I’ve talked many times before about the tools that we use, how we use them, and how to care for, carry and deploy them. This article is a collection of tips that I was taught by a large group of senior firefighters and officers from the many companies in which I worked. Some of these tips may be something that you are already doing and hopefully some are brand new to you—something that you can bring down to your firehouse.
Helpful ideas
The first tool I’d like to talk a little about is the axe. The first thing you need to know about the axe is that farmers carry the 6-pound axe and firefighters carry the 8-pound axe. Use 8-pound axes. The extra weight makes for harder strikes and faster forcible entry.
Next, make sure the axe blade is sharp and not keen. Sharp means the edge is ground straight without burrs or cracks or dents. Keen is when the blade’s edge is ground too far back, and the thin blade edge will penetrate too deep into a cut and may even get stuck in the work.
Lastly, after cleaning the axe head, do not paint it or oil it. Paint your parade axes but not the ones you work with. Don’t get oil on the axe head, especially the back striking surface or it will cause the tools to slip when they are used for forcible entry.
When using the power saw with a circular blade—whether for forcible entry (composite blade) or cutting wood and roofs (carbide-tipped blade)—ensure that the operator stops the blade after each cut. This will prevent it from causing injury to a firefighter who accidentally walks into it or touches it while it is still spinning. Whether the operator is still holding the saw or has put it down after cutting, take the moment to hold the spinning blade against the roof or wall to stop the spinning.
Another saw tip is to carry a small canvas bag with the saw wherever you go. In that bag is a second blade (carbide tip), the proper wrench to change it, and a small metal canteen with the correct gas mixture. If you encounter a damaged blade or run low on fuel, you can correct your problem right there and get back to work quickly.
All of your hand tools—the axe, Halligans and hooks—should have the handles taped where they are held. Good friction tape or even rubber tape that utility company crews use can be applied to the handle area. This prevents tools from slipping or even from being dropped while climbing ladders.
A small diameter length of rope can be wrapped around that area first, followed by application of the tape on top of it for an even more secure gripping area. You will need to secure a good amount of both tape and rope, so the tape can be replaced when it begins to come off the handle due to damage and water.
Another tool tip is to mark your hand tools (and power tools, too) with colored tape for easy identification. When used at fires and emergencies, your Halligans and axes look just like those belonging to other units operating at the scene. Once a tool is put down for a moment, another firefighter could grab it thinking it belongs to them. But if your company’s tools are all marked with three rings of tape—one red, one white and one blue, for example—you can quickly identify your tools and other firefighters will be looking for their company colors. Buy the tape by the box so you never run out.
Flashlights are a common sight on the fireground and every firefighter should have two. But if you are carrying a flashlight, how do you climb a ladder, drag a victim, force a door or do anything else? Flashlights should be worn, not carried. Many lights come with substantial straps or slings that can be placed over the head, which leaves the light hanging at your side for use. It frees your hands and is still immediately available. Make sure the strap or sling is detachable in case in becomes entangled and you need to pull it off to escape.
Brainstorm more
These are just a few of the tips that can make your job a little easier and safer. See if you can develop a few of your own.
