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Stripped Screw – No Problem

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So the other day I was challenged with a stripped screw that was holding a plate on the bottom of a jacuzzi tub faucet.  My frustration was building after trying various sized screwdrivers and not having a screw out tool handy.

For some reason, I remembered that I had a Foxfire SCBA band in my backpack.  My new plan was to use the Fox Fire band to fill the gap of the stripped out screw head and hopefully get a bite.

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You’ll have to try it to see for yourself, but it worked.  Afterwards, I thought, with all the firefighters putting these bands on helmets, it might be a good tip to pass on.  Most of us use screwdrivers on a daily basis and occasionally run into this dilemma.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Foxfire stuff, click HERE.

Use Rep ID: 194 when ordering.

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Posted by on December 27, 2012 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Training, Innovation, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Santa Rescue Guide 1 of 3 – Present Spill

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Have fun reading the Santa Rescue Guide, it was fun writing with a twist of humor, sarcasm, and holiday spirit.  Although only a hint of training in each, we have included some training links at the bottom of each post.   

You are called to an unknown spill.   When you arrive you find the big guy with presents all over the road.  What in the world are you ever going to do?  In this section of the Santa Rescue Guide we will discuss what to do in this situation.

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As with any incident scene, life safety should always be of the utmost priority.   Since the sleigh can be looked at like a UPS truck, who knows what kind of joy he is hauling.  Always approach up hill and up wind if you can.  If the spill would happen to be on a rooftop you may want to approach using an aerial device.

From a safe distance, try to identify a placard on the sleigh, or get on a megaphone and yell to an elf.   Remember the sleigh would be placarded on all four sides.  If you can see placarding use your Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) to look up the cargo.  Yeah right, it is highly doubtfull the sleigh will be placarded due to the nature of the business and the weight of the load for flight.  Some sort of magic is believed to propel the reindeer.  If you do not see a placard and can not make it to the sleigh to look for Shipping Documents.  The papers will be located in a velvet pouch toward the front of the sleigh, similar to the material of the suit.  Do not get fooled by the cookie crumbs.  If you cannot find any other identifiers treat this spill using Guide 111 in the ERG, mixed load/unidentified cargo.

 

Securing the sleigh may require the help of animal control, as the long-term effects of reindeer bites are still unknown.   If Santa is cruising around in a hybrid sleigh you will be able to tell this from the orange colored reins (Do not cut the orange reins).  More on sleigh extrication later in the guide.

If Santa and any elves are conscious have them self-rescue to a safe location.

Key Points to remember for this incident:

-       Fill your spots of Command early

-       Scene safety is key

-       Position uphill and up wind.

-       If any of the presents are making a whistling sound withdraw immediately.

-       Do not walk through the presents.

-       Eliminate all ignition sources, including the magic of Santa’s sleigh and Rudolph’s bright nose.

Training Links:

Green Maltese

Engine Company 22

Backwards And Stupid

Fire Training Toolbox

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Posted by on December 19, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, HazMat • Tagged: , , , , ,

Fatal Rear-End School Bus Crash – No Students Hurt

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The driver of a passenger car died after rear-ending a stopped school bus near Tomball, Texas on Wednesday (12-12-12).  This under-ride is a potentially challenging one because of the big vehicle on top.

FDT School Bus Extrication Resources

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If you haven’t thought about this scenario before check out the post linked HERE where we used airbags to make the lift.  Other options include calling in a heavy wrecker, read more HERE.

An article and more pictures from the crash can be found HERE.

Read more about a garbage truck under-ride HERE.

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Posted by on December 12, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, News, School Bus Extrication, Training, Vehicle Rescue • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Our Hybrid Challenge Continues

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The other day we rode to a hybrid auto class in a 1966 Jeep.  Basically, it’s a death trap that includes no roll-over protection, gas tank under the driver’s seat, and lap belts that will keep only your hips from being cut off, rubbed off, or pinned under something during a crash.  Technology in vehicles has certainly changed over the years.

Anyways, we had a chance  to look at a Honda Civic and Honda Insight after a quick powerpoint presentation about the types of hybrids on the road today.  For regular updates about vehicle construction and alternative fueled vehicles check out Boron Extrication.  It seems to be a never ending challenge to not only identify alternative fueled vehicles, but also know what’s inside them.  The more you read, train with the technology available, and physically examine hybrid cars; the better prepared you will be.

