October 2024

The October issue of Firehouse includes feature articles on structural firefighting gloves, recruitment & retention, fire-based EMS and leadership.
Photo by Glenn Duda
Engaged firefighters feel energized to report for duty and are motivated by challenges.
Leadership

What Are the Key Drivers of Firefighter Engagement?

Nov. 6, 2024
Shara Thompson explains why firefighters' commitment and initiative are nurtured and maintain when they are psychologically valued, psychologically safe and psychologically supported...
Photos courtesy of Meridian, ID, Fire Department
Proper fit is critical to ensuring that structural firefighting gloves provide both adequate protection from extreme temperatures and hazardous materials while also enhancing the manual dexterity that’s necessary for managing equipment and performing critical tasks.
Gloves

If These Hands Could Talk: Sourcing Structural Firefighting Gloves

Nov. 5, 2024
Kristopher Blume's familiarity with CAL FIRE's diligent evaluation of structural firefighting gloves provides a comprehensive manner by which every department can assess purchases...
Peter Matthews
Peter Matthews shares his appreciation for the fire service technology that's emerged and that's in the offing and why departments, officers and firefighters must be open to the possibilities that it provides.
Tech & Comm

As Firehouse Sees It: Technology Is Here

Nov. 4, 2024
Peter Matthews shares his appreciation for the fire service technology that's emerged and that's in the offing and why departments, officers and firefighters must be open to the...
Photo by Scott LaPrade
The first-arriving team of Pasco County Fire Rescue found heavy fire showing from a double-wide mobile home.
Operations & Training

Hot Shots 10/24

Oct. 31, 2024
The first-arriving team of Pasco County, FL, Fire Rescue found heavy fire showing from a double-wide mobile home.
Dr. David Griffin
During Hurricane Debby in August 2024, Dr. David Griffin was given the opportunity to be the incident commander in the Municipal Emergency Operations Center for one of the 12-hour night operational periods.
Leadership

Leadership Lessons: Hurricane Debby—A Collective Response

Oct. 30, 2024
Dr. David Griffin explains how the actions of the city of Charleston, SC, produced one of the best-coordinated, best-planned responses to a hurricane in which he participated....

More content from October 2024

Photos courtesy of Slinger, WI, Fire Department
Jeff Westphal (center) is flanked by fellow members of the Slinger, WI, Fire Department.
Operations & Training

Close Calls: Firefighter Down … in the Firehouse

Oct. 29, 2024
Billy Goldfeder's discussion with a firefighter whose life was saved when members performed CPR in the firehouse provides a reminder about preparation and training.
Photos by Kent Freeman
Trenching regulations require rescuers to provide egress for rescue technicians who are in the trench whenever the trench is at least four feet deep.
Rescue

Technical Rescue: First-Line Tactical Priorities for Trench Rescue

Oct. 28, 2024
Kent Freeman isn't forgiving of firefighters who are unsure of what to do when they arrive on scene of a trench collapse.
Photos by Michael Daley
A memorial at the Gloucester City, NJ, Fire Department (GCFD) firehouse honors GCFD Firefighter Thomas Stewart III, Mount Ephraim, NJ, Fire Department Fire Chief James Sylvester and Deputy Chief John West, and the three children who were killed. Problems regarding GCFD culture, training, tactics, communications, personnel assignment and special operations were uncovered from the results of the investigation of the incident. Today, the department’s standards of performance are transformed.
Operations & Training

Fire Studies: Lessons Learned—The Gloucester City Tragedy

Oct. 25, 2024
Michael Daley spoke to one of the members who was rescued during the July 4, 2002, structure fire to hear how that member's department continues to change based on the takeaways...
Dr. Jenelle Abnett
Operations & Training

First Due: Five Firefighter Strategies for Safer Encounters for Individuals With ASD

Oct. 24, 2024
Dr. Jenelle Abnett provides five important tips that firefighters should follow to ensure that their encounters with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder go as well and as safely...
John J. Salka Jr.
John J. Salka Jr. cites a long list of fireground matters that serves as only the beginning of everything that must end up in the memory banks of firefighters and officers.
Operations & Training

The Fire Scene: Knowing It All

Oct. 22, 2024
John J. Salka Jr. cites a long list of fireground matters that serves as only the beginning of everything that must end up in the memory banks of firefighters and officers.
Richard Bossert
Richard Bossert shares a dozen methods for EMS providers to improve their value to patients and to their own well-being.
EMS

EMS: 3 Ways to Become a Better Empathetic Caregiver

Oct. 21, 2024
Richard Bossert shares a dozen methods for EMS providers to improve their value to patients and to their own well-being.
Photos courtesy of M. Timothy Bono and the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department
North Fork Volunteer Fire Department (NFVFD) has two two-wheel-drive, low-speed/high-torque, off-road motorcycles to navigate single-track trails for rescues that are far from a road. Here, an injured dog is rescued off of the Colorado Trail.
EMS

Overcoming Challenges After Transitioning From Urban to Rural EMS

Oct. 16, 2024
M. Timothy Bono shares his experience of moving to rural EMS from an urban system and, in so doing, helps to prepare others who might travel the same path.
Photo courtesy of TCA Architecture + Planning + Design
The communication between artist, architect and engineers in the creation of the sculpture, “The Sentinel,” at the Kirkland, WA, Fire Department’s Station 24 required discussion regarding the artwork’s illumination and utility connection.
Stations

Station Design: Where Public Art Meets Fire Station Architecture

Oct. 15, 2024
Forest T. Hooker paints a clear picture of what it takes to ensure the greatest likelihood of success for incorporating art into a firehouse.
Adobe Stock 606183910
fire departments recruitment retention pregnancy maternity leave paternity leave Sharyl Chatman Atlanta Fire Rescue
Careers & Education

Demystifying Legal Compliance and Pregnancy, Leave and Nursing

Oct. 15, 2024
Sharyl Chatman spells out the requirements of federal laws, including the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, so departments can ensure that they are doing everything that they can ...