May 2016

The May edition of Firehouse features articles on Trench Rescue Techniques, Engine Company Operations and Hazardous Materials Response. We also take a look back at some significant recent fires that you should know about.

May 2016

Chief Concerns: The Fire Chief Whisperer

Marc S. Bashoor

May 1, 2016

Chief Marc Bashoor explains why we must strive to create this brand of chief who understands the job on a higher level.

Safety & Health

Health & Wellness: When Firefighters Become Patients

May 1, 2016

Patrick Warren addresses the question, "How do you get firefighters with mental health issues the help they need?"

Leadership

“Charm School,” Revisited

Timothy E. Sendelbach

May 1, 2016

Tim Sendelbach explains why it’s time to rethink the importance of crew resource management in the fire service.

Occupant-use hoselines (1½-inch single-jacket) found in existing Class II or Class III standpipe systems are typically 100 feet in length, leading to the assumption, in many cases, that by adding another 50 feet to allow connection on the floor below, an engine company would have enough working length to cover the entire floor.

Hoselines & Water Appliances

Engine Company Operations: Making the Case for 200

Brad French

May 1, 2016

Brad French addresses length considerations for the high-rise hose pack.

There exists an endless number of fires that deserve being spotlighted and studied, including the Avalon on the Hudson Condominiums fire in Edgewater, NJ on Jan. 21, 2015. Firefighters were first hampered by frigid conditions and access issues, then overwhelmed by a fast-moving, wind-driven fire.

Home

Major Incidents: Fires You Should Know

John B. Tippett Jr.

May 1, 2016

Tippett describes some more recent significant fires and lessons learned from each.

More content from May 2016

Leadership

Command Post: Team Building Is Key to Success

Dr. Harry Carter

May 1, 2016

Dr. Harry Carter explains that everyone in an organization has a place where they can contribute.

Community Risk

Fire Politics: Limiting Risk to Civilians & Firefighters Alike

Shane Ray

May 1, 2016

Shane Ray explains why action and partnership on fire sprinklers saves lives and property for years to come.

Safety & Health

EMS: Understanding Ambulance Safety Specs

Gary Ludwig

May 1, 2016

Gary Ludwig poses the question, "Do you want to be more or less safe in your ambulance?"

Operations & Training

Major Incident Coverage—Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire

May 1, 2016

As part of our ongoing celebration of Firehouse Magazine’s 40th anniversary, we share with you examples of Firehouse’s commitment to major incident coverage through the years....

Leadership

Fire Scene: Defending the Fire Service Culture

John J. Salka Jr.

May 1, 2016

Chief John Salka explains why he sees the fire service as having a proud, well-deserved and positive culture.

Careers & Education

Fire Law: A Very Difficult Discussion

Curt Varone

May 1, 2016

Curt Varone explains how poor performing employees can use peer pressure to their benefit.

Common items to look for when determining the presence of a meth lab include drain cleaner, camping fuel, cold tablets, gas line anti-freeze, propane tanks, power drink bottles, matchbooks and starter fuel.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials Response: The Chemical Call

Robert Coschignano

May 1, 2016

Robert Coschignano covers how to mitigate events involving meth labs and chemical suicides.

Within 10 hours, fire department crews went to 1,250 customer locations to monitor for combustible and CO gas.

Rescue

Close Calls: 120 Calls in 17 Hours

May 1, 2016

Billy Goldfeder covers a five-alarm gas emergency that tested the Keene, NH, Fire Department's preparation, response and mutual aid.

Three-fourth-inch panel with 2 x 12 uprights and 4 x 4 struts during training exercise.

Trench Rescue

Technical Rescue: The Progression of Trench Rescue Operations

Kent Freeman

May 1, 2016

Kent Freeman explains how using tabulated data to develop tactics that are safe and meet regulations.

Rescue

Trench Rescue: Shoring Tabulated Data

May 1, 2016

In conjunction with Kent Freeman's May feature on trench rescue operations, this document offers trench rescue tabulated data that can be used in type C soils anywhere in the ...