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Training
Back to Basics: January 2010
In October we discussed tactical considerations when searching for an injured, trapped or lost firefighter and we looked at the differences between a search for a civilian and a search for a firefighter. Here we will review tactical considerations when locating a firefighter with a search rope, or lifeline.
In October we discussed tactical considerations when searching for an injured, trapped or lost firefighter and we looked at the differences between a search for a civilian and a search for a firefighter. Here we will review tactical considerations when locating a firefighter with a search rope, or lifeline.
Extrication Tips: January 2010
In September, I instructed at a two-day big rig rescue symposium in Nisku, Alta. The other two lead instructors were Billy Leach Jr. from North Carolina and George Klemm from Vancouver Island.
In September, I instructed at a two-day big rig rescue symposium in Nisku, Alta. The other two lead instructors were Billy Leach Jr. from North Carolina and George Klemm from Vancouver Island.
Between Alarms: January 2010
Fire fighting as a profession has a rich and interesting history, peppered with milestones dating as far back as 200 BC, when the first fire pump was developed by an Egyptian named Ctesibus.
Fire fighting as a profession has a rich and interesting history, peppered with milestones dating as far back as 200 BC, when the first fire pump was developed by an Egyptian named Ctesibus.
FitSmart: January 2010
Whether you train for yourself, those around you or purely just for function, everyone needs to train with purpose. If nothing else, the overall well-being we can achieve through our health and fitness programs
Whether you train for yourself, those around you or purely just for function, everyone needs to train with purpose. If nothing else, the overall well-being we can achieve through our health and fitness programs
Top of the world
Canadian firefighters had their best showing ever at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge in Las Vegas in November, claiming victories in seven categories and beating seasoned veterans and previous champions.
Canadian firefighters had their best showing ever at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge in Las Vegas in November, claiming victories in seven categories and beating seasoned veterans and previous champions.
Blue Card Command
Firefighters will often part company at the end of a shift by saying, “See you at the big one.” One of the oddities of our subculture is that such a phrase usually is received with a smile. Even as 9-11 begins to fade from our immediate consciousnesses we are willing, and even eager, to face that one career-defining incident that would bring out all hands.
Firefighters will often part company at the end of a shift by saying, “See you at the big one.” One of the oddities of our subculture is that such a phrase usually is received with a smile. Even as 9-11 begins to fade from our immediate consciousnesses we are willing, and even eager, to face that one career-defining incident that would bring out all hands.
Truck Checks: December 2009
Sisyphus was an ancient Greek king who angered the god Zeus. He was condemned to push a very heavy boulder up a steep mountain. Just before quitting time each night he was to stand aside and let the boulder roll all the way back to the bottom of the mountain.
Sisyphus was an ancient Greek king who angered the god Zeus. He was condemned to push a very heavy boulder up a steep mountain. Just before quitting time each night he was to stand aside and let the boulder roll all the way back to the bottom of the mountain.
Trainer's Corner: December 2009
In a matter of days it will be 2010. For us in British Columbia, this means the celebration of the Winter Olympics. Whistler’s population is expected to increase to 55,000 from 10,000. The increase in population, the transportation needs and the threat of terrorism will certainly challenge emergency first responders.
In a matter of days it will be 2010. For us in British Columbia, this means the celebration of the Winter Olympics. Whistler’s population is expected to increase to 55,000 from 10,000. The increase in population, the transportation needs and the threat of terrorism will certainly challenge emergency first responders.
Hands-on training
On Aug. 2, 2005, Air France Flight 358 was inbound to Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto from Paris with 12 crew and 297 passengers. Thunderstorms near the airport drenched the runways and created strong winds that changed direction erratically.
On Aug. 2, 2005, Air France Flight 358 was inbound to Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto from Paris with 12 crew and 297 passengers. Thunderstorms near the airport drenched the runways and created strong winds that changed direction erratically.
Back to Basics: November 2009
All fire-service operations are conducted with safety as a priority. One of the most dangerous tasks we perform is raising ladders.
Overhead wires and other obstructions make raising ladders a particularly dangerous task. Electrical wires have been a killer of firefighters on the fire ground numerous times.
All fire-service operations are conducted with safety as a priority. One of the most dangerous tasks we perform is raising ladders.
