Posted on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:55:58 UTC

MySpace. My Business. At least that's what some of us seem to think. We can post items on MySpace, TheDilly, Yahoo Personals and other Web sites without any repercussions. Right? Maybe not. A sheriff's deputy was recently fired from his job because of some things he had posted on his MySpace page, namely a list of his favorite things, including breasts, drinking heavily and swimming naked. To make matters ...

Posted on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:00:00 UTC

Photo Jamie Thompson Apparatus on display at the FDIC in Indianapolis in April. At the beginning of the year, the fire apparatus industry really seemed as if it would suffer because of the new 2007 EPA Guidelines for Diesel Engines. While it wasn't all smooth, it didn't turn out as bad as some had imagined. Admittedly, it did require a lot of redesign and engineering of cabs and bodies to have the ...

Posted on Wed, 2 Jan 2008 20:23:09 UTC

With 2008 under way, it's time for us to reflect on the year past and to begin developing our plans for the future. Here are eight straightforward ideas that company officers can use right now to help their crews stay ahead in 2008. 1. Be an informer Passing on relevant information about decisions, plans and activities to the people (your firefighters) who need it to do their work is vital. You can't ...

Posted on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:57:16 UTC

It is important for the NFPA committee to hear from the fire service as to their needs, issues, and what they consider to be a priority.

Posted on Wed, 8 Aug 2007 19:38:53 UTC

AP/Minnesota Daily, Stacy Bengs Firefighters size up the scene after the bridge collapse in Minn. last week. Years ago, when I took my first search and rescue class, the instructor talked about the six-sided review of a building or incident. "Look up, look down, and make sure you look all around before committing yourself," he told us. Over the years, I have thought of that simple saying on many emergency ...

Posted on Mon, 7 Jan 2008 22:21:04 UTC

I always think outsiders would be amazed to see what goes on in the firehouse kitchen, as members try to outdo each other with personal attacks on each other. But these attacks are never spewed with hate or venom in my experience, just good-natured ribbing that keeps everyone honest. During my early years on the job, I would not even think of ribbing my officer or the chiefs. But today, with a smile ...

Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:00:07 UTC

The title of this year's Safety, Health and Survival Week is "Committed to Long-Term Results." But how can we commit to long-term results if those in positions of leadership and power won't follow the rules themselves?

Posted on Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:40:48 UTC

There was a time when volunteer firehouses across this great country had waiting lists for membership. It was such an honor to be a part of the community's "winning team" that people would line up trying to join. Unfortunately, those days seem to be all but gone. Driving around many towns, it's not uncommon to see signs announcing, "Firefighters Wanted." There are a number of factors contributing to ...

Posted on Fri, 5 Mar 2010 22:17:07 UTC

Customer service is an essential part of every business, yet it is often overlooked in Fire and EMS. Maybe it is because we are the only "safety business" in the town we serve. Maybe it is because our customers cannot chose which department serves them. Maybe it is because we think saving lives is doing "enough" for our customers. No matter why we think it is OK not to provide good customer service, we are wrong. Our public deserves great customer service in addition to saving their lives and property.

Posted on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:19:30 UTC

Let's look at the nine key components of NFPA 1584, highlighting some practical concerns. I will be taking the "devil's advocate" role in responding to the requirements of the standard. You may note an air of cynicism that is seldom heard in the fire service. This is a very serious topic and my approach is only to show that "If there is a will, there is a way."

Posted on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:12:34 UTC

It is becoming increasingly necessary to use any and all means at hand to stem the bleeding of your financial resources. Grants are one of the only ways that you can try to keep up with the constant demands and technological advances being made upon public safety agencies.

Posted on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:32:50 UTC

Some departments have the staffing to perform the rehab operation internal to the organization. For departments that do not have internal EMS resources, the pathway to develop the program is an inter-agency agreement with the local EMS provider.

Posted on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:34:34 UTC

As 2009 bids us a fond farewell, Swine Flu has booked at least another year stay. While children seem disproportionately affected, the number one H1N1 victim is common sense.

