Josh Pearcy's Blog (2)

The little things matter when it comes to lifting and stabilizing heavy objects. The strut that is a “little crooked” when you started can quickly become very crooked and unsafe under a substantial load. Our attention to detail must stay sharp when setting up to stabilize and lift.

Below is an example of taking a shortcut that could be catastrophic later. Photo A is a picture of the base of a stabilizing strut with the ratchet strap secured into the manufactured attachment point. This…

Water Rescue: Are you ready downstream?

By: Josh Pearcy

As spring approaches and we enter what is predicted to be one of the “wettest” years on record crews should prepare themselves for spring rain and the reality of the swift-water calls ahead of us. For most responders it is time to dust off the swift-water gear, look at known trouble spots, and preplan responses to areas in your district.

For many crews in the nation the swift-water refresher starts with the review of…