All Blog Posts (7,007)

Lost or trapped Firefighters? MAYDAYAIR.COM

Hey everybody, Have any of you heard about this new product on the market called Mayday air? Its an adapter to replace the MMR in the event that you run out of air. I don't want to say to much for fear that it will sould like I am advertising for the company, but in fact it seems like a great solution for the trapped or lost FF who is about to run out of air. Check out the website at www.maydayair.com. Let me know what you guys think about the product. Maybe I'm not looking into it enough, but… Continue

Added by Don on May 2, 2009 at 5:47pm — 12 Comments

"Does God Have Enough Hands...?" (Written 17-Sept-01 by: B.A. Ellis)

Who of us can ever forget that terrible Tuesday morning of Sept 11th, 2001? I was not yet a firefighter at that time, and had not even ever really thought of becoming one, But looking back, I think perhaps, it was a seed, one of many, planted in my heart, that played a role in my becoming a firefighter. Who can ever forget the loyallty, dedication, and bravery of our Brothers/Sisters who got "that call," and those we lost that day? I often write poems and songs etc & have since I was about… Continue

Added by Brent A. Ellis on May 2, 2009 at 10:42am — 6 Comments

Word of Mouth

"Word of Mouth" from Firefighter Behavior

In fire departments our most influential training opportunities are not necessarily the yearly recertifications or the latest seminars but the working fire. Our trade is a hands on service where the majority of learning is done by doing. We go to fires; we stretch hoselines; we search rooms; we open up the roof. And if we happen to not do any of those… Continue

Added by Bill Carey on May 2, 2009 at 8:00am — No Comments

Safety Culture vs. Extinguishment Culture – Smart Fire Departments Can Have BOTH!

If you have a personal or departmental "Extinguishment Culture", would you grab a line and enter this flashed over abandoned house that is showing signs of impending collapse? If you have a personal or departmental "Safety Culture", would you wear your SCBA , a traffic safety vest, and crank a PPV fan while sitting in the rig a half-mile down the street? Chances are, if you are a U.S. firefighter, you'll choose an option somewhere… Continue

Added by Ben Waller on May 1, 2009 at 8:30pm — 12 Comments

Before You Buy A Car

INTERESTING...maybe the country should consider bailing them out to some degree

Nothing needs to be said... Ford, Chrysler and GM's contributions after 9/11

An interesting commentary...You might find this of interest:

'CNN Headline News did a short news listing regarding Ford and GM's

contributions to the relief and recovery efforts in New York and Washington .

The findings are as follows.....

1. Ford- $10 million to American Red Cross… Continue

Added by Kayla Mowrey on May 1, 2009 at 6:30pm — 5 Comments

Project Graduation-- History of Firefighting

Ok... I never blog.. but here goes

I am a junior in high school. When we are in the 11th grade we start on this thing called Project Graduation. What we have to do is A)pick a topic that we like B) do a TON of research on the topic C) do all kinds of other stuff in relation to our topic D) Write a 5-8 page paper on it E) and present it to some judges and pray that you do good.

I chose my topic to be the History of Firefighting. I am trying to come up with a catchy title… Continue

Added by Stephany Greene on May 1, 2009 at 11:15am — 1 Comment

smoke out training.... plz read

ok so we finally had our smoke out training....

Firefighters from the city (shelbyville) came and taught us right hand search and how to do it correctly andafter a little practice we were put in groups and in we went....(They used fake smoke and it was so cool, you breathed it in and it was just like air but you couldn't see 2 feet around you) We had full gear and packs with air... in groups of 3

Now we were told that the scenario was neighbor called and she knew two people… Continue

Added by Jessica Travis on April 30, 2009 at 10:21pm — 4 Comments

Tanker 42 Crashes in Utah...

On April 25, 2009 an airtanker crashed killing 3. I was a hard day for me since I have been friend with the crew members of that airplane. They will be sadley missed and my prayers go out to there families. I have the 24hr preliminary report posted on my website.

Added by Mark Michelsen - Aerial Fire Fighter on April 30, 2009 at 3:30pm — 3 Comments

A MESSAGE FROM THE UNITED STATES ACTING ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR REGARDING THE H1N1 FLU

More links to gain information

Washington DC- In an effort to send a common message the USFA is working with Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Leadership and other Federal partners (FICEMS) to issue an EMS, Medical First Responder and 9-1-1 specific guidance document to the Nation’s first responders. This is a dynamic process and we will provide additional information as soon as we receive the appropriate agency(s) approval. In addition to the CDC… Continue

Added by Texas HazMat on April 30, 2009 at 12:17pm — 4 Comments

To Swine or not to Swine..

Hello everyone,

Yesterday my son's school called for me to come and get him. His temp was 101.5 by forehead, he was throwing up and complaining of aches. My son doesn't complain. Especially since T-ball practice is this week.

