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Cutting With Torches

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Here’s another wrap-up from the 2013 BGSU State Fire School heavy rescue class.  In this pit the students had the opportunity to use a Petrogen torch and a slice pack.  The Fire Cam videos were taken by Austrian FF Bernd Altinger as he used both torches.  The audio is not great because he had the underwater seal on the camera for the in-water pit later that day.  The water pit wrap-up coming within the next few days.

What torch do you have on your rig?  If you had to pick one, which would it be?  Why?

These videos are not necessarily great for initial teaching because of the sound, so be sure to get some seasoned guidance before burning your first time.

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Petrogen Torch

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FireVideo.net

Slice Pack

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Posted by on May 17, 2013 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Rescue, Training, Training & Development, Vehicle Rescue • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

4 x 4 Wedge Cutting Jig For Circular Saws

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FF Deptula has made another wedge cutting jig.  The first jig he made is used on a table saw and leaves a shoulder (We’ll get a drawing posted soon).  This one is for 2 foot long 4 x 4′s, but the current lone flaw is there is no shoulder.  We’ll work on that.

The guides are set-up for a worm drive circular saw, but they can be set-up for whatever saw you have.  This is a pretty compact jig for cutting wedges on the scene or at the firehouse.  Several pictures, a video, and the drawing for this jig are below.

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Posted by on April 9, 2013 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Training, Innovation, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

In-House Knot / Rope Training – Simplifying A Dreaded Skill For Some…

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EHOVE Fire Academy students tying knots.

By: Lt. Bronner

KNOTS

Training does not always have to be formal or elaborate, in fact training can be informal, low key and fun.  Sometimes low-key training can be just as effective and have the same results.  The following trainings are something that can be done at home or in the station.  They can be done while watching TV, or during your every day station routine.

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The first training is called “recliner ropes”.  Next time you are sitting with some down time grab a small piece of rope.  Throw the rope to some one in the room and tell them a common fire service knot to tie.  After they tie the knot they can throw the rope to someone else and give them a knot to tie.  If you want to ad a degree of difficulty or mix the training up, add fire gloves and even a blindfold.  This training can also be done in your own home while watching television.

The second training came to light when I was vacuuming the station one day.  I looked down to find the vacuum cord had made its way into a “figure 8”.  I quickly snapped a quick photo and text it out to a few guys.  I put a caption on it something similar to “looks like our vacuum can quit attending rope training, it ties a pretty good figure 8”.  This training could take some time, but you can make scavenger hunt cards and throughout the day find cords and other things that have made their way naturally into basic knots and check them off. Another option is to take photos and text them to your crew and have them guess the knot.

Both of these training are guaranteed to spark discussion, build teamwork, be competitive, and fun.  Some times the best trainings are simple and do not feel like training at all.  If you need help with tying knots check out Animated Knots.

 SYSTEMS

Some of us have a harder time than others when trying to set up a 3:1 hauling system or even a belay.  We’ve been training with the CMC MPD and have heard the non-rope guys say “oh thank goodness” and the rope gurus really start to think of different useful ways to use it.

The MPD really simplifies the set-up for our systems.  Give it a try.

CMC Rescue Inc.  On Facebook

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Posted by on March 19, 2013 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Training, Instructorship, Rescue, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Northern Ohio Training Scholarship Opportunity & Heavy Rescue 101

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For those of you in and around Northern Ohio, here is a training scholarship opportunity sponsored by the Northern Ohio Fools and Hasenmeier Training.  Simply fill out the application and return it to the address listed.  Recipients will be announced at the Northern Ohio Fools Heavy Rescue 101 on April 20, 2013.  Last year, several thousand dollars were awarded.

2013 Training Scholarship Application

Also be sure to get registered for the Heavy Rescue 101 event.  On Friday night April 19, there will be a roundtable discussion with some of the areas top rescue instructors.  Then on Saturday you will get a day of hands-on extrication.  Come for one or both classes.  CE’s provided by EHOVE FIRE ACADEMY.  Your only cost is a $5 donation for Friday night and a $10 donation for Saturday.  The donation goes straight towards the construction of the Huron County Firefighters Memorial.

Register Here For Both Classes

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Posted by on March 12, 2013 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Training, Rescue, Rescues, 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Busy Week…Bee Cupcakes, FF Survival, Dummies, & more

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It’s been a busy week as most of the guys have been training here, there, and everywhere and some have even been studying for college classes or thinking about taking some.  Some of the highlights are included below.  More to come tomorrow as many of us are headed to a Firefighter Survival Seminar hosted by the Northern Ohio Fools.

