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In my previous article, Rescuing the Trapped Firefighter Part 2 ,we discussed four essential components to the firefighter rescue. This article will wrap up my series and it will discuss the skill sets needed to bring this all together. Skill Sets The first set of...

FF Rescue – Just What Does it Mean – Part 1 of 3 The Essential Components The primary function of today’s firefighter should be to survive. You wonder why I say that? Without survival you are not only a loss to the fire service but your family. So, how do we balance...

Epic Firefighter Fail. Let’s learn from this and/or be reminded. What happens when you set-up a hose line and flow water onto a transformer/electrical pole fire? This is obviously something we should never do. Since, someone has done it (amazing) and through the power of...

SAVING OUR OWN Rapid Intervention, F.A.S.T., RIC, RIT, these terms all mean the same thing, rescuing a trapped or downed firefighter. Most of these terms and theories are fairly new (within the last 20 years) to our business. The best I can trace the theory of having a dedicat...

The fire ground decision making process happens very differently than the process we use in everyday life. There isn’t time to evaluate and slowly process information to consider your options or consult others and ask for their advice. Fire ground decisions have to be made in...

A revolutionary fire for the fire service.  From this tragedy, as hard as it was, there are so many valuable lessons and improvements that the fire service made.  Let us be reminded as we move forward that we need to continue to learn, train and make improvements for...

To use the word BROTHERHOOD [by that we include firefighters both male/female] you must have a complete understanding of the word and all that it represents in the fire service. You see, brotherhood, in my humble opinion, is used way too lightly and without a full understanding...

How many of you have thought, “If I just had one more firefighter on this job it would be much easier on my crew physically and we could actually work more effectively.” I am sure it has crossed your mind. It has crossed mine many times. Well the National Institute...

Most recently the NPFA has issued changes to its’ standard for “Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Emergency Services”, aka NFPA 1981. As emergency service personnel we all should become familiar with this standard and how the...

Each and every PIO/spokesperson needs to follow these rules/guidelines to be successful in their job. Remember you are the face of your department and are highly visible. Represent well with a strong voice, articulate words, and positive presence. PIO Commandment #1: always...