- Had a great ODS in Quakertown, PA this weekend. Here's 6 questions an
IC needs to be able answer at any time… http://fb.me/DUEaGg5r # - Keeping the loops of your shoulder load OPEN rather than pressed tightly closed will let you quickly and easily… http://fb.me/xTjDtrO7 #
- Wheres the basement? Check out this new post! http://fb.me/FWZs6wdF #
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Be sure to checkout this months edition of Fire Engineering magazine for an awesome article on Primary Roof Ventilation Operations at Flat Roof Structures.
One of TT’s instructors, Dan is a 34 year veteran and presently the Captain of DCFD Truck 6. He brings some great tips on size up, ventilation, and more.
Click the image below to view the article, and be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
- Skylight assemblies can often be pried off as a whole unit, providing
greater ventilation and avoiding raining glass down on inside crews. # - Existing openings such as hatches, skylights, and bulkheads should be
our immediate choice for initial vertical… http://fb.me/Gxnf4B5n # - New training video & tips from TT's Joe Brown of a house fire with civilian rescue. Pay attention to the… http://fb.me/xm0gLFGS #
- Saturday morning at Officer Development School in Quakertown, PA.
Chief Ricky Riley speaking about the "combat… http://fb.me/vuh9lN1O # - Day 2 of Officer Development School, running communication exercises. http://fb.me/udSrjIlK #
TT Instructor Joe Brown created this video of operations at a first floor fire last tour with a civilian rescued from the second floor. While some of the video is dark, what should be emphasized in this situation is the communication between crews.
The rescue of a civilian is an exciting event. Our primary mission is to save lives and when a victim is located it can tend to draw others away from their tasks. You will notice in this video that when the victim is located, assistacne is given to the victim removal where needed but the other tasks continue, and when the victim is removed everyone get’s back to work. We must remember that a successful fireground results from a coordinated series of events -- everyone has a job to do and must do it. If someone drops their task, the entire fireground falls apart.
At present, all accounts are that the victim is hospitalized and will make a full recovery. Job well done to the members of DCFD Engine 30 / Truck 17, Platoon #1!
- Have one last minute spot open for the Office Development School in Quakertown, PA on August 14 & 15… First to… http://fb.me/wBuzLpaz #
- Proud to have inspired this great motivational reminder at the Lititz Fire Company in PA… http://fb.me/DZTMmsj5 #
- Another 100 degree plus day in the Northeast. Remember asphalt can
soften in extreme temps. Be sure to put your… http://fb.me/wQTbnJ5N # - Hydra-ram failures & testing your ram… Check your tools daily! Share your past problems and experiences with us… http://fb.me/FwEng6IU #
As many of you know, the hydra-ram is often not my first choice for forcible entry, but it’s definitely a frontline tool with purpose. And like any mechanical tool, it’s prone to failure… Last week at while teaching forcible entry at the training academy we had three separate failures of hydra-rams:
- One was a rupture of the body resulting in complete loss of hydraulic fluid.
- Another locked in the completely extended position
- And another would not stay open when pumped because the valve was broken.
The take home point is: WE HAVE TO TEST OUR TOOLS BEFORE WE GET TO THE FIRE DOOR. The hydra-ram is one of the tools that needs to be checked daily on the rig, but many problems with hydra-rams are not discovered until the tool is placed under load. A simple way to test the tool is to find something heavy around the firehouse and put the ram to the test! In this example, I simply used our dumpster out back. The tool is pumped to full extension, lifting the load, and left to sit for a minute to insure all’s well – then released. Should any problems arise, we can get a replacement or fix the tool before it’s needed on a job.
These failures should also further remind us of the importance of maintaining your forcible entry skills with the irons – both 1 and 2 firefighter techniques. Remember – when the door is locked, no interior operations can begin till it’s opened… Everyone’s counting on you, be prepared.
- Checkout this video-tip showing the use of a pair of modified channel-locks for removing and opening a Adams-Rite… http://fb.me/CqMevb91 #
We’ve talked a few times on here about going thru-the-lock on Adams-Rite style locks. I think this is an important skill as this style of lock is found on almost every glass commercial storefront in the nation, so it’s something found in almost everyone’s first due. Further, due to various associated challenges we’ve discussed in past posts, I think that going thru-the-lock in this scenario is likely our fastest option and will ultimately provide us with the most egress. You can see some of the reasons I make this statement in this previous post.
Adams-Rite locks are found on almost any storefront. Remember additional security may also be present.
This video demonstrates using a pair of modified channel locks to remove the lock cylinder and open the lock (click the link to learn how to make your own). Of course a K-tool, A-tool, or other lock puller could be used to remove the cylinder more quickly as well.