Posted on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:56:44 UTC

As we look back on the "decade of zeros" itself, statistics show that approximately 1,500 firefighters died in the line of duty. The decade of zeros also saw the beginning of efforts to support fire departments financially, reduce the number of line-of-duty deaths and increase emphasis on training, certification, continuing education and review of incidents.

Posted on Wed, 2 Jul 2008 18:14:57 UTC

Too many candidates get sucked into concentrating too much on the check-off list for their tactical without realizing it. In the process, they lose control of the fire and their score gets hammered.What's your best tactic for rescue or knocking down the fire? An aggressive attack on the fire! Go fight the fire with your resources. In the process you will get the necessary boxes checked off on the rating ...

Posted on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:34:11 UTC

I've often said that I learn best through bruises, either yours or mine, but I'd prefer you took the bruise and I learned the lesson.

Posted on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:21:29 UTC

It is easy to be distracted when initially confronted with a burn victim. There is often a chaotic scene as these victims are usually pulled out of the fire early.

Posted on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:06:28 UTC

A few years ago, I gave a patient assessment lecture to a group of EMTs. Early in the lecture, I announced that my assistant would be coming around with a handout.

Posted on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:19:58 UTC

Knowing how your townhouses in your area have been built will assist in anticipating how fire will move through those occupancies

Posted on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:45:44 UTC

In the wake of the massive earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, it's a good time to review crush syndrome and the basic treatment called for whenever patients are trapped for a length of time. Here's what EMS providers need to know.

Posted on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:01:07 UTC

As much as we try to apply the military metaphor of uniformity, control and hierarchy, we find that it continues to fail us

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:08:58 UTC

During the first part of this series we discussed the application of leg endurance for the tower ascent and descent. The next step to this process will be getting the upper body strength and muscle reaction needed to get through the challenge in a timely manner.

Posted on Tue, 2 Dec 2008 21:35:55 UTC

In the early days of organized firefighting in the UK, there were firemen who manned the manual pumps and escape men who manned "street fire escapes." These were 50ft wheeled ladders that were strategically located on street corners with a watchman who, with the help of passers-by, would wheel a ladder to rescue those trapped.

Posted on Mon, 1 Oct 2007 01:28:40 UTC

Posted on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:24:36 UTC

In speaking with fire and EMS agencies about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, there is a great deal of confusion about just how many applications each eligible agency may submit in a given year. Some say one, others two. Very rarely is the correct answer given.

Posted on Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:16:45 UTC

Carbon monoxide is the most frequent cause of poisoning in industrialized countries. Reports indicate that over 500 people a year are killed by unintentional poisoning, with about 15,000 people seeking treatment at hospitals.

Posted on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:36:53 UTC

Them and Us. Management and line personnel. City and suburbs. Prevention and operations. To some degree, this division is normal. But too much "them and us" can lead to real problems.

Posted on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:36:01 UTC

With most grant programs becoming more competitive, I've noted more emphasis being placed on applicants providing thorough vulnerability assessments of their area.

Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2009 19:09:23 UTC

The debate often rages about money and staffing, and whether or not people need to stop entering burning buildings. Much of the discussion is emotional and it seems only reflection allows for a rational meeting of the minds to take place. However, with the price of fire protection on display daily it's no wonder people become emotional.

Posted on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:32:56 UTC

The one big thing that was missing from all of the discussion that followed Ray McCormack's speech, and seemingly absent from all fire service debates/discussions, is the bastard child of the fire service: the culture of prevention.

Posted on Wed, 3 Sep 2008 15:56:38 UTC

In emergency response, it is all about being ready to go — just look at the USAR teams deployed to the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. And for the rest of us? Well, we go to the call, we go to the patient or the fire, we go to the hospital and then we go back to the station and so on. But are you really ready to go at all?

Posted on Wed, 3 Mar 2010 22:31:32 UTC

Ranch homes were built very rapidly and at low cost – factors you should keep in mind when responding to a ranch house fire.

Posted on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:07:52 UTC

While many are skeptical to so say we are making a difference, as I said last year, I truly believe we are. I know that we cannot look at one year of data to call it a success, but I do believe we can use it to predict trends. Within those trends, we can focus our efforts and resources to those areas where we may have seen a decline in incidents to evaluate what may have worked, as well as to identify problem areas.

