February 2009 Blog Posts (181)

Am I too emotionally weak for this profession?

I'm no veteran to this life as a firefighter, but I'm no rookie either. I've seen messed up things in life doing this job just as much as the next firefighter, but sometimes this job really gets to me. I don't know what's down this road anymore. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, but sometimes it seems like it. I try to stay strong and show it doesn't bother me, but I think it's really getting to me now. I guess it got to my husband as well. From one of my previous blog posts some… Continue

Added by Christian Cossey on February 26, 2009 at 4:47pm — 7 Comments

fire fighter 1 block 1 exam passed got an 80% on it!!

hi guys this is mark blackburn and i am currently taking my fire fighters 1 course and have just recently passed my block 1 exam with an 80%......even though i was anticipating a higher mark and 80 is good and will be able to right my ifsac exam as well. I am eagerly awaiting block 2 which we have just started out and looking forward to jumping right in and studying hard to become 1 of the worlds bravest and hounorable occupations in the world!!!!............just the idea of saving someones… Continue

Added by Mark Blackburn on February 26, 2009 at 4:38pm — 2 Comments

ice storm

still getting caught up from ice storm 2009 was without power for 20 days

Added by Bobby Baitinger on February 26, 2009 at 1:58pm — 1 Comment

the Happy Medic in a nutshell

Here is a post from my blog the Happy Medic.

The blog is called "You called 911...for this?" and follows the adventures of me, the Happy Medic, on what people think are actual emergencies. Sometimes it's ridiculous, other times serious, but laughter is the best medicine.

Units dispatched: Engine 99, Engine 98, Engine 97, Truck 100, Truck 101, Medic 99 and units to follow...

...to investigate the smoke alarm.…

Continue

Added by the Happy Medic on February 26, 2009 at 1:56pm — No Comments

Australia fires release huge amount of CO2 -scientist

26 Feb 2009 05:52:07 GMT

Source: Reuters

By David Fogarty, Climate Change Correspondent, Asia

SINGAPORE, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Bushfires that have scorched Australia's Victoria state released millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide and forest fires could become a growing source of carbon pollution as the planet warms, a top scientist said on Thursday.

Mark Adams of the University of Sydney said global warming could trigger a vicious cycle in which forests could stop… Continue

Added by Martina Daubremé on February 26, 2009 at 2:54am — 2 Comments

MUST READ FIRE FIGTHER GAS SERIOUSLY INJURED

CRIMORA — A Crimora man is in serious condition at U.Va. Medical Center in Charlottesville after his 11-year-old son crashed the family car early Saturday morning with five passengers inside, according to a police report.

Virginia State Police said the accident took place on Thoroughfare Road in Crimora, about a 1/2 mile north of Va. 612. Police said the 11-year-old son of Michael Powell, 31, was driving his father’s 1983 Chevrolet… Continue

Added by ashley on February 25, 2009 at 10:05pm — 2 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 26, 2009

Here it is almost a month after I took the state test for Firefighter 1 for the second time. I heard I have to wait about 2 more weeks to get my results. I sometimes forget about that, I've been doing this for a year and a half now. I like to volunteer, and last night was the recording secretary for the officers' meeting, and am on our 100th anniversary committee.

Tonight I went to an OEM meeting. I joined the… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 25, 2009 at 9:48pm — No Comments

Man down

As I sit here looking over all these pages of FF and EMT's I reflect back on a man who changed our dept. HE was on our fire board for over 30 years. Was a great community leader. Never knew a stranger and would give the shirt off his back. Fought tirelessly for all FF and EMT's to ensure proper trainign and funding. This man was callled to heaven Sunday Feb 23,2009 at the age of 82. He will be sadly missed by all and never be replaced.

Added by Chad Furr on February 25, 2009 at 8:51pm — 3 Comments

Standing Order Protocol Testing

Monday Night for training we had our standing orders testing for medic training, Although I was a bit nervous I did pass and now I won't have to worry about them maybe kicking me off the medic LOL. We actually started the practical check off a few months ago and all I had left was Mega code and AED to be completed after the test Monday. I am betting though next year something will change and we will get all new books for standing orsders.

Added by John on February 25, 2009 at 3:42pm — 3 Comments

Turnout/Bunker Gear

Im looking for a set of bunker gear for the Volunteer fire department im on. If you have any or know anybody that has any please give me a call at 1-574-387-0717.Thank you

Added by Brandon Dove on February 25, 2009 at 3:28pm — 1 Comment

3407

From www.tigerschmittendorf.com:

Continental Flight 3407 crashed into a home in Clarence Center, NY around 10:20pm on Thursday-February 12, 2009 - killing 50 people and changing the lives of thousands more, including mine.

