Firefighter down EMS training

I am just beginning work on a "firefighter down" training program for my department. The last time they had that sort of training was at least 6 years ago and the woman that ran it didn't do a very good job so I am starting from scratch.

We have not had a firefighter down on a fire scene in our department for at least as long as the current Chief has been Chief (six years I think) and I feel that they have come complacent. The fact of the matter is many of our FFs are overweight, older (40s), and have health issues like high cholesterol.

I have picked my CIC's brain and plan to discuss with the head of our county's bureau of EMS, but I would like to get insight from people that have dealt with the specific challenges of a firefighter down. My main focus will be on cardiac but I am willing to learn and teach whatever anyone is willing to discuss and/or teach me; burns, fall injuries, you name it.

We are a BLS ambulance squad, in a volunteer fire department, in a rural town of New York.

I have already reviewed the firefighter down CPR and have that in my tool box, so to speak. Looking for other resources.

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Permalink Reply by AJ Zuccarelli on February 11, 2015 at 9:42pm

Can you clarify? Are you running the medical only portion, or the whole shot? From calling the Mayday, to RIT/FAST activation, to EMS starting BLS treatment?

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Permalink Reply by Jamie O'Connor on February 11, 2015 at 11:06pm

I am working from an EMS standpoint with our training officer whom is an interior firefighter.

I am an exterior firefighter at this time, so I have knowledge of how things operate at a fire scene but will not be certified as interior by the time I hope to get this training off the ground.