Overhead wires and other obstructions make raising ladders a particularly dangerous task. Electrical wires have been a killer of firefighters on the fire ground numerous times.
Trainer's Corner: November 2009
Before I launch into this month’s discussion, I would like to express my thanks for your feedback regarding a mayday protocol for the Canadian fire services. It seems that firefighters support a national standard for calling and responding to a mayday, yet the response from provincial fire commissioners and fire chiefs associations is frustratingly slow.
Before I launch into this month’s discussion, I would like to express my thanks for your feedback regarding a mayday protocol for the Canadian fire services. It seems that firefighters support a national standard for calling and responding to a mayday, yet the response from provincial fire commissioners and fire chiefs associations is frustratingly slow.
Truck Checks: November 2009
About 10 years ago the diesel engine industry brought in some very interesting technology to reduce NOx levels (There are a number of Nitrogen oxide compounds that can be produced as a by-product of diesel engine exhaust so it’s easier to group them all together as NOxs rather than pointing them out separately, hence the x designation.)
About 10 years ago the diesel engine industry brought in some very interesting technology to reduce NOx levels (There are a number of Nitrogen oxide compounds that can be produced as a by-product of diesel engine exhaust so it’s easier to group them all together as NOxs rather than pointing them out separately, hence the x designation.)
FitSmart: October 2009
Technology has evolved dramatically in recent years and the fitness industry is no exception. The world of supplementation has exploded to the point where there is a supplement for everything. Whether these supplements make a noticeable difference is up for discussion but it seems that scientists are trying to create a remedy for just about everything people seek.
Technology has evolved dramatically in recent years and the fitness industry is no exception. The world of supplementation has exploded to the point where there is a supplement for everything. Whether these supplements make a noticeable difference is up for discussion but it seems that scientists are trying to create a remedy for just about everything people seek.
Extrication Tips: October 2009
In June I had an opportunity to work on concrete truck rollover accident simulations. The idea came to me after my department responded to a concrete-truck-versus-car accident that resulted in five fatalities – an entire family taken in the blink of an eye.
In June I had an opportunity to work on concrete truck rollover accident simulations. The idea came to me after my department responded to a concrete-truck-versus-car accident that resulted in five fatalities – an entire family taken in the blink of an eye.
Back to Basics: October 2009
Tactics are an essential part of the fireground operation. They allow us to plan our attacks methodically, which, in turn, makes our jobs a little bit easier. When it comes to RIT operations, we can use tactics to help us in our efforts to rescue firefighters. Let’s look at some tactical considerations that will help us in RIT operations.
Tactics are an essential part of the fireground operation. They allow us to plan our attacks methodically, which, in turn, makes our jobs a little bit easier. When it comes to RIT operations, we can use tactics to help us in our efforts to rescue firefighters. Let’s look at some tactical considerations that will help us in RIT operations.
Fire IQ: October 2009
Every so often, information emerges that seems so important and potentially life saving that you feel a need to share it with everyone. Such was the case when I attended a high-rise firefighting symposium presented by the Fire Department of New York and learned of new research about wind-driven fires in high-rises.
Every so often, information emerges that seems so important and potentially life saving that you feel a need to share it with everyone. Such was the case when I attended a high-rise firefighting symposium presented by the Fire Department of New York and learned of new research about wind-driven fires in high-rises.
Standard operating procedure
In 2008, 50 of the 114 U.S. firefighters who died on duty perished due to overexertion. At 43.8 per cent of all fatalities, overexertion, or heart attacks, were the biggest killer of firefighters compared to other causes of death. The next largest killer – vehicle collisions – came in at 25.4 per cent.
In 2008, 50 of the 114 U.S. firefighters who died on duty perished due to overexertion. At 43.8 per cent of all fatalities, overexertion, or heart attacks, were the biggest killer of firefighters compared to other causes of death. The next largest killer – vehicle collisions – came in at 25.4 per cent.
