Douglas Mitchell, Jr.'s Posts - Fire Engineering Training Community2024-03-19T06:46:43ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJrhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1534492328?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://community.fireengineering.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=164sa8z3eba79&xn_auth=noIs your team bringing the trophy home tonight?tag:community.fireengineering.com,2018-02-04:1219672:BlogPost:6444522018-02-04T20:00:00.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>'Everyday is your Superbowl'</p>
<p>"We have no such luxury of scheduling either our fires or where in the home these fires will occur. We may go to two in one day, one this week, or one in a year. Whenever a fire happens, we must be ready. For firefighters, every day is potentially game day, and we must be ready to play." (25 to Survive: Reducing Residential Injury and LODD Pg. 221.)</p>
<p>Tonight marks the culmination of the 2017 NFL season. Last years post…</p>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>'Everyday is your Superbowl'</p>
<p>"We have no such luxury of scheduling either our fires or where in the home these fires will occur. We may go to two in one day, one this week, or one in a year. Whenever a fire happens, we must be ready. For firefighters, every day is potentially game day, and we must be ready to play." (25 to Survive: Reducing Residential Injury and LODD Pg. 221.)</p>
<p>Tonight marks the culmination of the 2017 NFL season. Last years post season acquisitions, pre-season training camps, pre-season games, the regular season 16 week schedule, the playoff's... all end in this.</p>
<p>It ends tonight, a battle to win the pinnacle game of the season. For some... tonight may produce the pinnacle win of their careers.</p>
<p>Tonight for us in the fire service marks another night, like most of the other 364 we face. Our battle against the ravages of fire never ends. Will tonight bring your 'fire of the year' or perhaps the one that you will talk about for the rest of your career?</p>
<p>One thing is certain, the 'pre-game' on television for the 'big game' is longer than the game itself. What will you 'pre-game' today to make the fire of your career tonight an epic win for you and your team?</p>
<p>Here's one 'pre-game' tip relevant for today. It is something that I know excellent firefighters, fire officers, outside linebackers and wide receivers all pride themselves in knowing. They know their play books COLD. They strive to be the best at their positions, they want to work for and in efficient teams.. review your SOP/SOG 'playbooks' today.</p>
<p>Be effective, be efficient, be well read and on the top of your game... today could be your day...</p>
<p>Is your team ready to bring home the trophy?</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/25toSurvive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/25toSurvive/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558381032?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558381032?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>A 5-k Device with 0-k of Training...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2017-11-26:1219672:BlogPost:6426102017-11-26T15:15:17.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p></p>
<p>...Clear, Concise and Consistent</p>
<p></p>
<p>We give much of our training on 'tactical' issues. Be it hose stretches, laddering, forcible entry, search... but when was the last class or training that you received on radio usage. Whether you are talking on the apparatus radio's to give on scene reports or on a portable radio giving a status report after taking a lap, the message has to come through clear, concise and be consistent with policy, procedure…</p>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p></p>
<p>...Clear, Concise and Consistent</p>
<p></p>
<p>We give much of our training on 'tactical' issues. Be it hose stretches, laddering, forcible entry, search... but when was the last class or training that you received on radio usage. Whether you are talking on the apparatus radio's to give on scene reports or on a portable radio giving a status report after taking a lap, the message has to come through clear, concise and be consistent with policy, procedure and what is actually transpiring!</p>
<p></p>
<p>"Regardless of the affiliation or pay status, how many times have you listened to a radio transmission that sounded more like an appeal for approval of a decision versus a command statement of action or resources needed?</p>
<p></p>
<p>“Truck 8 to Communications, when Engine 27</p>
<p>arrives have them go to side Charlie and check it.”</p>
<p></p>
<p>Why would you want a person sitting in an office chair 30 miles away with no visual idea of what you are dealing with to relay an order for you that is not clear in its purpose (fig. 4–3)? Is the above order to check that there is a backside of the building or if it is on fire? What would the dispatcher respond with if Engine 27 asks what they want them to check? All are valid questions that steal more radio traffic because we did not deliver a clear directive and we involved a third party (dispatch).</p>
<p></p>
<p>Whenever a firefighter, company officer, or chief officer decides to reach down and key up the microphone, consider the classic Mark Twain quote, “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” (page 33).</p>
<p></p>
<p>Without effective and efficient communication on the fireground, we are destined for a poor outcome and possibly worse. Poor and/or inadequate communications, lack of command and control had been documented as a commonly seen thread in our 'fireground deaths', in fact they are 2 of the 5 in the NIOSH top 5 of LODD's.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Each portable radio on your apparatus costs around $5,000.00. This is quite a large financial investment in any department. With this capital investment needs to come some personal investment. Take some time in training your people how to utilize this tool to its maximum, tell them what YOU want to hear (and not hear) on the radio. Tell them what they should be listening for (and not listening for) in reports and fireground activity. Train them to understand and how to deliver clear, concise and consistent messages.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Communications is a critical component in fireground successes! </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558380746?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558380746?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>The 6th Sense...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2017-10-22:1219672:BlogPost:6416182017-10-22T14:45:52.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>Trust your instincts...</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>"The importance of analyzing our own human senses while we are in the fire environment is ever apparent. But is there some sort of sixth sense held by certain firefighters and fire officers? I am sure that you could recount many of your own stories here. These would be from past incidents in your careers that reflect an often eerie side of firefighting. Why did that firefighter tell us to move just prior…</p>
</div>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>Trust your instincts...</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>"The importance of analyzing our own human senses while we are in the fire environment is ever apparent. But is there some sort of sixth sense held by certain firefighters and fire officers? I am sure that you could recount many of your own stories here. These would be from past incidents in your careers that reflect an often eerie side of firefighting. Why did that firefighter tell us to move just prior to the window failing? How did that chief know to back the units out of the building just prior to collapse (fig. 21–2)? How can some personnel recognize or perceive events prior to their occurrence? Likewise, why do some others not have it at all, perhaps even after being smacked in the face with similar events a few times? Fig. 21–2. Senior firefighters can seem to exude a sixth sense at operations.</p>
<p>Is it some sort of divine intervention? Have these chosen ones been blessed with inexplicable powers? Not likely. We believe the firefighting sixth sense is a derivative of intuition. It’s that hair on the back of your neck rising, that “something just isn’t right” feeling. There are going to be times like these when things happen to you, and when they do, listen to this sixth sense. Don’t discount it. Be sure to give it its due diligence.</p>
<p>It also comes from our capacity to merge information. For the junior firefighters who have been awakened by such a moment, your knowledge base is growing. Do not be afraid to share what you are seeing with those around you. Senior firefighters and officers often have a better perception of this sixth sense gleaned from their years of experience at seeing fire in action. They have had more time to practice and plan for fires, and they have formed and polished this sixth sense to a masterful craft at fires. They have a thicker recall file, an extended slide carousel of similar events. This leads them to have a greater ability to anticipate what might come next. In conjunction with this is the ability to clearly communicate what they are seeing on the fireground.</p>
<p>This sixth sense might be seen as the culmination of mastery in knowing how your five human senses perform at fires. It is recognition primed decision making at its finest. It doesn’t just start up by itself, nor occur at every fire, but it comes from the ongoing absorption of sensory awareness." (pg. 238)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @25toSurvive</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558382277?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558382277?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://https://www.facebook.com/25toSurvive/photos/pb.269088939779880.-2207520000.1508683407./1579060442116050/?type=3&theater" target="_blank"> </a></p>
</div>It's bigger than you are...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2017-07-09:1219672:BlogPost:6382172017-07-09T16:45:57.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>It's bigger than you are...</p>
<p>"When you decide to become a member of any fire department, you are making a large commitment. As the often-quoted New York City Chief of Department Edward F. Croker (1899–1911) stated during his tenure, “When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work.” </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>The fire service is family. We all work together to do our…</p>
</div>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>It's bigger than you are...</p>
