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The TruForce is Here!

Safe Firefighter, LLC is proud to announce is newest training partner TroxFire Training Solutions, creator and manufacturer of the TruForce forcible entry training system. We are excited to be working with Captain Danny Troxell of the DCFD and look forward to getting the TruForce on the streets down here in the Southeast.

We just took delivery of our TruForce system and will getting in service and road-ready ASAP.

Safe Firefighter, LLC will also be an authorized dealer for the TruForce system. If you have any questions about the TruForce or would like to setup a class or demo please contact us at info@safefirefighter.com or (843) 247-6044.

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development

Tagged classes, crew, entry, fire, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, irons, safe, safe firefighter, safety, strategy, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on January 18, 2012

First Due Friday; Heavy Smoke from a Commercial

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: Check out this “soupy” commercial job in PG County, MD. Give us your RECEO breakdown, initial actions and initial rig placement. Ready…Go!

What is your initial report?
Rescue considerations?
Exposures?
Confinement issues?
Extinguishment strategies and tactics?
Overhaul, what areas will you focus initial searches for extension?
Rig placement?

NOTE: Thanks to JT for citing the source of this pic as being from the Berwyn Height VFD site @ http://www.bhvfd14.org/zarc1004.php via the Firehouse Guy.

~~I got this pic a while ago but now I can’t remember where I got it. Since Berwyn Heights is in the pic, I’ll give the credit to the Brothers at Co. 14.~~

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Emergency Communications, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development

Tagged 14, attack, attack line, Berwyn Heights, brotherhood, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, ladders, leadership, manpower, nozzle, PG, PG County, PGFD, radio, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

4 comments Posted by safefirefighter on January 13, 2012

First Due Friday; 2-Story Balloon Frame Rockin’ on the Peninsula

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: Watch the video of this heavily involved 2-story balloon frame house. Note the wind and the exposures. Give us your RECEO breakdown, initial actions and initial rig placement. Have fun…

What is your initial report?
Rescue considerations?
Exposures?
Confinement issues?
Extinguishment strategies and tactics?
Overhaul, what areas will you focus initial searches for extension?
Rig placement?

NOTE: This video was found at The Fire Critic, via YouTube. It shows a challenging fire for our Brothers in Charleston, SC.

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, Major Incidents, News, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged attack, attack line, Charleston, charleston fire department, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, exposure, exposures, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, ladders, manpower, nozzle, radio, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation, weather, wind

1 comment Posted by safefirefighter on January 6, 2012

Your Chance to be the Chief’s Aide (Cool Video)

As seen on YouTube and Facebook…

NOTE:

The Command presence
Notice the professionalism of the operating crews
Notice the window A/C unit falling to the street (around :40)
Notice the Outside Vent crew stopping floor below as the Engine starts getting a knock on the fire

Go to the Facebook conversation to get full details, accounts and reactions from brothers in cyberspace as well brother who were at the fire and know the area and operations… http://www.facebook.com/NateDeMarse/posts/292471494132640

Thanks and be safe!

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged attack, attack line, Brooklyn, brotherhood, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, FDNY, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, leadership, pride, radio, rescue, safe, safe firefighter, safety, strategy, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

1 comment Posted by safefirefighter on January 4, 2012

First Due Friday: Row House Fire

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: You’re wearing all the hats today! You’re dispatched to a reported “structure” fire. It’s the middle of the week during Christmas vacation and the neighbors don’t know if the kids are there or not.

What is your initial report?
Where is the fire?
Where is it going?
How many lines do you anticipate for this fire?
What size AND length line would you use?
HOW MUCH OF A PRIORITY DO YOU PLACE ON SEARCH?
What search tactics would you use?
What type and where would you vent?
What tactics are a priority?
What are your assignments for YOUR crews?