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Honda Insight

Pretty straight forward look at this hybrid by using Moditech’s Crash Recovery System.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honda Civic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hybrid Civic exposes rescuers to another challenge.  This car has a vertical hybrid battery behind the back seat.  In the event of an under-ride how are you going to tunnel?  Read on HERE.

 

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Read more about using technology at car crashes HERE.

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Posted by on December 9, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Rescue, Training, Training & Development, Vehicle Rescue • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Today In Fire Service History – Cocoanut Grove – 1942

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By: Brent Bronner

On this day in 1942 a fire broke out in the Cocoanut Grove Night Club in Boston Mass.  This fire would claim 492 occupants and would change numerous codes dealing with exits, decorative finishes, and sub levels.

The Boston Globe file photo

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A busboy’s match ignited gauze draperies in a large basement with one locked exit, due to broken panic hardware.  A crowd of over 1,000 was in the club that night, despite the occupancy of 600.

Many factors contributed to the loss of life and spread of the fire.  The club had insufficient exits with doors opening inward and some being welded shut.  Rooms had confusing floor plans with interior decorations of cloth, paper, and simulated leather.  Suspended fabric was hung from the ceiling.  Revolving doors, flipped over tables.  Concealed and unmarked exits lead to the death toll.

Initial firefighters on this five-alarm fire were met with a heavy fire load.  Welded doors, stacked bodies, and tables flipped over lead to troubles in making entry for rescue or suppression.

National Fire Protection Association photo

With the aftermath of the Cocoanut Grove Night Club many codes were changed including:

-Revolving doors will be supplemented by an outward opening hinged door.

-An assembly area will have a minimum of two exits.

- Prohibitions on the use of sub grade levels for assembly.

- Battery powered emergency exit lighting.

- Maximum occupancy certificates are displayed.

- Limitations on the use of combustible materials for interior finishings.

- Securing tables, as well as keeping a minimum aisle width.

- Listing nightclubs and restaurants as assembly areas.

Next time you are in an assembly, take a look around.  Remember the victims of this tragedy, their sacrifice, and the safety improvements of these types of occupancies.  Internet searches can yield multiple readings.

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Posted by on November 28, 2012 • Filed under: All, Building Construction, Fires, Mass Casualty Incident, Rescues, 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: , , , , , , ,

Training Wall Prop and Roof Attachment

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The prop below seems to be a fairly inexpensive way to get your crews some good training.  We have not used this prop, but after watching the video below and reading the plans, it is definitely worth passing on.  If you have any specific questions email Dale Pekel at ffdpek@aol.com.  A downloadable link for the plans is after the video.

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Video Description: By: Dale Pekel

This is a new prop that I designed and constructed to be used in conjunction with the FF Training Wall Prop that I first built quite a few years ago – It’s called the Pitched Roof Attachment.

A variety of skills can be practiced on this prop which will help prepare FFs to operate more efficiently and safely from pitched roofs. The prop can be adjusted to 3 different pitches including a 6/12, 9/12 and 12/12 – The low height of the prop is great for training new FFs who don’t yet feel comfortable or confident working on a full height roof.

Just like the FF Training Wall Prop, there isn’t one component in the Pitched Roof Attachment that is longer than 8 feet or wider than 4 feet – This allows the prop to be easily transported and assembled nearly anywhere. On inclement days it can even be set up right inside the apparatus bay of the fire house.

The cost of the Pitched Roof Attachment shown in the video was approximately $300.00.

YouTube Preview Image

Download plans here:  Prop Plans
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Posted by on November 27, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

The Turkeys Are Coming

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A good reminder about what is coming and how to combat it in this post from FF Charlie Hillman.  Without a doubt we will end up seeing some crazy pictures or videos of turkey assisted fires within the week.

With thanksgiving right around the corner, it may be a good time to review some tactics for turkey deep fryer fires.  Personally, I am a big fan of the deep fried turkey because everything is better deep fried!  However, as we all know the turkey deep fryer can cause disastrous consequences for the careless cook.

