FirefighterCloseCalls.Com - Home of the Secret List

The 20 Structural Watch Out Situations
(Click on the bold to link to PDF attached files)

The idea behind establishing the structural watch out situations is to aid the firefighter in recognizing a present or developing hazardous situation that may endanger themselves or others. When these situations start appearing (one may not be a problem, but five or ten sure are) on the incident a change of strategy, tactics, or simply re-evaluating risk versus gain will become obvious, the idea is to recognize them early on.

It is impractical to think that the average firefighter or incident commander is going to reference these 20 situations in the heat of battle, therefore the preferred way of integrating this information is to “pre-load” it. Two easy areas to pre-load the watch outs are in routine trainings and by simply posting them in the day room for discussion. Also think about incorporating these into the after incident review so as to start reinforcing their use.

These are taken from a workshop designed to manage risk created by Quinn MacLeod titled “Risk Management at the Company Level”. Any comments would be appreciated. Reference www.integrated-firesolutions.com
1. 360 view of fire and size up not performed.
2. Uninformed on strategy, tactics, fire conditions, and hazards.
3. Instructions and assignments not clear.
4. The incident is progressing poorly.
5. Transitioning from offensive to defensive or visa versa.
6. The structure has been evacuated by the public and is confirmed.
7. Water supply is unreliable.
8. Searching without a hose line or tag line.
9. Working above or below the fire.
10. Attempting to attack the fire from a ground ladder.
11. Interior building configuration makes escape to safe areas difficult.
12. Upon entering the structure you encounter heavy smoke conditions and / or high heat.
13. Unable to quickly locate the seat of the fire.
14. Unfamiliar with the building and / or its contents.
15. The building has had numerous alterations.
16. Operating on the roof with only one means of egress.
17. 15 minutes have elapsed & the interior fire fight continues.
18. Environmental conditions are extreme.
19. The incident scene is dark.
20. Mentally and / or physically tired.

NOTE: Numerous versions of these structural watch outs exist, therefore these are not all-inclusive.

DO 1st DUE "COMMAND ROLES"
SOMETIMES CONFUSE YOU?
=Did you go to NIMS Class and find yourself "just a bit" more
confused than before?
=Did you only THINK you knew what "plain English" meant before taking the latest NIMS, ICS or COMMAND COURSE?
=Does this whole "ICS THING" have you needing counseling?

PERHAPS WE CAN HELP?
(click on the below FIRE-SUV ! )

IT'S ONLY A CAR FIRE??
DONT BE.......

CLICK THE ABOVE CAR FIRE FOR AN EXCELLENT PDF FROM
THE NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y. FIRE SERVICE ACADEMY

GOOD VIDEO TO SHOW HOW YOU CAN EASILY GET HURT
AT SUCH A ROUTINE CALL
Click the image below

DRAMATIC HIGHWAY BLOCKING VIDEO=
APPARATUS STRUCK & TOTALLED

MESQUITE (Texas) FF CLOSE CALL

All four ffs were transported to the hospital and all were released within 6 hours of the incident. The one ff that got into the cab last has not returned to work as of 8/20/2007 do to the injuries received. He is expected to make a full recovery. The FF that stumbled out of the cab on the driver's side was ok after being checked out at the hospital. Neither of the FFs in the back had time to sit down and get belted into their seats before the collision. The Driver Engineer and the Captain were both belted in their seats at the time of the accident. The crew received another call for service and were preparing to respond when the accident occurred. The A post where the Captain sits was completed detached at the roof line. The Captain jumped out of the front window after the accident to check on the occupants of the semi. No one in the semi was hurt. The pumper has been totaled. As you can see in the video it got bent pretty bad.

The unit is a 1998 Quality Spartan 1500 gpm pumper.

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS
Here's a powerpoint presentation used for situational awareness, w/ the risk management graphic overlayed
on a Cramer Fire picture.

(Click the photo for the PowerPoint Program)

........CNG VEHICLES DRIVING AROUND IN YOUR AREA? ABSOLUTELY!