<p>"When you decide to become a member of any fire department, you are making a large commitment. As the often-quoted New York City Chief of Department Edward F. Croker (1899–1911) stated during his tenure, “When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work.” </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>The fire service is family. We all work together to do our job. Becoming a firefighter means joining something larger than just the individual. You are not alone on the line fighting fire, but part of a team. You are “on the job,” a part of the fabric that makes up a fire company and beyond that, a member of a fire department (Ch. 1 Pg4.) </p>
<p>We are part of a team: a company of firefighters. We are the civilians’ last hope. By dialing 9-1-1 they have effectively given up. Sometimes it feels like we are the last people left on Earth before total anarchy sets in (Ch. 1 Pg10)."</p>
<p>We do what we do, because of them. THIS is the oath we swore to uphold, they are counting on our team to get the job done. </p>
<p>This job is not about any one individual... unless you are talking about the individual who called us to assist THEM. </p>
<p>Protect Lives and Property with the understanding that when you took that oath, you joined a team that is bigger and stronger than you. That team needs you however, as an integral member, to perform at the highest level to carry the mission forward.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558387692?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558387692?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/25toSurvive/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/25toSurvive/</a></p>
</div>The Sunday Preach: "Shape up"tag:community.fireengineering.com,2017-06-04:1219672:BlogPost:6367212017-06-04T23:43:18.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p><span>The Sunday Preach: Evening Edition</span><br></br> <br></br> <span>"Shape up!"</span><br></br> <br></br> <span>"The onus for fitness is not nor should it be placed on the fire department. It falls directly on you. While it is beneficial for both the department and the firefighter to keep yourself in shape, it has to start with the individual. Department sponsored and encouraged fitness programs are great to help those persons who need that little extra boost</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> or…</span></p>
<p><span>The Sunday Preach: Evening Edition</span><br/> <br/> <span>"Shape up!"</span><br/> <br/> <span>"The onus for fitness is not nor should it be placed on the fire department. It falls directly on you. While it is beneficial for both the department and the firefighter to keep yourself in shape, it has to start with the individual. Department sponsored and encouraged fitness programs are great to help those persons who need that little extra boost</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> or motivation to get started, but remaining physically fit needs to be one of your personal goals. Being fit will give you the best start at being the best that you can be for you and your team. Are you the firefighter that you would want to respond to save a member of your family trapped by fire? (pg. 44)<br/> <br/> If you really want to talk about the 'elephant on the fire floor' take a minute and follow our friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BCBillCarey">Bill Carey</a>... he does a great job at looking at the 'stats behind the stats' when it comes to dissecting our own LODD's. While operationally a great majority of our injuries and LODD's occur in the residential setting (as this is the fire type that we respond to most frequently across our great country), the stats tell a sobering repetitive tale of death from cardiac conditions.<br/> <br/> Fitness in the fire service is gaining momentum, albeit<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375932?profile=original" target="_self"><br/></a> tortoise like acceptance in many areas. We must realize that we are 'industrial athletes' and must prepare for combat. While not every run out the door is intense as combat, the next one may indeed be. We have to maintain a level of fitness that will allow us to maintain our ability to perform our jobs. <br/> <br/> OUR CITIZENS ARE COUNTING ON US TO PERFORM A PHYSICALLY DEMANDING TASK... that of fighting fire!<br/> <br/> This is not a novelty, it is our reality. With many departments still with no standard for fitness, wellness or yearly medical evaluations... we will likely see the LODD stats remain the same. Unlike the fire floor, there are many actions we can take to ensure our members are functionally fit and ready for fire performances. This is something that we can change.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558379132?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558379132?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>Your next battle.tag:community.fireengineering.com,2017-04-02:1219672:BlogPost:6361312017-04-02T16:18:37.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375610?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375610?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>Know yourself, Know your enemy...</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375610?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>If you look yourself in the mirror and say: "I'm ok with being mediocre today,…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375610?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375610?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>Know yourself, Know your enemy...</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375610?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>If you look yourself in the mirror and say: "I'm ok with being mediocre today, just the same as I was yesterday" then this Preach will only scratch the surface of a deeper problem. We must always remain a student of our profession and look to refine our actions against our enemy.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375610?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>A good student knows that not everything they see, read or taught in a class will have a direct impact on their lives or careers. One needs to be an understanding that tactical applications of what we see, read and hear will be impacted by factors that sometimes are beyond your immediate control (staffing, apparatus and building stock). </p>
<p>"The fire service has a philosophy of what we like to call “rigid flexibility.” We must hold on to our core values on one hand while realizing that change is inevitable on the other. While we must not be too quick to jump on every new idea and fad, we must see if it would work for our department. Just because a tool or policy works for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. Try it out. If it works, by all means adopt it. Professionals in any trade recognize there is always room for improvement." (Introduction)</p>
<p>The study of YOU however is one that can constructed and viewed in many dimensions. Firstly, a realistic self assessment with an internal assessment by yourself, then an external one by your peers... be it a formal evaluation or an informal peer review, look to make yourself better today than yesterday...</p>
<p>The study of your ENEMY can also be reviewed is several dimensions. Reading, watching video, listening to mentors, peers, and the senior members all have merit. Case studies, review of your building challenges, white board exercises and hands on training in acquired buildings round out the knowledge base. </p>
<p>100 battles, 10,000 battles or your next battle. You aren't as good as your last fire, you are only as good as your NEXT fire, and the one after that, and the one after that...</p>
<p>In order to limit the "fear" of that next job, know yourself and know your enemy!</p>
</div>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375610?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375610?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>'2 Minutes'tag:community.fireengineering.com,2017-03-06:1219672:BlogPost:6357742017-03-06T19:02:01.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The greatest asset we deploy on the fireground is our people. Perception of passing time can be distorted by stressors and friction points on the fireground. How many times have you felt this?</p>
<p>Have you ever felt pressured by command to rush through tasks and give reports that are not fully investigated/completed. As though they have a checklist that they just want to have all the boxes ticked and the fire will go out and we can go home! We know that is not the case (at least we hope…</p>
<p>The greatest asset we deploy on the fireground is our people. Perception of passing time can be distorted by stressors and friction points on the fireground. How many times have you felt this?</p>
<p>Have you ever felt pressured by command to rush through tasks and give reports that are not fully investigated/completed. As though they have a checklist that they just want to have all the boxes ticked and the fire will go out and we can go home! We know that is not the case (at least we hope thats not the case).</p>
<p>The first step is recognition that this statement is true. 2 minutes will not feel the same from person to person. To make sure we are all on the same page... set expectations of your people before the fire. Have solid communication and patience. Combine those with trust in your people, controlling emotion and understanding those stressors that come with being a fireman.</p>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>2 Minutes...</p>
<p>"When 2 minutes do not feel like 2 minutes". If this seems like an abstract comment then you have likely not been a company officer nor an incident commander for any length of time.</p>
<p>The rate at which time passes on the fire ground has a strange sense of speed. For some, it seems to pass quickly. For others, it seems as though the seconds tick by like minutes.</p>
<p>Operating in the IDLH removes and distorts many of our physical senses, also... to many, it impacts the passing time.</p>
<p>While you are many be attempting to monitoring fire conditions, managing searches or line deployments... time seems to fly by. The Command staff asking, what appears to be incessantly your status and the progress of your task completion.</p>
<p>Conversely, the outside forces of command... blinded by the inability to 'enter' the structure has a different picture presented. To them, time can appear to stand still, as they are on a quest to gain more information as to the effectiveness of the plan that is ongoing in front of them.<br/> In the end, 2 minutes IS 2 minutes. But this is about perception. The timeline is real... but in perception in the end is a delicate balance of good communication.</p>
<p>From page 33 "Chief officers can inundate a company that is working diligently to stretch a hoseline down a smoke filled, heat infested hallway to knock down a fire by calling them 20 seconds after they entered to get a situation report." Likewise, a company officer who never reports "extension to the floor above" will delay needed resources to that area.<br/> First and foremost, know that the radio is a listening device. If you need to get a message to the team, know that the message must be prompt, clear, concise and consistent with your role in the operation...</p>