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Hopefully, most people who choose to deep fry a turkey will perform the activity outside of their home.  Assuming that the cook does decide to deep fry the turkey outdoors, they sometimes exercise poor judgment in the location of where they deep fry the turkey.  Fires have occurred on wooden decks and inside garages amongst other locations.  A cook who is not attentive to the concept of displacement often encounters trouble.  The cooking oil is heated in excess of 350o F and when a wet or frozen turkey is placed into the hot cauldron of cooking oil it causes a furious reaction between the oil and water.  Compounding the problem is that an inattentive cook may have filled the deep fryer with too much oil which is displaced when the turkey is inserted into the deep fryer.  With the turkey in the deep fryer and the oil running over, the oil reaches the flame from the propane burner and is ignited.  The cook may not have the ability to shut the propane off that is fueling the deep fryer.  Now the oil is starting to involve the combustible wooden deck (sometimes with an abundance of dry leaves) or the smooth concrete floor of the garage.  If the deep fryer is inside of a garage the hot oil can shoot up to the ceiling and out from the deep fryer to involve the combustible contents of the garage.  Either way the 20 lb propane tank is in serious danger of BLEVE due to the flame impingement from the resulting fire.

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Posted by on November 20, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Rescue Methods and the Battle Axe…

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The guys at Rescue Methods are putting together an awesome training video library.  Here is the link to the youtube channel.  Click HERE and be sure to check out the webiste, HERE. They have been playing with 2Tinga boat in swift water applications.  Below is a video promo.  What kinds of boats do you use for swift water / open water?

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YouTube Preview Image

Battle Axe…

We had a chance to play with a new product on the market called the Firefighter Battle Axe from Lansky Sharpeners.  There are some definite pros and cons to the tool.  None of us thought that we would drop the irons for the battle axe when coming off the rig.

We did leave the folks behind the design with a suggestion to market this tool towards the C.E.R.T’s.  It would be a very useable piece of equipment in that application.  If you are involved with your local C.E.R.T., pass along the link below to them.

BATTLE AXE

Pros:
- gas shut-off key works
- integrated spanner works
- impact tool part of axe head works for breaking car windows
Cons:
- no assist during forcible entry and vertical ventilation evolutions
- most expressed an unwillingness to trust the insulated handle
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Posted by on November 13, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Training • 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: , , , , , , ,

Dopes On A Rope Work and the ARC Hurricane App

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I’ve looked at different bridges for years as potentially challenging should a vehicle go off  and there is a need for rescue or recovery.  How are you going to get down if access from the bank is overly time consuming or impossible due to terrain?  Do you have rope rescue capabilities?  Do you have a commercial gin pole to use as a high anchor point?  What are your other options?  Below is a good video of a ladder gin being used in a scenario similar to the challenge above.

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Posted by on October 28, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Training, Rescues, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Let The Snow Fly

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For the last several weeks we have given away a bunch of great products in the Before The Snow Flies Giveaway. Somehow, Smitty over at Boron Extrication and the FDT crew have managed to juggle what goes to who.  We certainly couldn’t have made it without the help of Shane at the National Firefighters Endowment.  Consider joining the Officers Club.

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If you missed the giveaway be sure to check out the links below.  One awesome part about these products is that they are used and tested by firefighters day in and day out.  Hopefully we can do this bigger and better in the future.

The Pig

The Pigskin

MN8 Fox Fire - offering 10% discount until Halloween – coupon code: spook

Detroit Fire Tees - tshirts

Firehouse Pride - attack wraps

Firevideo.net - fire cam

Ride Backwards - athletic wear

Other product reviews.

 

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Posted by on October 26, 2012 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighter Training, Product Review, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Barn Burner, Hand In a Fish Slicer, & More Locks

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October is alway a busy month with fire prevention activities, so here are a few topics to get your training geared back up.  Ultimately, we have to expect fire, expect entrapments, and expect to break stuff.  There are a bunch of links throughout this post to help with a company drill or table top discussion.

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This is also the last week for the Before The Snow Flies Giveaway.  Be sure to get entered for the Mini Fire Cam HD.  It’s fast and simple to enter.

    Enter The Giveaway

Barn Burner

We had a pretty good barn burner a little while back.  As most barns, they are off the road and water supply is a challenge regardless of a long lay or a water shuttle.  Think about the scenarios in your jurisdiction that fall into this category.  What is your plan?

Check out Chris Huston’s presentation on LONG DRIVEWAY SOLUTIONS.  Be patient, the presentation may take a few minutes to load.  Other training modules from Chirs and John Schafer can be found on the new site Fire Training Toolbox.

Fish Slicer Rescue?

You be the judge on this one after watching the video.  The video is graphic.  Andrew Brassard found this one and sent it out to an email group.  Think about how you would proceed with freeing the victims hand.  After watching the video you will realize the technique they used is not a very good one.  Many times in machinery rescue, reversing the mechanism is not recommended.

Click HERE for the video.

For more on machinery rescue, check out a post from a while back, HERE.

