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Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on February 27, 2013 at 9:31am

The first idea that popped into my head was ask the manufacturer of your TIC to have a salesman come out and teach the class. They've already done some most likely and probably have some good ideas. Beyond that you could set up a scavenger hunt and see how many hot and cold "targets" each crew can find.

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Permalink Reply by Firemedic Rob on February 28, 2013 at 1:52pm

Start with a simple review of the camera so everyone understands the operation and features. It captures those who don't feel comfortable asking how it works (is everyone up on its full features) . Also review any applicable Policy/ Guidelines that go with it.

Move to practical application of skills as you stated in the tower.  I like to have crews focus on Orientation, Interpretation and Communication when using the TI Camera.

Pleace objects around. Is it a person they see or a pile of clothes? Why is that FF's helmet laying on its own, do they recognize that shape and consider there is a problem with another team? If the camera goes dead, do they know where they are and can they exit using solid core skills. Are they scanning correctly looking for Hazards, Exits, Victims? Can the Officer/member with camera direct a crew to search a room while they hold the anchor, direct them to the victim or effectivly direct the nozzleman where to aim?

Sometimes we rely on that camera too much we forget those basics, good to integrate those skills in to a TI Camera drill.

 

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Permalink Reply by Triple J on March 10, 2013 at 11:08am

First off, we go over the many uses of our TIC. We often use it for incidents where somebody may have been ejected in the woods, seeing through smoke from brush fires and fog. After the theory portion of the training, we turn out all of the lights in the Station and play our own version of hide and seek. One member will then take the TIC and find the rest of the crew who often find very inventive places to hide, much like some firghtened children do. A popular hiding spot is near a refigerator or ice machine which throw off a lot of heat. Not only does everyone have a blast, but they have become highly profficient at differentiating various heat signatures from one another and if they need to use the TIC during an actual incident, it's operation is second nature.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Klaene on March 10, 2013 at 8:37pm

buid a fake wall from 4x8  drywall and and 2x4 studs. set up a small fire or heat source (150 watt light bulb) behind wall and look at heat signature.   repeat with insulated wall, metal stud wall

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Permalink Reply by Vinny Lazzara on March 19, 2013 at 3:04pm

One thing I like to teach ( and stress) is camera failure.  In the middle of a search or evolution , take the camera away, or pull the battery out.  See how they react.   Do they go back to the basics? or do they panic or stay there not knowing what to do?   What is the back up plan if they stray from the wall? (which is very common due to the comfort they get from having the camera)

  The camera, while it is a great tool, can like anything else, malfuction.  I see too many people rely on some device to help them while forgetting or ignoring the basic common sense skills, which can kill them. 

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Permalink Reply by Tim Fain on March 25, 2013 at 4:27pm

In an large open area (i.e. engine bay or open office building), I have my crew mask up and put a press and seal on their face piece to simulate smoke. Using only a HEAT PACK off the ambulance, place the pack in location that the person searching for it does not know. The heat pack simulates a small body part such as a hand or foot. I also have used a cold pack to differentiate between the two signatures.

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