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What does it mean to be a Smoke Diver?
Do you have what it takes to be a Smoke Diver? Many have tried but been denied by thier own limitations. Yep, thats right, your limitations! I know that firefighting is about team work, but here at the Mississippi Fire Academy, we teach you about yourself as well. The Goals Have Been Set, Can You Measure Up?
The man that says; "I can't" and the man that says; "Ican" are both correct, which one are you?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Crandall on
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I'm trying to get a "Smoke Diver" based program started out here in Kwajalein. All training will take place in house. Any pointers for training resources? sites? outline curriculum? Even a PT breakdown for a final evaluation level? We know that we are months away from being up and running; but it is for the good of our community and our FD. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
John Crandall
USAKA Fire Dept
mr_crandall@hotmail.com
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Permalink Reply by firedog14 on
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Our program in Florida was stopped some time ago (all kinds of rumors as to why). The course they have now is called Fireground Accountability Management and Endurance, FAME for short, although i have never seen dates listed for a class. I did mine at the State fire college in the early 90's and it was very difficult, but i have the coveted patch and bragging rights. Its like the SeAL training for the fire service.
I do have my reservations about it...don't get me wrong i think everyone should go through it, the problem is over the 2 week class you are condition to perform at a certain level (providing the will power is there). I think it gives you a false scene of security because to perform like that all the time and maintain the air consumption conditioning you have to constantly train at the level the class provided.
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Permalink Reply by Dennis Brown on
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Well smoke i think there are more smoke divers then you state when i went threw this smoke diver course it was back in the 70s so i dont know if it is the same course but when i took this it was about fighting forest fires and the term Smoke Divers come from the men and woman that jump in to areas of a major Forest fires if im right
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Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on
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Assuming that by "smoke diver" you mean an interior attack fire fighter, and not a smoke jumper who dives out of planes, then - yes, I do have what it takes. Here's my patch:
In our county we have what we call a Smoke Diver course, short for Breathing Apparatus Specialist School. (I think in other places it may be called Mask Confidence training.) It is a 32 hour course over two weekends, during which you are tested to the limit of your endurance. It is offered only once a year and is limited to a maximum of 20 students, picked from a list of applicants by the County Training Instructor.
In addition to the maze, fire attack, search/rescue and other basic skills, such things as hot-swapping SCBA tanks; buddy breathing; and breathing off the regulator or air bottle (simulated regulator failure) are taught.
There are several evolutions where you sit and breathe your tank down until there's no more air left, to show how much air is left when the alarm rings. You are taught how to conserve that air using various breathing techniques. You discover just how much your body can give before becoming totally exhausted.
The final day is hopefully spent practicing these skills in live fire conditions using an acquired structure. I say hopefully, for there aren't always structures to be had. NFPA 1403 is followed religiously.
I know this will generate some flak, as it did in another discussion: In my department, as well as others within the county, all interior attack firefighters must be smoke divers; at the IC's discretion, members having taken FF1 (or equivalent) and having trained with the smoke divers previously may go in with a smoke diver if conditions allow. We have had members become certified FF1 and expecting to get the red SD helmet, but it ain't so: you have to take and pass the Smoke Diver course to become interior qualified.
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::shakes head:: Philly, I'd tell ya bro, but then it wouldn't be secret anymore... also - could you really handle the prestige?
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Probably, probably... tell you what, though: In light of your recent luck (or lack thereof) with a certain person, to boost your holiday spirits you are hereby deemed an Honorary Smoke Diver.
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Permalink Reply by lutan1 on
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I've googled a bit, and between that and Smoke Divers uninformative reply to my query, I'm none the wiser about this training.
On one hand it sounds like it's been flogged as some elite type of training but on the other hand, it sounds like a more advanced BA course, which also sounds like every single member should be doing- not just an elite few.
I'm confused as hell....
Also to add, that in 2009 with fire fighter safety at the front of everyone's mind (I hope!) the name Smoke Diver conjures up images of FF's not wearing SCBA and working interiors as opposed to elitely trained operators.
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Permalink Reply by Charlie on
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The term Smoke Divers has a broad meaning according to what state you are in. Georgia has a Smoke Diver course that is close to that in nature with Mississippi and the old Florida course. As a matter of fact, Cortez Laurenc went to Florida in the 70's, became a Smoke Diver and brought the course back to Georgia where it has grown. www.georgiasmokediver.com for more information on our class. We also have several firefighters from Indiana that have completed our class here in Georgia as well as firefighters from Washington. Other states have a Smoke Diver course with differing curriculum. Smoke Divers is so much more than a "mask confidence" class or SCBA technician class. It teaches you so much about yourself, your limitations, how you should train daily, your attitude (servant leadership), etc. It is very physically and mentally challenging. However, I have seen so many people that have attempted the class, failed for whatever reason, and still learn so much about themselves, their training, etc.
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Permalink Reply by Tony P on
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It sounds a bit elitist to me Luke. Available to all or available to none would be my view.
I wear my service patch proudly, that's enough for me. I wear training level letters on my helmet, just to show my level - no extra pride in it. I'm aware of my limitations, as I'm aware of my strengths. Something that helps an individual to be aware of themselves is good. No need for elitism.
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I'd definitely like to read what you have on the subject. mr_crandall@hotmail.com
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I agree with Charlie. This class to me was much more than an "ego" course which it is commonly called now here in Florida (which most of the time it is called that by the people that could not finish or will not take the class). When i finished the course many moons ago i knew exactly what my limitations were, but like i said in my previous post you must constantly train at that same level...physically because the mental aspect will always be there and that's what people need to realize is your body can get used to anything if you keep doing it but, if you stop it stops.
I learned many valuable lessons from that course and if i ever get into a jam on a job I'm gonna fall back on that training, i know this because i have used it many times on jobs.
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