Truck Checks: September 2009
Lubrication of transfer cases and fire pumps is crucial. The Waterous transfer case uses an oil splash system and a supplementary pump that draws oil from a sump strainer and sprays it on the chain drive. As this transfer case uses a chain drive, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is the strainer lubricant of choice for this manufacturer
Lubrication of transfer cases and fire pumps is crucial. The Waterous transfer case uses an oil splash system and a supplementary pump that draws oil from a sump strainer and sprays it on the chain drive. As this transfer case uses a chain drive, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is the strainer lubricant of choice for this manufacturer
Back to Basics: September 2009
In August we introduced the concept of truck company operations. We identified the 10 functions within which a truck company operates and looked at some simple tips on overhaul operations. A big part of truck company operations is ladders, especially ground ladders.
In August we introduced the concept of truck company operations. We identified the 10 functions within which a truck company operates and looked at some simple tips on overhaul operations. A big part of truck company operations is ladders, especially ground ladders.
Truck Checks: August 2009
Get your creeper and trouble light and put your coveralls on. Make sure the truck’s wheels are chocked and the brakes set. If it is not possible to disable the truck then make sure you place the truck out of service and, if possible, have another member of your department make sure no one starts the truck with you under it. Let’s look at rear-axle lubrication.
Get your creeper and trouble light and put your coveralls on. Make sure the truck’s wheels are chocked and the brakes set. If it is not possible to disable the truck then make sure you place the truck out of service and, if possible, have another member of your department make sure no one starts the truck with you under it. Let’s look at rear-axle lubrication.
Back to Basics: August 2009
There are many terms associated with fire service operations. One of those terms is truck company operations. What does this mean? In the Canadian fire service we rarely use this term but we involve ourselves with the operations that are associated with it.
There are many terms associated with fire service operations. One of those terms is truck company operations. What does this mean? In the Canadian fire service we rarely use this term but we involve ourselves with the operations that are associated with it.
Trainer's Corner: August 2009
I have just returned from FDIC Atlantic and, as usual, it was an incredible conference. I was invited to instruct four classes on calling a mayday and fire ground communications. Many of the firefighters were moved to tears as we listened to the radio transmissions from the Sofa Super Store fire in Charleston, S.C.
I have just returned from FDIC Atlantic and, as usual, it was an incredible conference. I was invited to instruct four classes on calling a mayday and fire ground communications. Many of the firefighters were moved to tears as we listened to the radio transmissions from the Sofa Super Store fire in Charleston, S.C.
Extrication Tips: Raising the roof
When it comes to patient removal from crashed vehicles there are many options to be considered regarding the path of egress – issues such as access to the patient, degree or level of entrapment, and compartment intrusion. Rescuers need to determine the safest, most effective and least time-consuming path of patient egress based on the patient’s condition.
When it comes to patient removal from crashed vehicles there are many options to be considered regarding the path of egress – issues such as access to the patient, degree or level of entrapment, and compartment intrusion. Rescuers need to determine the safest, most effective and least time-consuming path of patient egress based on the patient’s condition.
FitSmart: July 2009
I still remember my first CrossFit experience. I was about 20 and I didn’t know it but CrossFit had been around for as long as I had. I was exhausted after my final set of squats for the day and began walking through the crowded gym toward the fountain.
I still remember my first CrossFit experience. I was about 20 and I didn’t know it but CrossFit had been around for as long as I had. I was exhausted after my final set of squats for the day and began walking through the crowded gym toward the fountain.
Back to Basics: Mayday, mayday, mayday
When we hear the word mayday we immediately think of disaster. The word mayday is meant to grab our attention for immediate resolution or help. We often hear the word on television or in movies when a plane is in distress. Pilots are trained to declare a mayday as soon as they encounter any kind of danger
When we hear the word mayday we immediately think of disaster. The word mayday is meant to grab our attention for immediate resolution or help. We often hear the word on television or in movies when a plane is in distress. Pilots are trained to declare a mayday as soon as they encounter any kind of danger
Fire IQ: July 2009
When I began my fire service career 30 years ago, my department equipped me and my fellow firefighters with the best personal protective equipment available. Our standard issue consisted of a pair of thigh-high rubber boots, a three-quarter-length petch coat, rubber gloves and a pretty decent Cairns helmet with ear flaps.
When I began my fire service career 30 years ago, my department equipped me and my fellow firefighters with the best personal protective equipment available. Our standard issue consisted of a pair of thigh-high rubber boots, a three-quarter-length petch coat, rubber gloves and a pretty decent Cairns helmet with ear flaps.