<br />
<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558374908?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558374908?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a>Sobering Stats... and Searchtag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-11-20:1219672:BlogPost:6334652016-11-20T17:09:26.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Chapter 25: We Save Lives</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Perhaps no greater reward in our line of work than that of saving a life from the ravages of fire. While it is the number one aspect of our job "to save lives and property" it doesn't always get the…</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Chapter 25: We Save Lives</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Perhaps no greater reward in our line of work than that of saving a life from the ravages of fire. While it is the number one aspect of our job "to save lives and property" it doesn't always get the training time it perhaps deserves. An average of 2,000 lives lost in residential building fires each year. </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>“How are your firefighters taught to search from their indoctrination into the fire department? Searching in fire and smoke conditions are not natural actions. On the training ground we spend hours and hours throwing ladders and pulling hoselines. We rack and re-rack thousands of feet of hose, show forcible entry techniques, and practice saw work on roof props, but how much time is dedicated to learning about the search? If life safety is supposed to be our number one priority, why isn’t there greater focus on search in most training academies? If fireground decisions on where, when, and how to search are so difficult, why do we not address them in greater detail here?</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Like fine wine, individual search techniques get better with time. They evolve over one’s career, as experience and increased comfort tends to aid efficiency. However, can we wait for experience? Should we? Increasing our member’s comfort level in conducting searches can be accelerated through realistic training. Realistic training includes practicing a task as we will perform it on the fireground. Build your rooms as close to a real home as you can. Request donations for used furniture as training props. We owe it to the young firefighter to make it as real as possible. Searching empty rooms with four concrete walls isn’t the best way we can accomplish search training.” (pg 301.)</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>We must make search a top priority on the fireground and in our training! We often see two extremes when it comes to search. One version has drills conducted in the empty, sterile concrete 12x12 rooms of the academy. The other involves members climbing up and down through rat like, nearly ‘confined space’ claustrophobic mazes. While there are reasons for both types (introduce concepts, build confidence, etc.), neither replicate the residential setting, where we do most of our searches and find most of our victims.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>The balance for realistic training lies in our ability to replicate the residential setting. If at all possible, we must replicate residential rooms like bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms etc. This will best allow our members to be best prepared for what is in our homes and where our victims are likely to be found.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>We swore and oath to protect life and property. Our civilians are counting on us to do our job and find them. All our training culminates on gameday for us to perform.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Life may hang in the balance… act accordingly.</span></div>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375633?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558375633?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
</div>Ladders: For Us, By Us.tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-11-04:1219672:BlogPost:6330192016-11-04T15:11:48.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach</p>
<p>Chapter 22: Ladders, Ladders, Everywhere</p>
<p>"Portable ladders want to be used at fires. They want to get out of their ladder racks and be used, see the light of day, be near the heat and smoke, and help you do your job more quickly and easily. They live to be thrown against residential building fires. It makes them happy. They love to be carried or dragged into place by one firefighter. They want to be placed at the level of the residential windowsill for…</p>
<p>The Sunday Preach</p>
<p>Chapter 22: Ladders, Ladders, Everywhere</p>
<p>"Portable ladders want to be used at fires. They want to get out of their ladder racks and be used, see the light of day, be near the heat and smoke, and help you do your job more quickly and easily. They live to be thrown against residential building fires. It makes them happy. They love to be carried or dragged into place by one firefighter. They want to be placed at the level of the residential windowsill for best <span class="text_exposed_show">overall operations. They provide access and egress into the home from points elsewhere. The correct placement of portable ladders can add an additional layer of safety for us and decrease the time it takes to search for and save civilians. They are simple yet effective tools in our fire attack arsenal. Firefighters can quickly and easily grow comfortable around portable ladders, they just have to love them a little. Don’t make laddering the building harder than it has to be. Get the ladders off the rig and become a laddering pro in your <br/>department." (Page 269)</span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>At the residential dwelling we LIVE on portable ladders. Remember, we throw them for US... they are there as a means of access or egress into the structure. That said, they must come off the rig ready to work. Now more than ever, with nearly an 82% reduction in escape time at the residential building fire for our citizens, seconds count! </p>
<p>There has been some recent discussion as to a one man 35' ladder throw. It it dangerous we read. It isn't safe? Please, tell me what is exactly free from DANGER and ultimately SAFE on a fireground...</p>
<p>It IS however, a technique for ladder deployment. If you have resources that permit additional personnel to assist, great! If not, you are like most... do more with less. And, if that right circumstance is presented, in that you might be forced to make a 28' or 35' throw by yourself, perhaps not at the routine alarm activation, but a fire where life is on the line... is the technique not something you might want to at least have practiced before game day?!?! </p>
<p>Our laddering skills must be practiced and honed for flawless execution. In the residential setting, we should throw ladders against the side of the building until we are out of windows, or out of ladders</p>
<p>ALL members, from "Jr" or "Exterior Only" to our "Sr Chauffeurs" must be able to place portable ladders for our use. Work smarter not harder: pre-tie halyards, marked balanced points, tip in and tip out ladders, and consistent drilling with them will aid you in your quest for mastery. For Us, By Us...</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558373917?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558373917?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
</div>Be good to each other...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-09-12:1219672:BlogPost:6321752016-09-12T14:28:16.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>"One cannot look back without also looking forward. Look back at the sacrifices we have made with gratitude, remembrance and honor... Look forward with new strength, new growth and a never wavering commitment to the future."</p>
<p>Sometimes I wish I could recall more of the details of that fateful day 15 years ago, and the week and months that followed... other times I am glad that I cannot. But since those days, I have looked to make myself a better man.</p>
<p>One thing I cannot…</p>
<p>"One cannot look back without also looking forward. Look back at the sacrifices we have made with gratitude, remembrance and honor... Look forward with new strength, new growth and a never wavering commitment to the future."</p>
<p>Sometimes I wish I could recall more of the details of that fateful day 15 years ago, and the week and months that followed... other times I am glad that I cannot. But since those days, I have looked to make myself a better man.</p>
<p>One thing I cannot forget<span class="text_exposed_show"> is the fearless actions of ALL those who gave their lives trying to save those from further harm, including the 9 brave men from my Yorkville firehouse: Engine 22 and Ladder 13. And, to all of those uniformed and civilian personnel who rushed in to support the rescue and recovery operations at the World Trade Center. </span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>The support I have received from family and friends has never wained over these last 15 years, and I cannot thank you enough. </p>
<p>Hug those close to you extra tight today, for life is indeed fragile.</p>
<p>Please pass along these words of thanks and remembrance on this day. Be good to each other, it really is that simple...</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558374708?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558374708?profile=original" width="626" class="align-full"/></a></p>
