The military spends big bucks on drones and other technology to provide valuable intel for planning purposes. In their environment it is critical to be able to gather information in an attempt to reduce uncertainty. Obviously this information is best gathered discreetly. Enter the drone. Able to fly undetected, these futuristic machines can be…

From the first day in the firehouse we learn about the importance of properly checking all of our gear and equipment to make sure it's ready for action. We are told to make sure our SCBA is functioning properly, that our cylinders are full, that all of our PPE is in good shape and laid out properly, and that all of our tools are cleaned and prepped. The preparation we do is endless and of critical importance.

Why do we do all of this? The obvious answer is for our own sake. No…

There is a certain speech that I am getting tired of suffering through. I have heard it time and time again, and I'm sure there are scores of other "rogues" out there in the same position. The speech I am referring to is the one about not getting discouraged. Sound familiar?

I am going to throw up if I have to hear this again. Please understand that I realize the delivery of the speech is usually done with kind intentions. I'm not trying to kill the messenger. Here is what I…

I was eating supper at work yesterday, reading a book at the same time, and as it does so often a random thought popped into my mind. In order to provide some context for what follows, this thought was inspired by several sources. First was the book "About Face" by Col. David Hackworth. If you haven't read it, do it soon. It is inspiring and thought provoking. My mindset is still reeling from that book. Number two was a blog from leatherhead109.com titled "Know What Your Doing: It's…

Awhile back I stumbled upon a website geared towards reducing law enforcement LODD's. I have to admit, I had never given it much thought. I find myself, like so many others, caught up in the battles we are fighting in the fire service. Obviously we hear about law enforcement (LE) LODD's every now and then. I think I speak for all of us when I say it hurts just as bad to hear about an officer losing their life as it does when a fellow firefighter gets put in the ground. What struck…

Mental Prep

Anyone who has been in the fire service more than a day knows that uncertainty rules our world. Chalk it up to Clausewitz’ fog of war, that pesky Murphy fellow, or just the way things are. In fact, the harder we try to constrain the fireground into more certain terms, the further we plunge towards chaos. When it comes to dealing with uncertainty, acceptance is the best medicine.

So what can we do?…

I have spent a significant amount of time lately talking about and finding examples of utilizing speed on the fireground. It is my belief (and the belief of many others) that the surest way to increase our survival and the survival of the people we serve is to operate with a high level of tempo. I am not advocating blindly sprinting around and tripping over ourselves. I am talking about the kind of speed which is a product of high quality/fidelity training and a thorough knowledge of fire…

There are exciting things going on in the fire service these days. A lot of what we thought we knew is turning out to be false. I think it's safe to say we have also learned that we still have a lot to learn. The research being done has proven a lot of important facts. Pushing fire isn't possible. Cooling the environment from the exterior is a viable option. Synchronized ventilation and fire attack is critical. Fires are burning hotter and faster. Fortunately now have emperical data to back…

Ventilation decisions

By: Dave Werner

See what the numbers are telling us. Are we putting our focus in the right places? 2012 LODD Report: Heads Up Firefighting

What would happen to your crew if the leader was suddenly taken out of the fight? Would your people step up and take control? Learn the benefits of encouraging leadership initiative in all aspects of what we do...Switching It Up: Heads Up Firefighting

We are forced to do annual refreshers on all sorts of skills. Why don't we have annual refreshers for our basic firefighting skills? What can we do to work towards a formal system? Staying Sharp: Heads Up Firefighting

What is the difference between a back draft and a smoke explosion? Is there a difference? Let's hear what you think...Back Drafts and Smoke Explosions: Heads Up Firefighting

Do you take the time to rehearse your size ups? If you don't take the time to practice, you will not be painting an accurate picture...Size Up Practice: Heads Up Firefighting

Simple, yet very effective...Hose Bed Prop-Heads Up Firefighting

Talk is cheap. Let's mount up and get moving...Talking in Circles-Heads Up Firefighting

Talk is cheap. Let's mount up and get moving...

When you walk out of the station for the last time, what will remain...Leaving a Legacy-Heads Up Firefighting

A few blogs to check out, and why we bother with this blogging nonsense...Spreading the Word