Back to Basics: The art of low profiling
SCBA is one of our most important pieces of equipment. It protects us from IDLH (immediate danger to life and health) atmospheres and has been considered the key in the advancement of today’s fire service.
SCBA is one of our most important pieces of equipment. It protects us from IDLH (immediate danger to life and health) atmospheres and has been considered the key in the advancement of today’s fire service.
Truck Checks: Total connected load
Put up your hand if you’ve had battery or starting problems on your fire truck. The problem could be the total connected load ( TCL), one of the most misunderstood factors affecting apparatus operation. The relationship between TCL and alternator output is very important and is often overlooked during construction of new apparatus and in the diagnoses of problems during repair of older apparatus. By definition, TCL is the amount of electrical power needed to operate the vehicle while on scene or enroute.
Put up your hand if you’ve had battery or starting problems on your fire truck. The problem could be the total connected load ( TCL), one of the most misunderstood factors affecting apparatus operation. The relationship between TCL and alternator output is very important and is often overlooked during construction of new apparatus and in the diagnoses of problems during repair of older apparatus. By definition, TCL is the amount of electrical power needed to operate the vehicle while on scene or enroute.
Trainer’s Corner: Wildland fire preparedness
Wildland fires are associated with out-of-control burning, high intensity, high flames and high rates of spread. Fed by high temperatures, low humidity and low rainfall, the fire-prone vegetation that shares space with manmade structures can destroy whole communities. Each year, there are thousands of forest fires in Canada. Although most are far from populated areas, there have certainly been tragic exceptions.
Wildland fires are associated with out-of-control burning, high intensity, high flames and high rates of spread. Fed by high temperatures, low humidity and low rainfall, the fire-prone vegetation that shares space with manmade structures can destroy whole communities. Each year, there are thousands of forest fires in Canada. Although most are far from populated areas, there have certainly been tragic exceptions.
Handling highrises
Highrise buildings have long posed challenges for fire services. Although highrise fires are rare, these multi-storey buildings are complex structures. Highrise fires, therefore, demand large numbers of fire service personnel and pose occupant control and evacuation problems.
Highrise buildings have long posed challenges for fire services. Although highrise fires are rare, these multi-storey buildings are complex structures. Highrise fires, therefore, demand large numbers of fire service personnel and pose occupant control and evacuation problems.
Trainer's Corner: May 2009
Canwest Fire recently concluded its third H.O.T. session for calling a mayday. The results of our three sessions may help your department. A total of 40 firefighters (full time/paid on call) were tested.
Canwest Fire recently concluded its third H.O.T. session for calling a mayday. The results of our three sessions may help your department. A total of 40 firefighters (full time/paid on call) were tested.
Back to Basics: May 2009
Are you doing everything you can to hit the hydrant? Even though this is a basic task, we often overlook the importance of executing it effectively. We have all seen pictures of hydrants with their supply lines snaking through car windows or underneath vehicles, all twisted and full of kinks.
Are you doing everything you can to hit the hydrant? Even though this is a basic task, we often overlook the importance of executing it effectively. We have all seen pictures of hydrants with their supply lines snaking through car windows or underneath vehicles, all twisted and full of kinks.
Truck Checks: May 2009
The NFPA defines an interlock as a device or arrangement of devices in which the operation of one part or one mechanism of the device controls the operation of another part of another mechanism.
The NFPA defines an interlock as a device or arrangement of devices in which the operation of one part or one mechanism of the device controls the operation of another part of another mechanism.
Back to basics: RIT staging and procedures
In January, we discussed when to implement a rapid intervention team. Now, we will consider where the RIT will be staged and some procedures to follow.
In January, we discussed when to implement a rapid intervention team. Now, we will consider where the RIT will be staged and some procedures to follow.
Fire IQ
Since fires always go out, and since we usually don’t injure or kill firefighters in the process, we often walk away from those fires believing that things generally went well. But did they really? And are we doing everything in our power to ensure a culture that supports firefighter safety and survival?
Since fires always go out, and since we usually don’t injure or kill firefighters in the process, we often walk away from those fires believing that things generally went well. But did they really? And are we doing everything in our power to ensure a culture that supports firefighter safety and survival?
