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Notes from a Rookie Firefighter
What a day to write Notes from a Rookie Firefighter! Today I went to a drill and for the first time wore a mask with my hood over the front of my face. At first I admit I was hot and nervous, but then my mentor and one of the young firefighters showed me the proper way to put on the mask, and how to feel the suction to see if it's on correctly. For a woman fitting into men's gear, it can be tough at times, but the proper placement of your mask is so important.
I learned how to follow the hose while holding onto someone's leg, and that the short piece on the fittings I think they are called points you outside and the long piece is towards the nozzle (to inside). At first I followed someone and then had to switch. I was doing well with the lead, except when two hoses crossed over each other and I went the wrong way.
One of the hardest things was crawling around on concrete without kneepads. When I was on the ground, I felt the pain, but I was trying so hard to focus on the person I was following, and listen to the calls on the radio. At the end of the drill, my knees were all scraped with skin ripped off.
I was at this for about two hours, and I so appreciated the fact that my commanding officers took time out of their busy days to teach the few of us that were there the right way to handle a true emergency.
Hopefully I can walk tomorrow.
http://Morrischat.com
I learned how to follow the hose while holding onto someone's leg, and that the short piece on the fittings I think they are called points you outside and the long piece is towards the nozzle (to inside). At first I followed someone and then had to switch. I was doing well with the lead, except when two hoses crossed over each other and I went the wrong way.
One of the hardest things was crawling around on concrete without kneepads. When I was on the ground, I felt the pain, but I was trying so hard to focus on the person I was following, and listen to the calls on the radio. At the end of the drill, my knees were all scraped with skin ripped off.
I was at this for about two hours, and I so appreciated the fact that my commanding officers took time out of their busy days to teach the few of us that were there the right way to handle a true emergency.
Hopefully I can walk tomorrow.
http://Morrischat.com
Add a Comment
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Comment by tyler cheesman on June 9, 2008 at 5:09pm
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just remember "smooth, lug, lug" leads you out side. and that "lug,lug, smooth" leads you to the nozzel. and as for the knees. i know how you feel. we did a live fire burn house 3 months after i had knee surgey. i was in pain for a couple of days. but i believe that what i learned that day out weighted the pain i was in.
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Comment by Denise Imperiale on June 6, 2008 at 8:49pm
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Can you send me a link to invite me to the group? Thanks. Denise
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Comment by Christopher Smith on June 2, 2008 at 7:50pm
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Denise,
I feel for you, having gone through that exercise myself several months ago...it gets easier as time goes on, but the exercises do get harder! Just remember the male coupling leads you back outside, the female coupling is smooth with small lugs and the male coupling has larger lugs and no smooth ferrule.
When following hoseline, always remember to keep your hand on the hose you are following. If another hose crosses over the one you are following, slide yor hand under the crossing hose and pick up with your other hand until you are past the other hose, that way you won't get fouled up.
I'm sure you will do well in your training, and it sounds like your command staff and fellow firefighter trainees are there for you. I know that the eight class members from my FD that went through class together are a good bunch and we definitely helped each other out through the classes. Study hard and retain the knowledge passed on to you, and you will do well!!!
Be safe and stay well.
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