</div>Take the Lap...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-08-07:1219672:BlogPost:6312382016-08-07T16:06:01.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Chapter 12: 360-Degree Check</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>On the heels of last Sunday’s preach “Basement Fires”… the 360 is an excellent tool that can be used to identify topographical changes, building features, fire and smoke conditions, identify possible victim locations and solidify the operating plan of the arriving companies. Look at “6” sides of the fire. The 6 sides being:…</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Chapter 12: 360-Degree Check</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>On the heels of last Sunday’s preach “Basement Fires”… the 360 is an excellent tool that can be used to identify topographical changes, building features, fire and smoke conditions, identify possible victim locations and solidify the operating plan of the arriving companies. Look at “6” sides of the fire. The 6 sides being: all 4 exposures… above and below the fire!</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>“The building involved was a three-story, wood-frame structure with a basement and was constructed on a sloping grade that caused the building to have a different appearance depending on the side being viewed. Firefighters entering the building saw only one side and were not aware of the building’s actual arrangement. The firefighters’ distorted perception of the building may have impaired their ability to assess alternate escape routes.” This passage is the opening paragraph of the NFPA report on the fatal fire that occurred at Bricelyn Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 14, 1995, a fire that resulted in the deaths of Fire Captain Thomas Brooks and firefighters Patty Conroy and Mark Kolenda.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>When we are presented with information that specifically details factors contributing to the line of duty deaths, we owe it to the memory of those fallen to learn from them. We never want any of our fallen firefighters to die in vain with no change in our behavior or actions, as if we did not hear what they were trying to tell us. If we listen, specifically to the Bricelyn Street incident, we hear the importance of knowing what you are entering before you cross the threshold of the burning structure.” (Chapter 12, page 119).</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>The tactical knowledge that you gain on that lap can increase our overall situational awareness, impacting the entire operation. It can directly have an impact on tactics such as line placement, laddering and search, victim location, etc.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Does it have to be a company or chief level officer? Short answer is, no. It has to be a competent, well trained member who knows what they are looking for and deliver a clear message to operating members. Whoever is tasked with the 360-check must relay any pertinent findings to all units on the fireground via the radio. Often times, we cannot get a full grasp of what is going on until we see, or get a report from the rear and all sides. Have a policy that works with your departments staffing and resources to ensure a member is assigned accomplish this task early in the operation.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>…TAKE THE LAP, IT MAY JUST SAVE A LIFE</span></div>
<p><span> </span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558373818?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558373818?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
</div>Mind the Steps...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-07-24:1219672:BlogPost:6309742016-07-24T16:59:38.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Chapter 10: "Stairway to Heaven or Hell"</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Do we ever teach our firefighters just how dangerous a seeming simple set of residential stairs can be... we would argue that we do not.…</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Chapter 10: "Stairway to Heaven or Hell"</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Do we ever teach our firefighters just how dangerous a seeming simple set of residential stairs can be... we would argue that we do not.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Knowing the staircase styles that are prominent in your first due and how to navigate our movements and the hosestretch up and down them is extremely important. Good hoseline management, facilitated by Engine Company firefighters is paramount to get the proper amount of charged hose at the ready, prior to making the push. Making that move, up or down a set of stairs does indeed require skill and technique for ultimate efficiency.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>But, have we set ourselves up for failure right from the start? What is the width of the staircases at your training facility? Have your members ever practiced stretching up & down a 'narrow' set of stairs, like those found in the average residential building? Have they ever experienced moving past another firefighter on that narrow set of stairs?</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>"Stairs tend to be a common congregating place in residential buildings for firefighters, but stairs are for us to go up or down. No firefighter should be camped out on the steps. Generally accepted building stairway widths from International Building Code (IBC) section 1009.1 list dwellings serving 50 or fewer occupants at 36 inches at minimum. At this width, fully dressed firefighters attempting to pass each other on the steps requires extreme coordination and can be nearly impossible in the best conditions. Add smoke, heat, and fire, and you can see how we have created a potential recipe for disaster. (Chapter 10, page 103)"</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Give your team a lesson today on the stairs. Discuss design styles and the components that make them (I-stairs, prefab, open treads) our plan for stretching and operating on them. Practice passing another FF on a set of 36' or narrower set of stairs in full PPE and while on air. Practice and discuss how you will set up your hoseline prior to advance up or down to ensure that you make the full staircase and be ready for fire attack.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>And, explain to your members the simple fact that, while we all want a piece of the action, we must be all remain disciplined and mind the steps... WE MUST NOT CLOG THE STAIRS!</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>GO UP, GO DOWN, DON'T CAMP OUT!</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj"></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558376701?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558376701?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-left"/></a></span></div>
</div>Get Out Theretag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-07-11:1219672:BlogPost:6307382016-07-11T17:30:00.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>Chapter 8: 'Get out there'</p>
<p>While everyone loves what is 'inside' the firehouse: the kitchen, rigs, tools, gym etc... we must get out into our first due and ensure that we continue to provide the level of protection that our citizens require and deserve. </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>The only constant in life is that of change. </p>
<p>Change in our personal lives, families & careers our communities, the world continues to change around us. It is…</p>
</div>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>Chapter 8: 'Get out there'</p>
<p>While everyone loves what is 'inside' the firehouse: the kitchen, rigs, tools, gym etc... we must get out into our first due and ensure that we continue to provide the level of protection that our citizens require and deserve. </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>The only constant in life is that of change. </p>
<p>Change in our personal lives, families & careers our communities, the world continues to change around us. It is up to us to 'keep up' with the changes in our areas as it relates to the fire protection of our citizens and communities.</p>
<p>"A portion of the inscription found on the side of the FDNY’s Firemen’s Memorial, erected in 1913 on Riverside Drive and 100th Street in Manhattan, describes firefighters as “Soldiers in a war that never ends”... In that nearly hundred year-old statement from the FDNY Firemen’s Memorial, there is recognition that battling fire is indeed warlike. It was fought in many of the same ways then as it is now. To fight today’s war against fire, we must have the wherewithal to know that our war is conducted in the homes located on the streets of our response areas. Continually conducting reconnaissance of our areas and really getting out into our communities and taking inventory of the “battlefield” is paramount.</p>
<p>As Francis Brannigan stated so eloquently, “We must know our enemy.” The buildings in our response area are our enemy. Within them is where the true dangers lie. The best service we can provide our communities is excellent fire protection. Our community deserves nothing less. When they call us we must be ready. Getting out in your community is much more than getting in the rig and going for a ride for driver training. Assemble a crew and talk about the homes you see as you drive past. Knowing your first-due buildings is a huge part of being prepared for battle in your office.</p>
<p>Knowing the ins and outs of your first-due area is a great start to mastering YOUR battlefield" (Pg. 77-78)</p>
<p>Call it what you will, "area familiarization," "street drills," "driver training," "district recon"... Get out there and see what’s going on in your first due areas! Don’t sit back and wait for the first fire in that newly built development. Get out there and view it, pre-plan it and drill in it! </p>
<p>Also, appoint a member to go and sit in on building department meetings. While this position isn’t the glory of the nozzle, it may just save a life the same way, with proper planning. </p>
<p>FAILING TO PLAN IS PLANING TO FAIL.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558371603?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558371603?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558374538?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558374538?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-left"/></a></p>
</div>Your SCBA and YOU!tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-06-05:1219672:BlogPost:6304172016-06-05T20:05:02.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach CHAPTER 5:</p>
<p>It's Really The Only Time You Have.</p>
<p>"Much of how quickly you deplete your air supply is predicated on your level of comfort in wearing the SCBA ensemble, your physical fitness level, and your mental status." (Pg 39)</p>
<p>In the not so distant past, SCBA cylinders had "work" and "exit" times that were universally accepted for the various cylinder types. Those static numbers are a thing of the past.</p>
<p>While there are certainly unofficial 'rules…</p>
<p>The Sunday Preach CHAPTER 5:</p>
<p>It's Really The Only Time You Have.</p>
<p>"Much of how quickly you deplete your air supply is predicated on your level of comfort in wearing the SCBA ensemble, your physical fitness level, and your mental status." (Pg 39)</p>
<p>In the not so distant past, SCBA cylinders had "work" and "exit" times that were universally accepted for the various cylinder types. Those static numbers are a thing of the past.</p>
<p>While there are certainly unofficial 'rules of thumb' to calculate a members or a companies air usage, the only way to truly know, is to time yourself or your team is to get them on AIR! Using your SCBA, completing firefighting functions and document the results. You may be surprised with the results...</p>
<p>The SCBA is perhaps one of the most important pieces of firefighting equipment that we utilize. You can be the best trained, most fit, and toughest firefighter on your team... but in an IDLH with a SCBA failure, you are a nothing more than a civilian in an expensive firefighters costume... a MAYDAY, and a liability for the team.</p>
