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Back to Basics Part 4: Foam Eductors

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This is a foam eductor. Remember these things?

This is a foam eductor. Remember these things?

Hey, do you remember these?  You know, before we had foam tanks on all of our trucks?

Before we could pump foam out of every discharge?

This is an old fashioned foam eductor and a bucket of foam.

When is the last time you had one of these in your hands?  How about the last time you actually flowed one?  Well, unless you just completed a foam class or a Firefighter 1 & 2 class, it has probably been a while.

Don’t forget about this appliance.  On a large spill or fire, these are actually easier to use than the tank foam because you can just dip the eductor into the bucket and keep changing out buckets where as you  have to haul those 5 gallon buckets and dump them into the tank otherwise.  That is a pain in the a@#!

Anyway, they are a useful but forgotten tool on our trucks.  Get familiar or re-familiar with them.  There are some rules that apply when using them though.

Okay, homework, what are some conditions, requirements or limitations for the use of these eductors?  I don’t have any prize, but, this is a great training discussion.  Officers, make sure your engineers know how to use these.

Good luck and report back with your answers soon.

Posted by dc802 on March 8, 2010 • Filed under: firefighting-operations, foam, foam eductor • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Company Discussions: Redeployment?

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What would you do at this point?

What would you do at this point?

There is a lot already taking place here.  A hose crew is at the door or inside.  A guy is taking out a window or something to that effect on the D side.  And someone is on a ladder.

There is some nasty smoke pushing out of this structure.  It definitely is under pressure.

Time is running out for keeping this in check and an interior attack.  We’ve all been here and we know how this can go.

At this point in the fire, what ventilation tactic would you use and why?

If you need to, redirect these crews and put them where you think they will make the most progress and explain your actions.

Share with your crew and post your discussion points.  We always get great feedback and we know you have some goo ideas, so, let’s hear them.

Stay safe and be careful.  Get yourself healthy and stay healthy.

Posted by dc802 on March 7, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, situational awareness, vent, ventilation • Tagged: , , , , ,

Company Discussion: Building Characteristics

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What characteristics could you expect with this building?

What characteristics could you expect with this building?

Just about every jurisdiction in the country has a building like this one.

These are popular in the older downtown areas, especially in smaller towns and main streets.

Some of you may have fought a fire or two in a building similar to this one or done an inspection at one.

Based on your past experiences and this picture, what are some concerns you may have about this building?

How will those concerns determine your strategies and tactics?

What size lines and what conditions will you be looking for inside?

List your responses and share your experiences and thoughts.

Posted by dc802 on March 3, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, situational awareness, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Who Needs an Extension Cord?

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Really?

This is the type of situation that, if found, needs to be corrected. You might be here on an EMS call, an odor of, or any other non-fire incident. But, the important thing is that you notice it and correct it.

This is pretty extreme, but this is how we stay employed and busy. Be aware and pay attention to those so-called “B.S.” calls. You never know the difference you could make at that particular time.

Thanks again to Captain Jeff Schwering from Crestwood Fire Department. He has found some very interesting things. Thanks Jeff, and keep ‘em coming.

Stay safe out there and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on March 3, 2010 • Filed under: electrical, fire codes • Tagged: , , , , ,

RIT Training Video Part 2

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Here is part two of this video. It is not as long, but finishes up what was gone over in the first video. Again, we are working on getting videos of the other brands to post, so be patient.

Thanks for visiting and pass it along to your friends. Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on March 2, 2010 • Filed under: RIT, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health • Tagged: , ,

Back to Basics Part 3: Assignments

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Assignments are important, use them.

Assignments are important, use them.

This picture says a lot to me. I know that it is a still frame and only a fraction of a second in time, but I believe it is telling.

We have fire venting from the Alpha side upper window, and from the Bravo side near the eaves.  There is no doubt that we have a good working job.

How many times do we see chaos from all parties involved when we show up to a fire like this.  Adrenaline is pumping and people are excited and ready to go.  Sometimes too much so.

With all of the chaos and effort to be first in, too many times we forget our assignments or tasks.  Everyone can’t be first in and the other jobs are just as important.

Looking at this picture I get the impression that these are some cool cats.  You have a team raising a ladder. You have a team with a hose line ready.  It looks like the officer is getting his stuff on a little behind his hose crew, maybe from completing his 360.  And there is a firefighter propping open the door.

This looks organized just from what I can see.  It looks good and I bet they took it to it.

Know your assignments and do them.  The best attack is a coordinated one when everyone is doing what needs to be done to accomplish the overall goal; safely get in and out after putting the fire out and removing all victims.

You must train this way and trust your crew for this to happen.  So, get out of the recliner today and do something as a team. Ask about assignments if you have questions and train, train, train, and train some more.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by dc802 on February 28, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, ladders, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Great RIT Pack Video

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I have seen this video several times and I like to watch it as a refresher.  The Captain is excellent at explaining this and making it easy to understand and follow. I know the video is a particular brand, which we use, so if you use a different brand, send me a link of a similar video and I will post it.

It is important to be familiar with your respective RIT bag and equipment.  Be able to use this in the dark and with gloves on.  Be prepared if you are RIT and don’t take that assignment lightly.

Train hard and be prepared.

Posted by dc802 on February 27, 2010 • Filed under: RIT, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , , , ,

More Fire Stopping–Puddy

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Penetrations through a rated floor.

Penetrations through a rated floor.

This is a good example of penetrations in a rated floor assembly.  This looks like data cable and there are three collars.

What is important here is that the installation is done appropriately and per manufactures recommendations.

You also have to make sure it meets the required UL system that applies for this specific situation.

Notice how the cables are very close, maybe touching the side of the collar? Depending on the UL system and the type of material, you may be creating a void for smoke and fire to travel through.

If the fire puddy or caulk is not completely around the cables or conduit, when the puddy/caulk is heated and expands, there will be a void on the side that the cable or conduit is touching the side of the pipe or sleeve.

Just make sure you look at the UL system and the product recommendations so that you know what it can and cannot do.  If it isn’t done correctly, smoke and fire can spread.  Don’t be afraid to make a contractor dig all that out and do it right.

Check it out and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on February 25, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

FDNY Special Ops Symposium

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2010symposiumadfront.jpg

Hey, there is an event coming up and if you can, you really need to try to get to it.  Click the picture for details and registration instructions.  If your a special ops person, this is for you.

Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by dc802 on February 24, 2010 • Filed under: firefighting-operations, special-operations • Tagged: , ,

Cool Tool Ideas

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I good way to keep two tools together. Picture from Brotherhood Instructors

I good way to keep two tools together. Picture from Brotherhood Instructors

Here is a cool way to get two tools to stay together.  Firefighters can get real creative when they want to.

This is a good example of getting out of the chair and doing something to help the fire service.

Using multiple tools can make forcing entry much easier and more effective, so it is beneficial to have more than one tool.

The last post was about bringing tools, so I thought this was appropriate.  To see some other tool drills and ideas, click the picture for Brotherhood Instructors site.

Posted by dc802 on February 24, 2010 • Filed under: enter, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, forceable entry, search, training-fire-rescue-topics, vent • Tagged: , , , ,