Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...December 1, 2010

I went to a drill the other night (can you believe I am blogging about it - you didn't hear it from me!!!!) about escape ropes and harnesses. The speaker was a retired firefighter from W. Milford and he spoke about the proper use of escape ropes to save down firefighters. Unfortunately, all his examples were of firefighter deaths that could have been prevented if the team had the proper training.

I learned what a Caribinee is and thought everyone should have one with their turn out gear. The device seems so practical especially for someone like me that cannot rely on adreline alone to help carry someone.

We also learned a few different techniques for a one man rescue and two man rescue. I learned how useful a harness can be and if needed to store it rolled up in an extra glove so it's ready to go. One of the most helpful things I learned, however, was tying knots every 25 feet so you know the distance in and out. For example, if you touch 3 knots and are asked for your location, you only have to say "3" and the IC will know you are 75 feet interior.

Did you know the #1 cause of interior firefighter death is getting lost?

Did you also know that most firefighters don't call mayday when they are running out of air?

Finally, did you know that training is the solution?

We will be meeting with this firefighter again to do some drills. Wow you have to really work at all this stuff - in wet gloves no less. Be prepared for any condition.