September 2024

The September issue of Firehouse magazine includes feature articles on community risk reduction, fleet replacement considerations, fireground operations at a small-city department, firefighter training using AI to improve training programs and the Firehouse Labs reviews the mpower 9x7 Scene Light.

September 2024

Volunteer View: Alternative Funding Sources to Enhance Department Operations

Oct. 9, 2024

Operations & Training

Firefighter Training Strategies: A Comprehensive Approach to Increase Performance

Oct. 7, 2024

Engine 934 is one of three 2023 Sutphen Monarch engines that were acquired by the Hicksville Fire Department (HFD) in Nassau County, NY. Each is outfitted with a 2,000-gpm pump, a 500-gallon water tank, a stainless-steel bodywork and five preconnected attack lines.

Apparatus

The Apparatus Architect: Fleet Replacement Considerations & the Hicksville Fire Department Experience

Oct. 3, 2024

The lens itself is not the typical hard polycarbonate cover but, rather, a flexible and completely clear silicone.

Apparatus

Firehouse Labs: SoundOff Signal mpower 9x7 Scene Light

Oct. 2, 2024

A fire on the second floor of an occupied, two-story apartment building ultimately ended up going through the roof and required a second alarm.

Operations & Training

Hot Shots 9/24

Sept. 30, 2024

More content from September 2024

Different departments position their officers in different locations while they operate at fires and emergencies.

Operations & Training

The Fire Scene: Where Is the Officer?

John J. Salka Jr. tells why various engine and truck company operations can dictate where a company officer should be positioned.

Sept. 27, 2024

There are important lessons to learn for company officers from examining the approaches of U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Harold G. 'Hal' Moore.

Leadership

The Company Officer: What We Need is ‘Moore’ Leadership

Dr. Brett Ellis finds important lessons for company officers by examining the approaches of U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Harold G. "Hal" Moore.

Sept. 26, 2024

The possibilities are numerous as far as how artificial intelligence can affect the performance of EMTs and paramedics, though a healthy dose of reality is necessary.

EMS

Recalculating: Tech & AI in EMS

Maggie Coen-Murphy provides perspective about expectations for the incorporation of AI into the response and efforts of EMTs and paramedics.

Sept. 25, 2024

This example of the bracket system that’s used in electric vehicles (EVs) sits directly in front of the bulkhead wall.

Rescue

Technical Rescue: Tools in Tandem for EV Extrication

Chris Soda's guidance about the simultaneous use of a spreader and a ram gives rescuers a process that's best for extricating victims from electric vehicles.

Sept. 24, 2024

The ceiling level that’s above the windows in the dormer of this house created a void that was well charged with fire. Consider your ability to create that gable opening to allow for smoke and fire to ventilate more quickly and higher.

Operations & Training

Truck Tactics: Vertical Ventilation: Gable & Louver Vents

Robert Policht instructs on how to use these design features of many peaked-roof houses to help to relieve toxic gases, byproducts of combustion, smoke, heat and fire.

Sept. 23, 2024

Crew integrity and collaborative training and response guidelines result from three departments’ program that ensures that a chief officer always is on scene at an emergency.

Operations & Training

First Due: The Duty Chief

Timothy S. Cowan explains how his small combination department and two others conceived a program that eliminates the need for company officers to do double duty as incident commanders...

Sept. 20, 2024

Community Risk Reduction

Innovations in CRR: Data-Centered, Web-Based Forms

Joe Powers tells of how the Charlottesville, VA, Fire Department found the capability to improve its fire watch and frequent 9-1-1 caller reporting without spending a dime.

Sept. 19, 2024

Because firefighters don’t isolate muscles during emergencies, focusing on functional movements is crucial. Exercises that utilize dumbbells and various stances, such as, deadlifts, strengthen muscles and stabilize joints.

Health & Fitness

Health & Wellness: Strive for Longevity

Aaron Zamzow explains why the newest and the most seasoned firefighters must think beyond physical strength and stamina to give themselves the best chance at a long career.

Sept. 18, 2024

By asking a generative AI program to create an image that shows a firefighter climbing a ladder, the staff of Firehouse received this.

Technology

Four Uses of AI to Improve Fire Service Training Programs

Eddie Tracey says company officers and fire instructors can tap ChatGPT and other generative AI programs but they must remain the ultimate decision-makers as far as information...

Sept. 16, 2024

Limited staffing means that the department’s driver must be able to perform fireground tasks after he sets the pump. In this case, that person knocked down nearly all of the exterior fire on the front porch of the house using a deluge gun.

Operations & Training

Small-City Grab: A Story of Preparation and Success

Joey Baxa recounts how he and his team saved a trapped woman because of their training particular to limited staffing.

Sept. 12, 2024

Peter Matthews urges veteran members of the fire service to share stories of firefighters who were integral to the company and department--and he advises younger members to inquire about everything and anything about their department and the service as a whole.

Historical Incidents

As Firehouse Sees It: Remembering the Past to Never Forget

Peter Matthews urges veteran members of the fire service to share stories of firefighters who were integral to the company and department--and he advises younger members to inquire...

Sept. 9, 2024