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So Many Decisions

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Decision Time!

This is an incident that could turn out to be very interesting.

This is going to address the use of back up lines and when they are deployed.

I had an interesting conversation about assignments, as you could tell from the previous post.

This discussion circled around the deployment of the second apparatus on the scene.  This is not a metro response where engines do engine work and so on.  Rather, this is where the second in unit is assigned upon arrival.

With this picture in mind, what does your second in unit do?  Does it backup the first in crew with a hand line?  Does it perform ventilation?  Just where do you order this second in crew and what are the tactical priorities?

I believe that there is a time and situation for using the second in unit for a back up line, but not automatically just because they are the second unit there.

What do you think and why? You gave some great insight into run procedures, so I know there will be some great conversation on this one.

Stay low and be safe.

Posted by on June 8, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing, rescues, situational awareness, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, ventilation, VES • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

How Do You Operate?

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How are you assigned? Or are you?

This is more of a poll question that I would really like a lot of input on.

How are you assigned?

Do you run separate engine, truck and rescue companies?

Do you run with predetermined assignments based on your arrival order?

Are your people assigned tasks by seating?

Or, do you arrive and wait for an assignment from the IC?

These questions came up in a recent conversation with several people on multiple occasions.  I am really interested to know how the rest of the country is doing “it” and what trends are being followed.

This is especially interesting with the unfortunate budget cuts and reductions in staffing in some jurisdictions.

Let us know what is going on out there, we really look forward to your feedback.

Posted by on June 4, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, funding-staffing, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • 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 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: , , , , , ,