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Time To Get Back To Training, Burning, Breaking, & Cutting…

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One more quick post on some of the people we met at FDIC 2013 then back to our regular scheduled training posts.  We’ll also be adding a few posts here and there about FF Brian Hackenburg’s triathlon fundraiser for the National Firefighter Endowment (click the logo on the righthand column for more info).

OTHER FDIC POSTS HERE & HERE

Some of these people below are firefighters, instructors, and/or innovators.  Be sure to check them for training and equipment.  Next week we’ll be teaching in the Heavy Rescue class at BGSU State Fire School.  There are 6 semi cabs, 3 school buses, 2 garbage trucks, and 16 cars lined up for 30 firefighters to cut on.  We will try to get pictures up each day next week and if time permits a post each night with a few lessons learned or teaching points.

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Chris Moren and The Pig, Hasenmeier, Smitty from Boron Extrication

THE PIGSKIN REVIEW & THE PIG REVIEW

Sarah from Tecgen Xtreme, Hasenmeier, Smitty from Boron Extrication, and Todd from Tecgen Xtreme

Climbed for Douglas Miller, Rescue 5

We had a good time wearing the lightweight extrication gear from Tecgen Xtreme.  We wore the gear during the stair climb, although lighter than structural gear; we found that it would provide a definite advantage during extrication, wildland firefighting, and other technical rescue operations.  You can talk health and safety until your blue in the face, but is structural gear necessary for fighting a non-structural fire or working an extrication?    Reducing internal core temperature while prolonging the life of structural gear may be a growing trend.

We also heard a few grumblings of us wearing extrication gear during the climb and not structural gear.  Well, those grumblings are certainly unfortunate considering the cause, brotherhood at the event, and funds raised for the NFFF.  If anybody has the brass axes to criticize from a computer screen this year, then here is my proposal for next year:  I’ll climb next to you next year at FDIC with structural gear plus an airpack and make the donation for your entry fee.

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The Haix Fire Flash Xtreme boots were awesome during the stair climb. With Tracey Cline.

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Hasenmeier, Ryan Pennington (Views from the Jumpseat), Antonio Cugini (FoxFury), & Smitty from Boron Extrication

Packexe CEO Andrew Orchard talking with us about some new Packexe Smash developments.  Read our review HERE

We dropped in on the FoxFire booth on the way to the stair climb.  I had some helmet tets on my helmet, but right away Zac from FoxFire threw some helmet bands our way.  Check out the many illuminating products they have in addition to the new SCBA ID Tags.

We’ve been using the First Responder Jack during training for some time now.  Read the review HERE.  It was nice to meet Jeff Pugh along the way.

First Responder Jacks

It was nice to place a name with a face on several occasions, see the latest / greatest equipment, and chat with countless Brothers.  Now it’s time to get back to learning, burning, breaking, and cutting…

Pass it on!

Posted by on April 30, 2013 • Filed under: All, EMS Health & Safety, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighter Training, Innovation, Leadership, News, Product Review, Training, Training & Development, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FDIC 2013, Stair Climb, & An Award For First Due Tackle

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Photo by Second Due Tackle photographer Kevin Gadd

Well, the annual pilgrimage to Indianapolis has come and gone, but not without many great memories and a recharged battery.  FDIC is truly an awesome event for learning, networking, and brotherhood.  If you haven’t made the trip, we all hope to see you there one of these years.    If you missed the post about Thursday’s journeys, CLICK HERE.

Also, on Thursday many Brothers attended the National Fallen Fire Firefighters dinner and auction.  A must attend event if you have never made it.  On our walk to the dinner, Veteran Firefighter Kevin Gadd brainstormed another website.  He said its going to be called Second Due Tackle and all posts will be re-shared from this page the next day.  We all got a laugh out of his idea, but in all seriousness, Kevin has contributed lots to the site, taken lots of pictures, carried a few bags, and taught during some of our classes.

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NFFF Dinner and Auction

Stair Climb

We were checked in and waiting for the start of the stair climb ceremony when Smitty from Boron Extrication had a very special encounter.  Be sure to “LIKE” BORON EXTRICATION to read about the story soon.

The climb itself was very motivational.  The atmosphere, the 400+ on the stairs, and the constant words of encouragement we heard from one firefighter to another.  Below is a short video (about a minute) with several clips during the climb.

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With Brother Snyder and Brotherton from Sandusky (OH) FD and Brother Bronner from Perkins Twp (OH) FD after the climb.