CLICK THE BELOW LOGO FOR A CLOSE CALL.....
PowerPoint Program Involving a vehicle and CNG

Is Firefighting Hazardous?
Just show this slide program (click below) to the next person
who doesn't "get it" when it comes to the HAZARDS we deal with at just a
SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING.

FREE DOWNLOAD!
FIREFIGHTERS AND HEART ATTACKS

CLICK BELOW for a presentation that links fire fighting and cardiovascular disease with data from the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality investigations program. This presentation was delivered by NIOSH's Dr. Thomas Hales, MD, MPH at the DHS Office of Grants and Training Meeting on Jan 8, 2007. The findings and conclusion in this presentation have not been formally disseminated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and should not be construed to represent agency determination or policy.

WHAT PART OF.....
CIVILIAN DRIVERS DO NOT SEE OR HEAR US RESPONDING......

DO WE NOT UNDERSTAND?

bad driver
Odd's are-CLOWNS LIKE THE ABOVE DO NOT HEAR US RESPONDING unless they stick their head OUT of the window....because they are simply too busy doing "other stuff" while driving.

SOLUTION
Cell phone driver
....just frick'n STOP when the light is RED or at a STOP sign...

....and MAKE SURE

"THEY" see us and GIVE US the intersection.

(...and even when we DO have a green light-WATCH OUT!)

"If you THINK an APPARATUS vs CIVILIAN crash is worth the risk...

.....you have never had one"

(CLICK THE STOP SIGN FOR ANOTHER APPARATUS VS CIVILIAN CLOSE CALL VIDEO)

VAN EXPLODES!

Firefighters: BUNKER GEAR AND FULL PPE*

* Why? Ever seen a Firefighter at a vehicle fire that isn't fully protected? Of course you have. IMAGINE if a Firefighter approached this van without FULL PPE?? This was an tremendous explosion at a minivan.

From the State Patrol, driver of 1994 Town & Country minivan was waved to pull over by another car. Upon looking in her rear view mirror she saw smoke/flames. Her and the passenger had to jump over some flames to get clear. Vehicle was well involved when we brought it up on camera. Within a couple of minutes of that, we saw a huge fireball blow out the drivers side of the vehicle, about 30 feet wide and 40-50 feet high. No report of injuries. The semi driving through the fireball was a bit smoked, but didn't catch fire. Appears to be a BLEVE from the fuel tank. I've seen literally hundreds of cars burn, but never seen one "blow up" like this. Certainly a great reminder to wear full bunker gear at car fires. Click here for the video.

incoming......!!!!!
BEWARE THE STRUT!

You may remember a few years ago, in FIREHOUSE MAGAZINE, we did a story of a Firefighter seriously injured by an exploding STRUT from the hood of a car that was on fire.
Below is a message from his Chief, in Windsor Locks, CT.

In this latest clip and CLOSE CALL, a Taurus wagon was fully involved. A couple of minutes after Firefighters got water on it and during overhaul, watch at 07:26:40 and you'll see a smokey item roll across by the median. This was a strut from the lift gate, had shot out just missing a FF in the smoke and bounced off either the Troopers squad or the civilian's before rolling to median. CONSIDER THE FORCE of it going that distance.

(CLICK "INCOMING" FOR THE VIDEO)

On Sunday November 21, 2004, the Windsor Locks Fire Department responded to a reported car fire. Upon arrival the fire was confined to the engine compartment. During gaining access to the engine compartment, one of my firefighters had just released the hood safety latch when the hood shock strut exploded and fired into my firefighter, striking him in his upper thigh and piercing completely through his leg and bunker pants with the approximate 18 inch long strut.

I wish to make other departments mindful that these struts are gas filled and are common on General Motor products, in particular Buicks that I am aware of. In my 30 plus years on the fire department this is the first
time I had ever heard of one these gas filled struts exploding like this.

