Here is a recap of the postings and provocations from Backstep Firefighter for the month of May. Each month we will give you a brief summary of our posts and related subjects.

"Over-estimating Technology"
May was relatively quiet and far as the number of posts, but what was there did have some good discussion. The first took a look at a reply to one of Traditions Training's Facebook posts on the benefits of having a properly racked hosebed. 'Looks pretty, pulls pretty' was the mindful phrase but what caught our attention was the question about why those pieces of wood were stuck in between some of the folds of hose.

"Stick with the Old, Toss the New"
In May, a number of D.C. area firefighters met at my department's training academy to participate if the first field tests of some new SCBA. Yeah, it looks weird and I don't know why they went with MSA, but it's a test and there are more to come. What confounded me was the quick rush to refusal that I read on various fire service websites. Come on folks, give technology a chance. Even Ray McCormack welcomed it.

"Tear It Apart"
The third piece was a contribution to the First Due Blog Carnival's third edition. Think of it as one of those roundtable discussions you might find at Firehouse Expo or FDIC, but electronic. The subject for the edition was what nugget of information specifically impacted the way you operate on the fireground. I had a head full of nuggets, but in the end, the one gem I have recalled many times over is in determining the value and practicality of what you read.

"Valiant Heroes"
Unintentionally, the last May post tied in to the 'technology/information awareness' issue that the first one did. Maybe I am forgetful that not every firefighter or fire department has access to information in the same way I do. However, as the post relates, I knew a long ago that simply dropping down into a confined space without the proper precautions and equipment would render me just like the victims. Thankfully none of the firefighters involved had to give their lives for us to learn this lesson. What perplexes me is the 'disconnect' in learning. This is something that all of our life-saving organizations should begin to study; the messages just are not reaching some firefighters. Or maybe they are and the subculture is ignoring them.

Backstep contributor Dave LeBlanc had the unique opportunity to be interviewed by FFN's own Art Goodrich. Art made his debut radio program at Firefighter Netcast on 17 May. Art discussed with Dave the origins of the IACOJ (they have a group here at FFN) and some current hot button topics. You can listen to the program and download it and other netcasts as well. Art plans to be a regular on Firefighter Netcast. Keep an eye out on a post from Dave about the close call in Sandwich.

Finally we try to stay on top of most things Boston, fire and Sox, and we have the multiple alarm fires for March and April. April was notable for the 9-alarm job in Back Bay and the rooftop CPR save. To stay up to date we have May's multiples as well. Later in June we plan to look at how Boston's local has welcomed social networking and used it to get their messages out to the public they serve. Thanks to Stephen Walsh of Box714Imaging .com for permission to use his photos. Stephen is also the current president of the International Fire Photographers Association (they have a group on FFN too!)

30-Second Drill: What information do you provide in your Mayday report?

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