Those of you that haven’t seen, taken the course or even aware of it. This is must take class to take, video below is recent fire that shows a good example of what the class can provide you in the way of knowing the conditions that surround the fire scene. Learn when to commit! This stuff is basic fire science use it. Are you part of the solution or part of the problem?
LINKS:
Here is a video of a house fire from Regentville, Australia. Interesting watching the fires behavior from the changes of the progression of the fire. From the initial smoke colors and movement, the rollover, and the changes to the direction of the flames as the fire finally goes thought the roof and self vents. Surprise as to how long the front windows stay in. Good TRAINING TOOL.
Training for first responders on antidote for acute cyanide poisoning from fire smoke
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100706/Training-for-first-responders-on-antidote-for-acute-cyanide-poisoning-from-fire-smoke.aspx
Training program includes appropriate air management practice for firefighters, the correction of myths and misunderstandings about fire smoke, and instruction about new antidotal treatment therapies for smoke inhalation victims.
Since January 1, 2010 the CPTC has tracked 1,100 civilians treated for smoke inhalation, 413 smoke inhalation deaths, and 125 firefighters who were transported for smoke inhalation treatment. Contrary to popular belief, whether a civilian or a firefighter, smoke inhalation isn't a minor injury - it's deadly.
Annually thousands of civilians die from smoke inhalation because they don't wear air masks to prevent smoke exposure from a fire they never thought would strike. On the other hand, firefighters are exposed to smoke by profession - not accidentally. According to Kevin Reilly, president of the CPTC and Ridgewood NJ firefighter: "Firefighters have self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to prevent smoke inhalation, but many firefighters don't use air when they should, and are therefore exposed to what we call, The Toxic Twins, CO and HCN, which work synergistically to kill."
Acute and chronic smoke exposure caused by firefighters not wearing and using air is more than likely the cause of heart attacks, diseases and illnesses which now plague the profession. In a message to fire service leaders Capt. Mike Gagliano, Seattle Fire Department, said, "I can think of no greater hypocrisy than fire service leaders berating politicians for not caring about firefighters until one of us dies, while exhibiting the exact same behavior when they look the other way and ignore shoddy air management practices in the hope that nothing goes wrong inside the fire. Hope is not a plan. Air management is."
Fire smoke myths and misunderstandings will also be corrected. "I recently heard a firefighter state that smoke color is indicative of the presence of hydrogen cyanide," said Rob Schnepp, Chief of Special Operations for the Alamenda County (CA) Fire Department. "That is absolutely not true. HCN and CO are colorless gases. The last thing we need in the fire service is misinformation. Determining whether HCN is or is not present on the fireground cannot be based on the color of smoke. This training program guarantees firefighters will receive accurate research and information from qualified and respected HCN and fire industry experts," said Schnepp.
First responders will also learn about the Cyanokit or Hydroxocobalamin, an effective and safe antidote for acute cyanide poisoning from fire smoke. In fact, it has saved the lives of several firefighters and civilians in the last two years. "Clearly, this will be the most comprehensive live saving and behavior changing HCN training program that exists. In addition, as more first responders learn how to treat smoke inhalation with the Cyanokit, we anticipate a reduction in the number of civilian smoke inhalation deaths," said Shawn Longerich, executive director. The program will officially launch at FDIC in March, 2011.
This DVD set includes a video presentation called, Understanding, Surviving, and Fighting Wind Driven Fires, presented by Battalion Chief Jerry Tracy of the Fire Department of New York City, Peter Van Dorpe of the Chicago Fire Department, Stephen Kerber now with Underwriters Laboratories, and Daniel Madrzykowski of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It provides an overview of the wind driven research that was conducted and portrays it's findings in a very easy to use, and training ready format. It includes a video overview, The Firefighting Tactics Under Wind Driven Conditions: Seven Story Building Report, The Firefighting Tactics Under Wind Driven Conditions: Laboratory Experiments Report (both are also located here), a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the results, training videos, and video documentation of all of the experiments.
