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!
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:
**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!
Last 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!
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:
**Please note that due to fixed costs, registration is non-refundable after 7/5/10.
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.
Stay tuned for a VIDEO TIP from this program on running long lines...
This past weekend, Traditions Training conducted a 16-hour Engine Company Operations class with the Darlington and Water Witch Fire Departments in Maryland. The primary focus of the program was GETTING WATER ON THE FIRE by being able to overcome various challenges such as distance, staffing, etc.
Other topics covered included:
The student’s training was put to the test less than 48 hours, as both Water Witch and Darlington FD’s responded to separate first-due fires just after we left. We were glad to hear from both departments that students were able to put their skills to good use:
“First engine was a three man crew (two of us had attended your class over the weekend), we ran the minute man off the rear into the “B” side of the house. Its erie how well the fire fit into what we went over throughtout the weekend, front storm door, steps on the side deck, a few turns to get into the living room, etc… but none of it caused any issues at all with the hoseload and the weekend still fresh in our mind. We were on scene for about 8 minutes by ourself other than the chief and had the fire knocked and were checking for extension by the time that the second engine arrived. Nothing more was burnt when we left then when we arrived…” (courtesy of Darlington VFD)
“Had a first due basement fire today at Water Witch. The bumper line was deployed flawlessly and the 2 of the guys that took the class this weekend looked like rock stars. We ran lines 20 times today with the daytime crews that couldn’t make the class – they were speechless…” (courtesy of Water Witch Fire Company)
For our friends in the Northeast, the Farmington Fire Department has a few spots available in thier upcoming class on May 21-23, 2010 in Farmington, ME. This program consists of an interactive presentation on Friday evening and then 16-hours of hands-on training in acquired builidings. Topics to be discussed include:
Essential Structural Tactics & Leadership Skills - This 3-hour interactive presentation will discuss some essential tactical issues for company officers and incident commanders at structural fires. We will discuss the offensive deployment of tactical resources as well as several general leadership concepts applicable to both current and future fire officers.
Rapid Intervention Skills - We will focus on various techniques to locate a downed firefighter, resolve SCBA related emergencies with a RIT-Pak, and perform basic packaging and removal of the downed firefighter. We will begin Saturday morning with a classroom discussion of RIT principals along with several case studies highlighting hard-learned RIT concepts. The remainder of the day will consist of rotating skill-stations where students will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills using the RIT equipment actually carried on their apparatus. Teamwork and problem-solving will be a cornerstone of these skills.
“Box Alarm!” Drills – Sunday will consist of multiple “box alarm” scenarios – simulated responses to structural fires. These will occur in
real time and operations will need to be carried out as they would be at an actual structural fire. Students may have to perform a variety of skills that we have covered in past training programs ranging from engine company and truck company operations, self-survival skills, and basic rapid intervention skills. To further challenge the students, the scenarios will be randomized – just like a real fire, students will not know what they are going to encounter until they arrive. Time will also be available to review and reinforce any skills, as necessary.
If you’re intersted in attending this weekend’s program, please contact Lt. Tim Hardy Lt. Tim Hardy, Farmington FD at (207) 491-4567 or thardy410@verizon.net. SPACE IS LIMITED!
Congratulations are in order for Traditions Training instructor Joe Brown, who was recognized last week for his role in rescuing Prince George’s County firefighter Daniel McGown. Brown (left), a Captain with the Kentland Vol. Fire Department, was the officer of Rescue Engine 33 operating at a house fire in April 2009. While performing a search, he heard an activated PASS device and quickly located FF McGown at the entrance to the fire room, who was unconscious and without a face piece. Brown quickly transmitted a MAYDAY, packaged FF McGown, and removed him to a window where other members of RE-833 assisted in utilizing a “Denver Drill” style maneuver Lito take him out the window. Last week, Capt. Brown was awarded a Gold Medal of Valor by the Prince George’s County Fire Department for his actions at this incident.
Tony Kelleher (right), also a TT instructor, is the Chief of Kentland and received a bronze medal of valor for his actions as the incident commander in managing and coordinating the rescue effort and the house fire simultaneously. Thankfully, despite life threatining injuries, FF McGown has made a full recovery and is back on the job.
This succuessful rescue is another testement to the value of a constant COMBAT READY attitude and excellent training.
If you noticed things on the site have been quiet, it’s because we spent last week in Indianpolis at Fire Engineering’s Fire Department Instructor Conference (FDIC). TT instructors Nick Martin, Dan Shaw, and Doug Mitchell were thrilled to be invited to speak at the largest fire department conference in the world. Over the week we had the oppurtunity to network with some other great figures in the fire service, attend some great training, as well as deliver FIVE of our own programs!
On Monday morning, Nick Martin presented “Single Truck Company Operations” - which focused on making maximum use of minimum manpower and equipment to accomplish essential “truck” tasks during the ATTACK PHASE of a structural fire.