FireRescue / FirefighterNation Award

We hit the road for home after the stair climb because firehouse duty was on the calendar for Saturday morning.  We missed the FireRescue meet-up, but were notified the next morning of being recognized for one of the 2013 Fire Service Writers Awards.   Shannon Pieper, Editorial Director, wrote that “the fire service has long depended on the generosity of its members in sharing their knowledge to teach the next generation.”

FireRescue / FirefighterNation Awards

Whether you get an idea on the FDT page, contribute to the conversation via social media, share your ideas for all to see, or pass your knowledge on to the young guys – THANK YOU.

Don’t let your education journey stop, stay disciplined, and pass it on!

Posted by on April 28, 2013 • Filed under: All, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighter Training, Leadership, Line of Duty, News, Training & Development, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

School Bus Extrication Training, Scholarships, and Here We Come Indy

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This past Friday and Saturday we helped with the Northern Ohio Fools Heavy Rescue 101 training event.  For the 7th year in a row this event has grown bigger and better.  This year firefighters from 8 states were represented.  In this post I’m going to share a few pictures and a brief training description specific to school bus extrication.  For more on school bus extrication CLICK HERE.

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If the driver is pinned and main door access is not possible; one option is to go through the sidewall. Cut down the wall after removing the window. Behind this wall you will find lots of controls and wires. Remove it all and make room for your ram. Your ram will push the A post, steering column, and dash off the patient. Make sure to push against something solid like the B post.

Bare bones basics of heavy lifting. Driving wedges to free a pinned victim after a roll-over. Inches was all it took.

(more…)

Posted by on April 23, 2013 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Leadership, Rescue, School Bus Extrication, Training, Training & Development, Vehicle Rescue • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Forcible Entry Prop Build From Oregon

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FDT Forcible Entry Prop

A few months back Elgin (Oregon) Fire Protection District Fire Chief Kevin Silvermail contact us about our homemade forcible entry prop.  Unfortunately there are no blueprints to share, but we passed along numerous pictures and emails with measurements.  Over the last couple years many Brothers have inquired about the prop and said they wanted to build one.  Chief Silvermail was the first to share some pictures of the homemade prop they built after seeing ours.  It is awesome to see the sharing of training information, prop ideas, and knowledge spread.

Read more about our prop and view pictures HERE, HERE, and HERE.  Also check out some of the videos of firefighters beating on it HERE.

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Chief Silvermail shared that the prop is working well and they are making some adjustments as they learn how it responds to the beating.  He also said they will get some videos of it in action.  Below are the pictures from Chief Silvermail.

Below is a flyer for the 2-3 hour program we offer.  It’s a hand’s on training program that is great for both career and volunteer departments.  Definitely a quick hitter to get the tools in your hands and create some enthusiasm for more training.  Contact us to schedule.

Forcible Entry Training Class Flyer

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Posted by on March 5, 2013 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Leadership, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Stair Climbing, Rushing, and Triathlons

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Some of the events up and coming that we are participating in for a variety of reasons.  Some in memory, some to build the team, and others for charity.  In each, firefighter fitness is involved.

FDIC 9-11 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB

Douglas C. Miller
Rescue 5

I am registered to climb for Firefighter Douglas C. Miller (Rescue 5).

Firefighter Douglas C. Miller (34), was married with 3 beautiful daughters…READ MORE HERE

“The 9-11 stair climb at FDIC and elsewhere is about honor and service,” explained Chief Bobby Halton, editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering Magazine and education director of FDIC.  “We will climb to honor their memories.  Not only for what they did that infamous day, but for every day they served. We will climb as they all intended, but were unable. We honor their intentions and show our respect to our chosen hero whose photo we carry. “

Go Here To Sign Up

HERO RUSH

 

Mike Smith (boronextrication.com), Chris Hebert (Hero Rush), Paul Hasenmeier

A bunch of us will be doing the Ohio East / Western PA event on July 27, 2013.  We are signing up for the 343 wave at 11 am.  This wave is dedicated to the firefighters lost on 9/11.  Each runner wears a commemorative racer’s bib showing the name of one of these fallen heros.  The wave is an additional $10, which will be matched by Hero Rush and donated entirely to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.    Check out last years Rush review from Michigan, CLICK HERE.