<p>YOU MUST BE AS COMFORTABLE IN YOUR FIREFIGHTING SCBA ENSEMBLE AS YOU ARE IN YOUR OWN SKIN!</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/25-to-Survive-Reducing-Residential-Injury-and-LODD-269088939779880/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/25-to-Survive-Reducing-Residential-Injury-and-LODD-269088939779880/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558376539?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558376539?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>"Stats, what do we do with them?"tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-05-01:1219672:BlogPost:6278162016-05-01T15:00:00.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>"The Introduction"</p>
<p>Those who cannot remember the past are condemned<span class="text_exposed_show"><br></br> to repeat it.” —George Santayana (1863–1952).</span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>"When the Spanish-American philosopher wrote this in his book, 'The Life of Reason, Volume I', he certainly was not referring to the fire service. Yet, it is deadly accurate for our profession and has applications for our everyday operations. As members of the fire…</p>
</div>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>"The Introduction"</p>
<p>Those who cannot remember the past are condemned<span class="text_exposed_show"><br/> to repeat it.” —George Santayana (1863–1952).</span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>"When the Spanish-American philosopher wrote this in his book, 'The Life of Reason, Volume I', he certainly was not referring to the fire service. Yet, it is deadly accurate for our profession and has applications for our everyday operations. As members of the fire service, we are provided with detailed, concise, and sobering documents each year that detail the events of fireground incidents that lead to line-of-duty deaths (LODDs). These reports are printed, emailed, and posted for firefighters and officers in firehouses around the world. Unfortunately, many use them to start a finger-pointing barrage at that particular department or adopt a Monday-morning quarterback position. How many times have we heard, “Oh, that will never happen here”? (Introduction PgXI).</p>
<p>We will take the next 25 Sundays to give you a snippet from each chapter in our book. We start today with the introduction. Why not with chapter 1? Well, we need to take a look at the 'WHY" behind it's inception. </p>
<p>The stats tell a story. "These grim statistics reinforce the need for all firefighters,from the probationary firefighter to the chief officer, to have a thorough knowledge of these structures and how fire will travel through the residential building. Additionally, all personnel need to know sound strategies and tactics and how to employ them in order to fight these fires successfully. Firefighting is a team effort; every member of your team must be prepared mentally, physically, and operationally in order to best attain the goal of saving lives and property. We must continually analyze, develop, implement, train, and refine our strategies and tactics for fighting fires in the residential structure. </p>
<p>We remember our past . . . and will not be condemned to repeat it."</p>
<p>We took some of the common missteps and miscues on the fireground and have given you solutions, tips, drills to END THE TREND with the residential statistics that we repeatedly see in these reports. The reports are for us to decipher and make change...</p>
<p>Today is the first day of the rest of your career. Get INTO the job. </p>
<p>(stats courtesy of USFA)</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558366167?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558366167?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
</div>Student or Mastertag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-04-10:1219672:BlogPost:6269832016-04-10T19:11:07.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p><span><span>The Sunday Preach</span><br></br><br></br><span>'Student and Master'</span><br></br><br></br><span>The second section of "25 to Survive" and the program at is entitled "Mastering the Environment." A powerful section, with chapters discussing pertinent fire service topics such as: residential building construction, home and community design, stairway management, basement fires, the 360' and fire behavior. </span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br></br><br></br>Attain 'mastery' in…</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The Sunday Preach</span><br/><br/><span>'Student and Master'</span><br/><br/><span>The second section of "25 to Survive" and the program at is entitled "Mastering the Environment." A powerful section, with chapters discussing pertinent fire service topics such as: residential building construction, home and community design, stairway management, basement fires, the 360' and fire behavior. </span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br/><br/>Attain 'mastery' in firefighting? <br/><br/>Will you attain 'mastery' after attending this class or reading the "25 to Survive" book? Is it received thru a college degree program, earned after 20 years of service, taught at a hands-on program, discovered thru trade journals, passed on at a lecture, found in a series of internet meme's, understood after application of a helmet decal? <br/><br/>Unequivocally, NO.<br/><br/>I am sorry. In this, our increasingly 'instant reward' society some may become rather upset with this. In that there is no certificate, patch or helmet identifier that recognizes those who have reached the pinnacle of firefighting mastery (although we have all seen those who think and act in this manner).<br/><br/>None of us will ever reach 'masters' status in firefighting... and that is OK, for mastery is elusive. <br/><br/>It is not the act of attaining mastery but the realization that our never ending pursuit of it is what propels us forward. <br/><br/>That journey, those books, the classes, gaining knowledge, experiences, time on the job, it is what comes with the pursuit. The experiences and exposure fulfill us and reward us in countless ways. The information you receive along the path is greater than the water in the ocean. Appearing endless, yet filterable, some of it applicable, other just fodder. <br/><br/>Knowing that by always striving for mastery, and remaining a student, will make you the best you can be. Being your best, increases the chances of you saving life and property. And that, is the ultimate reward<br/><br/>"You are always a student, never a master. You have to keep moving forward." - Conrad Hall<br/><br/>We would be honored to have you stop in and see us next week. Check out the 4 hour preconfence workshop at <a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fdic2016">#FDIC2016</a> Monday, April 18, 2016 - Room 132-133 from 1330-1730</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363907?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363907?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>Easter Bunny Approved...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-03-28:1219672:BlogPost:6267682016-03-28T00:54:46.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p><span>The Sunday Preach</span><br></br><br></br><span>What's in your basket?</span><br></br><br></br><span>Happy Easter to all our friends and followers. I can imagine that today many of you witnessed a similar scenario such as seen in the picture, of the 'overflowing basket of eggs.' </span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br></br><br></br>As firefighters and fire officers we must avoid the tendency to become over reliant in the status quo and finding ourselves overly comfortable in operations that are routinely…</span></p>
<p><span>The Sunday Preach</span><br/><br/><span>What's in your basket?</span><br/><br/><span>Happy Easter to all our friends and followers. I can imagine that today many of you witnessed a similar scenario such as seen in the picture, of the 'overflowing basket of eggs.' </span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br/><br/>As firefighters and fire officers we must avoid the tendency to become over reliant in the status quo and finding ourselves overly comfortable in operations that are routinely successful (i.e. COMPLACENT). On our job, when this happens, the results can have dire outcomes. <br/><br/>While we must prepare, practice and execute those routine operations flawlessly... we must not only dwell on them. The mark of an excellent company is one that is prepared to adapt when the routine does not work. <br/><br/>"We also must recognize when our methods aren’t working and when it is time to move to the next plan.” Chapter 19, Page 192<br/><br/>It is not to stand 'shoulders shrugged' or 'slack jawed' when a task or operation goes sideways, it is the company that can step up and step in to overcome the issue that is ultimately successful. <br/><br/>Whether we are discussing options for water supply, search, fire attack, hoseline stretches or forcible entry... we must not put all our reliance on one particular method, or to 'put all our eggs in one basket.' <br/><br/>For when the over reliance of that 'basket' ensues, and it breaks with no contingencies... as seen this morning in many houses, tears may be the result. <br/><br/>Be brilliant with the basics, be exceptionally adaptable and be dialed in for action... at every job, EVERY SECOND COUNTS!</span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363498?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363498?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>Shaving Seconds!tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-03-20:1219672:BlogPost:6267362016-03-20T17:38:35.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Shaving Seconds!</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>"in our years of conducting firefighter training, without fail, the longest delay in beginning firefighting operations result from the time taken to don the SCBA face piece and create the face…</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Shaving Seconds!</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>"in our years of conducting firefighter training, without fail, the longest delay in beginning firefighting operations result from the time taken to don the SCBA face piece and create the face piece/hood/helmet protective ensemble... there is no excuse for anyone taking more than 30 seconds to go from SCBA on back to fully encapsulated, face piece on, hood applied, and helmet with chinstrap in place breathing supplied air. If you cannot do this in that amount of time, this must become upper training regiment until you can!"</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>It is all about shaving seconds... SAVED SECONDS when it comes to fire and firefighting can SAVE LIVES. Fire growth with modern furnishings have decreased the time to flashover, and also provides our civilians a significant reduction in their time to escape the residential dwelling. That said, the faster we can make entry for search and get hose lines to put water on the fire , it increases their chances for survival... once we arrive.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>Time is not on our side... we must move with purpose, deliverance and efficiency. 'Masking up' is one function of firefighting that must occur each time we cross that IDLH threshold.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>There are many variations as how members have mastered the way that they 'mask-up' quickly. No one way is better than the next. The end result though must have the member fully ready to go (including gloves on hands) in less that 30 seconds. Repetition and consistent practice will yield success... Start with individual goals, but know that this must also translate to your entire crew. If you are ready and no one else is, where does this leave us? We are all in this together... teamwork, support and encouragement.</span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span>It costs nothing but YOUR TIME to master this skill. Get your PPE off the rack, grab a spare SCBA and get to it... the seconds you save may just safe a life. And that, it what it is all about.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj"></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558369035?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558369035?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></div>
