Awesome 😊 Feedback from one of the Commanding From The Sidelines Seminar attendees this week. Literally Training put to use on his 1st Shift Back. So Excited 😆 to FINE TUNE this program. Just so much to cover about seeing through the 👀 eyes of a Fireground Commander.
Chief,
First off, thanks for putting on an amazing class and exceeding my expectations of what it was going to cover. I came into work this morning telling the crew about what was covered, especially about the DC having the TIC on him, I moved my TIC into the front seat and this fire came in as soon as I replaced the battery. Fire went good, quick knockdown and no injuries, but I was able to do a 360 with the TIC, it gave me a totally different perspective, i’m glad I had it because it was starting to run the attic. I’m hoping to implement some other things learned, but wanted to let you know that this one small thing made a big impact.
Thank you
Scott Gardiner District Chief Brevard County Fire Rescue
There is much talk in the fire service regarding how some pass downs have been proven wrong due to current research. In some categories, this legacy behavior has been explained utilizing a more scientific language which is one aspect of research. The other is how to avoid the legacy outcome regardless of what you label it now (hint : Better Engine Company LeadershIp).
Another aspect to be watched more closely is the false premises where a fire example is given along with a bad solution and now we fix it with a modern solution. The problem is if you were applying the original solution to the problem, then you didn’t understand basic firefighting anyway. So now we have SME’s (Subject Matter Experts) or a talking head who comes along with a new solution to fix it for you. You should have known this solution and you should be able to recognize silliness when you see it. The point is that some fire attack videos are giving you solutions to problems that should not have existed. Beware the peddler and their improved and enlightened ways. It’s only enlightening if you have had your head buried in the sand.
Get informed and pick up on what you’re being shown and just as importantly, what you’re not being shown.
If you want to improve the fire service, work on yourself first!
Video of fire scenes show us as we are. They are not complementary. They are real. While we all feel better because we would never look that bad, are you sure? Some will aways be poor performers and some will just have a bad day with the video rolling.
What we often see is poor task skills incorporated within a poorly structured attack plan. While some individuals stand out due to various errors, they are often operating within a broken system. So, two problems emerge: firefighter errors and scene disorganization. The bigger of these two errors is improper scene management- a total lack of SOP or SOGs, just Helter Skelter!
The task issue of forcing a door or stretching a line incorrectly can hopefully be overcome by someone who paid more attention to those lessons at the academy. Firefighters all learn skills in training school and hopefully rework the memory muscle at house drills; however, when we witness task errors throughout, we are witnessing dysfunction. Fireground dysfunctionality is not easily solved on scene because the problem goes deep. The problem is the fire goes out and no injuries are encountered and we collectively pat ourselves on the back and nothing improves. For many, there is no need for improvement if these two benchmarks are reached.
Beyond skill drills which make up the foundation of firefighter training, we need to also incorporate fire operations protocol . We need to revisit the fire academy as groups and work on our approach to fires in people’s homes. We need to practice directing the actions of firefighters. We need to have our firefighters not just in bunker gear, but truly ready to work on air. our leader needs to understand that good fireground management starts long before arrival on scene. Remember if you want to look good look practice your act.
In Ray’s class, “Engine Company Errors – The Dirty Dozen”, a lack of SOPs is cited as error number one.
The first picture is of the rear door at Odom’s Bar. The second two pictures are of the same door, but from the inside. When looking at the door from the outside, it’s a little misleading. The second two pictures are really what you have on the inside. There are two barrel/ slide locks at the top and bottom. They should not be a problem since they are small screws that are screwed into the inner side of the door and door frame. It doesn’t appear the key lock will be that hard to force, but the big one. The 2×4 drop bar which is located at the middle of the door. The hanger is welded on the inside of the door frame. There is not a hanger mounted on the door. Knowing how this door is fortified, would prepare you for the entry. However since there are not any bolt heads on the outside of the door, you would not anticipate the additional security measures. Hope you get to use this.
This was submitted by Engine 519 of Escambia County FIre Rescue.
Just an Easy key and knob lock. Don’t under estimate any door. We have seen storm doors give a brother a challenge. Take any and all doors serious.
A view from the inside. Not a real BIG DEAL, if you have a REAL SET of Irons and have trained properly. HAVE YOU TRAINED? Do you have a REAL SET of IRONS?Are you up for the Challenge? What if a Firefighter was trapped behind this SIMPLE DOOR?
What are your concerns? How will you attack with three Engines responding with two on each? What size line and where? Can you vertically ventilate? Where is the FLOW PATH?
What are your concerns here? When can you vent a TRUSS ROOF? What’s more dangerous; a Residential Truss roof or a Residential Truss floor?
When do we stretch back up Line? Who mans/staffs back up line? What if fire is getting knocked down; do we still stretch it? What size and type? Where should the back line go?
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