Mass Decon
September 11, 2001, has changed the fire service profoundly, not only in the United States but also around the world. New words (or words that were seldom used before), procedures, tools, and policies have been developed and implemented.
FE Volume 162 Issue 110
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People Problems
Fire department personnel work with many other departments and agencies, both in government and in the private sector. This includes police agencies, financial people, and those in public works. Members also interact with hospitals, schools, and private ambulance companies. This is by no means a complete list but a start to help indicate the increasing complexity of interpersonal relationships that are important to providing quality service. With so many people involved and the variety of personalities you will likely encounter, you would have to be quite naïve to think that there will never be any conflicts in the course of performing your duties.
Patient Care During Extrication
Scenario: You and your partner are just starting a 24-hour shift on Medic 2. While you are checking out the truck, the tones sound and the dispatcher’s voice comes over the loudspeaker: “Engine 2, Medic 2, Medic 3, respond for a motor vehicle accident (MVA) at 4th and Main.”
Garden Apartment and Townhouse Fires
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, when housing was in incredible demand, a common approach was to build multiple-dwelling type structures. These structures were nonfire-resistive in construction and presented firefighters with hot, smoky fires and a serious life hazard.
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The “How’s” Are Local
The fire service is always looking introspectively at practices and tactics and constantly reviewing and revising what we do tactically on the fireground. This is one of our strongest traits. To be effective, we must have that constant drive for improvement. The absolute worst thing that could ever happen to the fire service is to become complacent and satisfied with the level of service or the level of safety we currently enjoy. Currently, there is an interesting discussion on how we need to establish command/direction on the fireground.
Firefighters and Coast Guard Team Up
Interagency cooperation has hit new heights. Volunteer members of the North Bend (OR) Fire Department (NBFD) have teamed up with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Air Station—North Bend to provide 24-hour dive team response to emergencies and other disasters. The team responds to calls along the entire Oregon coast from Washington State to California, as well as most of Oregon’s inland waterways including the infamous Rogue River.
Names in the News
Roslyn Fire Company (Abington Township, Pennsylvania) firefighter TORI PATCHELL received the Gold Congressional Award, a prestigious honor that only 275 students nationwide received in 2009. Patchell began serving as a junior firefighter at the age of 16 and became a firefighter earlier this year.
COMPANY/ASSOCIATION NEWS
The DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES announced the reappointment of DR. JOHN HOWARD as director of the NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH and as the nation’s 9/11 health coordinator. Howard was put in charge of federal 9/11 health programs in February 2006 and remained at the post until July 2008.
The Pierce Ultimate Configuration
Anyone who spends any time thinking seriously about how firefighters can be more effective knows that as firefighters are asked to do more, apparatus are asked to carry more. Conditions demand even greater vehicle maneuverability. Whether navigating the crowded streets of a large city or the rugged terrain of a rural landscape, getting to the scene—and identifying and setting up at the optimal location once there—is more challenging than ever.
Apparatus Deliveries
The Clemson (SC) University Fire EMS Department designed this SEAGRAVE Meanstick to run as an engine with ladder and waterway capability, explains Captain Don Collins. The ladder reaches the top of all but three buildings in the district. The apparatus protects the university and the city of Clemson on mutual aid.
The Ban on Body Ink
The Los Angeles (CA) Fire Department (LAFD) has adopted a policy that prohibits firefighters from displaying tattoos while they are on duty. Firefighters with exposed tattoos on their arms are required to wear long-sleeve shirts; those with neck tattoos are required to cover the area with bandages. Media reports suggest that approximately 200 firefighters who cannot cover their tattoos with the standard uniform have been affected.