For a picture step-by-step on unlocking these with your key tool or channel locks, check out our previous post here. And let us know -- what are your experiences and thoughts with this scenario?
- Just had a great weekend of Engine Ops in West Chester, PA. Checkout this post with some thoughts on engine… http://fb.me/vLiIiFQO #
- Announcing that registration is open for our popular Officer Development School, to be held September 18 & 19 in… http://fb.me/FqSxMSXv #
- The box alarm for this building last tour turned out to be a water
leak, today it was a working fire on the top… http://fb.me/DC2R8Fgm #
Traditions Training is excited to announce that registration is now open for our “Officer Development School”, to be held September 18 & 19 at the Barren Hill Fire Company in Lafayette Hill, PA. Learn real-world leadership and street-smart tactics featuring experienced officers from the Kentland VFD, FDNY, and Fairfax County Fire Department.
Click here to download a flyer!
Featuring hands-on participation with various leadership challenges and tactical scenarios, this program will have you interacting with leaders of other departments and challenging your decision-making as you examine and improve your personal leadership style.
To insure indvidivdual attention and participation, enrollment is limited. Register today! To register, please e-mail info@traidtionstraining.com with the following information:
- Attendee’s Name.
- Attendee’s E-mail.
- Attendee’s Department Affiliation & Rank.
- Whether paying individually or through department purchase order.
**Please note that due to fixed costs, registration is non-refundable after 8/18/10.
That famous quote nicely sums up the running theme of a 16-hour engine company operations class this weekend hosted by the Goodwill Fire Company of West Chester, PA. The program focused on the primary goal of the engine company: getting water on the fire. Over the weekend we discussed a variety of essential issues along those lines.
Chief Kelleher (DCFD / Kentland 33) discusses setup of the rig and a 400' line.
First was the need for versatility on the engine company. We discussed the importance of setting up the rig with various options in hoseline length, diameter, nozzle selection, etc. Further, since it’s impossible to have a dedicated hoseline for every scenario, we must learn to use what we do have in multiple ways for different situations. These variations have to be planned, communicated, and understood by all members BEFORE the fire, much in the same way as a football play.
We also discussed the need to establish a water supply early, and various options to accomplish this. Of course another running theme was our company motto, “COMBAT READY”. Students learned to mask-up quickly, with firefighting gloves already on, at the fire door with a goal of less than 15 seconds (many of the students quickly reached this goal!). Students “ran lines” all weekend, honing their skills through repetition in getting the line off the rig and to the fire quickly and SMOOTHLY.
The obtacles that instructors setup throughout the weekend (stairs, picnic-tables, corners, debris, etc) were enough to prove what we first said in the classroom on Saturday morning: THE SUCCESS OF THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPANY HINGES ON THE BACKUP FIREFIGHTER’S COMMITMENT TO THEIR JOB. Though it’s not the “glory spot”, when the back-up firefighter does their job, the line is able to get into place quickly and advance smoothly. Various techniques for handling obstacles and keeping the line moving were shown and practiced throughout the weekend.
Students stretching the 400' line
We covered various stretches: preconnects, reverse lay, window stretch, standpipes, extending lines and long length hoselines. Students learned to stretch an 1.75″ line 600′ with only 4 firefighters in under 90 seconds. To illustrate the effectiveness, the line was even flow tested and measured with a Pitot gauge while flowing.
The engine company ultimately has a pretty simple mission at a fire: put the fire out. However the steps that must be taken to do this can be quite complicated and require skill, practice, and communication. Over the weekend we stressed the importance of having multiple plans and options, and that everyone makes errors -- it’s not about how you screw up, it’s about how you RECOVER. The students put 110% into the weekend and their perofrmance during Sunday’s box alarm drills made us proud.
Thanks to the officers and members of the Goodwill, Fame, and First West Chester fire companies of the West Chester Fire Department! We appreciate your hospitality and look forward to seeing you soon!
- A little piece about radio communication on the radio featuring audio from a DC fire this weekend involving TT… http://fb.me/xJUohqEr #
- Some quick thought on fireground radio communication featuring audio from a fire this weekend involving TT… http://fb.me/BqRHFr9h #
- What do you know about what's coming to your fires? http://fb.me/CrhOmsWV #
- Put a great blog post up this AM from Lt. Ron Kemp, DCFD Rescue 1, with some thought provoking ideas on "Vacant"… http://fb.me/DQqT87IG #
The view from the front of this apartment house (photo #1) would lead you to believe that no one is home. Most members of the fire service would call it a vacant building. I prefer to call it an abandoned building. I know it’s a play on words, but let me explain.
The meaning of the word “abandoned” in the dictionary is listed as “forsaken by owner or inhabitants”. You can tell from the exterior that the building has been forsaken. But, don’t let the fact that the building has been abandoned fool you into believing that it’s a vacant building.