NOTE: Source of photo unknown

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development, Uncategorized

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, classes, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, health, hose, irons, ladders, leadership, LODD, manpower, motivation, nozzle, ownership, pride, radio, rescue, RIC, row, rowhouse, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, townhouse, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

2 comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 23, 2011

2012 Class and Event Planning In Progress

Make training, professionalism and pride part of your New Year’s resolution! We’re in the process of building our 2012 calendar with intense, realistic hands-on training, interactive classroom events and good old-fashioned brotherhood. A couple of events already scheduled include:

Ventilation, Entry & Search Techniques – Southeastern Fire School @ SC Fire Academy – March 10, 11
SC State Firefighters/ Fire Chiefs Conference – Myrtle Beach, SC June 4-9

In the works we’ve got:

S.A.F.E. Firefighter- Smart, Aggressive, Fundamental, Efficient (Interactive Lecture, 2 Hour) – 2 in January – Dates in the Works
First Due Forcible Entry (Hands-On, 8 Hour) – Early February – Dates in the Works
Ventilation, Entry & Search Techniques (Hands-On, 16 Hour) – Mid February – Dates in the Works
First Due Forcible Entry (Hands-On, 8 Hour) – March- Dates TBD
Fireground Rescue (Advanced RIC) (Hands-On, 16 Hour) – April – Date TBD

This is just the beginning. We still have numerous other ENGINE & TRUCK classes available for to match to YOUR NEEDS!

Let us know if you want to SIGN UP for any of these classes OR SCHEDULE YOUR OWN CUSTOM CLASS!

For more information, call (843) 247-6044 or email info@safefirefighter.com.

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, News, Rescues, Special Operations, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, classes, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, health, hose, irons, ladders, leadership, LODD, manpower, motivation, nozzle, ownership, pride, radio, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 19, 2011

First Due Friday; Truck Arrives First at a House Fire

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: You are the Officer on the 4 person TRUCK company who ARRIVES FIRST at this single-family house fire. Due to other call volume, the FIRST DUE ENGINE is 5 minutes away.

Where is the fire?
Where is it going?
As a TRUCK, what tactics can you perform ahead of, without, an Engine for 5 minutes?
What tactics are a priority?
What are your assignments to YOUR crew?

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, classes, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, ladders, manpower, nozzle, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

3 comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 16, 2011

First Due Friday: “Big Box” Search

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: You are on duty with your usual crew on your usual rig. You arrive at this working fire in Lowe’s. The fire is in the rear loading dock area and spreading into the store. The manager reports at least 2 employees still inside. They were last seen in the rear (close to but not in the area of the fire). YOU CREW IS ASSIGNED PRIMARY SEARCH FOR THE VICTIMS. Smoke conditions diminish as you go deeper into the building until they are almost zero visibility w/ low to moderate heat. You encounter the typical “big box” layout (as pictured).

What are the known hazards?
What are the unknown hazards?
What resources would your FD assign to accomplish the necessary strategy or tactic?
What tactics would you use to accomplish your assignment?

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Emergency Communications, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Rescues, Special Operations, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, ladders, leadership, manpower, motivation, nozzle, ownership, pride, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

3 comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 9, 2011

I Have Always Done Victim Survivability Profiling

VSP is one of the hottest topics of conversation in the fire service today. Captain Marsar’s research has taken the fire service by storm and has created an interesting “new” flavor of the month for those who feed on “firefighter safety through spectatorship”. Maybe it was because of my animosity for the “let it burn” folks within our profession that I was initially against the concept of deciding if a building is searchable from the front yard and was unfairly biased. However, the more I read about and discuss it the more I realize that I HAVE ALWAYS PERFORMED VSP!

What conditions do I have, where are they and where are they going?
What time is it and where are the people inside?
Where and how can I get in to this building?
How do I get out of this building?
Do I have enough resources to do what I need to do now?
What can I do now?
Is this an offensive or defensive fire?

Is this a size-up or Victim Survivability Profiling (VSP)?

Our priorities of life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation (LIP) are one of the first things that you learn when you get into this job. As our training continues, we learn about phases of fire, flashover and how to “read” smoke. Then, hopefully, someone taught you about Lloyd Layman’s tactical considerations of RECEO VS (rescue, exposures, confinement, extinguishment, overhaul… vent and salvage… in that order). What is supposed to happen is, you take all this knowledge, fight a few fires, learn from them, reapply as necessary then repeat.