More Locks

During a routine call the other day, we stumbled upon a door that is a bit more fortified than most.  It had a slide bolt, dead bolt, panic hardware, and a drop bar.  Review your procedures for forcing these locks.  Don’t be overwhelmed with the thought of 4 locks on one door.  It’s just 1 lock 4 times.  Blow it open.

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Posted by on October 23, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Training, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Instructorship, Rescue, Rescues, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

More Quick Training

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Brother Houghtlen sent over some more Quick Sh!t this afternoon.  Check out the others HERE.  Do you have any ideas you want to see on the Quick Sh!t page.  Is anybody using these one page training documents yet?  Send us pictures if you are.

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the Before The Snow Flies Giveaway.  This week First Due Tackle and Boron Extrication are teamed with MN8 Fox Fire to give away a helmet band and helmet tets.  ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

 

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Initial Scene Size Up

Rapid Decision Making

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Posted by on October 17, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Escape From Side Presentation

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The crash shown in the pictures left this Ford Escape in a side presentation with the drivers side down.  It was unstable side to side, however the drivers side front tire was buried in the stone providing a starting point for stabilization.

Check out the interior picture of what airbags deployed, both side curtains, but neither frontal airbags.  Once the struts were in place the driver was able to self extricate through the back hatch.  If the roof needed to be removed, it would have been a simple job.  The diagram from the Crash Recovery System shows no high strength materials in the posts that would have been cut.  The diagram does show the gas struts for the rear hatchback.   (more…)

Posted by on October 16, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Training, Rescues, Training, Training & Development, Vehicle Rescue • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Before The Snow Flies Giveaway – MN8 Fox Fire

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The next product in the Before The Snow Flies giveaway comes from MN8 Fox Fire. Here is a little about the product from the Fox Fire website:

MN8-Foxfire is a firefighter owned company that develops, markets and sells revolutionary photoluminescent coatings and products that provide illumination for several hours and stay visible in complete darkness for up to 17 hours. Our products will charge in just a few minutes from any light source and can be recharged indefinitely. As a result, there is no need for any external battery, electrical, or energy source other than light.

They have given us a Helmet Band and a set of Helmet Tetrahedrons to give away this week.  Two winners will be picked on Friday October 19, 2012.  Be sure to enter the giveaway by following the link below.  The more you share on facebook via that link the more chances you have to win.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the National Firefighters Endowment for helping with the giveaway.  Be sure to check out and support the cause.

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Posted by on October 15, 2012 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Safety & Health, Product Review, Technology & Communications, Training & Development, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Ride Backwards

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Next up for the Before The Snow Flies Giveaway is a shirt from Ride Backwards.  Read more about the Ride Backwards crew and how this firefighter product for firefighters was born, HERE. They support some exceptional firefighter athletes as they pursue excellence in a variety of sporting events.  Read more about the athletes HERE.  You have to be quick on this one, a winner will be selected Sunday.  Then another product announcement.  Remember the more you share the more chances you have to win.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

 

Be sure to check out the National Firefighters Endowment

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Posted by on October 12, 2012 • Filed under: All, Product Review • Tagged: , , , , , ,

How Do You Store Your Webbing?

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Below are two different methods of storing webbing with a carabiner.  FF Louie Wargo sent them over with a few questions after a recent training.  As a side note, be sure to look up in the wheelhouse of the Jet Express if your ever headed to the Lake Erie islands.  Captain Louie might be piloting the boat.

Single Loop

The first picture is of the two ends of the webbing tied together with a water knot forming a loop.  A carabiner can be clipped on at any point.  Length truly is personal preference, but many like a 12-15′ loop.  This is a easy way for storage in a pocket or under a knee pad.

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The second picture is of the two ends of the webbing with overhand water knots connected with a carabiner.  Reasoning for this method is to be able to detach one end of the webbing, which would allow the entire length to be used for bailing out.  So, it could be used as a loop for drags and carries or during an emergency bailout.

Which option do you use and why?  What about a bailout rope?

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Posted by on October 10, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Training, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Helicopters, School Buses, & Automobiles

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Over the last few weeks I have had the chance to help Lt. Pete Zimmermann get his new site (www.aircrewextractions.com) up and running.  Also, check out AIR CREW EXTRACTIONS ON FACEBOOK. The sites main goal is to give you the best possible information on how to quickly identify what type of aircraft is in front of you, gain access, shut-down aircraft systems, and remove aircrew members during an emergency incident and/or accident in your response area or community.  Pete has a bunch of information up already with more to follow.  He has coordinated the Ehove Aircraft Rescue Training Expo.  EHOVE FIRE ACADEMY ON FACEBOOK.