The meaning of the word “vacant” in the dictionary is listed as “having no occupant; unoccupied”. The building in Photo #1 does have occupants. They may not be legal, rent paying tenants, but they are occupants none the less.
Photo 1
The photo of the rear of the building (photo#2) shows the hole made by the occupants to make entry into the building. The hole was covered with a loose piece of OSB (Oriented Strand Board) that could easily be propped into place, thus hiding the makeshift entrance.
Photo #3 shows the sleeping quarters of the occupants. You can see through the rear porch windows that the occupants have accumulated “debris” or “the find of the day”. In the event of a fire in this abandoned building, the hoarding of debris and junk will most likely contribute to fire spread and cut off the occupants from their rear porch (port-hole) exit. They will probably become trapped and they will be in need of rescue because the openings on the front of the building have a combination of interior or exterior coverings.
Photo #4 shows an interesting piece of furniture acquired by the occupants. Does one of the illegal occupants have a handicap? Maybe his roommates helped him in through the port-hole. Maybe the wheelchair was just a good find that day, who knows. But it’s enough to make you think.
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- Photo 1
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- Photo 2
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- Photo 3
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- Photo 4
Just because a building has been abandoned doesn’t mean it’s a vacant building! The building in these photos is structurally sound. Given a proper size-up, this building and the occupants are worth an interior fire-fight and rescue attempt.
Get out, inspect, and walk-through your next battlefield. Take the time to size-up the buildings in your response area (abandoned or not). Learn the lay-out and hazards of the battlefield before the battle. Determine if the building is structurally sound and worthy of an interior fire-fight. You may be surprised what you find!
Tower Ladder Class in Johnston, IA Reinforces Key Point on Knowing Your (and their) Aerial Apparatus!
View CommentsLast weekend TT instructors Scott Kraut, Mike Stothers, Joe Brown, and Nick Martin headed west to the metro Des Moines area for a Tower Ladder Operations course with the Johnston Fire Department. The two-day program brought attendees from all over Polk County to talk about truck work and the capabilities of various apparatus. All kinds of topics were covered, from forcible entry to ventilation to designing riding assignments. Sunday brought 40 students and 4 different styles of aerial apparatus for an awesome day of hands-on training at a great acquired building.
One of the goals for the weekend was to allow attendees to work with and understand the various capabilities of different aerial apparatus. While many departments only own one style of truck, it’s imperative that departments understand the capabilities and limitations of any style of aerial apparatus that might respond into their town. Rear-mount, mid-mount, tiller, tower, aerial – they all have specifics as to their positioning needs and use in various scenarios. The time to find those things out is NOT the fireground – if you don’t know these things in advance, you can’t POSSIBLY put the rig to the best use when it gets to your fire! It was great to work with a forward-thinking, pro-active group of enthusiastic firefighters. Thanks to the firefighters of Polk County for your hospitality and we’ll look forward to seeing you again!
- Registration is now open for our Officer Development School, to be held August 14 & 15 in Quakertown, PA.
Only 13… http://fb.me/CePCIvVU #
- I posted 37 photos on Facebook in the album "Tower Company Operations" http://fb.me/Bbtj8jhz #
- At the beach this AM I just watched the lifeguard take 30 minutes to
set up his gear just right for rapid,… http://fb.me/CpBtUyz0 #
Traditions Training is excited to announce that registration is now open for our “Officer Development School”, to be held August 14 & 15 at the West End Fire Company in Quakertown, PA. Learn real-world leadership and street-smart tactics featuring experienced officers from the Kentland VFD, FDNY, and Fairfax County Fire Department.
Featuring hands-on participation with various leadership challenges and tactical scenarios, this program will have you interacting with leaders of other departments and challenging your decision-making as you examine and improve your personal leadership style.
Click here to download a course flyer!
To insure indvidivdual attention and participation, enrollment is limited. There are presently only 13 spots remaining! Register today! To register, please e-mail info@traidtionstraining.com with the following information:
- Attendee’s Name.
- Attendee’s E-mail.
- Attendee’s Department Affiliation & Rank.
- Whether paying individually or through department purchase order.