As this process continues over years, you hone your skills, learn from your misreads, mistakes and close calls (or better yet someone else’s) and get better and smarter. After time, you become the “senior man” or the officer in charge and get to use that knowledge and experience. YOU decide mode of operation, where and how to position the first line and where/how to start a search. NOW YOU GET TO DECIDE WHO LIVES AND WHO DIES. If a civilian dies at one of “your” fires, DID YOU AND YOUR CREW (as an extension of you) DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER TO PROTECT THEIR LIFE in the manner you were taught your first week of fire training?

TENABLE versus VIABLE, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. Tenable may depend on smoke, heat, flame and interior layout of the occupancy or any combination. Things are NOT always as they appear from the exterior. Viability MAY be related to tenability, however occupant age, health and relative location to the fire all impact how long someone may be “viable”. For that matter, our actions may directly impact tenability and how long someone may be viable.

How efficiently the first line gets stretched, advanced and water gets on the fire will have the greatest impact on tenability. The time it takes us to get the smoke out of the building will also directly and greatly drive how long someone may be viable. However, the only location on the fireground that is the most tenable AND protects viability is OUTSIDE. Getting IN, searching tenable areas and pulling people OUT of the buildings is the only true way of holding up our end of the deal.

One of my favorite quotes from Chief John Salka is “You don’t know what you don’t know.” We live and work in the unknown and OUR REALITY is making decision based on limited or unknown information. Sometimes a situation leads us into some dangerous areas based on conditions, information and YOUR gut feeling. These factors may lead you through or around “untenable” areas into those “voids” where panicked civilians seek refuge when faced with no exit and certain death. They are not condemned to death; they are just waiting for us to come in a get them. That’s where our training, experience, discipline and professionalism are put to the test. It is not our job to decide who lives and who dies. It is our job to do our job by getting water on the fire, letting the smoke and heat out and helping the helpless.

“Can They Be Saved? Utilizing Civilian Survivability Profiling to Enhance Size-Up and Reduce Firefighter Fatalities in the Fire Department, City of New York.” , Stephen Marsar
“Survivability Profiling: Applying What We’ve Learned”, Stephen Marsar, Fire Engineering July 2011
“‘Survivability Profiling’ is Key to Ending Preventable LODDs”, Stephen Marsar, FireRescue Magazine November 2011
“Muliple Rescues in Fatal Lewisdale Fire”, from www.hvfd.com
“…Report Critical of Pasadena Fire Department’s Failure to Find Woman’s Body After Fire”, from Pasadena Star News Online
“Sometimes It’s Not So Simple”, from www.backstepfirefighter.com

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Prevention & Education, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged attack, backstep firefighter, brotherhood, Command, crew, dave leblanc, efo, Engine Work, fire, fire attack, fire engineering, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, firerescue, health, hvfd, leadership, LODD, manpower, motivation, nfa, nozzle, ownership, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, SCBA, search, staffing, stephen marsar, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation, victim survivability profiling

2 comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 1, 2011

RIC Refresher Breakdown

Saws, irons, ladders and rescues were the flavor of week for our brothers in Bluffton, SC. Safe Firefighter, LLC just wrapped up a RIC Refresher for the Bluffton Township Fire District. Training included calling the Mayday, self-rescue, rapid intervention crew assignments and operations and performing proactive RIC tasks.

Luckily, each company was able to train with their own crew which made the training that much better. As a result of their hard work, the BTFD logged the following stats:

48 training hours
320 staff hours
320 Maydays called
160 “window bars” cut
160 “slide bolts” cut
80 “padlocks” and chain cut
80 hinges cut
80 doors force w/ the irons
80 windows laddered and vented by 1 firefighter
21 RIC deployments
21 downed firefighters rescued

Everyone’s great attitudes and efforts made the last two weeks a blast and an awesome training environment!

Thanks to everyone who participated, to the BTFD Training Division and Command Staff for their help and support. As always we appreciate the feedback we received from everyone and there’s no doubt that future training will be made better from your ideas and observations.

We would also like to thank our partners, Desert Diamond Industries, Leatherhead Tools and Avon Mfg. Their continued support enables to provide the most realistic training with the best equipment, all made in the USA!

If your department is looking for REALISTIC & INTENSE, HANDS-ON BASED TRAINING, check out our CLASSES PAGE or contact us at INFO@SAFEFIREFIGHTER.COM or (843) 247-6044.

