived. We proceeded to the floor above to poke around and dropped-down to the landing below to don our facepieces. As we knelt-down, we saw what looked like two bare feet near a couch on the fire floor, just inside the doorway. We crawled in a few feet and were startled by what we found: a young woman brutally stabbed to death lying on the floor. We radioed the chief of our discovery, let the first-due truck take their grab out (fire floor decorum); and I advised the first-due truck officer that we would finish poking around the fire floor for more victims. What we found in the bathroom was just as unimaginable: two kids murdered in a different fashion; I’ll spare the details. We removed the kids, handed them off to an awaiting ambulance and reported into the chief to discuss the mess we discovered. We were to later find out that this was a robbery-gone-bad-arson-cover-up; at least the bastards were eventually caught.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You can imagine what the ride back to the quarters was like and the thoughts going through everyones’ heads. We backed-in, washed-up and I began packing up my stuff up to head home for the day. That’s when I grabbed my phone…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On it was a thousand text-messages and voicemails. See: while we were witness to the worst of urban life and taking in what should have been a routine fire in my City, our web-designers were busy, early, building the final website on what they thought was the beta site (nerd-speak for: a hidden site used by web-designers to see what the product actually looks like ‘live’). Instead, they mistakenly assembled the magazine on the <i style="">actual site</i> – and those friends and others who were looking for it were able to see it before Ray and I did (we were the worst-kept secret in the fire service at the time). Perhaps that’s the way it was meant to be, it is your magazine by the way!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I will always remember the roller-coaster of emotions experienced in an instant that morning, vividly. Our urban firefighters needed a voice that detailed their operations, personalities, victories and defeats, specifically.<span style=""> </span>I’d like to think that a simple mistake by our web-designers was needed-proof that – although we had just experienced the worst in our business – there was now something positive out there to tell the story…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-28262325143744666122011-02-24T21:40:00.004-05:002011-02-24T22:17:19.951-05:00Anniversary - Ray McCormack<div> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">By Ray McCormack<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Publisher and Editor<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Have I moved at all from one year ago today? Physically not really, because I am back at the Orlando Fire Conference where I was when Urban Firefighter magazine debuted. 'Urban' wasn’t launched: it was outed by persons unknown who were trolling the internet looking for signs of it. People found it - and like any media buzz, Urban quickly came to the attention of firefighters, authors, editors and pundits. I was surprised to hear the news, but was also glad that I could plug something that now was no longer a secret dream. Urban Firefighter Magazine was now out there for all to see and hopefully love. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">We had many friends who were shocked to hear of our role in Urban. It was always hard not to share the development of the magazine with everyone - there were some leaks - but none were damaging. That February 25, was such a sweet moment of release. To finally be able to tell all who would listen that two firefighters just like them had done what was always whispered about: two firefighters created a fire magazine that rocked. Truthfully, I’ve moved quite a bit in the last year and Urban has been my guide. I’m back at the Orlando Fire Conference spreading the message of training and the beauty of Urban to all who will listen and travel along with us into the future. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Thanks for your support and Keep Fire in Your Life</span></p></div> <div><span lang="0" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0000ff;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Sincerely,<br />Ray McCormack</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Publish and Editor, Urban Firefighter Magazine</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span></div>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3204211223902404088.post-3954277458524850502011-02-21T21:39:00.002-05:002011-02-21T21:40:34.263-05:00Tactical Safety: Lost and Found<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFByVTApl1k/TWMiEGEamSI/AAAAAAAAAEg/88xUfGHzUaQ/s1600/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 55px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFByVTApl1k/TWMiEGEamSI/AAAAAAAAAEg/88xUfGHzUaQ/s320/Urban%2BFirefighter%2BMagazine-Tactical%2BSafety%2BBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576338217358760226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Lost and Found</p> <p class="MsoNormal">By Ray McCormack</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The thought on declaring a Mayday is to announce it for all to hear - and to do it without fear. Fear, it seems, is a reason for delayed delivery of a Mayday signal. While we should not be ashamed to proclaim a May Day, we should also build in a personal checklist of the situation into to our proclamation. There are only two types of Maydays messages: One type is to describe a situation of danger or perceived danger for someone else on the fireground. The other type is based on personal need and is self-given. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Maydays are rarely immediately actionable by third parties. The message must first be sent out clearly enough to be understood by the receiving party.<span style=""> </span>Once received by those in command, an assistance evaluation is made and the next notification in the chain is given to the recue team. This built-in Mayday answering system is the standard and does not include rescuer reflex time. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">When declaring a self Mayday, the originator must realize that help is not instantly coming. Of course, no additional help will ever be forthcoming without a declaration. During the waiting period, the firefighter in need must understand that post-announcement time requires self-preservation skills. The threat to the firefighter may disappear soon after the declaration or continue. Having to declare a Mayday is a shock, sometimes the event causes survival complications while other shocks are based upon inner-conflict. The aftershock period is a stark reality and includes what you do – or what happens next. If given a choice, hopefully it will be prudent and self-sustaining. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">A Mayday for a lost or missing firefighter is probably the most common May Day given. They can be given by the individual firefighter or those who now cannot locate the firefighter. When we cannot locate a fellow firefighter that was within our sight or voice contact – and now is not – we must ask ourselves if this initial loss of direct communication has reached the level of a Mayday. <span style=""> </span>We must use our options such as attempted radio contact to the “missing,” organize and contact those around us to assist in the tracking and notification to command that a firefighter has become ‘unanswerable.’ </p> <p class="MsoNormal">When a firefighter goes missing, those working with them must take a breath and realize that the situation is initially theirs to solve. The reason is: you are located in the general area. How often do you check on your people? We have to develop a system of communication with our interior partners so that status updates are frequent. If you believe that an untenable area has been entered by the missing, or some other event has occurred, collect your thoughts first; prioritize your needs; contact command – and understand that you may have the best chance of quickly locating (the missing). </p> <p class="MsoNormal">No doubt the mission changes when a May Day is declared. As much as we would like to think that things will progress smoothly once this transmission is given, this is hopeful at best. The location of this event plays a specific role in how our regular operations will fare. If the May Day is declared by or for the only team inside the building, then operational support beyond rapid intervention will be required. There is no set standard because all events differ; however, we must attempt to limit our exposure to events that cause us to become part of the rescue effort. This effort is enhanced by knowing your tactics and understanding how vital early mitigation is to future survival. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Losing contact with firefighters varies from equipment failures, disorientation and human error. While we strive to eliminate as many of these variables as much as possible, it is a never ending battle. We need to develop in firefighters an understanding of how to operate and communicate together – and realize that when smoke obscures your vision – and windows are breaking, people are screaming, radios’ blaring, and saws cutting, that it might be hard to “find” each other – and that Maydays, while given without guilt, must also be given with substance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">A Mayday is a distress call that stresses our people and requires the highest priority and respect on the fireground. We have built into our operations separate teams who are on scene just in case one is given. The fire service has tried to eradicate the shame factor of declaring a Mayday under the auspice of waiting; refusing or denying one does not help the firefighter. A Mayday does not relinquish our efforts to remain tactically safe, it increases it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next Tactical Safety – Urgent Need</p>Erich Roden-Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16045210671737467585noreply@blogger.com0