Extrication Tips: Using the air chisel
In the January issue we talked about air chisels in general, including their basic design, function, proper use and why they are gaining popularity again.
In the January issue we talked about air chisels in general, including their basic design, function, proper use and why they are gaining popularity again.
FitSmart: The basics of building
Most women on this planet would argue that men are fairly simple creatures. The more I learn about myself, and men and women in general, the more I unfortunately tend to agree.
Most women on this planet would argue that men are fairly simple creatures. The more I learn about myself, and men and women in general, the more I unfortunately tend to agree.
Trainer's Corner: The dangers of the front wall
Trainer’s Corner is dedicated to giving you the tools to make good judgment calls on the fire ground. “Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.” (Author unknown) Unfortunately, in our profession, bad judgment can result in devastating and sometimes fatal results.
Trainer’s Corner is dedicated to giving you the tools to make good judgment calls on the fire ground. “Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.” (Author unknown) Unfortunately, in our profession, bad judgment can result in devastating and sometimes fatal results.
Back to Basics: Re-introducing the 2.5-inch hose
In the fire service we always look for ways to improve ourselves either through technology or our methods of operation. We have seen this with the introduction of the thermal imaging camera, 1.5-inch hose, two-inch hose, positive pressure ventilation fire attack and other advancements.
In the fire service we always look for ways to improve ourselves either through technology or our methods of operation. We have seen this with the introduction of the thermal imaging camera, 1.5-inch hose, two-inch hose, positive pressure ventilation fire attack and other advancements.
Truck Checks: Diagnosing starter condition
During a recent fourth-year heavy equipment technician class we set out to determine whether an oscilloscope can be used to diagnose starter condition.
During a recent fourth-year heavy equipment technician class we set out to determine whether an oscilloscope can be used to diagnose starter condition.
Training days
Harbour Grace, N.L. – Many firefighters train in ice/water rescue but not all use these specialized skills over the course of their careers. Recently the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade was tested in an incident involving teenage boys, risks and, unfortunately, tragedy.
Harbour Grace, N.L. – Many firefighters train in ice/water rescue but not all use these specialized skills over the course of their careers. Recently the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade was tested in an incident involving teenage boys, risks and, unfortunately, tragedy.
Back to Basics: Easy check-in system for SCBA
We all know the routine – every time we come on shift or conduct our monthly or bi-weekly truck checks, we are supposed to check our SCBAs. In the full-time departments, this is standard operating procedure. In the volunteer departments, this is also a part of the basic operational procedures.
We all know the routine – every time we come on shift or conduct our monthly or bi-weekly truck checks, we are supposed to check our SCBAs. In the full-time departments, this is standard operating procedure. In the volunteer departments, this is also a part of the basic operational procedures.
Truck Checks: Apparatus 101 – part 2
Get out your study guides! This month’s Truck Check features the second half of the fire apparatus assessment exam. This set of questions picks up where our December issue left off, rounding out the section dealing with electrical objectives questions
Get out your study guides! This month’s Truck Check features the second half of the fire apparatus assessment exam. This set of questions picks up where our December issue left off, rounding out the section dealing with electrical objectives questions
Choosing top-quality protein power
Three-quarters of the world’s population is taking some form of vitamin or supplement. Whether it is a simple vitamin C, meal replacement protein or some sort of advanced workout formula, people are looking more and more to supplement their meals to improve their health.
Three-quarters of the world’s population is taking some form of vitamin or supplement. Whether it is a simple vitamin C, meal replacement protein or some sort of advanced workout formula, people are looking more and more to supplement their meals to improve their health.
Extrication Tips: The evolution of the air chisel
Hand-held rescue tools such as the pneumatic air chisel were the tools of the trade prior to the introduction of hydraulic cutters, rams and spreaders. The chisel still had a place on the truck, but was used less and less frequently as time went on.
Hand-held rescue tools such as the pneumatic air chisel were the tools of the trade prior to the introduction of hydraulic cutters, rams and spreaders. The chisel still had a place on the truck, but was used less and less frequently as time went on.
Back to Basics: A how-to for RIT response
I’m often asked by firefighters when their departments should implement rapid intervention teams. In my opinion, RITs should be implemented right away. However, other fire department operational capacities may hinder this. Let’s look at a few points surrounding implementation the RIT.