Join the FDT Team for the Ohio Event Here

Team: First Due Tackle – PW: FDT

TRIATHLONS

Firefighter Brian Hackenburg is motivated beyond most by saying he will do the marathon part of the Cedar Point Rev3 Ironman in turnout gear if he raises $2000 for the National Firefighters Endowment.  The event is not until September, but the fundraising has begun.  We will also be training and competing with Hack in some regional triathlons this summer.  Stay tuned for more triathlon training posts.  CLICK HERE for last year’s recap.

Donate Here

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Posted by on February 27, 2013 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighter Training, Leadership, Line of Duty, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Simple FF Survival / Rescue Drills…Yes, Even For The Seasoned Veteran

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By: Paul Hasenmeier

Smooth – Bump – Bump To The Pump

Disorientation Drill – Put the crew on a hoseline and have them get back to the pump.

This past Monday I was teaching at the Ehove Fire Academy and we were working on some basic skills that will be shown throughout this post in pictures and videos.  These students just had the lecture on firefighter survival and will be getting more hands-on this weekend.  For the last several years, February has been a good month to review and practice all things firefighter survival, rescue, MAYDAY, RIT.  Why February, for me it seems to be a good fit as we remember the strong work that Columbus firefighters did in saving the life of Lt. Polaski.  If you haven’t seen the training video, it is alway up HERE.

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Below is a simple rope entanglement drill you can do anywhere.  Practice calling your MAYDAY.  Expand the drill with multiple crews working, which increases radio traffic.  Work on managing the MAYDAY.

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Below is recent audio from a fire in Lancaster, PA.  Don’t be the Monday morning armchair quarterback, but instead talk with your crew on how this incident goes for your department.  How can training help you prepare for this experience that we hope to never be a part of.

Lancaster, PA MAYDAY – February 18, 2013 on Statter911.com

No visibility knot tying. Especially the handcuff, figure 8 on a bight, and looping webbing around a victim.

Another rope training option here from EngineCO22.  CLICK HERE for video on Facebook.

One way to move victims. Quick 2:1

Be sure to “LIKE” EHOVE FIRE ACADEMY AND THE NORTHERN OHIO FOOLS ON FACEBOOK.  THE ANNUAL HEAVY RESCUE 101 TRAINING IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 19 & 20.  IT’S A FREE EVENT.

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Train hard, train often, and get your heartbeat up.  Prepare for the tough situations before they happen, you will revert back to your training.

Pass it on!

Posted by on February 22, 2013 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Leadership, Rescue, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

More Training From The Horse Barn

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Last week we posted about a horse barn forcible entry training.  The project started when I was asked to help a young firefighter-to-be prepare for a high school demonstration.  Read last weeks post HERE.  Unfortunately, the young lad won’t be going to the regional qualifier because other students presenting on basket weaving and the aerodynamics of horseshoes were selected instead.   I don’t get it, we don’t get it, but all I can say is keep training and learning.

 

Jenga or blocks for the prop?

After last weeks post, we’ve had more interest in the training by some local firefighters.  Since we were teaching anyways we didn’t turn anybody away.  After a quick breakfast we all headed to the horse barn.  One good thing about an ad hoc training like this is that more guys add to the conversation and the passing of knowledge is easily transferred.

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Below is the firefighter-to-be demonstrating on the residential side of the prop.  Remember, this is one technique and not necessarily the gold standard.  Your text book teaches you one way and the street teaches you multiple ways.  In the video you will see how he works with two tools and rotates the tools so they work more efficiently.  At very least, this technique on this prop makes the firefighter think about tool placement and how the forces are applied.  Talk with your crews about the different options of forcing doors.

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Tool Caddy

In other news, we have been helping Ryan at Ryno Concealment refine his firefighters tool caddy.  The product is improving and being used on the street in Kansas City and several other locations.  They are working on a website, but for now be sure to “Like” the Facebook page for updates and contact information.  More coming soon.

“Like” Ryno Concealment on Facebook

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Posted by on January 13, 2013 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Innovation, Instructorship, Leadership, Product Review, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Passing It On! – Horse Barn Forcible Entry

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So one of the local high school career center students and fire explorer asked if I could help him learn more about forcible entry for a skills challenge competition.  He said competition, right?  All in!

He has to prepare a 5-7 minute presentation and demonstration about his topic along with organizing the logistics.  He is going to use our forcible entry prop and focus the presentation on the single firefighter residential door technique.

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Below is a video from the first training evolution for him.  We covered some specifics about different tools, door construction, and the Ol’ Gap – Set – Force task.  We plan to invite others to our once a week or so horse barn forcible entry trainings until the competition in February.  We’ll keep you updated with his progress.

