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Permalink Reply by Eric Gregory on February 1, 2011 at 12:40pm

I'm fairly new to all of this myself but I think that most will want more info. The answers to many of your questions are going to be situational.

#6 for instance. Sometimes a vehicle rolls two or three times and the individual crawls out on their own. Other times there's true entrapment and extrication is necessary. In that scenario the exact actions taken will depend on the nature of the entrapment and the condition of the patient.

#4 will also depend on numerous factors such as survivability chances of the victim, type of construction, extent of fire, location of victim related to fire and many other factors.

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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on February 1, 2011 at 12:41pm

1) Does an Engineer always get to operate the apparatus?

No, but it depends by dept. Here, an engineer could be riding the seat as an out of grade officer or could ride backwards as a firefighter. As an engineer they could be on a handline or venting or any other myriad of fireground tasks. Engineer here is a rank, but not solely one's job.

2)Which personnel are in charge of what functions at, say, a mobile home fire?

Every fire should have the same basic approach, RECEO (rescue, exposures, confinement, extinguishment, overhaul). People may need to be rescued, the fire should be kept from spreading, contain the fire to room or structure, put out the fire, make sure it is really out. Doesn't matter if this is a garden apartment or mobile home, the approach is the same, the resources needed differ.

3)What is the best piece of equipment to bring into a house fire?

Water and hose

4) What are the steps taken at a house fire with victims trapped?

Ascertain approximate location and then get them out. One can Vent, ENter, Search (VES), or go to the seat of the fire and search outward, do a right or left handed search, use a TIC, etc....it varies

5)What is the first thing checked at a MVA?

Outer circle size up.....look at the big picture

6) What are the steps taken to free a patient from an overturned SUV that has rolled 3 times?

Depends, could be a simple as opening the door, or the jaws may have to be used.

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Permalink Reply by David Dionne on February 3, 2011 at 12:53pm

1) Does an Engineer always get to operate the apparatus?
This depends on the department. Some areas the engineer is the first person in for the shift or call. In other locations the engineer is a tested or assigned position. This means the engineer is in charge of the vehicle.
2)Which personnel are in charge of what functions at, say, a mobile home fire?
First officer or acting officer sets tactics. After tactics set all responding vehicles need to support this. Engine for extinguishment and or rescue, truck for ventilation or forcible entry. All functions should be decided by the department prior to call.
3)What is the best piece of equipment to bring into a house fire?
All firefighters should carry a tool. These tools should not all be the same. If FF 1 carries an axe then FF 2 might carry a halligan and FF 3 a pike pole.
4) What are the steps taken at a house fire with victims trapped?
Rescue is top priorty. Extinguishing fire assists rescue. First engine should try to extinguish fire unless no help is coming.
5)What is the first thing checked at a MVA?
Different things are checked at the same time. Again this depends on number of personnel. Number of injured and type of injuries. Hazards in vehicles. Scene safety.
6) What are the steps taken to free a patient from an overturned SUV that has rolled 3 times?
Establish contact with pt. Stabilize vehicle. Lay a protective hose line. Use tools to remove vehicle from around pt. Extricate pt.
7)How do you properly complete an overhaul after a fire?
Overhaul is the search for hidden fire. Walls and ceilings should be opened until structural members show no signs of fire.
8) Is the first officer onscene always the commanding officer?
First officer is in command until a higher ranking officer or another officer will take command.
9)What happens if an apparatus is short staffed?
Call for more help.
10) What is the most efficent apparatus?
All apparatus are efficent for the job assigned. An engine company can get a water supply and extinguish a fire but would not be good at getting to the fourth story roof for ventilation. A truck company would be great at forcible entry and ventilation but would not be very effecient at dragging hose. All firefighters are trained to do all the tasks but some just become better at certain tasks

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Permalink Reply by capcityff on February 3, 2011 at 5:50pm

Honestly no one can give a real answer to any one of these questions. It all depends on the department.

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