</div>The preconnected stretch...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-02-29:1219672:BlogPost:6266102016-02-29T14:15:00.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>The preconnect... are you handcuffed?</p>
<p>Most engine companies have several preconnected attack lines and "the invention of this hoseload allows for quick racking and deploying and can greatly assist in limited staffing departments." </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>As they lay in rest on your engine in a preconnected fashion, they are a fixed length "...the implementation of the preconnected hoseline provided a safety blanket that firefighters could rest…</p>
</div>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>The preconnect... are you handcuffed?</p>
<p>Most engine companies have several preconnected attack lines and "the invention of this hoseload allows for quick racking and deploying and can greatly assist in limited staffing departments." </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>As they lay in rest on your engine in a preconnected fashion, they are a fixed length "...the implementation of the preconnected hoseline provided a safety blanket that firefighters could rest under, assuming that all fires would be within this distance." (Page 185).</p>
<p>Engine companies must be prepared, practiced and anticipate the need to have longer length lines. They need to be able to have multiple options in the creation of attack hoselines that are longer than their longest crosslay or preconnected line. </p>
<p>Do you have options at your disposal? How will you add length to your attack lines if needed... remember, the average size of the residential dwelling has significantly grown. According to the Census Bureau; today’s new homes are 1,000 square feet larger than in 1973, and the living space per person has doubled over last 40 years.</p>
<p>Having a crosslay's at 200' and 250'... may not give you the coverage it once did.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558368863?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558368863?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
</div>Single... or am I?tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-02-21:1219672:BlogPost:6259832016-02-21T18:32:30.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558361228?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558361228?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> The Sunday Preach:<br></br><br></br>Single... or am I?<br></br><br></br>"Legally or illegally, many of these homes have been converted to accommodate the addition of extended family or even an entire other family, effectively making them two-family homes." (Page XIV).<span class="text_exposed_show"><br></br><br></br>Many of the single…</span></span></p>
<p><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558361228?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558361228?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a>The Sunday Preach:<br/><br/>Single... or am I?<br/><br/>"Legally or illegally, many of these homes have been converted to accommodate the addition of extended family or even an entire other family, effectively making them two-family homes." (Page XIV).<span class="text_exposed_show"><br/><br/>Many of the single family dwellings in our first due response areas have been converted into multiple dwellings. Most not done through legal means with no code enforcement officials, architect or engineers involved in the conversion. <br/><br/>Such shoddy homeowner renovations can become problematic for us when operating. The home interior may be substantially altered (staircases removed, walls added, hallways diverted, utilities overtaxed) to create different apartments. Spaces normally uninhabited such as basements, attics and garages are being converted to living space for additional income for the owner. This is a common occurrence in the urban environment. That said, it is also, becoming more common in the suburban and rural environment.<br/><br/>It is something that you must be cognizant of, and be on the lookout for. There may be some tell tale, give away signs. Some may be fairly obvious, others more subtle. <br/><br/>As you are sizing up the building, may see some clues that could indicate that this is not a single residence. A few things to look for: several doorbells/buzzers, multiple mailboxes, more than one gas and/or electric meter. <br/>As we always say, keep those blinders off and use every opportunity to inventory your buildings (such as routine runs, EMS, building inspection). <br/><br/>With more apartments, we must anticipate more occupants in the home, and more chances for fire. Tactically, we may not have the usual avenues for bread and butter operations such as line placement, ventilation and search. Things may prove difficult due to the building being chopped up from its original floor plan.<br/><br/>What may seem single, may not be... get out there and see what's going on in your first due!</span></span></p>
<div class="pts fbPhotoLegacyTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftLegacyTagList"></div>
<div class="mvm fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons"><div class="_51xa _3-8m _3-90" id="photosTruncatingUIButtonGroup"><a class="_42ft _4jy0 fbPhotosPhotoActionsTag taggingOff photosTruncatingUIButton _4jy3 _517h _51sy" href="https://www.facebook.com/traditionstraining?ref=mf#" id="u_jsonp_3_y"></a></div>
</div>"Mind the Step"tag:community.fireengineering.com,2016-02-07:1219672:BlogPost:6259542016-02-07T21:57:52.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>‘Mind your Step’</p>
<p>"We must recognize the importance that staircases have in all of our operations, from pre-fire control to overhaul. We must understand their structural building components, know the materials used, their limitations, and how to prevent and overcome problems impeding our goal of going up or down the stairs. Anytime we are going up or down steps, we must be extra alert. We must also recognize and plan to utilize a secondary means of egress…</p>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>‘Mind your Step’</p>
<p>"We must recognize the importance that staircases have in all of our operations, from pre-fire control to overhaul. We must understand their structural building components, know the materials used, their limitations, and how to prevent and overcome problems impeding our goal of going up or down the stairs. Anytime we are going up or down steps, we must be extra alert. We must also recognize and plan to utilize a secondary means of egress f<span class="text_exposed_show">rom our location other than the steps we used to get there." (Page 100)</span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>The average residential staircase is 36 inches in width (and that is without the homeowner clutter that tends to cling there). Basement staircases may be even narrower. Most fire academy 'buildings' have staircases that are much, much wider. Do we set ourselves up for failure from the start? </p>
<p>While stretching hoselines in parking lots and in 'burn buildings' are good for practice, know that residential settings will narrow your ability to maneuver. Before you make your move, have enough hose at the ready... </p>
<p>Go UP, Go DOWN, DON'T CAMP OUT!</p>
<p>While we all want a piece of the action, we must not clog the stairs. A fireman 'conga-line' has no business on a residential staircase. Members and company officers must be diligent to keep the stairs clear.</p>
<p>Take advantage of each run to a residential home and 'mind the steps'... see how the stairs in your first due may impact your fire operations.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558361632?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558361632?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
</div>The Nob,The Pipe, The Tip, The Nozzletag:community.fireengineering.com,2015-12-27:1219672:BlogPost:6238052015-12-27T16:27:53.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Nob, The Pipe, The Tip, The Nozzle.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The 'Nob' requires someone to operate it. Most firefighting nozzles require approximately 8 pounds of force applied to the bale to open the nozzle for water delivery. While obviously this is not a feat of enormity, the nozzle…</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Nob, The Pipe, The Tip, The Nozzle.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The 'Nob' requires someone to operate it. Most firefighting nozzles require approximately 8 pounds of force applied to the bale to open the nozzle for water delivery. While obviously this is not a feat of enormity, the nozzle firefighter may however be required to overcome many obstacles in their quest to deliver water to the fire area.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Here are a few challenges the nozzle firefighter must take into consideration (extrapolated from pg. 152-153)</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>~Assess fire conditions and recognize changes (pos and neg)</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>~Utilize the reach and penetration of the hose stream</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>~Maintain enough hose in front of you to be able to maneuver the nozzle in all directions in front and over head</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>~Be creative in finding relief to absorb nozzle reaction (pin line to ground, leg on top/slide advance, pin to hip, use furniture, walls etc). You may not have the luxury of a talented backup firefighter.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>~Know you companies brand of nozzles, capabilities and limitations.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>~PUSH IN - Attack the fire and eliminate the problem.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>As a great mentor Lt. Andy Fredericks was quoted to say: "if you put the fire out in the first place, you won't have to jump out windows"</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>While successful fire extinguishment is a team event, only ONE FIREFIGHTER has the nozzle... EVERYONE is counting on you!</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558367338?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558367338?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></div>The '2C's'... and no, its not Christmas and Chanukahtag:community.fireengineering.com,2015-12-21:1219672:BlogPost:6242722015-12-21T04:01:33.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>"The 2 C's"</p>