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Posted by on October 8, 2012 • Filed under: All, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Rescue, Training, Training & Development, Vehicle Rescue • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

WEEK 2: BEFORE THE SNOW FLIES GIVEAWAY

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If your just finding out about the Before the Snow Flies Giveaway be sure to catch up HERE and HERE.  This week starts off with a set of Attack Wraps from Fire House Pride and a tshirt from Detroit Fire Tees.  Make sure you enter the giveaway and “like” the Detroit Fire Tees and FireHouse Pride Facebook pages.

Thanks to the National Firefighters Endowment

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Posted by on October 7, 2012 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Safety & Health, Product Review • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Busting Wood & Quick Sh!t On The Wall

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We just wrapped up four company drills of forcible entry training with the Oregon (OH) Fire Department.    Many of the pictures are on the First Due Tackle facebook page.  Be sure to check them out.  We talked tools, technique, and brotherhood.

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Posted by on October 6, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighter Training, Product Review, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Before The Snow Flies Giveaway – The PigSkin

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Wrap That Hog With The Pigskin

With The Pig

Sky Putman threw in The Pigskin for the Before The Snow Flies Giveaway.  The Pigskin is, at its most basic, a tool belt. It is made specifically to be used in conjuction with the most versitile and inovative forcible entry tool since the Haligan – THE PIG! The winner will get a Belt Skin 35″-48″.  The belt skin pictured to the left is the one we are reviewing.  Accessory rings are available at additional cost here.

A few more specifics about the handcrafted Pigskin: 2 1/2″ belt, 10-14 oz. wt. leather, hand cut, oiled, and sealed.

Enter The Giveaway

ONE WINNER WILL BE RANDOMLY SELECTED ON 10/7/12 @ 1700 HOURS EASTERN.  THE MORE YOU SHARE AND LIKE THE BETTER CHANCE YOU HAVE TO WIN THE PIG AND THE PIGSKIN.

As always thanks to the National Firefighters Endowment for their support.

Boron Extrication and First Due Tackle have teamed up to give you a chance to win some new equipment and swag.  We’ll announce a new product or more every week until the giveaway ends on October 31, 2012.  The more often you like and share, the more chances you have to win.  Be sure to review the rules on the Enter The Giveaway page linked below and check the blogs regularly for the next product announcement. 

Enter The Giveaway

Next product announcement will come right after Sunday’s drawing.  Stay tuned.

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Posted by on October 5, 2012 • Filed under: All, Innovation, Product Review, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Before The Snow Flies – GIVEAWAY

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Boron Extrication and First Due Tackle have teamed up to give you a chance to win some new equipment and swag.  We’ll announce a new product or more every week until the giveaway ends on October 31, 2012.  The more often you like and share, the more chances you have to win.  Be sure to review the rules on the Enter The Giveaway page linked below and check the blogs regularly for the next product announcement.  

Special thanks to the National Firefighters Endowment for their help and support.  

This is the first product being announced for the giveaway.  Brother firefighter Chris Moren over at LoneStar Axe LLC jumped right on board.  You have a chance to get this 8 pound 28″ fiberglass handle Pig sent right to your door.

When was the last time you used the cutting edge of a fire service axe?

Read our review of The Pig, HERE - It includes more pictures and videos.

Check out Lonestar Ace LLC.

Enter The Giveaway

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Posted by on October 1, 2012 • Filed under: All, News, Product Review, Technology & Communications • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

More Quick Sh!t & Fire Behavior Prop

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Headed out the river yesterday into Lake Erie looked good.  However, the northern swells gave us early warning that the chop would build.  Not a great day of perch jerking, but still fun small boat ops.

Ryan Houghtlen has been working on putting together a few more Quick Sh!t sheets.  He is making it pretty easy to add them to the blog with little editing.  Be sure to check out the Quick Sh!t Page regularly to see the library grow.

 

First Due Tackle on Facebook

What, Where & When

Fire Behavior Prop

While in Pierre, South Dakota earlier this year, Sean Kruger was explaining a fire behavior prop that helps show new recruits the different stages of fire.  Sean and his brothers at the Pierre Fire Department put together the video below showing how to build the prop and then some instruction on teaching with it.  Pretty innovative way to mix up classroom instruction.

Pierre Fire Department on Facebook

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Posted by on September 29, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Innovation, Instructorship, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , ,
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