So, off we went to the Pediatrician. He has a viral infection. No, we do not test for Swine flu. yes, he has all the symptoms, but we do not test for Swine, just the CDC does that, and we'd have to wait for them to show up, and he'd be hospitalized, blah… Continue

Added by jgirl0809 on April 30, 2009 at 10:04am — 6 Comments

Goldfeder on NLC/TriData Cancer Report: “A grave, grave mistake”

Today, the IAFC and the IAFF released joint statements condemning the recent report from National League of Cities/TriData, “Assessing State Firefighter Cancer Presumption Laws.” Read the IAFC statement here and the IAFF statement here.

In case… Continue

Added by Shannon Pieper, FireRescue Magazine on April 29, 2009 at 11:30pm — 7 Comments

a very sad day

i am asking that everyone please pray for my rescue capt's family ........ today at 3:00 am my rescue capt. passes away in the hostpital he was due too be release from the hostpital next week .... he was battling a blockage too his heart and they done a heart catherzation on him and he was doing great and then he was released from the hostpital and his kidneyes started too shut down on him and he was admitted back too the hostpital and was doing good and this morning at 3:00 am he was called… Continue

Added by M.A. Perkins E.M.T.(aka Tony) on April 29, 2009 at 10:37pm — 5 Comments

2009

Its been some time since I've rambled on about nothing here, so while dinner finishes cooking, I'll see what comes to mind.

Seem to be getting into a routine now that warmer weather is here. It's definitely here, too. Went to the races this past weekend and got COOKED! The week seems to play out like this: Firehouse on Monday, Billy's on Tuesday for Woofie night (Get caught up with friends and play with the dogs). Wednesday is whatever I haven't gotten done yet, chores, cleaning, surfing… Continue

Added by TJC44 on April 29, 2009 at 9:01pm — 1 Comment

IAFC Review Panel Cites Flawed Methodology in Cancer Presumption Report

The IAFC has issued the findings of an expert panel convened by the organization through the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section. The panel found a recently released report challenging cancer presumption laws for firefighters used flawed research methodology that produce predetermined outcomes.

The National League of Cities’ (NLC) report under review, Assessing State Firefighter Cancer… Continue

Added by IAFC on April 29, 2009 at 5:00pm — No Comments

Who Am I ?

My profession is somewhat unique in comparison to that of the average person. At any one fixed moment in time when duty calls upon me, I am prepared to sacrifice my own life to save the lives of others I may not even know. I am willing to do this because I understand that we all make choices in life. As for myself, this is the choice and path of service that I have chosen to follow. Though my job is often rewarding, it can also be unsettling.

I often reflect upon the simplicity of… Continue

Added by The Outlaw Firefighter on April 29, 2009 at 4:06pm — 1 Comment

Through the eyes of a Firefighter

Through these eyes I have seen the miracle of birth and also the tragedies of death.

Through these eyes I have seen the path of destruction that a fire leaves behind. And also the rebuilding of the damage it has caused.

Through these eyes I have seen the crumbled metal of a car accident and also the untouched body that sometimes comes walking out.

Through these eyes I have seen the sadness of loved ones that helplessly stand by watching. And also the excitement… Continue

Added by The Outlaw Firefighter on April 29, 2009 at 4:05pm — 2 Comments

Swine Flu: What you need to know from JEMS and FireRescue

Editor's note: With the first U.S. death from swine flu confirmed today, it’s clear this issue isn’t going away soon. Our colleagues at JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services) put together the following information. Take a look so you’re prepared on your next EMS run.

Protect Yourself and Your Patients from Swine Flu

By Jennifer Berry, Senior Editor, JEMS/jems.com

With the number of confirmed swine flu cases growing in North America,… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on April 29, 2009 at 2:00pm — 5 Comments

A book you should read

I met Donald Noss Jr, author of Fire Faceoff, right here in the pages of FFN.

It is the story of a fire that swept through his apartment building late at night.

You can find out more by searching his name here to see his page or read the review at Happy Medic Head Quarters.

I have no association and make no profit from recommending this book, I just think responders should read… Continue

Added by the Happy Medic on April 29, 2009 at 1:34pm — No Comments

Band On The Run

Aside from the wildfires that keep seeming to happen when I'm not home, I've had a quiet couple of weeks and not a lot of time 'on the bus'. I'm sure that this week will take care of that, but in the meantime here's a story from my pre-certification days when I wore a different uniform and rode a different kind of bus. And wore glasses roughly the size of the Hubble telescope lens.

Clicky clicky...don't be… Continue

Added by Kimberly Robinson on April 29, 2009 at 12:31pm — 2 Comments

Help the Burn Foundation - Buy a poster at Fire Expo!

If you're planning on being in Harrisburg next month for the Harrisburg Fire Expo, be sure to stop by ESI Equipment's “Extrication Boulevard” Burn Foundation booth and purchase a copy of a limited-edition print to support the Burn Foundation.