<p>If you have followed us for any length of time you know our stance on COMPLACENCY in the fire service. Complacency, when left to fester in one person, one company or one department, (while difficult to document with statistics) that complacent attitude, can be a killer. We must prepare for the fire of our career each and every time out the door.</p>
<p>The other C is CANCER. Anyone who is or knows someone who is fighting cancer, knows it is indeed…</p>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>"The 2 C's"</p>
<p>If you have followed us for any length of time you know our stance on COMPLACENCY in the fire service. Complacency, when left to fester in one person, one company or one department, (while difficult to document with statistics) that complacent attitude, can be a killer. We must prepare for the fire of our career each and every time out the door.</p>
<p>The other C is CANCER. Anyone who is or knows someone who is fighting cancer, knows it is indeed a fight... a fight for your life. Physical and emotional scars run deep during and after this fight. In our line of work, and in our generation, we are seeing a spike in the number of brothers and sisters who are having to make this fight their own.</p>
<p>While their is no 'magic pill' for cancer prevention, we need to take a hard look at the routes of exposure, job specific for us as firefighters and fire officers. We owe it to those in the fight, and those we love to minimize our risks.</p>
<p>WEAR YOUR MASK...</p>
<p>"If the fire is knocked down and you are opening up and washing things down, keep using your SCBA to protect yourself. Often it isn't just one acute exposure, but the culmination of several years of smaller chronic exposures to these toxic fire byproducts." (Page 47).<br/> Please, especially during the overhaul phase of operations... we must wear our masks.</p>
<p>Please google the 'UL Smoke Study' conducted a few years back and see the cancer causing substances that were routinely found in 'overhaul air'. Pair that with the White Paper from The Firefighter Cancer Support group at: firefightercancersupport.org and you can see, the days of black soot overhaul snot nosed boogers needs to come to an end. While nothing we do is sterile, we must see the chances to minimize the risks where we can.</p>
<p>We owe it to those suffering with CANCER to support them and minimize our chances at every turn. Cancer Sucks, period.</p>
<p>(background photo: Nate Ciamford)</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363464?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363464?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>Nature vs. Nurturetag:community.fireengineering.com,2015-12-07:1219672:BlogPost:6237282015-12-07T00:24:37.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Sunday Preach</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Nature vs. Nurture...</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>None of us were created firemen.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>We owe so much to those who inspired us, those who invested the time and energy in making us the firemen and fire officers we…</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Sunday Preach</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Nature vs. Nurture...</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>None of us were created firemen.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>We owe so much to those who inspired us, those who invested the time and energy in making us the firemen and fire officers we are today. Every time we are given the opportunity to present a program or conduct a drill in quarters or make a push down a nasty hallway... it's a bit of all those mentors who speak with, and within us...</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>"So many experienced leaders, mentors, teammates, confidants, brothers and sisters to glean information from. We were fortunate to have been surrounded by such a great group of firefighters and fire officers throughout our careers" (Page IX)</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>We know that this exists in all of us. It is a real thing and an extremely powerful one... the magnitude of those mentors, the influence of those who inspired you on the job cannot be measured in parameters that are tangible.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Before you know it, whether you want to or not... you will be that person to someone else.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Never forget those who inspired you on this job... and be that to the next generation.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363581?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363581?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></div>"I"tag:community.fireengineering.com,2015-11-22:1219672:BlogPost:6232512015-11-22T15:25:31.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>"I" Save Lives</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>I, I, I, I, I... There we said it. Not to add the "I" for personal gain, fortune, create a new blog page or cult following... but just to tweak an old friend to help those who help others.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> …</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>"I" Save Lives</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>I, I, I, I, I... There we said it. Not to add the "I" for personal gain, fortune, create a new blog page or cult following... but just to tweak an old friend to help those who help others.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Granted, "I" am not new, we have always taught members to go and close the door after entering the room... even if it wasn't listed in the acronym as such.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>And we agree that it is really not needed for many of US (those who have already been taught proper VES techniques). That said, in the modern fire environment the ISOLATION is an important factor in limiting the ventilation until coordination is facilitated with the engine companies advance.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>It is for the next generation of firefighters and fire officers and to bolster the importance of coordination in ventilation in our modern environment. And most importantly, to isolate the area so as to aid those civilians whom we are entrusted to protect!</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>There is no revolution spawning, if there is... it certainly isn't being led by "I". This job is always about "WE" not "I".</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>We consider ourselves to be 'traditionalists' in our trade. We love the rich history, passion, bravery and love that we share with each other! We also have a passion for listening, learning, sharing, and passing information along.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>That said, we feel the "I" had earned its position in the VES equation. We added it after considerable review of fire behavior and the reporting of such. And again, noting that "flow path" isn't a new concept, but just perhaps a "newly named" one...</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The two fire dynamics that we as the fire department can greatly impact in terms of fire behavior: #1 WATER ON FIRE to extinguish and #2 VENTILATION EFFECTS on the structure. We have the ability to have some control over 2 of the 3 legs of the fire triangle.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>While water applied to fire still extinguishes it, fire behavior (largely due to modern contents & furnishings and home construction) dictates the need for coordination in engine company advance and the timing of ventilation. The tactical decision to VEIS an area of the home may have an impact on that balance, hence the importance to add it in the formula.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>VES=VEIS</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>While we can certainly understand that there are several steps that are not listed to perform this life saving technique on the fireground, we certainly don't need to dwell on it. We certainly wish that there was as much pertinent training in the concepts to make it happen more on the fireground as it is an extremely successful tactic that SAVES CIVILIAN LIVES!</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>"There is a school of thought to add the letter "I" to the VES equation forming an expanded acronym... we feel that since isolation (by closing the door) is a critically important step to curb the impact of ventilation effects on the fire. We have always taught our firefighters to close the door and search the room. In fact, most fire department acronyms leave several bits of information out because they serve a merely a guide for operations not a full and complete recall of all the considerations. That said, we feel that if if helps your firefighters recall this particular step, so be it. In light of new scientific modeling, we have put it in there." (Pg. 291)</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558367249?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558367249?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></div>fire down below...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2015-11-15:1219672:BlogPost:6234432015-11-15T16:56:29.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<div class="_5pbx userContent" id="js_s8"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5648b8e9362b57553499759"><p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>"What's in your Basement?"</p>
<p>"Basements, like garages and sheds, are full of anything and everything that you don't necessarily want in the main living space of your home." (Ch 11, pg. 112.)</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>With a basement fire, you never know what you may encounter. It may be unfinished and contain strictly storage, or…</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" id="js_s8"><div id="id_5648b8e9362b57553499759" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>"What's in your Basement?"</p>