The object of this research was to document the impact of wind on fire spread through a structure and examine the capabilities of positive pressure ventilation (PPV), wind-control devices (WCD), and externally applied water to mitigate the hazard. This DVD set includes the videos from the 8 lab experiments performed in a simulated apartment at NIST and 14 experiments performed in a 7-story apartment building on Governor's Island, New York. To request a copy of the dual-disk DVD set please email Dan at madrzy@nist.gov.
Havne had time to look this over too much but looks interesting .
On your own on this!
FREEhttp://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/first_responders/
As small aircraft and helicopters have become more complex, technology has provided systems that have enhanced operational safety. In the event of an accident, many of these systems have presented additional hazards to first responders or any potential rescuer at an aircraft accident scene. The FAA, in cooperation with General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), various manufacturers and first responder professional organizations, has developed training for safety at an aircraft accident scene. While the material was initially developed for firefighters, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and police, it provides useful information for any persons that may come across an aircraft accident. Flash Player is required to view each module.
The has been a link posted on Firefighter Close calls with Dave Dodsons PPT file on the Art of Reading Smoke. This is an interesting class and if you get the chance to attend one do so. Remember know your enemy.
THE ART OF READING SMOKE POWERPOINT
Thursday, April 8, 2010 by Dave Dodson for FireFighterCloseCalls.com
For more information davedodson@q.com
NIOSH has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports:
F2009-26 Sep 11, 2009
Fire fighter/operator suffers sudden cardiac death while operating a fire engine at a structure fire – Louisiana
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200926.html
F2009-12 Apr 15, 2009
Volunteer fire chief dies in motor vehicle incident while responding to a fire alarm – Marylandhttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200912.html
F2008-05 Feb 23, 2008
Volunteer captain dies in engine rollover – Colorado
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200805.html
F2009-24 Jul 06, 2009
Fire fighter trainee with an atrial septal aneurysm collapses and dies during debris fire operations – Pennsylvania
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200924.html
F2008-37 Nov 15, 2008
Career fire fighter dies after being trapped in a roof collapse during overhaul of a vacant/abandoned building – Michigan
Traffic accidents involving First Responders are being reported on a frequent basis. The First Responder Safety Institute has provided a Job Task Analysis for improving road side safety for responders. The Institute created as a Committee of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association, serves as an informal advisory panel of public safety leaders committed to reducing deaths and injuries to America's Emergency Responders. A copy of the Job Task Analysis may be downloaded below.
A copy of the Job Task Analysis is available at:
http://lepcnews.squarespace.com/responder-traffic-hazards/
Job Task Analysis
http://lepcnews.squarespace.com/responder-traffic-hazards/Task_Analysis_Report11.pdf
--
Randolph NJ - Firefighter Allen Bell from Dover Fire Dept. in New Jersey captured this CLOSE CALL video of a firefighter who had to bail out of a 2nd floor window while conducting a search for a missing resident. As conditions worsened, the firefighter made it to a 2nd floor window and called out for a ladder. This put firefighter Bells RIT team into action by grabbing the nearest extension ladder to assist the firefighter. This video shows the firefighter falling from the window to the ground and other firefighters carrying him to the front of the house. This video should be used as a training tool. There are several training classes and videos offered that show proper technique in "ladder bail outs". You and your dept. should learn these techniques so this does not happen to you. His injuries were minor, but he could have suffered worse injuries. Also, the FC3 Fire Helmet Camera (www.FireVideo.net) was used in the video and shows that this camera can be another "tool for the helmet", and if used properly, can assist in training, review and investigation. Below is the story from the Randolph News.
Put yourself in the seat of the first arriving engine, what would you do. What are the priorities? Good tactics and strategy learning tool.
On February 18, 2010 around 12pm Central dispatched the Oradell Fire Department (bergen county) to 332 Demarest rd for a reported fire in the 2nd floor bathroom. As members were enroute to the fire, PD had already confirmed a working fire. Oradell chief Kahill (2-0) requested a 2nd alarm upon his arrival which filled out a triboro response bringing in River Edge and New Milford fire departments along with a fast truck from Paramus.
