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In the last article we discussed some ways of getting around the slam lock. Today we will continue with it, as well as discuss the techniques to get through doors with the key-in-the-knob lock. #4 – Weed Eater String Another great trick for overcoming the slam lock was...

Forcible entry can take on many roles. Occasionally, we may encounter locked doors on alarms that aren’t of a high priority. By accessing any area without creating much damage to EMS alarms, automatic alarms or any alarm, we behave more professionally. Two possible locks...

In the last article I covered the first 4 fundamentals of carrying out an extrication at a motor vehicle accident (MVA). Today we will cover the last 4. #5 – Taking The Glass & Covering The Patient If you need to take the glass, it is imperative to cover the patient. A...

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a common response for us in the fire service. Many times these incidents involve injuries and frequently are more of an EMS response than fire. We may secure the vehicle’s power, protect the scene with our apparatus and apply an absorbent...

In a previous article we discussed some of the things the outside vent firefighter must know to complete his job in a professional manner. Today we will take that mindset and put it to work in a couple of different scenarios, but throw a different twist on things. Instead of me...

Overview/Description of ICS Port-A-Board The “ICS-Port-a-Board” from Cherry Brother Designs is a product designed to organize your command post easily and effectively. Everything that you need to have noted is right in front of you. From building layout, incident...

Part 1 described what an outside vent firefighter is and the tools required for performing ventilation. Now let’s move onto what we need to look out for.  Size Up A proper size up is an important role that all members of a company should conduct on arrival. For the outside vent...

The firefighter assigned to the outside vent position (commonly referred to as the OV) is an important asset to have on the fireground. Typically assigned to one of the two outside team positions of a ladder company (the other being the roof position) they are tasked with some...

Maintaining our equipment so it performs safely and effectively as well as reliably is one our most important jobs. There is simply no excuse for taking a saw off the rig when needed and discovering that you cannot get it started or that the blade needed to be replaced from...

Is There A Problem With Our Communications? As an experiment try doing this scenario. Have a member gear up complete with SCBA. While wearing their face piece have them run a set of stairs two or three times until their heart rate is up and they are breathing heavy. Have them...