Fire Service Operational Safety at Deconstruction and Demolition Sites

(Click the above picture for this EXCELLENT Powerpoint program)
Provided to FireFighterCloseCalls.com by Chris Naum

RECRUIT FF LODD INVESTIGATION REPORT

BALTIMORE CITY LIVE FIRE TRAINING

FEBRUARY 9, 2007

This independent investigation into the February death of Baltimore Fire Department recruit Racheal Wilson puts much of the blame on her instructor and other midlevel fire commanders, three of whom have already been fired. In the below report prepared for the Mayor, the investigation concluded Wilson wasn't ready for the training exercise that killed her. She had failed agility tests and entered a burning building wearing old gear that failed to protect her from intense heat. Wilson died after she was trapped in a rowhouse that had been deliberately set on fire. Click below for the report and related documents.
Baltimore Training LODD Final Report 8-23-07
Baltimore Training LODD Final Report Appendices

Temporary Traffic Control Checklist
(Click to enlarge)

FIREFIGHTERS....Saving Our Own:
The Powell Doctrine and Interior Fire Operations
Yours...Mine...and OUR Sacred OBLIGATION.
Submitted by Eric Lamar-a veteran Firefighter with a long career history of working toward Firefighter safety and survival. The Firefighter and Fire Officers job is to protect all of our members by making smart decisions under tough circumstances...that's the challenge....
The General & Firefighting? Firefighter LODD's? Who NEEDS You To Return Home? Read on...

(Click the photo below for the details)

KNOW YOUR ENEMY!
FIRES IN SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS!*

*As the Late Frank Brannigan used to say: "THE BUILDING IS YOUR ENEMY.. KNOW YOUR ENEMY!"

Take a look at the video from Loudoun County (VA's) Chief Fire Marshal Keith Brower about a pair of fires that helps illustrate a problem firefighters across the country are dealing with. One of the fires was in an older home. While that fire reached the attic, the house is still standing.
The other fire was in a more modern home. It burned to the ground. Chief Brower says homes built over the last two decades use lighter lumber and connection plates that can easily separate during a fire. He says a combination of faster fire spread and a greater collapse potential often keeps firefighters from getting into the house and stopping the fires. Brower has long been a champion on the issues related to new construction as well as residential sprinklers to save civilians...and FIREFIGHTERS LIVES.

CLICK THE ABOVE PHOTO TO VIEW THE VIDEO COURTESY OF DAVE STATTER www.WUSA9.com

FIREFIGHTER STAFFING, SAFETY &
COMPANY OPERATIONS...

Fire Station Gear Rack
".....BUNKER GEAR IS CRITICAL...BUT IT TAKES FIREFIGHTERS
IN THAT GEAR, AT THE SCENE, TO SAFELY
& EFFECTIVELY DO THIS JOB...."

This is a short film that visually demonstrates the dangers and challenges faced by firefighters during a structure fire. This film serves to educate recruit firefighters, elected officials, city hall dwellers and the public in fire department operations. It demonstrates the need for a safe aggressive interior attack coupled with adequate resources in order to save lives and reduce property loss.
(Click the above photo to view)

FIREFIGHTER SAFETY & SURVIVAL
TRAINING TIME ? ?

Need a little something to "wake up the gang"
at the Firehouse?
(Click the above picture for a great Powerpoint that was submitted to us using some of the photos off our GALLERY Section!)

Hydrogen Safety for First Responders

DOE's Introduction to Hydrogen Safety for First Responders is a Web-based course that provides an "awareness level" overview of hydrogen for fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel. This multimedia tutorial acquaints first responders with hydrogen, its basic properties, and how it compares to other familiar fuels; hydrogen use in fuel cells for transportation and stationary power; potential hazards; initial protective actions should a responder witness an incident; and supplemental resources including videos, supporting documents, and links relevant to hydrogen safety.

Click Here: http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/firstresponders.html

FIREFIGHTERS & SEATBELTS VIDEO...it just ain't that tough!!

Thanks to the Neffsville (PA) Fire Company, who takes great pride in their fire prevention program. In one of their programs, they produced a PSA Video that appear in one of the local movie theaters. We thought that our Seat Belt PSA could be of use to fire & EMS members who visit FireFighterCloseCalls.com.
(Click the Image to download the video)

Fire Truck loses Control

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION!

THINK YOU HAVE SEEN IT ALL?

Not Getting Along With The Cops In Your Area?