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Mass Casualty Incident, News, News and New Stuff, Rescues, Special Operations, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized

Tagged Avon Mfg, brotherhood, classes, Command, crew, Desert Diamond Industries, Engine, FAST, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, health, irons, ladders, leadership, Leatherhead Tools, LODD, manpower, motivation, ownership, pride, Proactive, radio, Rapid Intervention, rescue, RIC, RIT, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, search, strategy, survival, tactics, Training, Truck Work, ventilation

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on November 16, 2011

Bread & Butter in DC (Video)

Below is a great video of bread and butter firefighting at a DC house fire. I originally caught this video on www.backstepfirefighter.com. Over there, Bill Carey pointed out how efficiently the engine crews got the lines to the Charlie side.

Typically, the Charlie side of a structure is an after thought (or an uh-oh thought) until something back their grabs our attention. Always remember there are six sides to every fire.

Speaking of which, also notice the number and placement of ground ladders (all visible sides are laddered).

Enough of the blabber, enjoy the video.

Posted in Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, Command, Engine, Engine Work, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, hose, ladders, manpower, motivation, nozzle, rescue, safe, safe firefighter, saw, staffing, strategy, streams, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on November 5, 2011

Taking Saws and Blades to the Next Level!

Safe Firefighter, LLC is proud to announce it’s newest sponsor/ partner Desert Diamond Industries. DDI began manufacturing cutting blades for the construction industry and has found a new, and growing home, in the fire service.

Their key fire/rescue products include the “Safety Blade”, the new industry standard in multipurpose diamond blades currently in use by some the largest and busiest department’s in the U.S. and endorsed by Brotherhood Instructors. Some of their other FD products include the 12 and 24 tooth carbide tip blades, the ideal option for vertical ventilation operations, the multipurpose “Chunk” blade and countless other tools for rescue/ US&R applications.

Backed by a “Lifetime Operator Error Warranty”… “When lives are on the line, the last thing you need to worry about is your blade!”

To see their full line of products click here: Desert Diamond Industries

You can see these products in action during any of our Truck Company and/or Forcible Entry Classes!

Contact Safe Firefighter, LLC @ info@safefirefighter.com for more information

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Rescues, Special Operations, Technology & Communications, technology-communications-ems-topics, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Truck Work, Uncategorized, Videos

Tagged classes, entry, fire, firefighter, firefighting, forcible entry, rescue, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, strategy, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation, vertical ventilation

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on October 3, 2011

Video- Detroit’s 9th Fire in One Hour!

Found this 2-part video of a serious fire in Detroit. This fire originated in the obvious dwelling, then spread to the neighboring duplex.

Some background of this incident and some of the things people will notice:

According to the description, this was the 9th arson fire in THIS NEIGHBORHOOD in ONE HOUR.
The minimal use of SCBA. According to the comments, these crews had run FOUR fires continuously and their was no more air available when this fire was dispatched.
The Officer at the exposure performing “Das Boot” forcible entry. Remember, bringing a tool (especially a Halligan or set of irons) can accomplish in one try what his boot took four. This will hold true in MOST residential setting barring any security “surprises”.

Some of the interesting points about this operation:

The initial rig placement w/ the truck front and center
The flawless layout of the notorious “Detroit Bundle” AND an exposure line from the first Engine, putting two lines in service simultaneously
The immediate attention given to the exposure (both residences) despite heavy fire from the main dwelling. No one had “moth to the flame”. Granted in Detroit, I’m sure they’re pretty much past that stage.
As a result of the above, very quick knockdown of both the exposures and the main dwelling fire
An overall very professional operation by some of the hardest working fireman in the country. Great job.

Enjoy the videos and be SAFE!

Posted in Command & Leadership, fire, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, Major Incidents, News, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Truck Work, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighting, forcible entry, irons, manpower, safe, safe firefighter, safety, SCBA, staffing, strategy, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work

2 comments Posted by safefirefighter on October 2, 2011

Change the Way You Train

Are you looking for quality, cost-effective Fire Service training options?