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Pass it on!

Posted by on January 6, 2013 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Leadership, Rescue, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Seasons Greetings From The Hills

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Some words of wisdom and tradition from one of the crew…

As I enter my 20th year on this job of all jobs (THE best one in the world that is…), I am once again faced with working around the holidays. I have worked many, many Christmas days, Christmas Eves, New Years, etc…. You get the point. I always reflect on what is must have been like for our past Brothers working around this time of year. We now enjoy the many traditions they have passed down to us, just as the many holiday traditions we enjoy with our families on our off days.

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I now have the honor of teaching these traditions and passing them on to numerous “new” guys. I can’t help but be filled with pride as I explain the “how to’s” to the wide eyed rookies gazing in my general direction.

As the years pass, I notice that some of these deep traditions have fallen by the “we don’t do that anymore” wayside. This affects my inner well being. What a disrespect it is to the past Brothers to trivialize traditions they once held in high regard. Although I do understand change and its effects on things, I believe we must never forget where we came from. This time of year really brings those beliefs to the top of the glass.

I enjoy every minute of this season with my sons and wife; however, never far from my mind are those who have lost a Firefighter and no longer can enjoy the time of the season with them. Especially, those children that no longer have Dad there to administer the annual Christmas noogies, hand out the overpriced imported plastic toys, sing an off-key carol, or just put their arm around them and make them feel damn important.

I also think of those empty seats around the Firehouse table, once occupied by a fallen Brother with their special holiday wisdom and charm. There are many new Firefighters in our business that will only be exposed to the wisdom and traditions of our past Brothers through us.

This is my challenge to you… Honor the past, challenge the future.

Create tradition. If you’re working on a holiday that takes you away from your family and the traditions they enjoy without you…..do something. Often times holidays around the Firehouse can be challenging to some. Take advantage of those around you and create traditions that will long out live your legacy. Don’t have to be complicated, just effective.

We will be partaking in the first ever shift olympics this Christmas Eve. The events are created by each shift member, and probably will be unlike those allowed by the olympic committee. We’ll have some fun, laughs, tender feelings, and I’m sure we’ll learn a little in the process. Somehow no matter what we are doing, as long as we do it together…we get better. We learn.. Not only important stuff, but about ourselves and each other.

** Remember that some of these pups don’t learn the same as older dogs….so THINK. Use your brain and get them to use theirs without the aid of those damn phones.

Our profession is deep in tradition. If it is not nurtured…it will not grow.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas.

Hillbilly…out.

Pass it on!

 

Posted by on December 23, 2012 • Filed under: All, Leadership, Training • Tagged: , , , , ,

Light Box Instructions – Where’s The Training?

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By: Paul Hasenmeier

Last night I was sent the picture below.  Let me first say that this particular light is not on a fire apparatus.  We had a little bit of discussion about the labeling on Facebook and figured the topic was worth sharing.  Here’s what the label says if you can’t read it in the picture:  #1 Push black release on bottom  #2 Pull upward on flashlight.  Check out the picture and think for a moment about training.  Then scroll down for a few more thoughts.

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On first glance I’m sure most of you are saying WTF or how does someone not know how to take this light box off the charger.  Let’s stop and think for a minute…Did you know how to take it off before you walked into the firehouse the first time?  Someone probably showed you or you took a few minutes to figure it out.

The discouraging part of the labeling on this particular light is that it tells the user how to remove the light.  At first glance, I would say that training is lacking if we have to provide directions on how to remove it.  Was the label added because it has been ripped off the wall more than once.  If so, where is the training?

Robert Reid gave an example about teaching recruit school.  He was asked to show a spanner wrench and was actually taken back for a second because he thought “you want to fight fire and you don’t know what a spanner wrench is?”  He quickly remembered that he always didn’t know what a spanner wrench was.  Similar thoughts for most of us I’m sure.

Frank Villarreal actually used this example last night after seeing the post on FB and asked some of the new recruits on his department to go get one of the light boxes of the rig.  Five minutes later they came back and said they didn’t know how to unhook it.  They then had a impromptu light box training for the new recruits.  Well done Frank.

This just happens to be a prime example of what we need to do as trainers in the fire service.  We have to step back from time to time and remember to show the basic operations of some of what we now think are the simplest of tasks.  It’s our job to show them the way.  We have to be great at the little things, so the big things are more manageable and then we have no hesitation getting in, getting out, and going home.