The Fire and Law Chiefs in Monterey County California have come up with the following guideline for
operating on highways and rural as well as city streets. THANKS for their willingness to share this with us!
(Click Below)

SEAT BELTS?

CAN PREVENT GETTING EJECTED

(CLICK ABOVE FOR THE WILDLAND SEATBELT VIDEO)

2007 New Year’s Resolutions: Sweat the Small Stuff

William Carey for www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

In 2006 104 fire department personnel died in the line of duty. Regarding the always present prescription to the majority of line of duty deaths, all we can say about this proverbial dead horse is:

“Slow both you and your rig down”

“Exercise”

“Eat healthily”

“Have yearly physicals”

Of these 104 deaths, a brief, non scientific collection concluded the following:

12 deaths while specifically operating a hoseline.
11 deaths while performing suppression operations.
8 deaths specifically stating the member was trapped.
7 deaths caused by, or related to, building collapse.
5 deaths while specifically conducting searches.
2 deaths while overhauling, related to building collapse.
1 death specifically stating the member was disoriented.
1 death involving the incident commander during a working incident.
1 death specifically stating the deployment of a rapid intervention crew in the LODD details.

Some of these figures are one in the same, such as where the firefighter operating a hoseline falls into the basement as a result of a floor collapse. The point to come away with is that even if we follow all of the safety procedures regarding driving and health, the fire service will unfortunately still have to deal with the death of brothers on the fireground. The only prescription we have available for this problem is to not make ourselves so safety conscious that we fall back to the days of fog streams through windows on the outside, but to encourage ourselves and the person we’re riding across from, to be better educated about “fighting” fire.

Below are six small, simple tips focused mostly towards the engine company, but beneficial to all of us. When you think about it they are all very simple, so simple that some are taken for granted. Start the New Year being a better firefighter. As a friend has been quoted, “A good firefighter knows how, a better firefighter knows why”.

In addition to these tips, take some time for some reading of the classic “Collapse of Burning Buildings. A Guide to Fireground Safety” (V. Dunn, Fire Engineering 1988) No matter what the day and technology presents us; fire is still destroying the building we are operating in.

Resolution No.1:

“This is my rifle. There are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.”

Following the U.S. Marine Corps’ Rifle Creed, whether you have a quint, a rescue engine, or just an engine, if you have to stretch a line, the basics don’t change. Make sure your members are familiar with what comes off your engine, how it is packed, how it is used, and how to solve any problems you might have with it. I put together a power point program about the initial stretch, and used the quote “How the first line goes, so goes the fire.” If we can’t get the line from point A to point B properly, then we’re all going to have problems.

Resolution No.2:

Combine Aggressiveness with Discipline.

In the words of Andrew Fredericks, “Good engine companies are aggressive but also disciplined. Disciplined engine companies ‘take the time to make the time.’ They take an extra 30 seconds to properly position the rig and estimate the handline stretch. They chock doors. They chase kinks. They see the big picture. Disciplined engine companies are deliberate, patient and professional. Is your engine company disciplined?”

Resolution No.3:

Be more than just a Driver.

Your engine at your paid job might only require you to push a button. What do you do when you’re not working? (Or vice versa) Take time to show an upcoming driver how to pump; practice odd situations; work out all of the “what if’s”.

Resolution No.4:

Practice taking a deep breath and THINKING.

In some circles, the train of thought is that we can’t enter a commercial occupancy unless we have a search line, even if we are advancing a handline. Take some time to go through your large commercial occupancies and find the trick/tips that will help you out if you do become disoriented. Remember the preplans in the wagon aren’t much help when you’re inside. In the above photograph, if you feel ladders or skids of drywall, what side/quadrant are you nearest when inside the College Park Home Depot, for example?

Resolution No.5: Skip the Salty Look for the Experienced, Mature Look

Yeah, you’re Burkes are warped, but other than that, what did you learn? And, just as important, what did you teach to others? A lot of impressions are made on younger firefighters while at training evolutions. Just like your own children (if you have any) they are always watching you.