I’m excited to be a part of a new training event series that will bring first-rate education and hands-on training to affordable, regional locations. There are two events this fall from Go>Forward Training:

Gateway Midwest in St. Charles, MO, Oct. 21-23

Liberty Regional in King of Prussia, PA, Nov. 4-6

Over the weekend, more than 18 educators will teach 30+ sessions for firefighters, company officers & chiefs. The instructor lineup features a combination of speakers – both big names you’ll recognize and some new faces with fresh perspectives. Pre-conference seminars will start two days before with big fire service names such as Tim Sendelbach, Alan Brunacini, Dennis Rubin and Rich Gasaway.

These unique and fully interactive events will feature hands-on training, conferences and social opportunities all geared towards making you a better firefighter, officer and leader!

The hands-on training includes classes like RIT, Forcible Entry, Man-in-Machine, Engine Co. Officer Development and more – and you can choose two-day progressive classes or combine hands-on and conference sessions. And there’s time for social sessions and 1:1 interaction with peers and instructors, so you can really build your network.

I’m excited to be teaching “S.A.F.E. Firefighter: Smart, Aggressive, Fundamental, Efficient” in both locations, and also “Get Your Head In The Game: Size Up for Every Seat” in Pennsylvania.

“S.A.F.E. Firefighter…Your” This class will compare what we learn in the classroom to working on the street. We will talk about that dirty little word; “aggressive”, how it is perceived and how aggressive mentalities should be applied in the fire service. We will also talk about firehouse and fire ground fundamentals. Finally, we will discuss how to bring all of these concepts together, apply them to your daily life as a firefighter and the impact that it will have on your crew and department.

“Get Your Head in the Game…” This “kitchen table” style training will introduce new ideas for performing en route size ups, initial on scene reports and traditional on-going assessments. Participants will be able to interact during open-forum conservations and tabletop scenarios comparing “old school” and “new school” fire conditions, strategies and tactics. Regardless of experience level, everyone will get great feedback, ideas and drills to take home and share.

To check out these events and register, go to www.goforwardtraining.com.

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Technology & Communications, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized

Tagged brotherhood, classes, Command, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, firefighter, firefighting, forcible entry, GoForwardMedia, GoForwardTraining, health, irons, leadership, LODD, matt mcdowell, motivation, ownership, pride, safe, safe firefighter, safety, strategy, survival, tactics, tradition, Training

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on September 18, 2011

Through-the-Lock: A NEED to Know Skill

I recently updated the through-the-lock setup that I carry in my gear (see pics below). For years I had used a modified set of locking pliers (ViseGrip style) with separate key tools and shove knife. This setup has proven extremely effective at both alarm runs and working fires.

I’ve decided to change my setup to a modified “Channelok” setup. It’s going to allow me merge 2 tools into 1 and I’ll be able to store it in a smaller pocket. I am actually using an Irwin/ Vise Grip brand plier that slide-locks into place (no more finding the right notch) that is modified to match the Kerry Key from Fire Hooks Unlimited (see pic).

Though I was taught early in my career the importance of door and lock knowledge and “alternate” means of gaining access, it is apparent that this is a lost art in the fire service.

Below are some links to great articles, videos and pics.

Happy training and Be SAFE.

Photo by author

ARTICLES:

“History of Lock Pulling Tools”, www.midwesternfirefighter.com

“Through the Lock Forcible Entry: Key in the Knob Locks”, www.blog.brotherhoodinstructors.com

Video of Brotherhood Instructors, LLC via YouTube

Video from Wichita FD via www.VentEnterSearch.com

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, Videos

Tagged classes, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, firefighting, forcible entry, irons, manpower, safe, safe firefighter, strategy, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on September 15, 2011

Preplanning During EMS Runs

Snapped this picture during an EMS run. Invaluable lessons can be learned by paying attention during non-fire runs.

Some of the things we noted:
1. The additional slide bolt lock on the front door
2. No door knob on the bedroom door
3. Open light fixtures
4. Only one smoke detector (in the kitchen, not pictured) but it was 3 feet down the wall.

What hazards and/or fire behavior can we expect from these pictures?

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged behavior, ems, Engine, fire, fire attack, firefighting, forcible entry, irons, medical, Preplan, safe, safety, strategy, tactics, truck

3 comments Posted by safefirefighter on August 8, 2011

Great Video: Understaffed Truck Work

Here is a terrific and detailed video of ways to accomplish fundamental, yet critical, truck tactics with one firefighter.