I’m often asked by firefighters when their departments should implement rapid intervention teams. In my opinion, RITs should be implemented right away. However, other fire department operational capacities may hinder this. Let’s look at a few points surrounding implementation the RIT.
Truck Checks: Apparatus 101: Test your skills
What are emergency vehicle technicians? They are people of many skills – small engine mechanic, automotive and heavy duty technician, plumber with a dash of auto body artist throw in. They are people who are willing to accept the tremendous responsibility for the results of their work. Simply put, unless you walk to the fire, you need these people.
What are emergency vehicle technicians? They are people of many skills – small engine mechanic, automotive and heavy duty technician, plumber with a dash of auto body artist throw in. They are people who are willing to accept the tremendous responsibility for the results of their work. Simply put, unless you walk to the fire, you need these people.
Trainer's Corner: Containing the fire spread
Most fires start in the contents of a structure. That contents fire, if not quickly extinguished, spreads further into the building, through the walls, common roof and or attic spaces, and even from one structure to an adjacent building.
Most fires start in the contents of a structure. That contents fire, if not quickly extinguished, spreads further into the building, through the walls, common roof and or attic spaces, and even from one structure to an adjacent building.
Back to Basics: The minuteman hose load
Advancing hose is an important part of our jobs when we are implementing an aggressive fire attack. As mentioned in November, there is a saying in the fire service, “as the first line goes, so goes the fire”. Getting that first line off the engine and into position is vital to the outcome of our fire attack.
Advancing hose is an important part of our jobs when we are implementing an aggressive fire attack. As mentioned in November, there is a saying in the fire service, “as the first line goes, so goes the fire”. Getting that first line off the engine and into position is vital to the outcome of our fire attack.
Back to Basics: Hose line advancement tips
In September, we looked at the importance of the backup person on the hose line when advancing a hose line into a structure. Hose-line advancement is an important part of our fire ground operations.
In September, we looked at the importance of the backup person on the hose line when advancing a hose line into a structure. Hose-line advancement is an important part of our fire ground operations.
Trainer’s Corner: A study of dangerous tactics
Canada: the world’s second-largest country; more than 5,000 kilometres wide; 31 million residents spread through 10 provinces and three territories. This is our beloved land for which we, the Canadian fire services, stand on guard. Each department will be called on to deal with different dangers.
Canada: the world’s second-largest country; more than 5,000 kilometres wide; 31 million residents spread through 10 provinces and three territories. This is our beloved land for which we, the Canadian fire services, stand on guard. Each department will be called on to deal with different dangers.
Truck Checks: ABS for the fire service
A little history to start: Antilock Brake System (ABS) for vehicles is not a new idea. The first practical application was developed for the railroad industry in the early 1940s and then later for the aircraft industry in the late 1940s and 1950s.
A little history to start: Antilock Brake System (ABS) for vehicles is not a new idea. The first practical application was developed for the railroad industry in the early 1940s and then later for the aircraft industry in the late 1940s and 1950s.
Fit for Life: Putting it all together
Over the past few years I’ve used this space to talk about individual workouts and now it’s time to put things together. Below is an effective program that works all muscles and the cardiovascular system. The program is a based on a seven-day rotation: day one (core and cardio); day two (core and legs/shoulders); day three (core and arms); day four (stairs); day five (core and cardio); days six and seven are days off.
Over the past few years I’ve used this space to talk about individual workouts and now it’s time to put things together. Below is an effective program that works all muscles and the cardiovascular system. The program is a based on a seven-day rotation: day one (core and cardio); day two (core and legs/shoulders); day three (core and arms); day four (stairs); day five (core and cardio); days six and seven are days off.
Extrication Tips: The Big Easy solution - Tool saves time, reduces damage to vehicle
The fire service is a public service agency that strives to ensure the life safety of our residents and provide support services for many different types of situations that our residents encounter in their daily lives.
The fire service is a public service agency that strives to ensure the life safety of our residents and provide support services for many different types of situations that our residents encounter in their daily lives.
