View from the Jumpseat - Ryan Pennington shares his views while riding the back seat of the fire engine in West Virginia. He writes about firefighter safety, tactics, leadership and EMS.
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Pennington: What Hand Tools Do You Choose?
By Ryan Pennington - Wednesday June 12, 2013
As the men and women who ride in the jumpseat, we have a certain level of responsibility to our officers. Following orders and performing to their expectations are two things that remain constant on every run we go on. Performing our tasks to their expectations is one that we all should take seriously as the last person we would want to let down is our leaders. If your department allows you to choose your hand tools, I want to know which ones you choose and why? Let's take a look at where and why you would choose a tool for different occasions. Fire attack - Usually, the attack crew will carry a tool with them during entry. This will allow them to have a means for accomplishing many tasks. One problem with carrying a tool during fire... -
Training to Search for Victims
By Ryan Pennington - Tuesday June 4, 2013
The loud speaker opens with a a crackle and the dispatcher says "Stations and units respond for the structure fire with confirmed occupants trapped." If that statement does not get you up and focused, I do not know what would. Searching for occupants trapped inside a fire is one skill that should be practiced by everyone on the fire department. Protecting life has long been the number one priority for all responders. Conducting an effective primary search is a skill that isn't practiced enough by many firefighters. Becoming disoriented and lost inside today's homes, that are filled to capacity with belongings, is a real danger faced when searching for victims. Let us take a few moments to review search tactics used when looking for... -
Armpit Firefighters & Hose Stream Management
By Ryan Pennington - Friday May 24, 2013
Have you ever seen an armpit firefighter? You know the type, the firefighter who has the nozzle tucked into their armpit while trying to rotate it around to put the fire out. As today's firefighters are not gaining the same amount of nozzle times as our past generations, drilling has never been more important. While teaching groups of young and older firefighters, it has been revealed that the armpit firefighters are out there and until identified, they will continue to pull their boots on and respond, pits ready. A debate that has been around since my first day in the jumpseat is: pistol grip or no pistol grip? Many firefighters feel like putting a handle on a nozzle is a invitation to stick it in the armpits and teach firefighters... -
The Biggest Honor in the Fire Service
By Ryan Pennington - Friday May 10, 2013
What is the biggest honor that you have ever received in the fire service? From a medal of valor to recognition for 20 years of service, the fire service hands out many reminders of good times and good work. Recently I received the biggest reward my career; it wasn't a medal for heroism or a life saved, it was seeing my first protege sworn in as a firefighter. Sharing a moment in time to celebrate a young man’s journey into the world that we all care so much about was amazing. I’d like to take a moment to share the story and how you can pay it forward. There is no doubt that the biggest honor in the fire service is seeing your guidance followed, understood, and rewarded. The story of how I got to this point has been covered... -
Your Crew Has a Mayday: Are you Ready?
By Ryan Pennington - Friday May 3, 2013
As I listen to the audio recording from the fire in Baltimore County, Md., that claimed the life of Firefighter Gene Kirschner , I reflect on a lesson learned from my recent rapid intervention train-the-trainer class . If a Mayday were to occur the firefighters most likely to facilitate a rescue are the ones already operating inside the structure. If you have an emergency and need assistance, the firefighters nearest you will be in the best spot to help -- if they are not experiencing the same emergency. Are you prepared to help a fellow firefighter in their time of need? Let’s take a look at some self-rescue and crew rescue situations where you can help save a brother or sister firefighter. Are you ready to manage a crew...
