3
2012
Virtual Fire Simulation Software: Friend or Foe?
Blog by Dr. Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO Retired Fire Chief and Web Master for Situational Awareness Matters I often get asked about the use and effectiveness of various forms of technology being developed for the purpose of improving first responder safety. One area of particular interest is the use of virtual fire simulation software, designed to give responders... Continue Reading
26
2012
Remember to Focus on What Matters: Your Job
Blog by Nicolas Thomas Division Chief for Benicia Fire Department, Calif. The fire service is undergoing significant changes. Local governments are using rolling brown outs to save money. Fire stations and fire companies are being “defunded” and permanently closed. Communities are revisiting auto-aid /mutual-aid agreements with their neighboring communities. Company... Continue Reading
12
2012
NFPA 1035 Provides Guidelines to Increase Skills of Fire-Safety Educators
Blog by Sharon Gamache NFPA’s Program Manager for High-Risk Outeach Programs Whether you teach older adults, develop lesson plans for classroom visits, or prepare a Fire Prevention Week open house with interactive activities, it is always important to increase your skills and knowledge as a fire-safety educator. NFPA 1035 can help you accomplish that goal. NFPA 1035... Continue Reading
5
2012
Controlling the Door During Fire Suppression Should Not Be Overlooked
Blog by Jason Hoevelmann Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal with Sullivan Fire Protection District We were the second truck on the scene for a fire in a neighboring jurisdiction. The first truck was training on the other side of the district, so it was only a few seconds ahead of us. It was a single family home with a basement. The first company reported heavy fire and smoke.... Continue Reading
29
2012
How to Build Trust in the Work Environment
Blog by Peter Dove President of Shared Values Association In the ancient days of the Greek city-state, a man was chosen to greet an approaching army and do his best to arrange for peace. This man was called a hero. Rob Lebow dreamed of bringing peace to the work environment so he wrote a book: “A Journey into the Heroic Environment.” This book is based on the answers... Continue Reading
22
2012
Responding to Incidents Involving a Chevrolet Volt
Blog by Jason Emery Electric Vehicle Safety Training Let’s take a look at the first Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) on the market, the Chevrolet Volt. It was first released in the fall of 2010 in select markets, and went nationwide in 2011. From the exterior, the vehicle can be primarily identified by the “Volt” badging on the front fenders and on the... Continue Reading
15
2012
The Policy-Behavior Disconnect in the Fire Service
Blog by Dr. Richard B. Gasaway Retired Fire Chief and Web Master for Situational Awareness Matters I often poll program attendees about the need to complete a 360-degree size-up. While the responses are mixed as to how many have policies and how many don’t, those with policies that require a 360-degree size-up often admit that first-arriving companies often do not do... Continue Reading
9
2012
The Time to Redefine the Art and Science of Firefighting Is Nearly Upon Us
Blog by Christopher J. Naum Executive Producer of www.buildingsonfire.com Today’s incident demands on the fireground are unlike those of the recent past, requiring incident commanders, commanding and company officers and firefighters to have increased technical knowledge of building construction. It also requires heightened sensitivity to fire behavior and fire... Continue Reading
1
2012
What Are the Most Important Principles for Rookies to Follow?
Blog by Brian Ward Officer with Gwinnett County Fire Department in Georgia Awhile back I asked my crew members their opinions on the top five principles our incoming rookie should be instructed to follow. I had everyone write down their ideas, I mulled it over, and then put together my own list. The newcomer was entering the field with the basics (Firefighter I,... Continue Reading
24
2012
Changing Attitudes: The Time is Now
By Doug Cline Horry County Fire Recue (S.C.) I recently attended a conference for fire chiefs where the hot topic centered on firefighter injuries and deaths resulting from motor vehicle crashes. The use of seat belts – or lack of – was a big part of the conversation. The topic was discussed at length. Everyone is searching for answers on how to get firefighters to... Continue Reading
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