I responded in the first wave of emergency services personnel sent to help restore order to the chaos that the crash created.

Frankly, I’m not ready to write about this experience… Continue

Added by Tiger Schmittendorf on February 25, 2009 at 2:30pm — 4 Comments

Spoken Language Problems

The development of spoken/oral language normally occurs without formal teaching. It develops as a result of exposure to spoken language. Problems with language development may not be recognized for a long time unless the child simply fails to begin talking. Oral language is the basis for learning reading and written language and for benefitting from instruction in other areas. It is important to identify children whose language is not developing normally so that more specific stimulation and… Continue

Added by alex on February 25, 2009 at 9:53am — No Comments

Feuer Menschenleben in Gefahr

Heute morgen um kurz nach 1 brach in Moers in einem Wohn und Geschäftshaus ein Brand aus, dieser wurde durch einen Nachbarn entdeckt und gemeldet, bei Eintreffen der Einsatzkräfte stand die komplette Wohnung vom Keller bis zum Dachgeschoss in Vollbrand. Der Vater konnte sich noch retten, wärend die Frau und alle 3 Kinder dem Feuer zum Opfer fielen.
http://twiturl.de/rp-456013

Added by Sascha Heye on February 25, 2009 at 9:00am — 1 Comment

Life as a small town volunteer #5

So just a couple of things that have happened to me recently. I was finally able to get into an EMT-Basic class and tonight was the start of the third week. I have been waiting for this class for a year and a half. I am hoping that I am able to learn all that I need in class. The lady that is teaching the class isn’t the best teacher in the world. She tends to skip words that are too long or too hard to say. Then there are some people that are in the class that insist on bringing their three… Continue

Added by Gordon "Gopher" Runer on February 25, 2009 at 1:32am — No Comments

More on Mobile Home Fires: Quick tips for firefighter safety

Earlier this week, I posted some comments from FireRescue magazine's Fire Attack columnist, Greg Jakubowski, on mobile home fires, since they're certainly on our minds following the double-LODD in West Virginia.

I wanted to add a bit more from Greg's fellow Fire Attack columnists, Mike Kirby and Tom Lakamp. They provided the following safety tips:

• Mobile home fires present… Continue

Added by Shannon Pieper, FireRescue Magazine on February 24, 2009 at 7:19pm — 9 Comments

Angels Watch

Hush firemen we are here the angles that god has sent

to all your firends in need go has sent them to take

your friends up to heven to be in a safe place.

We are there to help you thro all the pain you are going

thro. We will protect you and your… Continue

Added by Da Fire Rescue Girl !!! on February 24, 2009 at 6:59pm — No Comments

The Big 32!

well, I turned32 today. I cant believe I made it this far. what have i learned? of course im gonna share!

1. Never be cheap with other peoples money

2. Respect your heritage. it might explain why you are the way u are.

3. Listen to the senior guys. they spin stories of mistsakes and experience. this way you get a heads up!

4. Be yourself. who cares what others think.

5. Dont be scared to be scared. it happens. learn from it.

6.… Continue

Added by METALHEAD on February 24, 2009 at 9:15am — 3 Comments

MS Bike

So I found out about the MS150 when I owned Jack Johnston Bicycles in 2003.

At the time I was mildly interested in the ride because I had customers who were excited about it, but it wasnt any different than the 100 other charity rides I helped support during my tenure at Jacks, or so I thought.

It wasnt until I met Dave Berman that I found that the MS rides were not like the Hotter n Hell, or Beauty and the Beast rides. This was truly a great cause and something I wanted… Continue

Added by Allen Wahlstrom on February 24, 2009 at 12:11am — No Comments

random thoughts

I was just checking out some of the new discussions and reading blogs. I haven't had a chance to catch up in a while. It has been a long winter. I whine about ice & snow & cold weather, yet we have been lucky in our area to have had no more of Mother Nature's wrath than we have. I can't imagine what the folks in KY and other areas have gone through. I know I am not the only one ready for spring. At least the daylight hours are longer these lately. I noticed crocus poking through the… Continue

Added by Jenny Holderby on February 23, 2009 at 10:20pm — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

I just took a deep breathe before I started typing this blog post. Today I did go to court, and to see your child brought in a court room with shackles is something I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy.

God was good though, and the judge fair and kind. Detention or a residential treatment program. She picked residential treatment, although she will have to stay in the detention center for awhile to get it going. Hopefully no more than a month.

Just wanted everyone to know.… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 23, 2009 at 6:30pm — No Comments