I took some classes with Trey (and some other huge, knuckle-dragging guy from 3 Truck) roughly 10 years ago in Indy. He’s a firemen’s fireman and loves to share ideas (obviously).

Enjoy and Be SAFE!

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Truck Work, Videos

Tagged 3 truck, firefigher, firefighting, hook, ladders, nashville, nashville fire department, roof, safe, safe firefighter, saw, truck, truck 3, ventilation, vertical ventilation, video, videos

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on July 9, 2011

The Next 100 Feet of the Attack Line

When discussing attack line tactics, one of the most important points to remember is for the Nozzle Firefighter to always show up at the door with, at least, 1 section of hose often referred to as the “working length”. This working length is intended to ensure that the Nozzle Firefighter has sufficient line to advance into the fire area and accomplish extinguishment. What about the 100 feet or so behind the working length? Who manages that hose and how?

Regardless of staffing, there are certain objectives, or good practices, that all engine companies should try to accomplish that will aid in advancing the attack line into the structure.

Load the line properly and neatly in the first place. A line loaded nicely will deploy nicely.
When stretching the line, the second firefighter on the line needs to either have the next 2 sections (100 ft.) on their shoulder or grab the next coupling behind the working length. By grabbing the coupling you eliminate the possibility of it becoming snagged during the advance as well as move 2 sections of line
Spread out on the line. The fire building should be crowded enough. Implement a Control Firefighter position whose job it is move line from outside to inside the building and, once the line is in, chase kinks and snags to ensure the line keeps moving.
Train on ways to effectively move line with limited manpower and physical exertion. The pictures above demonstrate the “loop” method for moving extra hose into a building. This method requires very little physical effort to move and you can “roll” the loops in the hallway instead of having to find somewhere to flake out line.

Often times, we focus on the end and forget about the means, getting water on the fire but not considering how to get water to fire. This often results in either a scramble by the attack crew to find out why the line will not move or assigning additional resources to help get the line moving again. In both cases time and/or resources are wasted and risk to operating crews and possible victims is increased.

There should be little debate that the most important tactic on the fireground is getting the first attack line in service and on the fire. Keeping the line moving is the most important factor in making that happen. We have to train to be coordinated and proficient at every fire. Use the smells-and-bells and the “bread and better fires” to hone skills like these so that the next challenging fire you run turns out the way we all want it to.

Practicing these concepts will get the next 100 feet of line through the door and give the Nozzle Firefighter the best chance to use his working length effectively.

Thanks and Be SAFE

Posted in Engine Work, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized

Tagged 100 feet, attack, attack line, control, crew, Engine, fire, fire attack, firefighting, hose, nozzle, officer, safe, safe firefighter, tactics, wagon

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on June 8, 2011

Equations or Effectiveness? Have We Become So Smart We’re Stupid?

The following article is a great “peek” into the state of the modern fire service and shares a very honest and accurate observation as to our possible direction and future as the American fire service. It is being shared with permission from Joe Brown, www.justlookingbusy.wordpress.com. Enjoy!

How did it come to be this way? Is this truly the future of the fire service, to not fight fires at all? It’s hard to be called out for being wrong when you stand on the side of over-cautiousness with a second helping of safety. And alas that is where the nation’s authors have gone to avoid confrontation, a catch phrase contest on who can be the safest.

I have a new catch phrase for you, “Return to Effectiveness”. Effective actions combined with appropriate timing to achieve a positive outcome. Effectiveness = fires go out, people get rescued, the fire department does it’s job.

