Eddie Buchanan - International Society of Fire Service Instructors

Not to be overly dramatic, but to me, fire attack is combat.  Not much different than any other type of fight.  My intention is to present an overwhelming force that ends the fight quickly and in my favor.  This isn’t to be confused with fighting sports.  In the sporting environment, it’s often my turn, your turn, then my turn, and so on.  As my favorite defensive instructor says, “In a real fight, it’s my turn, my turn and my turn.”  The enemy never gets a chance beyond the ambush!  Also,…

I recently had the honor of speaking to the NFPA Forum in Indianapolis.  The NFPA Forum is made up of three representatives from all of the major fire service organizations for the purpose of solving complex issues and moving the fire service forward.  It really is an powerful group with an awesome purpose! I sat in the morning session to listen in while I waited for my turn at the podium.  

The morning session focused on cancer presumption in the fire service.  I expect my knowledge…

There is plenty of change going on the world these days, and the fire service is no different.  We are looking into the science of our business and debating how to apply it, wrestling with generational issues, technology, etc., but one of the most striking changes to come along in the last ten years or so has been the way we get our information.  And it is important to recognize these changes and how they influence our industry.  Our younger members may not have the experience to recognize…

Here's a press release from the ISFSI on their Principles of Modern Fire Attack Program.  It includes some tactical clarifications that might help some out.  

Lot's of discussion/conflict on the SLICE-RS concept, which I think is great. Conflict/discussion is a necessary indicator of change. Without it, everything remains the same. Although, some of the who-ha is inaccurate. Not picking on this guy. It just happens to be the example of the day. A few facts that might be helpful: 

1) Rescue remains the highest priority of the fire department. We're every bit as aggressive on rescue as ever; I'd argue more aggressive and more e…