A little over a week ago I posted about our Rookie Firefighter the Sweat Bee.  If you missed it check it out HERE.  Last Sunday (Super Bowl Sunday) Charlie’s fiancee got in on the mix by bringing the “Hornets” some bee cupcakes.  What a treat.

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This past Wednesday, February 6th was the 3rd anniversary of a very successful rescue of Columbus Division of Fire Lt. Polasky after he went into cardiac arrest while operating at a basement fire.  Many of you have seen the video, but in case you haven’t  be sure to spend 30 minutes watching it with your crew.  Then get out and train together.  If you have already seen the video, watch it again, and then go train some more.

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CMC sent us a MPD to train with.  Many who have used the MPD say that it simplifies rope rescue systems.  Be sure to comment with any input you have.  We will be getting more pictures up soon.

We also picked up a few more parts to our new friend that is growing bigger and bigger.  Won’t be long and he’ll be getting abused on a training ground.

Last but not least, Uncle Pigskin shipped up a new lumbar plate and a couple of flashlight clips.  Once, they are installed we’ll share the picture.  Word out of the leather shop is that a truckskin may be headed North soon.  Be sure to check out his work.  Lot’s of custom work being done and accessories for numerous types of belts.

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Posted by on February 8, 2013 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Innovation, Product Review, Rescue, 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: , , , , , , ,

Type 2 Roof Work, Hoarding, and Extrication

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It was nice to sit and learn in a few classes today at the Ohio Fire & EMS Expo after a busy few days.  Check out yesterday’s post for additional resources on school bus extrication and stabilizing/moving here.

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Type 2 Roof Work

In Captain Greg Lash’s presentation on Type 2 roof ventilation, his crew showed a video they put together during training.  The techniques in the video solved a problem they faced on a flat roof.  They are looking into being able to share the video right here on FDT so we all can benefit from their research and skill development.   (more…)

Posted by on September 21, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training, Rescue, Rescues, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

The Pig – Product Review

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The brother firefighters at LoneStar Axe LLC were gracious enough to send THE PIG up to Ohio for some fireground tests.  We put THE PIG to work for a few days as we had an acquired structure and a forcible entry prop to get the tool into many hands.  The only complaint heard was that some firefighters prefer a wood handle over the fiberglass one we used.  Wood and fiberglass mounting options are available here.  Check out the rest of the review below which includes pictures and videos.

Here is the description of the THE PIG right from the LoneStar Axe LLC website: THE PIG is an innovative and beautifully simple, fire service tool that was developed by an experienced Austin, Texas firefighter. THE PIG combines the two working ends of the flat-head and the pick-head axe. Ask yourself- How often do firefighters actually use the cutting edge of a fire service axe? Firefighting has evolved and THE PIG has arrived to devour every assignment in it’s path. (more…)

Posted by on June 7, 2012 • Filed under: All, Firefighter Training, Innovation, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Forcible Entry Repetition

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One of the greatest keys to forcible entry is practice and repetition.  We had a great training tonight with the members of the Berlin Township (OH) FD with my homemade prop that is nearing 800 forces.  This prop has been key to teaching forcible entry techniques over and over, especially on commercial doors.

Check out previous posts, videos, and pictures of this prop in action here and here.  After reviewing the previous posts on the Gap / Set / Force techniques read on below about filling the gap.   (more…)

Posted by on June 4, 2012 • Filed under: All, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Training, Innovation, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Gasoline Tanker Training

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This drill idea is from Phil Burden in SC.

If your out or on your way back from a run and see a gasoline tanker making a delivery at a filling station, stop and ask the driver if he has any time to review some of the parts of the tanker.

Most of the time the driver will be willing to go over the safety shut-offs, valves, compartments, and contents he is carrying.

The same drill can be applied if you come across a LP truck.

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Posted by on January 6, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training • Tagged:

Demolition Site Fires

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Some questions for a tabletop company drill or tailboard chat in front of a demolition site…

Former mill facility fire with an early report of 2 workers unaccounted for.

  • What demolition sites do you have in your response area?
  • What is the risk vs. life safety profile?  Contractor worker accountability?
  • How would the ICS expand?
  • What are the site hazards?
  • What is the water supply situation?
  • What logistical problems do you expect?
  • Can your department handle the situation?

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Posted by on January 3, 2012 • Filed under: All, Company Drills, Firefighter Training • Tagged: , ,

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: , ,
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