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Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 2, 2011

I've been waiting days to sit and write this blog post, deciding whether or not it's appropriate for any type of forum. However, this morning I've decided the heck with it I'm writing it.

We all know that stress is among the #1 killer for people in emergency services. Being a perpetual rookie firefighter, you may think, "What kind of stress can she have?" We all fight different types of stress and cannot control…

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Added by Denise Imperiale on March 2, 2011 at 7:24am — 3 Comments

Fired Up! More Big Fire Photos with Tactical Tips

By Scott Cook & Homer Robertson

Editor’s Note: In this year’s Big Fire Photo Essay, FireRescue’s technical editors based their tactical tips on four topics: apparatus positioning, defensive operations, fire attack and reading smoke—four key issues that must be addressed at every large fire.

See the March issue of… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on March 1, 2011 at 4:00pm — 1 Comment

Unique Mystery Series Based on Wildfire Investigation

I just discovered FireFighter Nation. I worked as a wildland firefighter for ten years before I began writing a mystery series based on fire investigation, that has been popular with fire professionals and outdoorsmen. In fact, a friend of mine who teaches fire investigation sells the books at his courses. I do a lot of research with police, forensics techs, and arson investigators, like Steensland. Trying not to sound like a salesman here, but if you work in fire or arson investigation,… Continue

Added by Dave Hugelschaffer on March 1, 2011 at 3:23pm — No Comments

Finally!

Yesterday was my first day as a full time firefighter for the City of Niles. It took me 11 years worth of training and testing for the position.

Added by Andrew Bickerstaff on March 1, 2011 at 10:44am — 2 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 1, 2011

Last night we learned how to use a Pak-Tracker. The purpose of a Pak-Tracker is to find a firefighter who is down in a structure. What I learned is that you take the device and move slowly (hard for me to do with my ADHD LOL) in a half circle. When the number starts to rise you take a few steps in that direction and then do…

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Added by Denise Imperiale on March 1, 2011 at 7:54am — No Comments

Riding The Seat

How many departments have requirements to ride the front seat and act as an officer?

At work we always have an officer on shift or at least a senior

firefighter as the acting for the day so its not an issue, but at the

vollie house, its anyone's guess as to who may be riding the seat to any

particular call.

We are a combination department and have a Captain on each shift who

rides the seat of the engine and is in command for the day but as far… Continue

Added by backsteprescue on February 28, 2011 at 2:20pm — 1 Comment

First and fore most what everybody is forgetting is that his Chief has made it and SOG to not have lights or sirens until your probationary period is up and if your challenging your Chief.... Just re…

First and fore most what everybody is forgetting is that his Chief has made it and SOG to not have lights or sirens until your probationary period is up and if your challenging your Chief.... Just remember he didn't make it to Chief on his looks, respect the discussions that he makes! Continue

Added by Michael Carsey on February 28, 2011 at 2:10pm — No Comments

Why Lloyd Layman Is Still Relevant

By Warren Whitley

Editor’s note: For more on Lloyd Layman’s theories and how they can be applied in modern-day firefighting, see “The Plug” in the March issue of FireRescue.

In 1953, Lloyd Layman published Fire Fighting Tactics(1), followed by Attacking and Extinguishing Interior Fires(2) in 1955. The books complement one… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on February 28, 2011 at 8:00am — 7 Comments

Camp Houston Fire-Spring 2011

Camp Houston Fire

Dear Friends…

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Added by Laura Hunter on February 28, 2011 at 7:39am — No Comments

Department Update

Well, its been awhile since I last posted. Hell, lets be honest, its been awhile since I last visited. Thought I would let you know how things are going to date.

As you may know, I was among the first DOT certified first responders in Pickens County, AL. In two years time, that number has grown to over fifty countywide. I am also proud to say that my department has about 15 certified responders out of about 20 personnel. Also, I am pleased to announce that myself & my Assistant Chief… Continue

Added by Tandy Young on February 27, 2011 at 3:41pm — No Comments

Why the pathway from door to nozzle needs to be clear

I joined Dave LeBlanc in stressing to you why the pathway from door to nozzle needs to be clear

A blog over at http://backstepfirefighter.com/2011/01/29/make-a-hole-make-it-wide/ discusses why advancing toward the seat of the fire it is important that the path in is clear. Come and check it out. Feel free to pass along.