Don’t sell yourself short… read the rest of this great post at www.justlookingbusy.wordpress.com

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Lessons Learned, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics

Tagged brown, DCFD, fire, firefighting, joe, kentland, mentoring, safe firefighter, safefirefighter, safety, strategy, tactics, Training

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on May 18, 2011

Bread and Butter Vertical Ventilation Video! (Helmet Cam)

This video from FirefighterNation comes from a 1-story duplex fire in Durhan (NC) Fire Deparment. This great helmet cam video shows many good strategies and tactics being executed. You may also see some “tricks” for tool placement/mounting that may expedite your roof/OV operations. Some of the key points include:

Overall, a very fluid operation. Not much wasted time and/or movement. These are both signs of a well trained and experienced crew.
The hole placement was great, which resulted in rapid improvement of conditions at the eaves.
They made sure they opened up the hole adequately as well as made sure they “punched through” to the ceiling
Though first hole was good size, they extended it again very quickly.
Once their roof operation was completed, they quickly exited and continue to open the eaves at the soffits. Remember… there is always something else that needs to be done, so finish your assignment and get another one.

They’re called WORKING fires for a reason. This crew was very professional and was nice enough to give us a great tool to learn from (the music’s pretty cool too.)

Be SAFE

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Lessons Learned, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged fire, firefighting, roof, saw, truck, ventilation, vertical, working fire

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on March 11, 2011

Charlotte FD Video & Modern Residential Construction

I was recently emailed a link to this YouTube video from the Charlotte Fire Department from a large fire in a model home. This is a great video to learn from. They’ve included great video, radio traffic and a very informative news interview from BC Mike Wilson.

After you see the video, let us know how your FD operates at house fires of lightweight construction:

Do your strategies and/or tactics change?
Do your time benchmarks change?
Does your alarm assignment change?

Let us know how YOU run. Enjoy the video and be SAFE.

Charlotte Fire Dept 2-Story Model Home

Posted in Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged Command, fire, firefighting, lightweight, radio traffic, strategy, tactics, truss, video

2 comments Posted by safefirefighter on February 7, 2011

Tricks vs. The Trade

“What you showed me isn’t in the book. What are the Chiefs gonna say if I do this? Are you gonna have my back if I do this and someone says something?”

This is a real quote from a firefighter at a recent training. As an instructor and a fire officer, one of the “hurdles” I have encountered is that people have FF1, FF2, a cape and a “S” on their chest. However, when they pull up with fire blowing, they don’t know whether to stretch a line or go fetal.

We seem to always worry about what “the book”, the Chief or a lawyer will say. Also, we are so worried about book knowledge and pieces of paper that we fail to learn the real life application of our job.

A buddy of mine took a class from Mike Ciampo at FDIC. In that class, Ciampo told them that he didn’t agree with the term “tricks of the trade” because the “the tricks ARE the trade”. We are losing, or have lost, mentorship and skill sharing in the fire service. If we don’t learn it in “the Essentials” or take an online class about it, it doesn’t exist. Then we wonder why firefighters die.

I’ve gotten deer in the headlight looks when asking firefighters what they would do if their preconnect didn’t reach, how to size up a handline and what “shocking the door” was. Guys have told me that we offensively attack fire with a wide fog and didn’t know what “the irons” were. And we wonder why firefighters die.

Safety is more than just a buzz word, a sticker on a helmet or a program. True safety is grassroots, its hands-on and its continuous. It’s being proactive instead of reactive. A couple of nuggets that I remember from Tom Brennan are his desire to perform “seven tasks all at once” and to “make the building behave the way WE want it to”. If our training and operations more closely mirrored this approach, we may see the LODD numbers continue to drop.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS!

Thanks and be SAFE

Posted in Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Line of Duty, Training & Development, Uncategorized

Tagged firefighting, LODD, safety, trade, tricks

3 comments Posted by safefirefighter on January 5, 2011

The What, Where & Why of the First Line

Nothing does more to improve safety on the fireground than correctly stretching, positioning and using the first attack line (sorry Truckies). The question is, do we take our most effective life and property saving skill for granted? Do you know the WHAT, WHERE & WHY before and/or during the initial attack line stretch? This post asks these questions and offers some discussion to the most fundamental fireground tactic.

1. Does the first line always have to go through the front door? Why or why not?

Always, no… preferably, yes! The most basic reason to (almost) always take the first line through the front door is our number one priority, life safety. We are taught in rookie school to “think like a civilian” when searching and that civilians will try to exit through primary means of entry. If that’s true, and we truly are there to protect lives, then the first line should be positioned through the front door by default; if not to search for victims than to protect their means of egress.