Despite slight extension to the attic, crews made a quick aggressive attack and knocked the fire down fast.
| The virtual trading post has been improved, see the below announcement and the link to the site. I have used this site for years for useful training materials. |
VIRTUAL TRADING POST
“NEW AND IMPROVED”
The VIRTUAL TRADING POST SYSTEM now allows you to search for material by key word(so). Check it out! Go to Louisiana State University Fire and Emergency Training Institute's NAB TRADE page: http://feti.lsu.edu/trade/ and access it there.
NOTICE**********NOTICE*************NOTICE************NOTICE
This is a new web address for the Virtual Trading Post. If you had it bookmarked, delete your old bookmark, go to this new page and bookmark the new page.
Click here to browse the TRADE CDs
Important Links:
*Subscribe to TRADENET via an automated email subscription service
*For additional information or to submit questions for the weekly TRADENET: Email Robert.W.Campbell@dhs.gov
Here is another source for some info:
The Emergency Management and Response--Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined the Methanol Safe Handling Manual (PDF, 918.7 Kb) published by the Methanol Institute. According to the Methanol Institute, the manual was designed to be a resource for current information on methanol's properties, potential environmental and health and safety hazards, safe handling practices, emergency response procedures, fire safety, and risk communication.
Known as "wood alcohol," methanol is a clear, flammable liquid with a faintly sweet pungent odor. Methanol occurs naturally and is produced synthetically. It is used in multiple products including plastics, paint, construction materials, as well as fuel in some race cars, monster trucks, go-carts, and model planes, boats, and cars. In addition, methanol is utilized for denitrification (i.e., nitrogen removal) in municipal wastewater treatment plants and can also be used as turbine fuel for electric power generation.
Ingestion can cause irreversible injury to the nervous system, blindness or death. Methanol causes eye, respiratory system, and skin irritation. The manual explains that methanol fires generate less heat, have nearly invisible flames in daylight, and produce very little smoke. Considering the risks, first responders may find the Methanol Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF, 33.4 Kb) a quick reference and companion to the Methanol Safe Handling Manual.
The EMR-ISAC confirmed that the Methanol Institute is offering a free DVD that can be another resource for training. The DVD discusses basic physical components, key risks of handling methanol, ways to minimize exposure, fire and release into the environment, and event response. For general operating procedures, first responders can also refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #131.
There is a Fox reality channel show on called the The Academy that goes behind the scenes of the 18 week fire academy of the Orange County Fire Authority. You can watch the episodes via the web HERE. looks like a military boot camp for the fire service.
http://www.foxreality.com/theacademy/#/index
| *** FREE TRAINING MATERIAL *** Active Shooter and 4th/5th Generation Warfare PPT, video materials and references for law enforcement: Fire & EMS Mass shooting events are becoming more common, and the response to them involves every public safety agency for miles around. This program details the actions that fire and EMS agencies can take to prepare themselves for this all-too-likely event, and the actions they can take when the event occurs. It covers: · Multi-agency planning and preparation · Creating a prevention environment · Command, command post and crowd control issues for this kind of event · An overview of the tactics that agencies should be familiar with This program is available in two formats. The 40+ PowerPoint slide presentation covers the material thoroughly, while the 45-minute video program is a verbal presentation of the PowerPoint material. |
| This online firefighter training course is the result of a research partnership among UL, the Chicago Fire Department, IAFC, and Michigan State University, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This self-guided course, which focuses on the structural stability of engineered lumber under fire conditions, is targeted toward the 1.1 million fire service personnel in the United States and Canada. The knowledge developed and shared in this course is critically important to firefighter and civilian safety. http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/industries/buildingmaterials/fire/structural/ |
by Christopher J. Naum, at 6/25/2009 11:12:00 AM
Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is committed to reducing firefighter fatalities and injuries. As part of that effort, the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival (SHS) Section has developed DRAFT “Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting” to provide guidance to individual firefighters and incident commanders regarding risk and safety issues when operating on the fireground.