Resolution No. 6: Be Calm

Of course it’s a fire, why do you think they called you? We might wonder why heart attacks are one of the leading killers among us, and yet we still run at break neck speed out of the dayroom to the rig as soon as the printer and signboard speak up. “Engine __ to Communications, I have a column of smoke showing!!” Well, thanks for that, but is it really necessary? Will you forget to tell me your layout instructions because you’re so excited? Will I even understand your radio transmissions due to you yelling? It is a proven medical fact that the part of our brain that produces anxiety and the fight/flight sequences floods the frontal lobe, which is responsible for having us do things in an orderly, task oriented manner. Take a breath, take a second, and focus.

“The garbage man doesn’t get excited when he turns the corner and sees trash, and you shouldn’t get excited when you turn the corner and see fire.

You should expect fire on every run.”

Andrew Fredericks

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THIS POSTER BY CLICKING IT !

In Cooperation with the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation & FireFighterCloseCalls.Com

RESPONDING ACROSS RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS?

STOP....Always...NO EXCUSES....remember CATLETT, VA.

CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE REPORT:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/tr-048.pdf

EVER GET EJECTED? IT SUCKS! SEAT BELTS PREVENT EJECTIONS.....

CLICK THE ABOVE LOGO FOR ONE MORE REASON WHY SEATBELTS ARE NO LONGER AN OPTION! (Civilian Ejected From Moving Car)

DO YOU REALLY KNOW THE ENEMY??

Thanks to AN Omaha, NE Firefighter, here is an excellent BUILDING CONSTRUCTION FOR FIREFIGHTERS PowerPoint program that can be used by any fire department....click below!

STILL can't convince your firefighters to wear seatbelts?

This may be the most dramatic clip we've posted yet. Take a look: (click here)

...for additional, go to our SAFETY & SURVIVAL DOWNLOADS PAGE. (click here for that page)

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR EMERGENCY SCENES

Click here

FIREFIGHTERS....BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON TRUSS CONSTRUCTION

www.trusjoist.com

Daniel’s Block Fire-BACKDRAFT Video

(VIDEO BELOW)

394 Railroad Street

St. Johnsbury, Vermont

Submitted to FFCC By Fire Chief Troy Ruggles

Date: January 28, 2000 Temperature: -30 F

Time of Alarm: 00:59 Number of Alarms: 7 3- civilian fatalities

Type of Occupancy: Mixed Occupancy-Apartments over Mercantile

Building Construction Type: Type 3 Ordinary- Balloon Frame

Building Size: 90 x 100 5 stories- 4 in front 5 in rear

Building protection: No sprinkler or alarm system. Local smokes in apartments only.

Exposures: Side A- Street, Side B- 3 story wood frame, Side C-2 Story Wood Frame Side C1- 6 Story Grain Mill Heavy Timber & Side D 5 Story Ordinary Construction Sprinkled.

00:59 Fire Alarm Office receives 911 call reporting a fire on #2 FLOOR IN Apt. 4

01:01 Engine 3 (2 personnel) Arrives on Scene Nothing visible from exterior- Reports to floor 2 and encounters a light to moderate smoke condition on floor 2. They report to apartment 4 and begin search- Nothing found Eng-3 Personnel begin evacuating people.

Occupancy at the time was 27 People in the building.

01:04 Car 1 on Scene establishes command- Observes two sides nothing showing- goes to front of stores nothing visible.

01:05 radio contact with Eng- 3 that they are removing people

01:08 Engine 2 (3) Arrives on scene- Stretches 13/4” line to #2 floor as precaution-No fire encountered at this time. Two members from engine 2 assist engine 1 with evacuation.

(Members had a very difficult time in getting people to leave the building. Many of the people were staying in the building and had to be physically escorted out. Condition at this time did not hamper their exit. Very time consuming.)

Approx. 01:12 Tower 4 (5) on scene members enter building to assist with search & rescue operation.