2. Does the first line always have to go to the fire? Why or why not?

Often times we, especially new firefighters, forget that there is more to fighting a fire than putting out the flames. There are considerations for ventilation (hopefully coordinated), victim search and additional lines. Sometimes the first line may better serve as a protection line for a search crew, they may have to hold the stairs in a basement fire (or protect the interior of a home for an attached garage fire) or may need to allow some of the conditions to be controlled prior to making an advance (i.e. flashover or backdraft conditions or unique hazards).

3. What information is needed when sizing up the stretch for the initial attack line?

Since preconnected attack lines are the norm these days, sometimes the mentality (truthfully) is “IN CASE OF FIRE, PULL HERE” with little or no thought to the adequacy of the size, length and/or nozzle of the preconnect. We risk becoming desensitized to adequately sizing up not only the first line but all attack lines.

Poorly sizing up the first line could result in not enough line to reach and/or extinguish the fire, too much line that is cumbersome to move and constantly kinks or maybe stretching the wrong size line. All of these scenarios will require the second engine, usually assigned to the second/backup line, to assist the first engine with making their line effective. All three scenarios expose all crews involved to unnecessary risk.

Let us know what your thoughts and experiences are. Thanks and be SAFE!

Posted in Engine Work, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Strategy and Tactics, Training & Development

Tagged attack line, Engine, firefighting, strategy, tactics

3 comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 6, 2010

How Do You Carry the Irons?

I was always taught that the irons (aka married set) were supposed to be carried by one person and that everyone else still needed to carry their own tool.

This is also my belief, and common practice. However, I see (a lot of) people splitting up the set, carrying the set between two people OR only carrying one or the other. My questions are these:

1) Does your FD have a standard for carrying the irons?
2) If carried together, what are the PROS and CONS?
3) If carried apart, what are the PROS and CONS?
4) Does your FD have a different “standard” forcible entry tool setup instead of the irons?

To answer my own questions… my FD has riding assignments that specify who carries the irons.

For a 4-firefighter Engine Company, the Backup Firefighter carries the irons, the Officer brings a hook and the Nozzle FF brings the line.

For a 3-firefighter Engine Company where NO line is stretched, the Nozzle Firefighter carries the irons and a can and the Officer carries a hook. If a line is stretched, the Nozzle FF brings the line and the Officer has the option of carrying the irons, carrying the hook irons (6′ hook and Halligan) or any one part of those sets depending on occupancy type and construction.

Our Truck is always staffed with four firefighters and the Irons Firefighter (w/ a can) sits behind the Officer. Our other standard positions are the Officer with a Hook, Outside Vent FF with the hook irons (and a ladder) and the Driver equips as needed.

We train on carrying the irons together because of limited manpower and to maintain a universal compliment of tools on the interior. We have a lot of subleased housing with “rooms ” for rent inside existing apartments and houses. These doors, though inside of house/apt are fortified as well, if not more so, than the front door. We also train on using the irons with one firefighter. Carrying a tool in each hand also gives the Irons FF more reach during searches (see picture).

That’s my two cents… I’d love to hear yours, please feel free to share.

Thanks and Be SAFE!

Posted in Engine Work, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development, Truck Work

Tagged entry, firefighting, forcible, irons

1 comment Posted by safefirefighter on October 6, 2010

Tips for Advancing the Attack Line

Nothing is more fundamental, or important, when extinguishing a fire than stretching an attack line and putting water on the fire. Yet, as fundamental as it is, there are some things to keep in mind that will help keep your attack line moving through a structure and keep you and your crew from having a really bad day.

Know your equipment: your hoseloads, nozzles, etc.
Know the strengths and weaknesses of your hoseloads (i.e. triple stacks are not great for stairs)
Make sure everyone knows their role within the crew
Spread out on the line. Assign Backup FF and Control FF positions w/ additional manpower. The Backup FF helps the Nozzle FF advance during fire attack. The Control FF stays at (or near) the point of entry, feeds hose from the exterior and chases kinks.
During the attack and advance on the fire, or whenever necessary, spray the floor ahead of the line to move debris, cool the floor and/or embers and check for “surprises”

These are just a few tips to help keep the line moving and make your attack on the fire a little easier, quicker and safer. If you have any other ideas or suggestions, please feel free to leave your comments.