The intent is to provide a set of model procedures to be made available by the IAFC to fire departments as a guide for their own standard operating procedures development.
The direction provided to the project team by the Section leadership was to develop rules of engagement with the following conceptual points:
· Rules should be a short, specific set of bullets
· Rules should be easily taught and remembered
· Rules should define critical risk issues
· Rules should define “go” ‐ “no‐go situations
· A champion lesson plan should be provided
Early in development the rules of engagement, it was recognized that two separate rules were needed –one set for the firefighter, and another set for the incident commander. Thus, the two sets of rules of engagement described in this document. Each set has several commonly stated bullets, but the explanations are described somewhat differently based on the level of responsibility (i.e., firefighter vs. incident commanders).
The draft documents are currently open for public comment until the FRI conference in Dallas (August 25‐29, 2009).
The reader may direct comments to Chief Gary Morris, the project lead, at
mercurymorris@hotmail.com.
The originating IAFC Rules of Structural Engagement, HERE
IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section Home Page, HERE
NEWS RELEASE International Association of Fire Chiefs
The IAFC Releases Two New Alternative Fuels Training Packages for First Responders
Fairfax, Va., June 12, 2009… As the production and use of ethanol and biodiesel fuels accelerates, first responders need new training to prepare them to handle incidents involving these alternative fuels. To address this need, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is offering two new training packages.
The first training package, “Ethanol: Response Considerations,” focuses on responding to ethanol incidents. It was created in partnership with the United States Fire Administration and the United States Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The training package has been updated and revised from the original version released last year. It now also contains a companion training video.
“With the increased production and use of ethanol as a renewable fuel, emergency responders need to understand the chemical characteristics of this flammable liquid and how best to fight any possible fire that results from a hazmat transportation accident or incident,” said PHMSA Acting Deputy Administrator Cindy Douglass. “The ethanol video trains everyone to the current response standards.”
The second training package, “Biodiesel: Response Considerations,” focuses on general biodiesel information and details about biodiesel commercial manufacturing facilities. This package was created through a partnership between the IAFC, National Biodiesel Board, and the United States Department of Energy.
Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, praised the leadership and cooperation of the IAFC in developing these materials. “With a flash point of 200 degrees, biodiesel is a safe fuel to handle, store and use, and our industry prides itself on a good safety record,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. “However, preparing for the worst case scenario is always wise and we applaud the IAFC for being proactive.”
The challenge of responding to incidents involving alternative fuels has received national attention. In his testimony on May 14 on Capitol Hill, the IAFC’s 1st Vice President, Jeff Johnson, chief of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, stated, “Due to federal policy, new breakthroughs in technology and the recent high petroleum prices, there has been a new focus on alternative fuels. In the past two years, ethanol production and use has skyrocketed, and fuel-grade ethanol is the number-one freight rail commodity, by volume, in the country,” he said.
“Fire departments cannot use the same tactics and equipment that they used for petroleum-based fires,” Chief Johnson noted. “Instead, they must be equipped with the right equipment -- including alcohol-resistant foams -- and tactics to respond to alternative fuels incidents.”
The IAFC introduced the new training packages at the IAFC Hazmat Committee’s International Hazardous Materials Response Conference, May 27-31, 2009. The materials include training tools, such as a PowerPoint presentation, instructor guide, participant manual, as well as a video about response considerations.
Both training programs are available on the National Hazardous Materials Fusion Center website at [http://www.hazmatfc.com/Pages/Resources.aspx] along with companion videos available on IAFC TV at www.iafctv.org under “Hazmat.” For more information or to request a copy of the training materials, please email jrist@iafc.org.
CSB Releases Safety Video on Need for Chemical Emergency Preparedness, Based on Findings from a
Decade of CSB Accident Investigations
Federal Agency Offers Free Safety Video on DVD - Targets Fire Fighters and Hazmat Responders
Washington, DC, DATE OF EMAIL 2009 - The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) today released a new safety video showing the need for emergency response agencies, companies, and communities to work closely together to prepare for the kinds of tragic chemical accidents the CSB has investigated over the past decade.