Read more about Training Your Replacements and follow of Twitter @TYReplacements

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Posted by on November 27, 2012 • Filed under: All, Command & Leadership, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Leadership, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Cold Weather…Get Your Cold Weather Bags Ready

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Lt. Bronner sent the following notice about getting your cold weather bags together as the temperature drops.  If you have a cold weather bag share what you have in it so others can get an idea of what works and what doesn’t.  Stay warm.

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COLD WEATHER BAGS

As I am writing this the weather here in northern Ohio, it is a rainy forty-three degrees.  If you factor in the wind it is 34 degrees.  The weather here is about as unpredictable as any given Sunday when the Browns play.  It is about this time of year I do something that I do every year.  I go to my locker, dust off, open up, and inventory my cold weather bag.

My cold weather bag is a small black bag that rides in the engine with me waiting for that first cold incident of the year.  I started carrying the bag after a fire we had at a diary farm a few years back.  The temperature was sub-zero and a wind chill in the negative twenties.  From that day on I never wanted to be that cold or wet again.

What you put in a cold weather bag is up to you.  I like to carry spare gloves, a spare hood, shirts, socks, and hand warmers. Your inventory should be based on your own geography, sector of work, and anticipated needs.

If you already carry a cold weather bag or something similar please comment and share what you are carrying.  Guys may make fun of your bag, but trust me, that all stops when they are cold out on a job and would like to use something out of it.

HERO RUSH

Hero Rush was just listed in Men’s Journal as one of the top obstacle races.  Be sure to check out the site linked below to find out where the closest 2013 race will be for you.  It’s a firefighter themed 5k with 15-20 obstacles.  The environment is family and kid friendly, so get the whole gang out in 2013.  Check out the FDT review of the 2012 Michigan rush HERE.

SIGN UP FOR HERO RUSH

TECGEN EXTREME

In other news, the folks at TECGEN have asked Smitty over at Boron Extrication and I to review some gear.  As we get a chance we will put this gear through the ringer.  For us Northerners, it may not be till spring as the temps are falling quickly.  The idea to wear lightweight gear for non-structural incidents seems prudent in that it will reduce heat stress dramatically.  We’ll keep you posted.

 

From the TECGEN website: TECGEN EXTREME® garments are UL certified to exceed NFPA 1951 (Technical Rescue) and NFPA 1977 (Wildland Firefighting), making them the perfect choice for the following types of responses:

  • Extrication
  • Search and Rescue
  • MVA
  • Junior Firefighting / Explorer Programs
  • Wildland, Grass and Brush Fires
  • Confined Space
  • Trench Rescue
  • High / Low Angle Rescue
  • Good Will Calls
  • Support Personnel

TECGEN on Facbook

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Posted by on November 12, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighter Training, Leadership • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Stretch Before Training…Are You Kidding?

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Let me first start this post out with a question…Have you ever stretched before a fire department training as a group?  Prior to this past Saturday, my answer would have been, NO.

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We just got done setting up for a couple hour forcible entry training with the Jerusalem Twp. Fire Department when one of the Captains came up to me and asked if we could stretch the crew out before starting.  In my mind I was a bit confused at first as probably easily noticed on my face, however, I said sure let’s make it happen.  Lt. Frank Villarreal quickly volunteered to lead the group through a few minutes of stretching which included; rotating both arms forward and back, bending at the waist and touching your toes, rotating side to side, and a sprinters starting stance for the calfs.   (more…)

Posted by on November 4, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, EMS Health & Safety, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighter Training, Leadership, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

The #1 Influence On Our Organizations – Training

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The amount of training the people in an organization receive can be directly correlated with the efficiency, effectiveness, and team concept of the organization.  Researchers at University of Pennsylvania found that spending 10 percent of a company’s revenue on capital improvements increased productivity by 3.9 percent. But investing that same amount in developing the employee capital more than doubles that amount, to a whopping 8.5 percent (1).  The importance placed on training an organizations people is a strategic mindset often overlooked in stressed financial conditions.

The video below is one example of the need to make training #1 in fire service organizations.

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(1) Keiningham, Timothy & Aksoy, Lerzan.  (2009).  Why managers should care about employee loyalty.  Business Know-How.  Retrieved from http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/loyalemployees.htm

Posted by on February 18, 2012 • Filed under: All, Instructorship, Leadership

FD vs. Aircraft Carrier Operational Similarities – Company Drill

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This training idea was sent from David Walsh, Chair of the Fire Science Program at Dutchess Community College in NY.

