Many of us in the fire service are getting back to the basics and this post will dive into Sawzall / reciprocating saw operations.  I’ve included a bit of history, pictures, and some tips that will hopefully help contain your emotions prior to throwing this valuable tool to the side.  Don’t be fooled, it takes practice to rip through the side of a bus, rear of a semi-tractor cab, or building construction materials quickly.   

History

I include this…

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A post from 2008 in response to "word games" and other stimulating discussions...

 

This series will look in detail at three principles of a disciplined and effective engine company: Prepared to Work; Knowing the Response Area; and Basics of Handline Stretches. Each will look at points to address before the alarm.…

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A little different look at leadership. I hope you enjoy it and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V74AxCqOTvg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

VCOS speaker puts you in service faster than a residential sprinkler. Bill Carey

 

At the IAFC's Volunteer Chief Officer Symposium in Flordia last week, an interesting statement was made about the future of our nation's fire service. USFA Prevention and Leadership Development Branch Chief Ken Farmer was…

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The risk is great, the cost high, and the task is your responsibility. Ron Ayotte

I recently saw a picture that was posted on Facebook that came from an article that was on the Stars and Stripes website. For those who don’t know, Stars and Stripes is the military’s version of USA Today, featuring news and…

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Excerpt from new post at pipenozzle.com: 

 

Former Penn State president Graham Spanier is among a group of academics I’d never want with me in a burning building. That’s a literal trust test firefighters use when going to fires, because they do not want to go into a burning building knowing the person who has their back is always looking for a way out without giving a damn about anyone else.  We trained to never go into a building alone, to always grip the turnout coat of the…

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This short clip show balloon frame construction from the inside. With Engine House Training, LLC this summer, we had the opportunity to hold a class in this building. It was going to be torn down and the interior wall coverings in most of the house had been removed. That exposed the balloon frame construction characteristics that we so often speak of but seldom have the chance to see.

Use this however you like and share it.  Hopefully,…

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The mayday event isn’t something that can be managed by policy or training alone; it’s something that needs to be discussed and practiced throughout a firefighter’s career. The focus for mayday events has historically been on the reaction side of the equation, but its just as important to focus on prevention and preparedness measures that can be taken.



This is a pressing issue for fire and emergency service organizations because it isn’t a matter of if a mayday will happen but when…

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Are You Responsible for Managing Operations?

Sign up for a complimentary trial subscription to the IAFC's newest program, OpsNetlink. 



For a limited time, the IAFC is offering a complimentary 30-day trial subscription to OpsNetlink. See how it enhances your ability to manage day-to-day operations. You’ll have unlimited access to all the online benefits, resources and tools offered by OpsNetlink, including:

• Weekly electronic…

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This information was passed on to me from David Walsh via Deputy Commissioner John Horan (OC Fire Services – NY).  The links below are very graphic pictures of severe effects from mercury exposure.  Of course its a potential hazard in many of our homes, but also on the fireground. 

Here’s a summary of the to-do’s if a CFL light breaks:

• Have people and pets leave the room.
• Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to…

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The IAFC recently launched OpsNetLink, a new service providing weekly reports featuring original content and analysis on issues and challenges unique to operations leadership and management as well as a dynamic and secure virtual community to facilitate the sharing of solutions in response to the daily challenges that operations chiefs encounter. 

In the most recent OpsNetlink report, the focus is on structural firefighting…

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Liquid CO2 is a hazard that is now being found in restaurants.  These systems are decreasing the number of CO2 bottle changes needed, however, many of the hoses are plastic and subject to damage. When a hose develops a crack, the liquid CO2 expands at a high ratio quickly filling the area. Unsuspecting persons may quickly become unconscious as O2 levels decrease rapidly.  Continue…

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Whether you are an instructor, mentor, or supervisor you need to get a grip on your students.  The following highlights will reflect on my recent trip to Aberdeen, South Dakota and the lively bunch of attendees that helped keep the conversation realistic yet thought provoking.  As you scan through the topics consider what you are doing to improve your instructorship to ultimately improve the organizations you are involved with.  … Continue

Are you certain this is the job for you?

 

Depending on who you are speaking with, there seems to a gap when it comes to how to accomplish our goals and not get killed or injured in the process. Words like “cowboy”, “aggressive” and “sally” are all used when someone takes issue with how someone else is getting the job…

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