<p>"Basements, like garages and sheds, are full of anything and everything that you don't necessarily want in the main living space of your home." (Ch 11, pg. 112.)</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>With a basement fire, you never know what you may encounter. It may be unfinished and contain strictly storage, or conversely may be finished and occupied 365 days a year by the Mother-in-law. </p>
<p>They can prove to be some of the toughest fires that we encounter due to several factors... many times, due to OUR inability to initially recognize that the fire is indeed in the basement on our arrival.</p>
<p>Basement checks at all fires are a must, many times fire origination at that basement level is discovered during the 360 degree lap around the building. Other factors such as building components such as furnaces and electrical panels, limited access points, difficulty in locating interior basement steps, reduced ventilation options and quick access for fire travel into the 'structural supports system' of the home, especially when an unfinished ceiling is present (fire travel in and thru floor joists, balloon framing etc.)... all can add to our difficulty in attack and extinguishment.</p>
<p>Companies must create a tactical plan for location, confinement and extinguishment of basement fires based upon the resources they have at their disposal. Coordination and communication of the plan of attack at basement fires is paramount. For ultimate success and quick extinguishment, everyone must know the plan and be well practiced in its execution.</p>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="_3x-2"><div><div class="mtm"><div class="_5cq3"><a class="_4-eo _2t9n" href="https://www.facebook.com/269088939779880/photos/a.557494530939318.1073741827.269088939779880/1003454103010023/?type=3" rel="theater"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363021?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558363021?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Out, yet INtag:community.fireengineering.com,2015-11-08:1219672:BlogPost:6232152015-11-08T20:18:31.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>'OUT'... but maybe in the best spot to be 'IN'?</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Utilizing the 2 team approach, (inside and outside) the outside team (or perhaps lone outside FF) can accomplish several tasks simultaneously when communicated and coordinated with the inside team.…</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Sunday Preach:</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>'OUT'... but maybe in the best spot to be 'IN'?</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Utilizing the 2 team approach, (inside and outside) the outside team (or perhaps lone outside FF) can accomplish several tasks simultaneously when communicated and coordinated with the inside team.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The Outside team's 'Top 3':</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>~Ladders</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>~Vent</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>~VEIS</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Portable ladders are put into position and placed on the fireground by us, for us. Get into good habits and throw portable ladders at every fire. Place them in this order; at a minimum one to the fire floor, one to the floor above, then to the top floor…then those in between as needed.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>Especially in limited manpower situations, we must decide upon who, where, and when to begin our ventilation. These decisions are usually based on the number of personnel initially on the scene. As such, the debate of Vertical vs. Horizontal ventilation will present itself. We find that well placed portable ladders provide access, egress and an excellent platform for coordinated ventilation. While vertical vent has its place, when personnel are limited, we find horizontal to have greater initial advantages.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>The technique of “Vent, Enter, Isolate, and Search” (VEIS) does indeed saves lives, yet it comes with inherent risks. VEIS should not be done willy-nilly. It must be done with purpose and based on probability. A well trained and well practiced outside team, may be able to make quick searches in areas of the home based on their immediate access from the exterior.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span>"Firefighters save lives. It is at the top of the proverbial hierarchy of our duties. We owe it to the civilians who entrust us with their safety..." (pg. 309)</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558366823?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558366823?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></div>Comfortable?tag:community.fireengineering.com,2015-10-18:1219672:BlogPost:6221842015-10-18T15:28:40.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach</p>
<p>Are you comfortable?</p>
<p>"...without a working SCBA, you are nothing more than a civilian in a fireman costume." </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>As simple as it sounds, we need air to breathe. The SCBA is THE TOOL that allows us to perform inside the IDLH. It allows us to make that push down the hallway, make the search in the back bedroom. It is our LIFE...</p>
<p>"You must be intimately familiar with your departments brand of SCBA. You must study how it…</p>
</div>
<p>The Sunday Preach</p>
<p>Are you comfortable?</p>
<p>"...without a working SCBA, you are nothing more than a civilian in a fireman costume." </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>As simple as it sounds, we need air to breathe. The SCBA is THE TOOL that allows us to perform inside the IDLH. It allows us to make that push down the hallway, make the search in the back bedroom. It is our LIFE...</p>
<p>"You must be intimately familiar with your departments brand of SCBA. You must study how it works, inside and out. We cannot tell you how to be more comfortable in your SCBA. It is however, the SCBA ensemble that is the basis for every firefighting operation that me attempt. If you are not intimately familiar and ultimately comfortable with yourself when using your SCBA, you cannot be a fully combat ready firefighter" (pg.39)</p>
<p>Your SCBA and YOU.... Perfect together.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558362519?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558362519?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
</div>An all year event...tag:community.fireengineering.com,2015-10-11:1219672:BlogPost:6219702015-10-11T13:35:16.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>Clean Up</p>
<p>Cancer has seen a dramatic spike in the fire service. It is increasing effecting our fire service brethren; regardless of race, creed or gender. Having friends and family who struggle and have succumbed to cancers deadly grasp, it is devastating, debilitating and taken many good men and women far too soon. </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>While October brings attention to increasing awareness for "breast cancer" and November touts men's health…</p>
</div>
<p>The Sunday Preach:</p>
<p>Clean Up</p>
<p>Cancer has seen a dramatic spike in the fire service. It is increasing effecting our fire service brethren; regardless of race, creed or gender. Having friends and family who struggle and have succumbed to cancers deadly grasp, it is devastating, debilitating and taken many good men and women far too soon. </p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>While October brings attention to increasing awareness for "breast cancer" and November touts men's health initiatives in "movember" firefighter cancer awareness must become an ALL YEAR EVENT!</p>
<p>In addition to the utilization of our SCBA in a smoke condition (overhaul included)... one way we may be able to minimize our risk of contracting certain firefighter prone cancers is with the regular cleaning of our personal protective equipment. </p>
<p>If you department does not require or have a standing policy on scheduled bunker gear cleaning and laundering, including your hood, START IT NOW!</p>
<p>Our job is inherently dangerous and we train hard to be our best. Akin to good information about techniques to increase speed and efficiency on fireground, heed the warnings that so many of our health professionals and firefighter cancer support groups have pushed forth. </p>
<p>Cancer Sucks... take every step that you can to minimize your risk.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558367090?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558367090?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
</div>Past and Presenttag:community.fireengineering.com,2015-10-04:1219672:BlogPost:6217882015-10-04T21:15:12.000ZDouglas Mitchell, Jr.https://community.fireengineering.com/profile/DouglasMitchellJr
<p><br></br><span>On the heels of the somber occasion today at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, where 87 firefighters and fire officers names were added to the monument in Emmitsburg Maryland, we pause and reflect, in their honor and sacrifice. </span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br></br><br></br>While we must never forget their sacrifices, we must also make a commitment to better ourselves in so much that their sacrifice is not in vain. Whether that may be a personal commitment to fitness, a…</span></p>
<p><br/><span>On the heels of the somber occasion today at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, where 87 firefighters and fire officers names were added to the monument in Emmitsburg Maryland, we pause and reflect, in their honor and sacrifice. </span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br/><br/>While we must never forget their sacrifices, we must also make a commitment to better ourselves in so much that their sacrifice is not in vain. Whether that may be a personal commitment to fitness, a company commitment to training or a tactical review of operations. <br/><br/>"As members of the fire service, we are provided with detailed, concise and sobering documents each year that detail the events of fireground incidents that lead to line of duty deaths (LODDs)... The Question is, what do we do with the information?" (intro page IX)<br/><br/>Rest in peace brothers and sisters, please know that we do our very best to insure your death was not in vain. We will forever remain students of our great profession, including the study of the history of our ultimate sacrifice, to ensure a better tomorrow for the American Fire Service.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558365731?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1558365731?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>