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  • April 2016

    • April 2016

    This month's issue takes a look at the Future of Firefighter Training, including features on Decision-Skills Training Programs that use simulators and classroom technology and taking an Aviation Industry Approach to fireground accountability.

    More content from April 2016

    Members of the media were permitted to go back to any of the areas to redo camera shots, conduct demonstrations of their own or do “stand-ups.'
    Tim Szymanski explains how his department conducted a media blitz to prevent cooking fires.
    April 1, 2016
    Project Kill the Flashover
    Figure 1: Studies show that a room consisting of modern furnishings reached flashover much faster than a room with the legacy furnishings.
    Andy Starnes explains how enhancing our understanding of TIC applications maximizes our tactical effectiveness.
    April 1, 2016
    David Griffin
    Dr. David Griffin explains why we need to hire the right people to be firefighters—not the ones who simply fulfill a quota.
    April 1, 2016
    Photo by Tom Kelly IV
    Should an accident occur, your actions will be judged by those authorities, who will consider at least two points: 1) Were you responding to a true emergency? and 2) Were you driving with due regard for the safety of others?
    Mike Wilbur offers terms that all emergency vehicle drivers should know.
    April 1, 2016
    Photo by Ron Jeffers
    Fire officer communication, or presenting clear direction to crews in an articulate manner, is supported by higher education. The ability to boil a message into the key elements is learned in the many hours of formulating thesis statements of academic papers and distilling the key supporting points and arguments.
    Kevin Milan poses the question, "Is college worth it for the back step, the front seat or the front office?"
    April 1, 2016
    Gary Ludwig update 5526748223c7c
    Gary Ludwig explains that anything you do could be captured on camera.
    April 1, 2016
    Salka Headshot
    Chief Salka explains the chain of command and how it works.
    April 1, 2016
    Photo by Matthew Strauss
    Fire personnel are similar to pilots and air traffic controllers in terms of the volume of information that must be handled in a timely manner, and often under challenging circumstances.
    Eric Tomlinson explains how one county follows the aviation industry’s approach to incident accountability.
    April 1, 2016
    AnniversaryPage04ONLINE 1 56e6eac8a1d13
    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....
    April 1, 2016
    Photos by Ted Nee
    The ability to expose operators (company officers and incident commanders) to a wide variety of experiences is where simulations can be put to best use in the fire service.
    Ted Nee explains why simulations are the keystone of a decision skills training program.
    April 1, 2016
    Functional strength exercises like deadlifts, squat press, crawls, sledges, drags and carries increase balance around the joints, help prevent injuries, and promote efficient movement patterns by stimulating stabilizing muscles.
    Aaron Zamzow covers six keys to developing the right program for your department.
    April 1, 2016
    Pikor J Headshot 56c7805ba5221
    Jeff Pikor addresses adapting software development philosophies to technology advances in the fire service.
    April 1, 2016
    Photos by Robert Burke
    The AFD operates from three fire stations with four engines, one truck, two boats, one hazmat trailer and a mini-pumper brush unit. In addition to hazmat response, the department also has swiftwater, dive and rope rescue teams.
    Robert Burke details the Ashland, KY, Regional Hazmat Team, which serves as a resource for three states.
    April 1, 2016
    The West, TX, explosion claimed the lives of 15 people, injured more than 300, and destroyed or damaged over 150 structures.
    David Parker explains the reactive hazard potential of ammonium nitrate and what’s being done about it.
    April 1, 2016
    Photos courtesy of PGFD
    On Christmas Eve 2014, PGFD and Anne Arundel County units were dispatched to a fire in a house fire in the non-hydrant community of Sherwood Manor. Firefighters found and removed a victim, who later succumbed to his injuries. Fire investigators later found NO working smoke alarm in the 60-plus-year-old home.
    Chief Marc Bashoor explains how Christmas Eve 2014 changed his department's community risk reduction efforts.
    April 1, 2016
    Photos courtesy TFRD
    A view of the home to which Dorner and his crew were dispatched—a one-and-a-half-story, early 1900s house. Upon their arrival, there was light smoke drifting from the eaves.
    Chief Goldfeder and Firefighter Dorner reflect on lessons learned from an incident in which Dorner fell into a basement.
    April 1, 2016
    Photo by Michael Messar
    En-route/arrival: Tell the assessor that you would review any pre-incident or tactical survey information specific to the address/occupancy in the exercise, looking for information regarding the building’s construction, the building’s occupancy, the location and presence of any auxiliary appliances, and nearby water supplies.
    Mike Terpak offers a 10-step approach to a structure fire assessment exercise.
    April 1, 2016
    Photo courtesy of UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute
    The research has yielded facts that demonstrate that the quicker the water gets on the fire, the better it is for those inside.
    Tom Johnson offers his opinions on why we are obligated to put water on the fire as soon as we are able, for the benefit of the civilians inside.
    April 1, 2016
    Photo by Glen E. Ellman
    Flipped learning is a form of blended learning where students learn new content by watching online video lectures. The assignments that used to be given as homework are now done in class, with teachers offering more personalized guidance and interaction with students, instead of lecturing.
    Brian Kazmierzak explains how the future of fire service training combines hands-on drills and Web-based learning.
    April 1, 2016
    Photos by Ron Moore
    The large, stored gas inflator that ruptured and flew out of the windshield during the fire in the Dodge Neon is on the right. The passenger front-airbag mounting bracket is on the left. Both these pieces were found 120 feet ahead of the vehicle after the fire was extinguished.
    Ron Moore covers the dangers of gas inflators reaching their failure point.
    April 1, 2016