Back to Basics: The RIT kit - Tools of the trade for Rapid Intervention Teams
Being a RIT firefighter requires a lot training and dedication from both the individuals and the fire department. It also requires a lot of equipment to rescue a downed firefighter. Most fire apparatus today have lots of different equipment and tools on board that will never be used. We take all this equipment with us all the time because we never know when we just might need that one tool.
Being a RIT firefighter requires a lot training and dedication from both the individuals and the fire department. It also requires a lot of equipment to rescue a downed firefighter. Most fire apparatus today have lots of different equipment and tools on board that will never be used. We take all this equipment with us all the time because we never know when we just might need that one tool.
FIRE IQ: A smorgasbord of interesting terminology
This month we’re looking at a variety of topics, a little history and a poorly disguised reminder to fight the complacency that occasionally creeps into the workplace.
This month we’re looking at a variety of topics, a little history and a poorly disguised reminder to fight the complacency that occasionally creeps into the workplace.
FitSmart: Want to bulk up?
Personal trainer Brad Lawrence looks at breaking plateaus in his fitness column and, in his nutrition column, superfood supplements.
Personal trainer Brad Lawrence looks at breaking plateaus in his fitness column and, in his nutrition column, superfood supplements.
Online Training
Online training is the most modern educational tool in the fire department training arsenal. Because it uses the latest technologies, it means fire departments have the ability to solve a multitude of training-related issues all at the same time.
Online training is the most modern educational tool in the fire department training arsenal. Because it uses the latest technologies, it means fire departments have the ability to solve a multitude of training-related issues all at the same time.
Truck Checks: Sustainable apparatus
Sustainability, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, means “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Sustainability, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, means “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Trainer's Corner: The need to practise mayday
I recently received a call from my son Aaron (a firefighter and columnist for Canadian Firefighter and EMS Quarterly) in regard to what has come to be known as the Charleston Nine.
I recently received a call from my son Aaron (a firefighter and columnist for Canadian Firefighter and EMS Quarterly) in regard to what has come to be known as the Charleston Nine.
Back to Basics: Backup man plays key role
Last month we discussed the proper techniques for effective nozzle management. In that article, I mentioned that we would look at the job of the backup man in more detail.
Last month we discussed the proper techniques for effective nozzle management. In that article, I mentioned that we would look at the job of the backup man in more detail.
Tools of the Trade: Technical advances boost safety
At the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis in April, many firefighters had the opportunity to participate in the hands-on-training, or HOT, sessions
At the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis in April, many firefighters had the opportunity to participate in the hands-on-training, or HOT, sessions
Trainer’s Corner: Assessing variables is crucial to wildland-urban size up
I recently returned from speaking at the 14th Annual FDIC Atlantic, hosted by the Nova Scotia chapter of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and the Maritime Association of Fire Chiefs.
I recently returned from speaking at the 14th Annual FDIC Atlantic, hosted by the Nova Scotia chapter of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and the Maritime Association of Fire Chiefs.
Back to Basics: Nozzle management 101
With the advent of the pistol-grip nozzle came poor and sloppy nozzle handling skills. Everybody became a cowboy or a six shooter by holding the nozzle at the hip to direct the stream of water.
With the advent of the pistol-grip nozzle came poor and sloppy nozzle handling skills. Everybody became a cowboy or a six shooter by holding the nozzle at the hip to direct the stream of water.
Truck Checks: Transmission tips – part 4
This is the final instalment in our series on transmissions. You can find the previous columns at www.firefightingincanada.com (click on Past Issues)
This is the final instalment in our series on transmissions. You can find the previous columns at www.firefightingincanada.com (click on Past Issues)
FitSmart
Want to bulk up? Personal trainer Brad Lawrence looks at five-by-five mass training in his fitness column and, in his nutrition column, benefits of tea.
Want to bulk up? Personal trainer Brad Lawrence looks at five-by-five mass training in his fitness column and, in his nutrition column, benefits of tea.
Extrication Tips: Lifting procedures for strut systems
In the two previous issues (January 2008 and October 2007) we talked about basic stabilization and then moved on to more advanced stabilizing situations with vehicles on their roofs and sides.
In the two previous issues (January 2008 and October 2007) we talked about basic stabilization and then moved on to more advanced stabilizing situations with vehicles on their roofs and sides.
