See some of the exclusive articles and videos that ran on the Fire Engineering site in February 2019.
First-Due Battalion Chief: Protecting the Interior Stairs
“If people are above the fire, and firefighters are going to enter the building to make rescues, then we are going to have to protect the stairs. It is the point of attack,” writes Danny Sheridan.
Humpday Hangout: Response to Extraordinary Incidents
In this Humpday Hangout, P.J. Norwood and Frank Ricci discuss the recent mass-casualty incident that occurred in New Haven, Connecticut. In the second half of this discussion they will be talking about understanding HVAC and RTU.
Training Minutes: Fire and EMS Response to Active Shooter Incidents
A new “season” of Training Minutes kicks off with Steve Hamilton presenting on active shooter response. In this debut episode, Steve and company reviews a rescue task force formation and operations during an active shooter incident.
FDIC International 2019: Interview with Aaron Fields
“My takeaway is to keep our focus on why we exist. Realize we are public servants, not publicly entitled.” FDIC Conference Director Diane Rothschild recently spoke with Firefighter Aaron Fields, Seattle (WA) Fire Department, who will give his keynote “Work, Maps, and Words” at the FDIC 2019 Opening Ceremony.
Radio Messaging Under Warlike Conditions
Success on the fireground hinges on the quality of the messages sent and the understanding of those listening. Jared Newcombe discusses a program for training firefighters to communicate under difficult conditions.
Profiling Windows
“Other than the overall conditions, the windows may be your best indicator in that five-second walk from the rig to the front door,” writes Alexander Degnan.
Lessons and Successes from One Fire Department’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Program
The behavioral health needs of the communities that we all serve is an ever-growing issue and represents one of the many challenges to a fire department’s response capability. Paul Luizzi reviews the steps the Goodyear (AZ) Fire Department has taken in terms of assisting its firefighters with their mental well-being.
Humpday Hangout: All Things Smoke Divers
In this week’s Humpday Hangout, hosts Terry McGrath and Chief Rick Lasky talk to their guests about the smoke diver program. The Georgia Smoke Diver Association provides advanced firefighter training and physical conditioning.
Training Minutes: Forcing Padlocks with Hand Tools
In this Training Minutes video, Paul DeBartolomeo and company demonstrate three different methods for manually defeating case-hardened padlocks.
Tactical Considerations: Gas Emergencies
It was an ordinary and annoying gas leak response until the house exploded and my captain and I were nearly killed. Jerry Knapp looks at how to improve your fire department’s response to these emergencies.
I Want to Hold Your Hand
Father Jim Swarthout reflects on the fraternal love at the heart of the fire service and how one of the simplest gestures can convey a depth of compassion.
Humpday Hangout: Storefront Forcible Entry Challenges and Strategy
In this week’s Humpday Hangout, Bill Gustin, Mike Dugan, and the rest of the panel will be talking about strategic considerations for forcible entry on overhead doors and roll-down security gates.
Fireground Responsibilities: Staying in Your Lane
This video from the Firefighters Support Foundation, presented by Chris Mills, discusses issues related to mission creep, tactical and operational delays, ineffective apparatus setup, and other potential problems in emergency response.
Training Minutes: Forcible Entry on Outward-Opening Commercial Doors
In this Training Minutes video, Paul DeBartolomeo discusses some details on one of the greater challenges in conventional forcible entry on commercial buildings: outward-opening doors.
We Must Make A Change: Ending Harassment in the Fire Service
It’s 2019, and yet stories of firefighters and EMS providers being ridiculed, harassed, and hazed by their fellow responders occur on a regular basis. Kevin D. Quinn on how fire service leaders must address this harassment.
A ‘Main Street’ Close Call: Lessons from a Small Department’s Downtown Fire
October 22, 2018 started out like any other day in the small village of Leipsic, Ohio. Joe Pronesti reviews a firefighter near miss that occurred while members were operating on the roof of a Main Street building and draws lessons learned from the incident.
FDIC International 2019: Interview with Paul Combs
FDIC Conference Director Diane Rothschild recently spoke with Lieutenant Paul Combs, Bryan (OH) Fire Department, who will give his keynote “Build It!” at the FDIC 2019 Opening Ceremony Day 1, about the whole FDIC International “experience.”
Firefighters and the Cancer Beast
Retired Sacramento (CA) Fire Department Assistant Chief Michael Balash, himself a cancer patient, gives hope to all firefighters who hope to one day slay the “cancer beast.”
Standpipes 101, Part 3: A Beginner’s Guide to Standpipe Firefighting
Once you’ve picked out or purchased your equipment, based on knowledge of the systems and your jurisdiction, it is important to decide how you are going to carry it. Clay Magee considers the benefits and disadvantages of various standpipe hosepacks.
Humpday Hangout: Technology in Fire Training
In this week’s Humpday Hangout, the ISFSI panel with discuss the use of technology in all aspects of fire service training, including realistic computer-based simulations, digital fire simulators on the drill ground, and various learning management system (LMS) platforms.
Training Minutes: Fast Water
In this Training Minutes video, Sean Gray looks at employing tank water vs. establishing water supply using a forward lay.
First-Due Battalion Chief: Going Above the Fire
“Respect the floor above; don’t become complacent and think that everything is good just because there is no heat or smoke around you,” writes Daniel P. Sheridan.
Mayday Monday: Heart Awareness Month
This month’s Mayday Monday will focus on heart health. Tony Carroll reports some alarming statistics and urges firefighters to schedule a screening now.
Surviving the Fire Service Cardiac Epidemic
Firefighting is an incredibly stressful job, and the physical toll a career in the fire service takes on the body can be dramatic. Jamie Webb looks at some of the measures fighters can take to improve their heart health and increase their chances of surviving to enjoy retirement.
Engine Company EMS: Pediatric Patients
Little fills a firefighter with as much dread as a call for an unresponsive, sick, or injured child. Read more from Michael Morse.
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