A special thanks goes out to Chad Cox and the boys from Wichita Fire Department, who despite being involved in significant car accident on the way to FDIC, STILL MADE IT TO OUR CLASS ON MONDAY MORNING!!! Thankfully the boys were ok and their efforts only go to further demonstrate the deep commitment to training that they embody.
It was a great week celebrating many fire service traditions, from having a few with our brothers from around the country in the evening to sharing and learning great training tips in the morning. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at FDIC 2011!
While some members of the Traditions Training staff boarded a plane for FDIC 2010, Instructors Dan Doyle, Scott Kraut, Mike Stothers and Joe Brown were with the volunteers of Brunnerville for Truck Company Operations. Although the Brunnerville Volunteers do not have a Truck, the officers and members understood the need for traditional truck company duties on the fireground. The 2 day class covered such skills as:
Forcible Entry TechniquesFor day 2 the Truck Company from Lititz VFD was on hand to enhance their close working relationship on a first due Brunnerville fire. Students learned the importance of thinking of the fireground in terms of duties to be completed instead of the apparatus styles they arrived on. Drawing from their previous Traditions Training class on engine ops, the double engine house quickly adapted to multiple scenarios and arrival positions, including splitting their crews and completing both initial engine and truck ops effectively and without delay.
An abandoned school provided plenty of scenario options for day 2 as the Traditions staff tested the newly acquired skills of the Brunnerville Volunteers. Scenarios closely mimicked possible situations the students may find themselves in, from arriving together and finding fire and multiple people trapped to arriving alone for a fire alarm and requesting additional units for a discovered fire. Crews where faced with multiple forcible entry challenges, traveling smoke, search obstructions and multiple victims just to name a few. The Traditions Training staff had a great time and look forward to their next trip to Brunnerville.
In our first post on R.I.T, we reviewed the new “NFPA Standard for Rapid Intervention #1407 ” and its role in defining RIT training. In this is second blog post we will take a look at the rest of the NFPA 1407 document. On the fireground, No one is coming in for us, but more of us… We need to be sure that we are ready to go to work as a member of a R.I.T Company.
If you missed the show, you can tach the full recording by clicking here. The podcast is also available for download in iTunes. You can also check out some great commentary on the program from Chief Reason Art and Backstep Firefighter (Bill Carey).
We’d like to thank Rhett & John for the invitation and also for all those who participated in the discussion online and in the comments of these various blog posts. The future of realty-based firefighter training is in question and your participation in this discussion will help insure that generations of future firefighters receive the information they need to be safe and operationally efficient.
Of course we hope you’ll come see us next week at FDIC! If you’re going to be in town, be sure to stop by one of our programs and chat with us.
Searching for victims, getting a line on a fire – all require that we first get inside! Join our experienced instructors for 8-hours of essential information for getting YOU though the door. Firefighters must practice forcible entry to polish their technique. Each attendee will force doors MULTIPLE times to gain this needed experience using their existing and newly acquired skills.
This 8-hour hands-on program is highly-interactive and dynamic, focusing on giving you multiple options – using different tools, techniques, with or without a partner. Never find yourself out of ideas at the door again!
Recently, a new NFPA standard was released that impacts Rapid Intervention Team Training. Along with a few other items,”NFPA 1407: Standard for Training Fire Service Rapid Intervention Crews, 2010 Edition” has formalized the training requirements for members who participate in RIT and for those who serve as leaders of a RIT. The document provides a framework for identifying the skills that are necessary to be included in training for RIT and for training in Firefighter Safety and Survival.
The wording in the NFPA standard is clear to point out that the document does not attempt to address the operational deployment of the R.I.T. But, as is found with most of the training we do, the training mirrors what we do…when we go to work. (more…)
The staff of TT is excited to head to some new territory this June. We will be putting on a “Two-Team Truck & Tower Ops” program for the Johnston Fire Department, just outside of Des Moines, Iowa. The program will be held on June 26 & 27 and consists of two parts:
The program features instructors from the DCFD, FDNY and Kentland VFD. This will be an exciting and informative program and, since “truck work” is performed on ALL firegrounds, will be applicable for departments with or without aerial apparatus. If your in the western states, we hope to see you there!
TT instructors Doug Mitchell, Dan Shaw, and Nick Martin will be presenting several programs this year at Fire Engineering’s Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indiannpolis, IN. As the largest fire department conference, FDIC is not only an excellent learning oppurtuity but also a great chance to meet and network with firefighters from around the country.
If you’re going to be in town, be sure to come see is in action as we present at the following programs:
25 to Survive: Residential Building Fires
Presentation Date: Monday, April 19, 2010
Presentation Time: 1300-1700
Fighting Fires in Attached Garages
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010
Presentation Time: 1330-1515
Modern Engine Company Essentials
Presentation Date: Friday, April 23, 2010
Presentation Time: 1030-1215
Recognition and Attack of Basement Fires
Presentation Date: Friday, April 23, 2010
Presentation Time: 0830-1015
Single Truck Company Operations
Presentation Date: Monday, April 19, 2010
Presentation Time: 0800-1200
Pre-Conference Workshops (25 to Survive & Single Truck Co Operatons)
Classroom Sessions (All of our other programs)
This past Saturday, January 20, Traditions Training staff traveled back to Philadelphia for a “Forcible Entry Academy” program with the Fort Washington Fire Company. This 8-hour program was entirely hands on and allowed students to practice numerous forcible entry skills through out the day.