In this video about an aircraft carrier, note the many parallels between their operation and an FD incident scene operation. The entire video is only about 10 minutes but the stuff that can be related to the FD starts around the 3 min mark (really shows the expansive power of steam).

(more…)

Posted by on January 17, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Leadership

Train Hard and Be Safe In 2012

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It’s all about training.  From the 6-22′s to the veteran firefighters – if you don’t know ask, never stop learning, and practice more than one option.  When we roll across the door plate,  those in need of help expect our greatest efforts and our families expect us to come home.  Make it happen.

The link below is a great piece from the Chicago Fire Department and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to start your new training year.

Chicago Fire Department – Everyone Goes Home

From my family to yours, have a safe and happy new year.

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Posted by on December 30, 2011 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Leadership

Training – Are You Doing Enough?

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Phil Burden with JD Vasbinder. Two great trainers!

The following post contains some thoughts on training from Firefighter Phil Burden (retired Westerville (OH)).  My conversations, training opportunities, and email correspondence with Phil are motivating to say the least.  Firefighters must gain the insight and knowledge of seasoned veterans, adapt to current day environments, and pass on the traditions and love for the fire service. 

We often have slogans in the fire service that make us sound better than the other departments or houses.  Like Phil’s, Second to None, or the houses up the road; Look Busy Till We Get There, First In Last To Leave – Pride of the Southside, Well Done at Ones, and the list goes on… (more…)

Posted by on December 16, 2011 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Leadership • Tagged: , ,

Leadership Style Assessment

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I am currently undertaking the most challenging collegiate educational journey of my life in Capella Universities MPA program.  Typically, my post’s are on rescue, extrication, and training, but I plan to throw in fire service relevant leadership and motivation posts from the knowledge I gain.  This post will help you evaluate your personal leadership style, which in turn will help you lead to greater heights in the firehouse and on the fireground. (more…)

Posted by on December 1, 2011 • Filed under: All, Leadership • Tagged:

What Are You Doing To Improve Your Instructorship?

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Whether you are an instructor, mentor, or supervisor you need to get a grip on your students.  The following highlights will reflect on my recent trip to Aberdeen, South Dakota and the lively bunch of attendees that helped keep the conversation realistic yet thought provoking.  As you scan through the topics consider what you are doing to improve your instructorship to ultimately improve the organizations you are involved with.

Get A Grip On Your Students (more…)

Posted by on November 6, 2011 • Filed under: All, Instructorship, Leadership • Tagged:

Social Media Instruction

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The social media world is providing instructors with numerous options to pass on knowledge.  As an instructor, I am often wanting more time in the classroom or on the training ground.  Here’s a way to gain valuable class or training time.

By making a video preview of an upcoming lecture or hands-on drill, instructors can increase the knowledge base of their students prior to them even stepping foot in the classroom or on the training ground.  This will allow for greater conversation and perfection of skills in the stipulated amount of time allowed. (more…)

Posted by on October 20, 2011 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Leadership • Tagged:

Company Officers and Crab Boat Deck Bosses

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Check out some thoughts on the leadership characteristics of company officers and crab boat deck bosses.

http://www.fireengineering.com/index/articles/display/9331361644/articles/fire-engineering/leadership/commentary/2011/07/company-officer-crab-boat.html

Posted by on July 27, 2011 • Filed under: All, Leadership

Using Technology to Enhance Education

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Salman Kahn talks about a non-traditional teaching method.  Check the video out and consider our options for improving the future of fire service education.  We can give students more prior to a class, conference, or company drill to make the experience more worth while.

[ted id=1090]

Posted by on July 11, 2011 • Filed under: All, Instructorship, Leadership

Evaluation Strategies for Fire Service Mentors, Instructors, and Officers

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If I walked into the classroom and said……..I am glad some of you showed up.  My name is Paul Hasenmeier and I am a firefighter / paramedic and newly promoted lieutenant that is going to teach you everything you need to know about evaluating.  You might wonder what experience I have evaluating employees.  Not much really, but I did read the book sitting on your shelf left unread by you.

Your evaluation of me as an instructor would most likely be shattered by me not meeting your expectations even in the first minutes of the presentation.  Those expectations are preconceived thoughts and ideals based on your previous experiences.  In retrospect, if I were to begin the presentation looking sharp, professional, and able to relate to you, your evaluation of me would most likely receive higher marks. (more…)

Posted by on May 1, 2011 • Filed under: All, Leadership
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