The new video, entitled "Emergency Preparedness: Findings from CSB Accident Investigations," uses computer animations, interviews, and news footage to depict a series of chemical accidents that illustrate the need for effective training, communications, and community planning. In some incidents, firefighters and police were overcome by toxic chemicals and forced to retreat from neighborhoods; in others, firefighters and workers were tragically killed and others injured.
The video is available online at www.csb.gov and on YouTube. It can be ordered free of charge on a new two-DVD set of all CSB safety videos by filling out the request form in the Video Room of www.csb.gov.
http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/03-06-McDonald-Fire
The state attorney general's office charged two McDonald firefighters and another man with conspiring to burn down a house for fire training purposes despite knowing it contained asbestos.
The charges were filed against the three men Feb. 20 following a yearlong investigation into why a controlled burn was allowed at 118 W. Lincoln Ave. in McDonald.
State investigators arrested Thomas Krenn, a 30-year veteran and assistant chief of McDonald Volunteer Fire Department, Mark Slack, a 20-year member and first assistant chief, and Dale Csonka, a local businessman. Richard Bosco, a special agent for the state attorney general's office, filed the charges through District Judge Valarie Costanzo's office, and all three men were released on $20,000 unsecured bond.
Brant T. Miller, a lawyer who represents the fire department, said Krenn and Slack were placed on administrative leave following the charges.
"The alleged criminal activity did not occur while serving in their roles as volunteer firemen," Miller said. "Tom Krenn and Mark Slack are both highly experienced and qualified and have shown exemplary and dedicated community service to both the Borough of McDonald and the fire department."
According to the criminal affidavit, Csonka owned the house on West Lincoln Avenue and approached McDonald fire Chief Doug Cooper about using it for training purposes. Cooper forwarded the request to Krenn and Slack, who is also an assistant general manager for Specialized Professional Services Inc. of Washington, and tasked them with testing the structure to find if it contained hazardous materials.
Slack asked Adam Lohr, a colleague at SPSI, to take samples at the house so it could be approved by the state Department of Environmental Protection. The results showed the building had a material that contained asbestos.
After receiving the results in December 2007, Krenn, Slack and Csonka met and discussed retesting the home and agreed not to use samples from the exterior or siding, according to the criminal affidavit. Krenn and Slack allegedly instructed Lohr not to use the building's exterior or siding when he took a second sample in January 2008.
The affidavit claims Krenn submitted a DEP burn permit application that made no mention of asbestos. The following month, the DEP and state fire academy granted permission to proceed with the March 29 controlled burn of the house.
Cooper, several McDonald firefighters, Peters Township firefighter Noel McMullen and numerous residents witnessed the burning without knowing about the asbestos. Bosco wrote in the affidavit that "the fire produced clouds of smoke and ash debris that covered the surrounding area."
Two days later, the DEP's emergency response team came to the house following reports of toxic smoke and collected samples from the rubble. The DEP tested the material and returned positive results for asbestos.
The attorney general's office reviewed the DEP permit application and found inconsistencies. The DEP later told investigators it would not have granted the permit had it known about the problems with the application, the affidavit said.
Krenn, of 139 Arabella St., McDonald, was charged with arson, causing or risking a catastrophe, tampering with public records, unlawful conduct and two counts each of conspiracy and unsworn falsification to authorities.
Slack, of 1212 Reissing Road, Cecil Township, and Csonka, of 1009 Spring St., Robinson Township, both face charges of arson, causing or risking catastrophe, unlawful conduct and two counts of criminal conspiracy.
Krenn, Slack and Csonka could not be reached for comment Thursday.
The preliminary hearing for the three men is scheduled with Costanzo for 1:30 p.m. March 19.
From the past, a training film, glad we don’t do like this any more, what were we thinking?
Mistakes from the past, Thanks to the use of accelerants in lighting some of these fires. This demonstration is at the South Park Fairgrounds in Allegheny County, PA.