^{Daniel’s Block Fire}

^{394 Railroad Street}

The following events took place with no exact time frame:

Shortly after companies were in the building removing occupants. The plate glass storefront on the mercantile space dropped out lazily and smoke began to poor out of the store. Command reported the conditions to the companies operating on the upper floors, 2, 3 & 4 that a fire condition was present on floor 1. Eng-3 officer replied that the smoke and heat condition on the upper floors had deteriorated significantly and that the smoke was “Boiling” out of the floors and walls. Eng-3 officer gained accountability of the 7 members on the upper floors and began exiting the building. At the same time fire began blowing out the front of the store. Members using hooks removed all of the plate glass from the storefront. Within seconds heavy fire was blowing out of the front of the store on #1 floor and extending up the front of the building over the roofline. All firefighters were ordered out of the building. Within 5 minutes of the firefighters exiting the upper floors the second floor collapsed.

A defensive operation was ordered and 2^nd-3^rd-& 4^th alarms were transmitted. Free burning fire continued as heavy master streams and big lines were put in to operation.

At approximately 01:33 20 minutes after the fire broke out and free burning fire was involving the structure on floor #1 & 2 the Backdraft occurred.

The backdraft was intense and forceful. It is believed that accumulation of gases in the basement of the building were building up and eventually let go. Precautionary measures of taking out the plate glass storefront were beneficial in reducing personal injury.

When viewing the footage it appears that memebers were directly in front of the building, however members were at 45-degree angles to the front. Operating lines. All members operating were in full protective clothing and SCBA. This helped reduce injuries as well. Engine 1 personnel operating in the rear of the building trying to force a door were blown back across a parking lot when the backdraft occurred. The top portion of the steel door folded from the force.

This video was taken from a police cruiser parked approximately one block away. You see signs of smoke churning at this angle. From the front of the building the smoke did not appear that way.

This backdraft occurred after ventilation had been completed and heavy fire burned for over 20 minutes involving the structure as well as contents. In addition, heavy streams operated on the fire well before the backdraft occurred.

We have experienced these types of building fires before. The large open spaces and concealed spaces allowed these gases to build up to explosive concentrations. Proper PPE certainly helped prevent injuries to our members. It was clear to us that this fire had been concealed within the walls and floor of this building and burning for a period of time before it was reported. The balloon frame constructions allowed for this fire to go unnoticed and gain headway.

CLICK THE BOX FOR THE VIDEO:

A SIMPLE EXPLANATION FOR FIREFIGHTERS ON WHY FOOTING GROUND LADDERS IS IMPORTANT....

especially if YOU are climbing the ladder.
(click below)

A Virtual FireFighter Trainer

While HANDS ON TRAINING IS ALWAYS the best....here is a GREAT source for inside training as well. As you know, fire fighting and fire fighter training is dangerous. Methods are needed to allow fire fighters to gain experience before exposing themselves and others to danger. The objective of this work is to develop a computerized, science based fire fighting training tool to improve training opportunities.

Fire simulations are performed using the Fire Dynamics Simulator and Smokeview.. These tools have been used to perform various fire reconstructions such as the Cherry road townhouse fire, the Two story duplex Iowa fire, and the WTC fires. The next step is to adapt these tools, making them simpler to use and by allowing one to experience and interact with the computerized fire environment.

Go here for the entire program:

http://fire.nist.gov/fds/vfft/#flashover

TRENCH SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAM
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs

/2006-133D/flash/index.html

Check out the above trench awareness safety page. It’s geared towards general industry, but covers the majority items rescuers need to know.

VIDEO.....AIR BAG DANGER!
USE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING AT AUTO CRASHES!

This is a recently removed airbag from a car that was fired off with a traffic cone on top for firefighter safety demo purposes. This was fired off by attaching it to a battery and then crossing two wires. An action that could easily happen while extricating someone from a vehicle with extrication tools.....TRAIN TO SURVIVE! (CLICK BELOW)

OPERATING IN OR NEAR WATER??? ....AND IF YOU

ARE NOT TRAINED-STAY AWAY AND OUT!Operating on water to perform a RESCUE without training is THE SAME as a rookie going into a FIRE without training....or an EMT STUDENT running an ALS EMERGENCY. The RESULTS ARE PREDICTABLE...Instead of helping SOLVE a problem-you become PART OF THE PROBLEM.(CLICK the above LOGO for a SAMPLE WATER RESCUE SOP FOR FIREFIGHTERS AND EMS PERSONNEL)

http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/FIRE/20411.html

POWERPOINT PROGRAM:RESULTS & RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK TO FIREFIGHTERS

(click the below logo)

FD & RAILROAD OPERATIONS SOP

This suggested SOP was developed for railroad responses by the Columbus, Ohio Fire Department. The CFD was involved in an incident several months ago and as a result they found out they needed to focus more on training for operations for responding to incidents where they are working on or near railroad tracks. Another good example set by the CFD!

