FireFighterNation

The Rules of Air Management (ROAM) are designed to encourage firefighters to know how much air they’re using and exit the fire building earlier. In this article, Chief Brian Schaeffer stresses two additional aspects of air management—work cycles and rehab.

A highly functional rescue team is indicative of solid, continuous training, exceptional teamwork and invaluable experience, but it’s also the sign of a good team leader. Steve Shupert describes the many responsibilities of a rescue team leader, from preplanning, to training the team, to taking on an alternate role on the rescue ground.

After hearing that many firefighters believe they don’t get enough basic training, Brian Arnold decided to set out to determine how departments could ensure they are getting enough training on basic fire and rescue skills. So he came up with a simple system of evaluating—and even grading—your department to see how you stack up.

Performing rescue operations in vertical shafts can be challenging at best. Tom Pendley describes one particular recovery operation in which his team descended into an old mine shaft with a major potential for rock fall. He then describes how to use a highline for rescue/recovery operations in vertical shafts with smaller openings, the team required to perform this type of operation, as well as patient movement and extrication.

FireRescue Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach addresses a question he commonly receives when teaching across the country: How do we motivate our firefighters?

Seeing and being seen are two extremely important elements to working safely and successfully on the fire or rescue ground. As Dan Pfannenstiel explains, one tool that can be used to safely and effectively facilitate both elements is the Rescue Cablelight by Lumiflex.

Twenty years ago, the Firefighter Combat Challenge was nothing more than a physical fitness study. Today it’s known as the toughest two minutes in sports. Michael DeGrandpre gives an account of the winners of the year thus far.

After a reader questions the IAFC’s Rules of Engagement, Nozzlehead first speaks to the first set of rules—the Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival (see the June issue). Then in this installment he addresses the Incident Commander’s Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival.

The Lingohocken Fire Company in Bucks County, Pa., recently took delivery of a used apparatus from Brindlee Mountain. Their experience provides some good lessons learned for other departments considering the used fire apparatus market.

Vehicle fires can involve everything from exploding struts to burning fuel to combustible metals. Greg Jakubowski provides real-life examples of vehicle fires that involved near-miss experiences, then discusses the proper tactics for attacking a vehicle fire. He also lists additional items to watch out for and remember while on scene.