Posted on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:32:41 UTC

There are lots of experts who caution that the firefighter's nuclear family is an important part of the "fire family" whole. But no agency has an official SOP on how to manage it all.

Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2010 18:51:57 UTC

The one thing that has stood out most in each of the rehab training classes I conducted is the practical evolution. This is when you can see the pieces of the puzzle come together and the light bulbs going off on the realization of just how important it is to incorporate rehab training in what we do.

Posted on Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:16:45 UTC

Over the years, you've probably been to many conferences, classes and training sessions where instructors either said, "Find a mentor!" or, "Be a mentor!" Achieving these mentorship goals is easier said than done, but there are basic ways to turn this theory into reality.

Posted on Mon, 11 May 2009 19:17:10 UTC

By David Peterson Training sessions for hazmat response can become boring, monotonous and stale over time. This staleness can take its toll with a downturn in the team's morale and even resignations of members. If left alone, good operating hazmat teams can quickly become dysfunctional and difficult to correct. So what can be done to prevent a hazmat team's demise from a training perspective? The answer ...

Posted on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:55:23 UTC

Fire Apparatus readers knew my husband Pete, whose obituary follows, for his column and his bow ties. His love for the fire service began when he was a child in Medford, Mass., and lived near a fire station. In recent years vintage Macks were his favorite trucks and he owned several of them.

Posted on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:17:01 UTC

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced the opening of the Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities — Technical Assistance Grants Application. If your community is faced with hazardous material pipeline issues you should consider applying for this funding opportunity.

Posted on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:51:28 UTC

Here are a few ways to easily integrate antioxidants into your daily diet to boost your immune system and help you get well sooner.

Posted on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:03:00 UTC

By Douglas Cline The Kitchen TableThere is a general attitude of "It won't happen to me" in the fire service when it can. Safety and survival starts prior to the incident and continues throughout the incident with actions and attitudes both before and during the incident.For years I have heard firefighters internationally say, "we have to be aggressive when combating fires, that's what ...

Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:36:52 UTC

When you accepted your AFG grant you agreed to follow certain reporting rules, timelines and procedures.

Posted on Tue, 9 Mar 2010 22:55:14 UTC

Verbal comprehension tests for civil service jobs are different from reading exams in school. These techniques can help you succeed on this important step in the fire service hiring process.

Posted on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:02:24 UTC

When Izard County (AR) Judge Rayburn Finley's grandson was injured in a four-wheeler accident last summer, Finley instinctively dialed 9-1-1 on his cellular telephone. But instead of reaching his county's dispatch center some five miles away, Finley spoke with a dispatcher in neighboring Sharp County more than 25 miles away.

Posted on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:13:02 UTC

There are lots of ways to address issues that may occur in a new or upgraded radio system. Some are cheap and easy while others are complex and expensive, requiring intensive resource allocation. But the cheapest, simplest and least stressful way to address issues with a new or upgraded radio system is to address them before they happen.

Posted on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:29:00 UTC

The United States Fire Administration has workers who are experts in figuring out statistics – and the information they glean is readily available on its Web site for us to use to teach our citizens. Statistics can tell us a lot about fire safety and being armed with this info can help keep your community safer.

Posted on Fri, 4 Dec 2009 23:35:54 UTC

We've broken down the narrative requirements for both the hiring of firefighters as well as recruiting and retention activities based on the 2009 SAFER Guidance to help you prepare the written portion of your application. Competing for grant dollars in the current economic climate is both an opportunity and a challenge. The narrative is the most important component that can make or break a successful grant application.

Posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2010 19:16:28 UTC

The firefighting hood has finally become an accepted piece of the structural ensemble – or has it? Recently, I was confronted again with the argument that the firefighter of today is overprotected and that the hood is at least partly to blame because firefighters can no longer feel the heat using their ears.

Posted on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:52:05 UTC

By Ross JohnsonBuying a power management system can be a long and arduous task. Endless products offer a wide variety of solutions, so it’s extremely important to clarify your distinct requirements. Asking yourself a number of questions prior to a purchase will help ensure you select a system that meets your individual needs.1. Determine the overall goal of the system This is a critical step in ...