Fit for Life: Pairing up to improve workouts
Everything we do on the fire ground is with a partner and our workouts should be no different. Having a partner will help keep you motivated and hold you accountable to continue your workouts regularly. Finding the right person to be your workout partner is not as easy as it sounds. Consider the following factors when choosing a workout partner: time available; similarity of workouts; accountability; level of motivation; talkativeness; and similarity of goals.
Everything we do on the fire ground is with a partner and our workouts should be no different. Having a partner will help keep you motivated and hold you accountable to continue your workouts regularly. Finding the right person to be your workout partner is not as easy as it sounds. Consider the following factors when choosing a workout partner: time available; similarity of workouts; accountability; level of motivation; talkativeness; and similarity of goals.
Fire IQ: A reminder to always watch your back
In this second instalment of Fire IQ, we broaden our scope a bit to include some lessons learned along with fire fighting terminology that we hope to help make consistent across the Canadian fire service.
In this second instalment of Fire IQ, we broaden our scope a bit to include some lessons learned along with fire fighting terminology that we hope to help make consistent across the Canadian fire service.
Fire IQ
In this second installment of Fire IQ, Ottawa Fire Services Capt. Peter Hunt looks at some lessons learned along with fire fighting terminology.
In this second installment of Fire IQ, Ottawa Fire Services Capt. Peter Hunt looks at some lessons learned along with fire fighting terminology.
RIT training: How to develop your department’s rapid intervention team
We have all heard the term rapid intervention team or RIT. Many fire departments have begun to train their personnel in the concepts of rescuing downed, trapped or injured firefighters. The concept of rapid intervention teams is not new. It has been around for 10 to 15 years in the U.S. but has only begun to infiltrate the Canadian fire service in the last five years. What was once a trend is now a standard practice with many fire departments implementing some kind of a RIT program.
We have all heard the term rapid intervention team or RIT. Many fire departments have begun to train their personnel in the concepts of rescuing downed, trapped or injured firefighters. The concept of rapid intervention teams is not new. It has been around for 10 to 15 years in the U.S. but has only begun to infiltrate the Canadian fire service in the last five years. What was once a trend is now a standard practice with many fire departments implementing some kind of a RIT program.
Truck Checks: Transmission Tips – Part 3
While the family of older hydraulic-mechanical Allison transmissions (AT-MT-HT) was very good for the fire service, the world transmission called the WT and the newer Emergency Vehicle Service transmission (EVS) are excellent for our use. There are a number of reasons for this.
While the family of older hydraulic-mechanical Allison transmissions (AT-MT-HT) was very good for the fire service, the world transmission called the WT and the newer Emergency Vehicle Service transmission (EVS) are excellent for our use. There are a number of reasons for this.
Trainer's Corner: The science of reading smoke
Smoke, heat and toxic gases are all products of combustion. They are produced during a fire’s normal progression and growth. If the fire is inside a structure, the compartment acts as a container, trapping these products of combustion. These trapped products of combustion can cause reduced visability, rapid fire spread and, in some cases, can create a potential for explosion. Smoke, heat and toxic gases are all products of combustion. They are produced during a fire’s normal progression and growth. If the fire is inside a structure, the compartment acts as a container, trapping these products of combustion.
Smoke, heat and toxic gases are all products of combustion. They are produced during a fire’s normal progression and growth. If the fire is inside a structure, the compartment acts as a container, trapping these products of combustion. These trapped products of combustion can cause reduced visability, rapid fire spread and, in some cases, can create a potential for explosion. Smoke, heat and toxic gases are all products of combustion. They are produced during a fire’s normal progression and growth. If the fire is inside a structure, the compartment acts as a container, trapping these products of combustion.
Your Call: Goldfeder gets last word on seatbelt issue
In the March issue of Fire Fighting in Canada, we posed a scenario about a firefighter not wearing his seatbelt and asked how you would handle the situation.
In the March issue of Fire Fighting in Canada, we posed a scenario about a firefighter not wearing his seatbelt and asked how you would handle the situation.
No more bread and butter: Kitchener-Waterloo study proves new materials burn differently
House fires, or, as they have been traditionally referred to, bread-and-butter operations, are part of the ever-changing world of fire fighting.
House fires, or, as they have been traditionally referred to, bread-and-butter operations, are part of the ever-changing world of fire fighting.