**Please note that due to fixed costs, registration is non-refundable after 7/5/10.
- Check out a new post from DCFD Capt. Dan Troxell on a problem encountered while forcing recessed outward opening… http://fb.me/AB7FI6jm #
- Working on some final changes for this weekend's Tower Ladder Operations class in Johnston, Iowa…
What are the… http://fb.me/CZfu6Hv4 #
- http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=13225752&l=f8b202f20b&id=114240140570 #
- http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=13229036&l=86572732c0&id=114240140570 #
- This apartment door was originally steel door with steel frame, but a little homemade maintenance has changed… http://fb.me/t1ZuO93Z #
- Putting frequently used, paired tools together avoids compartment hunting at incidents. It increases speed and… http://fb.me/x2YTO370 #
- More on extending lines… Check out some great thoughts from Captain Dan Shaw, and let us know in the comments -… http://bit.ly/dp5tM7 #
- Glad to see the guys at Green Ridge Fire inspired by our Forcible Entry Academy last weekend doing some "homemade"… http://bit.ly/cZpjVb #
- A lightweight saw with a smaller motor is great for your metal cutting setup, making it easy to hold high and and… http://bit.ly/clPB3U #
- I posted 20 photos on Facebook in the album "Lt. Lund" http://bit.ly/bKIL1R #
- Just picked up a truck-full of supplies for this weekend's Forcible Entry Academy in Claymont, DE. Looking forward… http://bit.ly/dCmjK5 #
- In preparation for this weekend's Forcible Entry Acadamy, here is a fresh blog post from Traditions Instructor Mike… http://bit.ly/b9ncXa #
- Part 1 of 2: Just another example of "looks pretty, pulls pretty". Which line would you prefer to pull… This one? http://bit.ly/dtTywe #
- Part 2 of 2: Or one of THESE? Remember – take care of your lines and they'll take care of YOU. Thanks to the East… http://bit.ly/aHYAWS #
- Wrapping up some last minute prop modifications for this weekend's
Forcible Entry Academy. See you in Claymont, DE! http://bit.ly/92f6c8 # - Here is a little bump in the forcible entry process as seen this morning on an apartment fire in Bladensburg, MD…. http://bit.ly/d1ov7V #
- There's nothing better than working with motivated firefighters!
Thanks to all who attended yesterdays forcible… http://bit.ly/8YEEJK #
- A quick write-up about last weekend's trip to Maine. Stay tuned this week & next for some combat ready tips on… http://bit.ly/c5Fvxt #
- I posted 14 photos on Facebook in the album "Farmington Fire 2010" http://bit.ly/cBDHFv #
- How combat ready is your engine company's bumper? This setup allows
for (2) 150' lines which can also be used to… http://bit.ly/ccZwvt # - Here is another entry into the "Our First Due to Yours" album that reminds us to use every run as preparation for… http://bit.ly/cljAra #
Nick reviews putting a facemask on a downed FF...
For the 3rd year in a row, TT instructors Nick Martin, Doug Mitchell, Danny Doyle, and Mike Stothers headed flew into Portland and made the drive northwest to Farmington. Our previous classes included “Firefighter Survival” and “First-In Engine/Truck Operations”. On the calendar for this year’s program was a mixed bag…
On Friday evening we held a 3 hour course on company-officer essentials including “command presence”, size-up, on-scene / situation reports, and tactical decision-making. Saturday was all about Rapid Intervention; we focused on techniques to locate the downed firefighter, manage SCBA emergencies with various RIT-Pak assemblies, and removal techniques.
Sunday brought Traditions Training’s trademark “Box Alarm Drills”… Scenarios were setup at an acquired building simulating various structural fires and students had to respond with skills gathered over the past 3 years, from engine/truck company work to rapid intervention to incident management. Scenarios were conducted at full speed with the most realistic conditions. Not only did this allow firefighters to practice their skills but it also helped identify challenges that could occur on a real fireground, so that they could be prepared for or addressed in advance.
On Saturday night, the fellas held a cookout for the instructors and class, featuring a cooler full of lobsters (of course), steaks, and more. Thanks again to Chief Bell and Lt. Hardy for inviting us back and for the excellent hospitatlity! We look forward to seeing everyone again.
To learn more about hosting this or similar programs at your department, please contact us…
- Standpipes or not, YOUR engine company needs a "rack"! Check out our thoughts and let us know, what does your… http://bit.ly/bs5vXF #
- Saturday in Farmington, going over various methods for putting a SCBA mask on a downed FF. When did you last… http://bit.ly/bprZ25 #
“I Never Heard a Trash Man Scream…” – Staying Cool & Collected on the Radio
View CommentsMy trash gets picked up on Tuesdays and Fridays. Like fires, it’s a little variable – sometimes they come early, sometimes late. Sometimes I have a big load, sometimes little, occasionally I throw them off with recyclables. After a birthday get-together this past week I had a particularly large pile of trash. A big job for the fellas! I was sure they’d be excited… However I was dismayed when the trash truck rounded the corner and none of the trashmen were yelling: ”big pile! we gotta job! we’re gonna need more gloves! get the crusher ready! HE’S GOT CARDBOARD BOXES!!!!” They’re trashmen. They expect to pick up trash. We’re firefighters, we should expect to go to fires.
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