(click the logo)

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS....HONORING OUR FALLEN.

Click the below LOGO for the outstanding Honoring Our Fallen clip. The important work that the Wildland Firefighter Foundation does is worthy of all our attention---check them out at: www.wffoundation.org

Also check out the Colorado Firecamp www.coloradofirecamp.com

CLICK BELOW FOR A

"QUICK CARD" OF DRIVER SAFETY INFORMATION!

POWERPOINT DOWNLOAD: MOTEL ROOF COLLAPSE-FIREFIGHTERS TRAPPED Phoenix firefighters rushing to locate and rescue occupants on the second floor of a burning motel escaped serious injuries recently when a flaming roof partially collapsed and trapped them under burning debris.

The pair, wearing SCBA and full PPE managed to free themselves and climb from the rubble just moments later.

They were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

(Click the logo for the PowerPoint)

Our thanks to the.....

Ontario (Canada) Office of the Fire Marshal and Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs for their....FREE DOWNLOADABLE

FIREFIGHTER SAFETY AND SURVIVAL POSTERS

FREE DOWNLOADABLE

NFFF FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL TRAINING PROGRAM

As part of focused effort to help reduce firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries nationwide, the National Preparedness Network (PREPnet) will distribute via the Internet the Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Resource Kit, a powerful media and training tool created by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) as part of its Everyone Goes Home program. First released in June 2006 to some 30,000 fire departments across the United States, the increased distribution represents the United States Fire Administration's continued commitment to its goal of reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths by 50 percent by the year 2014. Through PREPnet, USFA will make the Resource Kit available to virtually every firefighter in the United States.

The Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Resource Kit programs are
available on the Internet as follows:

Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Part 1 - http://www.fc-tv.com/clients/prenet/firefighter1.asx

Chapter 1 Welcome and How To Use This Program
Chapter 2 Line-of-Duty-Death Prevention
Chapter 3 Are You On A Path to a Line of Duty Death?
Personal & Organizational Assessment
Chapter 4 Keeping Fit For The Fight
Health and Wellness

Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Part 2 - http://www.fc-tv.com/clients/prenet/firefighter2.asx

Chapter 5 Arrive Alive!
Safe Vehicle Operations and Scene Safety
Chapter 6 Staying Alive
Fireground Safety
Chapter 7 Train the Way You Fight - But Safely
Live-Fire Training
Chapter 8 Fighting the Fire Before The Fire
Fire Prevention, Protection and the Built Environment

The kit is one of 16 important preparation programs that will save lives and property. All content is available free-of-charge. A complete list of these and other programs is available at
www.usfa.dhs.gov/training/prepnet/

Need info to teach NEW firefighters some basics of

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION?

Check this out!

FIRE SERVICE FEATURES OF BUILDINGS

(click below)

THE "MOVE OVER" VIDEO...YOUR VEST WON'T STOP THIS BULLET...........a roadway safety video courtesy of the IACP of interest to not only law enforcement...but fire, rescue and EMS personnel as well..

Your Vest Won’t Stop This Bullet, a 14-minute video produced by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, shows the deadly threat that police officers, emergency workers and highway construction crews face on a daily basis: Unpredictable drivers.The video is dedicated to the more than 700 law enforcement officers who have died during traffic incidents in the past ten years. The following video is very graphic, depicting peace officers injured in the line of duty, and is only intended for mature audiences.

This video has been formatted to be viewed by modem or high speed connection. If you cannot view the video there can be several problems: anti-virus software, firewalls, network settings, individual system settings, or spy ware software. If you receive a message that “Network is busy” try updating your Windows Media Player by going to “Help” then “Check for Player Updates.”View Video

mms://wmvstream.dese.mo.gov/stopthisbullet

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW AND WHY........WE GET HURT AND KILLED AT FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING FIRES.(Click DUH for the VIDEO)DOING A TRAINING FIRE? READ THIS FIRST!

