January 2016 Blog Posts (35)

Are you looking for a training idea? Have you ever used a Tactical Decision Game (TDG) as a delivery method? You have used them, even if you did not call them TDGs. The key is to understand how to maximize their impact and structure them so that the student learns as much as possible from each scenario. Below I describe an 8 step process on how to implement Dr. Klein’s decision making process and situational awareness into your…

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 My mistake of getting “sidetracked” upon arrival could’ve led to a serious problem on one of my fire ground commands, don’t let yourself be sidetracked at your next serious event.

While not a veteran, I have tons of respect for and consider myself an avid reader and student of military leadership and command, and in one particular book from a former Marine who fought in World War II describes the term “lost in the fog of war”. According to this author, this expression…

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Having multiple personalities at work is not usually considered to be a good thing. But think about the benefits of having the ability to shift into different leadership styles as different people and situations cross your path.



In the Fire Service, it is critical to have an autocratic style on the Fire Ground. A crisis is no time for consensus building. Fire Personnel are trained for years on how to handle those situations and how to make quick and calculated decisions. Then later,… Continue

                The modern day fire service is a world different than the fire service of 20 years ago.  Hell, it’s a world different than 10 years, 5 years, or even 1 year ago.  We live and work in an ever-changing, ever-evolving industry.…

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I have been seeing a lot of photos lately of people teaching about shutting the door and control the flow path and they are teaching it to civilians as a way to try and save themselves and their belongings.  So what does that do for the small town firefighter?

Quite a bit.

Take a look at this photo…

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http://www.enginehousetraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/01a1e06f153349b6ab15374c58eeb707dc2dfd49cd-768x576.jpg 768w, http://www.enginehousetraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/01a1e06f153349b6ab15374c58eeb707dc2dfd49cd-1024x768.jpg 1024w,…

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So, now that the fire service has a synchronized approach to controlling structure fires (SLICE-RS), based on scientific research (e.g., UL, NIST, NYU), supported and promoted by respected fire service organizations (e.g., NFPA, IAFC, IAFF, ISFSI), and with the promise of improved efficiency and decreased risk (easier, faster, safer), are there now risks (e.g., charges of liability, malfeasance, or incompetence) associated with not adopting this strategy?  Probably not...yet. …

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Podcast Here:

This episode discusses the importance of setting very specific goals and objectives.  Being specific allows us to create a realistic and attainable plan to achieve our…

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Recently while observing a rural fire department's annual SCBA certification process I noticed a distressing trend with the younger members. While operating in a dark and simulated smoke filled environment members were asked to identify the location of their 'bypass'.  As a whole most of them struggled, it was not instinctive at all. When asked to display how to use the…

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How many times have you been told there are electrical storage capacitors that can fire air bags upwards to 15-30 minutes post battery disconnect? I would bet many have heard the same.  Well here is one for you from 2009 during a training evolution that fortunately no one was injured. This Volvo had NO BATTERY in the vehicle for well over a year. 

Here is the firefighter safety alert I created for our FB Training Page…

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Disabling vehicle power (battery) is common practice when arriving at almost any auto accident. Cutting the vehicles battery is the first thing shouted with authority, when asked about procedures of first arriving units. However, what if it’s…

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The end of the calendar year brings with it a natural tendency to look back on what has been accomplished, and ahead to what still needs to be done.  I’ve been commenting for the past half year on the significant shift in fire dynamics understanding and resulting tactical modifications that the North American fire service is undergoing, and I would like to share a few reflections and predictions on that broad and controversial topic. 

Despite my demonstrated interest in the…

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“Beware of smoke from everywhere”

 Basement fires, and their tell-tale sign of smoke from everywhere, is arguably the most dangerous fire we encounter. Sadly, this was made evident by the recent LODD of Patrick Wolterman in Hamilton, Ohio and the close call in Toledo with FF Dorner last month. The latter has taken the time to share his story, which is imperative for us to read and share to learn. The former, sadly cannot share his story, but yet we must learn…

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For so long now I have struggled with the issue that I hear so often as I converse with firefighters and fire officers from across the nation. That concept or issue is a profound struggle between the leadership and the troops of organizations. As it is frequently described is that we are working profoundly against each other and it is on purpose! I find myself each time this occurs scratching my head and thinking really…this is so stupid and counter productive. Are we not on the job for the… Continue

Podcast: Play in new window | …

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