The Round Table
departments
“Life safety is the most critical issue in fire protection today.” This according to the NFPCA which will theme its 4th Annual Conference in October to that issue. Conferences will be challenged then in a summary session to “Improve Life Safety Throughout the Nation.”
This challenge has always existed, of course, but within the last four years, what has your fire department specifically done to improve life safety in the areas of human behavior (fire prevention), pushing for automatic detection and suppression (laws and codes), EMS, and protecting the fire fighter—in any way?
Edwin Ballinger, Chief, Anderson, Ind.: The Anderson Fire Department has tried to meet the challenge in every way possible. We have 36 certified EMTs and have provided emergency ambulance services for the citizens of this community for several years.
Three years ago, the personnel of this department switched to Nomex turnout gear plus the latest in safety fire helmets. Our personnel makes all runs with complete bunker clothes on, that includes pants as well as coat and helmet.
We now have a law that requires all new construction sites to include smoke and fire alarms.
Our Fire Prevention Bureau has several new films and has conducted CPR Classes throughout the community.
Edward Townsend, Chief, Omaha, Nebr.: We conduct inspections on most new buildings in our area. Being volunteers, we are somewhat limited as to the time we can spend on building inspections.
We do not have a governing body in our district, so therefore, we work through the State Fire Marshal’s Office in the areas of code violations, etc.
We man two rescue squads, and have a total of 24 EMT-As. In addition, we have two paramedics, with two more men taking the required course. We have equipped our squad with a heart monitor and a defibrillator. We also have a drug kit which is under direct orders from the Doctors at Emmanuel Medical Center.
We are in the process of phasing out all trucks where the men ride on the tailgate. We are specifying five more cabs on all new equipment. We have purchased new Nomex bunker equipment for all personnel and new helmets with face shields.
We are very safety conscious in this department and have an excellent safety record.
Richard L. Lacey, Chief, Lawrence, Mass.: During the past four years, the Lawrence Fire Department has upgraded its Fire Prevention Bureau with the use of additional personnel and year round fire prevention programs. Our particular emphasis is on children. We must get to the children, who will in turn influence their parents. We have supported legislation mandating the installation of smoke and heat detectors in new residential construction. This department supported and encouraged our legislators to enact a sprinkler law for high rise buildings.
The ambulance service provided by the city is staffed entirely by EMT-As who attended seminars and training programs, thus providing our citizens with first class ambulance service.
Last, but by no means least, we do consider the safety of the fire fighter. Breathing apparatus is of paramount importance and we strive to maintain this equipment in first class condition, constantly upgrading the breathing apparatus.
Our fire fighting equipment is well maintained, thus providing the fire fighter with good tools to do an excellent job for the protection of the citizens of Lawrence.
Roy L. Edwards, Captain, Biloxi, Miss.: There was an Ordinance passed in July of 1974 to establish a Bureau of Fire Prevention and set forth the duties to be performed by Fire Prevention Personnel. The ordinance also set forth penalties for violation of the Fire Code.
In late 1975, the fire inspectors were given the job of collecting data concerning hazards, exits, alarm systems, etc. to be put on building cards for use not only by the fire inspectors, but also fire alarm headquarters.
We have an EMS Education Program at Jeff Davis and Jackson County Junior College to train new emergency medical technicians. The college also offers refresher courses for the personnel who have already become EMTs.
Our personnel have all been furnished with modern fire protection clothing and use of breathing apparatus and clothing are mandatory during all fire combat operations.
Fire department personnel are also required to attend 25 hours a week of training through our Training Department where they are taught among other things, Rescue, Safety, and Fire Prevention Practices.
Every fire station has been issued fire libraries for members in station education and many are attending the two junior colleges to obtain an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Technology.
Thomas Grile, Chief, Montgomery County, Ohio: The Wayne Township Fire Department has updated and adopted tighter prevention codes, and has developed a comprehensive permit system.
With plans for new buildings under way, we have been making requirements stricter and more protective. We make voluntary home inspections, and we have increased the assignment sizes on both regular and heavy hazard assignments. We have dual role fire fighter/paramedic personnel, and have additional full-time paramedic units. We have adopted Nomex fiber for all fire fighting gear. Physical training programs are conducted for our personnel. We also conduct comprehensive maintenance programs on all selfcontained breathing units. We also have opened an additional station.