Students cut actual roll-down gates. For added realism we even "tagged" them.
Some of the skills included were:
A primary focus of the day was the capabilities of various hand tools and the importance of having multiple techniques and plans for attack. With forcible entry you cannot always rely on “plan A” – when it doesn’t work out the way you hoped, your next move better be on deck!
Using a variety of real-world props, each student got the chance to put their hands on the tools and transfer their “theory” on how they might attack and obstacle into actual “experience” with a variety of new skills and techniques. Each student was encouraged not only to try “our” ideas, but to take the opportunity to try new ideas and techniques – training is the time to experiment with these things, not the front door of the fire building.
It was another excellent day for instructors and students, as both walked away with some new experiences and skills. Thanks to DFC Clauson of the Ft. Washington Fire Company for setting up another excellent training opportunity!
Traditions Training traveled to southeast PA twice in January, each time for ”Truck Company Operations” class. The first program was held in Kennett Square with the Longwood Fire Company. Two weekends later we returned to West Chester, PA for another program with the Parkesburg Fire Company and some surrounding departments… Little did we know that one department would use some of these skills just hours later.
Thanks to members of each department for these photos from the classes:
On Sunday evening after the class, members of the Honey Brook Fire Company responded to a fire in a motel. Deputy Chief Dan Brooks sent us the following account:
Nothing could make the staff at Traditions Training happier than to know that we might have provided even the smallest tip that helped someone do their job at the fire. Thanks to the members of Longwood, Parkesburg, Honey Brook, and the other department’s that attended January’s classes!
The Halligan and Axe firefighters must both have strong technique and work together for a fast operation!
A couple weeks ago, TT Instructors Nick Martin, Danny Doyle, and Mike Stothers travelled to Kennett Square, PA for another class with the Longwood Fire Company -- this one focusing on truck company operations. The emphasis of the program was on “two-team” truck company operations, covering both inside and outside tasks simultaneously with small crews.
One of the skills covered was conventional forcible entry for inward and outward opening doors. We talked about having multiple plans and techniques for both a team of 2 and for the lone firefighter. Proper striking technique is just as essential to a quick and effective forcible entry operation as working the Halligan. Check out this video with tips for the striking (axe) firefighter:
To learn more about our “Truck Company Operations” or other programs, please contact us or e-mail info@traditionstraining.com.
Searching for victims, getting a line on a fire – all require that we first get inside! Join our experienced instructors for 8-hours of essential information for getting YOU though the door. Firefighters must practice forcible entry to polish their technique. Each attendee will force doors MULTIPLE times to gain this needed experience using their existing and newly acquired skills.
This 8-hour hands-on program is highly-interactive and dynamic, focusing on giving you multiple options – using different tools, techniques, with or without a partner. Never find yourself out of ideas at the door again!
The staff here at Traditions Training are excited to move our blog into the FireEMS Blog Network. If you’re a first time visiter, here’s what you can expect:
Lt. Peter B. Lund
Traditions Training was founded in 2002 by Lt. Peter Lund of the FDNY. As he looked toward retirement, Pete wanted to pass on the lessons he had learned on the job, and the things his mentors had shown him. Regretably, Pete was killed in the Line of Duty in 2005 as he continued to volunteer in his hometown on Long Island.
The remaining staff carries on Pete’s legacy by providing no-BS training of fireground-proven techniques. A little over a year ago, we decided to start a blog to share quick thoughts we had, things we saw on the job, etc. What you’ll find here are free firefighting skills, tips, thoughts, and discussion – not the gossip, conjecture, and rumors that have regrettably become so common on so many other firefighting sites. Click here to learn more about us, and more about our staff.
Our goal is to encourage thought on fireground issues and productive discussion of different ideas. Please participate in the discussion here, and on our Facebook Fan Page.
Things went live today, so please forgive any hiccups as we get up and running. Please take a look through some of our past posts, and be sure to contact us and let us know your thoughts and what you’d like to see!
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A man fell from the top of the cliff and landed on a rock ledge 40 feet below leaving him seriously… (more)
TT Staff featured in April Fire Engineering!
View CommentsHave you received this month’s edition of Fire Engineering? If so, be sure to look for content from some of Traditions Training’s own staff:
We are particularly excited to be in this issue, with it’s nostalgic cover celebrating the history of the “National Fireman’s Journal”. If you haven’t seen these articles yet, be sure to check them out in the April issue. Keep your eye out, we’ve got more coming!