Let no man's ghost say their training…

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Added by Ray J on February 27, 2011 at 7:37am — No Comments

A great song!..."you Don't Count The Cost" By: Billy Dean

I was laying on my futon this afternoon listening to music on my Ipod and a song I hadn't heard in awhile started to play (it was on random shuffle)....I didn't recongize it after but as it played I realized it was Billy Dean's song "You don't count the cost"....Anyway to get to the point of this entry...

Lately I have done alot of thinking; about my future and what I want to do upon graduation this comeing June.I mean I know…

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Added by Ashley Renee Miller on February 27, 2011 at 1:11am — 1 Comment

CPAT in 3 weeks!!!

I just recieved a phone call today from a training officer inviting me to test for their volunteer ranks and found out that the written test is just 3 days before the CPAT and in about a month I would be starting recruit school. However I have never had to take the CPAT before because I was granfathered into my old department on that before they started requiring the CPAT in the district. I know what's on it and stuff but what is the best way to prepare for it in such a short time? Remember I… Continue

Added by Kate on February 26, 2011 at 10:04pm — 2 Comments

Hood for 94 S&S tanker..

Does any one know where I can find a hood for a 1994 Fraightliner S&S tanker in Indiana. You can email me any information to jlord5134@yahoo.com. Thanks

Added by John Lord on February 25, 2011 at 10:40pm — 1 Comment

Public Safety Workers Hit the Ice to "Check for Charity"

Firefighters in Minnesota are lacing up their ice skates to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Photo Courtesy Hennepin Generals

On Feb. 27, dozens of Minnesota and Wisconsin paramedics, EMTs, firefighters and police officers will lace… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on February 25, 2011 at 7:06pm — No Comments

Haters Need Not Apply

New post over at Firehouse Zen discusses why maybe some people are incapable of independent thought. Come and check it out. And if you now of anyone who meets the standard, pass it along to them too.

Added by Mick Mayers on February 24, 2011 at 1:40pm — No Comments

Arizona Firefighters Rescue Teens Stuck in Middle of Flooded Creek

RESCUE REPORT

By Tom Vines

On Dec. 23, Arizona firefighters responded to a call for “kids in tree”; however, that account didn’t turn out to be as descriptive as they may have liked, as by the end of the day, they had performed a well-coordinated water rescue.

The 9-1-1 call to Sedona Fire Dispatch was initially assigned as an EMS dispatch. At 1658 HRS, the Montezuma Rimrock… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on February 24, 2011 at 6:00am — No Comments

Remeber the 343

One of the groups i follow on facebook, black helmet apparel (a firefighter retailer) decided to post a couple of firefighters names a day starting today. out of the first two names they posted, one was the person I chose to honor by joining the military and also becoming a firefighter. LT Brian Ahearn, my next door neighbor when I lived in Huntington NY, was honored today for his selfless service on 9-11-2001. He gave his life so others…

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Added by Ryan Chinn on February 24, 2011 at 1:20am — 2 Comments

Straight Stream vs. Fog: A Visual Aid

Among one of the greatest, and most historic debates in the fire service is the use of smooth bore versus fog nozzles. What’s better and/or safer etc.? A byproduct of that debate is hose stream selection for fire attack. The question is, do you use a wide fog pattern, a narrow fog (a.k.a. power cone) or a straight (or solid) stream for… Continue

Added by SAFE Firefighter on February 23, 2011 at 8:30am — 2 Comments

Meridian Plaza Fire: Would Your Department Be Prepared?

20 years ago, 3 firefighters lost their lives battling a fierce high-rise fire

On Feb. 23, 1991, a pile of rags ignited a fire in a high-rise building under construction in Philadelphia. Three firefighters were killed when they became disoriented in the thick smoke and ran out of air. The fire caused an estimated $100 million in direct property loss. …

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Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on February 23, 2011 at 8:00am — 1 Comment