May 2012

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Firerescue Magazine
May 2012
May 2012 Issue highlights

cover story

2012 International Fire/EMS Health and Safety Week

Over the last 8 years, the Safety Stand Down has evolved from a one-day event with a specific focus on preventing LODDs to a one-week event that’s part of a larger system designed to promote firefighter safety and health. Keith Padgett shares a little of the history and provides some tips for how you and your department can get involved.

of by Keith Padgett

There are many times when cutters and spreaders can accomplish a tactic, but with the addition of an air chisel, the tactic may be completed faster and cleaner. Here, firefighters are completing a dash displacement with hydraulic tools after the front quarter panel was removed with an air chisel. Photo Les Baker

In-Depth Extrication

Rediscovering the Air Chisel

Over the years, emergency responders have become less and less familiar with the abilities of a rescue-quality air chisel—and what it means to be a proficient operator of one. Here, Les Baker addresses some of the common excuses for not using this tool, which has many practical uses.

By Les Baker air chisel, hydraulic tool

Exercise is not only good for the heart and body, it also helps protect us from many of the “side effects” of the job by improving blood circulation, keeping weight under control, improving blood cholesterol level, increasing energy levels, etc. Photo courtesy Orange County Fire Rescue Department

3 Steps to Improved Cardiac Health

One of the leading causes of death in the United States is heart attack caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and it’s no surprise that this epidemic has affected the firefighting community. To help avoid this serious, if not fatal, health issue, and to improve your overall health, Michael Ong discusses three key changes you can make to your life right now, if you haven’t done them already.

By Michael Ong cardiac health, eating right, exercise, food choices, healthy diet, heart attack, medical physical, nutrition

Ventilation should be considered prior to fire crews operating inside a structure. Because not all fires are created equally, we should not necessarily hold back fire attack operations until a hole is cut; however, fire growth should be on everyone’s mind. Photo Ryche Guerrero

Truck Company Operations

The Why & When of Ventilation

When thinking about ventilation, firefighters often focus on the what, where and how—but what about the why and when? Here, Randy Frassetto reminds firefighters why ventilation is so critical, and then offers useful tips about when to begin ventilation tactics.

By Randy Frassetto ventilation

Swiftwater rescues require special PPE. Get out of your bunker gear and don a personal flotation device (PFD) and a water-rescue helmet. Photo Glen Ellman

Quick Drills

Planning & Preparation for Swiftwater Operations

As the rainy season approaches, fire companies should be prepared to respond to swiftwater incidents. Captain Homer Robertson provides some points to review.

By Homer Robertson personal floatation device, PFD, swiftwater rescue, throw bag, water rescue

Gear Test, TNT (Tools News Techniques)

Gear Test: Turtle Plastics’ Lock Blocks

Les Baker tests Turtle Plastics’ Lock Blocks for use as a cribbing tool on the extrication scene.

By Les Baker cribbing, extrication, Lego, Lock blocks, Turtle Plastics, vehicle stabilization

TNT (Tools News Techniques)

Santa Ana Fire Department Consolidation

Jane Jerrard reports on the closure of the 128-year-old Santa Ana (Calif.) Fire Department, and its consolidation with the Orange County Fire Authority. She also discusses the importance for other departments to consider consolidation when budgetary issues arise.

By Jane Jerrard budget deficit, closure, consolidation, financial issues, Orange County Fire Authority, Santa Ana Fire Department

There are multiple strategies for attacking a garage fire, one of which involves going into service right through the garage door with a handline or master-stream device. Photo Andrew Klein

Fire Attack

Fighting Fire in Attached Garages

As many fire departments can attest to, attached residential garages can be packed full of surprises and hazards. Greg Jakubowski discusses some of the challenges and hazards that can arise when responding to an attached garage fire and attack strategies that can save lives and property.

By Greg Jakubowski attached garages, garage fires, residential garages, separation wall

From the Editor

Preparing to Implement Firefighter Tracking Systems

More than a decade of research on firefighter tracking and physiological monitoring has culminated in several systems that are now close to market. Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach asks, is the fire service prepared to embrace the technology we’ve so long demanded?

By Timothy E. Sendelbach accountability, firefighter tracking, GLANSER, PHASER, physiological monitoring, tracking, WASP

Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad’s new heavy-rescue is built by PL Custom/Rescue 1 on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Photo courtesy Rescue 1

Apparatus Ideas

A Customized Heavy-Rescue for a Unique Rescue Squad

Volunteer rescue squads are some of the most advanced response units providing fire, EMS and rescue response. As such, their apparatus must also be highly customized. Bob Vaccaro profiles the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad’s new heavy-rescue unit.

By Bob Vaccaro Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, heavy-rescue, PL Custom/Rescue 1, Rescue 1, Rescue Squad, volunteer rescue

Fire Prevention

Fire Service Managers Need Courage and Creativity

Economic challenges aren’t improving and many communities are calling for more sacrifice from public services. Jim Crawford suggests that fire management must be creative and courageous when confronting the demands of the public and the needs of their peers.

By Jim Crawford

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