(Fireengineering.com)

By John F. “Skip” Coleman, Technical Editor

A long, long time ago, I was chief of training. At that time, the Training Bureau was in charge of research and development. We in training saw a video made by a large southwest fire department that established a driving policy. One of the aspects of the policy was a procedure that said when we responded to incidents, we could not exceed 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. All new apparatus have vehicle data recorders installed in them. They are, in essence, black boxes that record many aspects of the vehicle’s service and operation. According to the National Fire Protection Association, departments are supposed to routinely use them to monitor for excessive driving speed.

Roundtable question: Does your department use vehicle data recorders to routinely monitor excessive driving speed? To post your comments, go to fireengineering.com/roundtable.html.

WEBCASTS

Join us for monthly Webcasts featuring the best of Fire Engineering authors and FDIC speakers. On February 7, Training Captain Chuck French of the Tulsa (OK) Fire Department will present “Manage Your Air, Manage Your Survival,” sponsored by MSA. On February 20, Research Director James Brown of the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department and Professor Denise Smith of Skidmore College will present “Translating Firefighter Health and Safety Research into Safety,” sponsored by W.L. Gore. Webcasts are free, but you must register. If you miss these or any other Webcasts, they are archived on emberly.fireengineering.com for six months.

FIRE LIFE

In “Celebrating You,” Fire Life’s fitness guru and columnist Michael Krueger writes: “Today is the day to look at your life, make some plans for your fitness future, and get into the game. After a few weeks, you may find that acceptance, a plan, and a commitment were all that you needed to get moving.” Read more on fitness, cooking, relationships, health, finance, hunting, and sports, exclusively at www.firelife.com.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: The Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department battled heavy fire and freezing temperatures as they worked for more than two hours to gain control of a massive vacant building fire. (Photo by IFD.) See more photos at http://bit.ly/1hKyT6n. Send your Photo of the Day submissions to Peter Prochilo (peterp@pennwell.com).

FEATURED ARTICLES

Ron Kanterman writes in “The Suppression Aggression Olympics”: “Aggressive interior attack is a necessary tactic that has saved thousands of lives over many years. This article gives some perspective on how we may be able to improve how we operate while injuring and killing fewer of our people.” (http://bit.ly/1iTa35Z)

Tom Merrill writes in “The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, Part 10-Radio Communication”: “Clear and concise radio communication can help an emergency incident go more smoothly and contribute to a successful outcome. Conversely, poor radio communication can lead to confusion, fireground errors, and injuries and can even paint a picture of a dysfunctional, confused fire department.” (http://bit.ly/18RVIma)

Lance C. Peeples writes in “First-Due Response at a Nerve Gas Release”: “The recent events in Syria underscore the need for firefighters to be prepared to respond to a chemical attack using nerve agents here in the United States.” (http://bit.ly/JaYXth)

Craig Nelson and Dane Carley write in “Tailboard Talk: Oh, Now I Get It”: “As the battalion chief (BC) arrives on scene, Command orders the first engine out of the house. He also orders a second 1¾- and a 2½-inch line to come to the C side of the house. The BC has not yet taken command but cannot figure out why such an order is given.” (http://bit.ly/18zd8OF)

Becki White writes in “Using Stories to Make Your Fire Messages Stick”: “When you teach fire safety concepts to children, you’re often stumbling down neglected paths instead of using the ones that have been mentally cleared and paved.” (http://bit.ly/1hKxoFq)

COMMUNITY MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Name: Patrick Haskell. Department: Wareham (MA) Fire Department. Rank: firefighter/training officer. Years of public service: 14. Agency structure: paid department.