Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...November 10, 2008

Tonight was advancing hoseline upstairs to the second floor with a 3 person team and practicing the skills we learned last week. Since the hose was only 1-1/2 I could handle it much better and I was much much more confident. The weird thing to me though was the perception...the instructors kept saying get closer but I thought I was close. I also didn't feel the heat at all like the guy behind me and my SCBA ran out of air but I was cool about it. It's good that the instructors explain what to do if something happens.

After the night was over I asked our team instructor about my perception. He said if it was a real fire there would be a small glow and the smoke would just keep you down. Have to keep that in mind.

Oh and we vented a window. Now that was fun.