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2005-102/

2006 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors & Their IMPACT on Firefighting &
Rescue Operations

These vehicles will be equipped with an automatic on-board fire suppression system for rear end collisions. The operation of this system does have an impact on Fire / Rescue and EMS personnel.

Ford has web based training that describes the system and how to handle a vehicle involved in a crash:
Click Here

LICK THE BELOW LOGO FOR THE "HEAVEN CAN WAIT"

SEAT BELT VIDEO

YA HAD A BAD DAY???

Civilians OR Fire/EMS Personnel....AVOIDING a "bad day" is a matter of EXPECTING the unexpected mixed with some training and leadership.The difference is CIVILIANS are expected to do some dumb stuff...and when they do, we try and fix it. When WE have a "bad day"...the outcome is often tragic and generally predictable...which is usually PREVENTABLE!

Click below for the "HAD A BAD DAY" video

HOSE TESTING...CLOSE CALL! CLICK BELOW for an EXCELLENT PowerPoint program from the Fresno, California FD on what happened-what they learned...

....and what we can learn from them! Our sincere thanks to the FFD.

AERIAL AND TOWER LADDER OPERATIONSUse EXTREME caution and EXPERTLY KNOW the Capabilities of your Aerial Device!

Click the logo below for a video where an aerial device, being used to rescue civilians in an amusement park, tragically becomes part of the problem.

TORONTO FIREFIGHTERS TRAPPED (VIDEO)
(Courtesy of TorontoFirePics.com VIDEO COURTESY OF Jamie Larner, Mississauga, Ontario)

Click below for the video of the firefighters being forced to bail out of the dwelling fire. This video, and the previous photos drive home numerous reminders...one specifically being ladder placement to insure firefighters can get out quickly-and SAFELY.

FIREFIGHTER / EXPLOSION VIDEO CLIP:
Firefighter enters a boat-soaks it with gasoline-lights a fire.

Guess what happens next?

Click here:

THE LAST THING CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES AND BUILDERS ARE FOCUSED ON IS....YOUR (FIREFIGHTER) SAFETY ! !

Click the below logo for a powerpoint program regarding TRUSSES WITHOUT GUSSETS!

Building Construction & Firefighting...
PAY ATTENTION DAMMIT!!!

Firefighter Safety....
...and TRUSS SYSTEM FAILURES!
An excellent power point that may save your life courtesy of
the South Walton Fire District
(click below)

NYPD HIGHWAY COP STRUCK.....(Click the below NYPD logo)This could be-and has happened to FIREFIGHTERS as well.FULLY PROTECT YOUR SCENE-BY EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED

Click the below link for suggested Fire/EMS Highway Protection SOP's:

SMOKE INHALATION, FIREFIGHTERS AND THE DEAD SERIOUS ISSUES OF CYANIDE (Below are articles, papers and related links)

Focus on Smoke Inhalation: The Most Common Cause of Acute Cyanide Poisoning
Marc Eckstein, MD, FACEP; Paul M. Maniscalco, MPA, DrBA(c), EMT-P (Click the below logo for the article)

The smoke at all of today's fires is not your Daddy's smoke. Please read March 06' Fire Engineering's article "The Breath From Hell" .. AND.....Read the JEMS supplement from 2004 SMOKE INHALATION & HYDROGEN CYANIDE POISONING The Danger Posed to Firefighters & Victims in Structure Fires by Las Vegas D/C Chief Ken Riddle:http://www.jems.com/data/pdf/smoke-poisoning.pdf AND......Read this piece by Memphis D/C Gary Ludwig entitled: New Thinking Regarding Smoke Inhalation (Firehouse Magazine, June 2004). Here is a link . AND, FINALLY also REMEMBER..........

WHAT'S ON YOUR HELMET?

Click on the helmet below for an interesting submitted powerpoint program on one specific hazard related to "traditional" style helmets...
....and a solution.

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