FE October 2008 by capcuervo

ENGINE COMPANY OPERATIONS ● HIGH-RISE LESSONS ● ROLLOVER EXTRICATIONS ● RECON

OCTOBER 2008

TRAINING THE FIRE SERVICE FOR 131 YEARS

Visit www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_C1 C1

9/24/08 5:00:42 PM

The newest vehicle in the Spartan Chassis line-up offers purpose-built value unattainable on commercial chassis. Satisfy your desires and your budget by configuring the NFPA- compliant Furion® fire truck cab/chassis to provide the greatest value for your community.

0810FE_C2 C2

9/25/08 9:38:09 AM

Enter 100 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_1 1

9/24/08 5:01:01 PM

Got a PPE Problem?

DuPont™ and Globe share a commitment to perfecting personal protective equipment for firefighters and first responders through science-based innovation. DuPont™ KEVLAR® and NOMEX® brand fibers are critical components of many of today’s most advanced lightweight outer shells, moisture barriers, and thermal liner systems providing permanent flame and thermal resistance, high-strength, and proven durability.

DuPont™, NOMEX®, and KEVLAR® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. GLOBE CAIRNS products are sold by Globe Manufacturing Company, LLC. GLOBE, CAIRNS, REAXTION, AXTION, COLLARBREAK, SILIZONE, DRAGONHIDE and designs are trademarks of Globe Holding Company LLC.

0810FE_2 2

9/24/08 5:01:03 PM

PROBLEM : YOU NEED A LIGHTWEIGHT, NO-HASSLE, ALL-PURPOSE HARNESS.

External harnesses are fine for rescue operations, but for everyday wear they are heavy and always in the way. Internal harnesses are simpler, but are typically heavy, hard to adjust, and restrictive. The new Globe Cairns IH Pants use hidden KEVLAR® leg loops between the shell and the liner without the need for any hardware. Just put your pants on, buckle the waist buckle, and you are ready to attach the tether of your choice. The patent pending harness is certified to NFPA 1983 (Life Safety) as a Class II seat harness, but the IH Pants almost make it seem like you’re not wearing a harness at all.

WHEN CALLED INTO ACTION, YOU NEED TO FIGHT THE FIRE – NOT YOUR GEAR. THAT’S WHERE THE MOBILITY AND PROTECTION OF THE NEW REAXTION™ TAKES YOUR PERFORMANCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL. WITH CUSTOMER-FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDING OUR INNOVATIVE COLLARBREAK™ COLLAR AND AXTION™ SLEEVE, KNEE AND SEAT, EXCLUSIVE OPTIONS LIKE SILIZONE™ FOAM KNEES AND DRAGONHIDE™ REINFORCEMENT, REAXTION™ PUTS IT ALL TOGETHER. FIND THE GLOBE SOLUTION TO ALL YOUR PPE PROBLEMS AT A CONFERENCE NEAR YOU, VISIT GLOBECAIRNS.COM TO LOCATE YOUR GLOBE CAIRNS DEALER, OR CALL 800-232-8323.

Globe Cairns is part of the Globe family of brands.

Enter 101 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_3 3

9/24/08 5:01:07 PM

OCTOBER 2008 VOLUME 161 NUMBER 10 TRAINING THE FIRE SERVICE FOR 131 YEARS

PENNWELL CORP. 21-00 Route 208 South Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-2602 Tel.: (973) 251-5040 www.FireEngineering.com P.O. Box 1260 Tulsa, OK 74101 (918) 835-3161

Features 67

25 POINTERS FOR YOUR ENGINE COMPANY Jeff Shupe—This — is a baseline for engine company operations ranging from prealarm considerations to postincident analysis.

HIGH-RISE ROPE RESCUES, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA David Owens—An incident involving three workers dangling on the outside of a downtown high-rise tests one department’s knowedge, training, and perseverance.

IMPROVING PRECONNECT FUNCTION AND OPERATION Bob Shovald—The Coeur d’Alene (ID) Fire Department makes its 13∕4-inch preconnects work harder and more efficiently.

FIREGROUND RECON: DEFINING AN OLD TERM Steven E. Standridge—Since the term has real-world implications on the fireground—not just at wildland fires—it is best to thoroughly understand the concept and use it properly.

HIGH-RISE FIREFIGHTING PERILS: VETERANS’ PERSPECTIVES Jeff Crow—A high-rise fire could be any firefighter’s potential problem. Learn the lessons from firefighters present at some of the most well-known high-rise fires in history.

ENGINE COMPANY TIPS, P. 67

INDY ROPE RESCUES, P. 77 113

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE: BALANCING MANAGEMENT WITH LEADERSHIP Ronald E. Kanterman—Learn how to be a good leader and a good manager at the same time.

119

THE IN-LINE GAUGE IN STANDPIPE OPERATIONS Russ Chapman—This tool for standpipe operations can help ensure crews attack a fire with the proper flows.

121

ROLLOVER EXTRICATION: UPSIDE DOWN WITH NOWHERE TO GO Randy Schmitz—There are a number of patient and rescuer considerations when patients are trapped in this difficult upsidedown position.

125

POSITIONING AERIAL APPARATUS WHEN YOU’RE NOT FIRST DUE Nicholas A. Martin—Positioning of the ladder company can be complicated by the location of engine apparatus, command vehicles, police cars, hoselines, and equipment.

129

DIVERSITY IN THE FIRE SERVICE: A PROBLEM OR A SOLUTION? John J. McNeil—The challenge for fire service leaders is to actively recruit new firefighters from a diverse candidate pool without lowering job performance standards.

HIGH-RISE PERILS, P. 97

ROLLOVER EXTRICATION, EXTRICATION P. 121 4 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_4 4

9/24/08 5:19:43 PM

Proven Performance 4000 Series Rescue Tools 1993 First and still the only UL Listed rescue tools

1999 First rescue tools UL Classified to NFPA 1936

2005 4000 Series Introduced Today, Holmatro® continues to design and test to the more demanding requirement to achieve a UL Listing. The 4000 series is no exception. With features like our patented CORE Technology™, speed valves, unique i-Bolt system, and lighted handles, the 4000 series is engineered with all of the quality and reliability you’ve come to expect from Holmatro®. Holmatro® USA is still the only factory in the world able to produce and offer you UL Listed rescue tools. Whether you choose CORE Technology™, or a twin line system, our 4000 Series continues to help make your job...

• FASTER • EASIER • SAFER holmatro-usa.com (410) 768-9662

0810FE_5 5

Enter 102 at www.fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:19:49 PM

OCTOBER 2008 VOLUME 161 NUMBER 10 TRAINING THE FIRE SERVICE FOR 131 YEARS

PENNWELL CORP. 21-00 Route 208 South Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-2602 Tel.: (973) 251-5040 www.FireEngineering.com P.O. Box 1260 Tulsa, OK 74101 (918) 835-3161

Departments 8 EDITOR’S OPINION “With the Deepest Respect” 12 VOLUNTEERS CORNER “Forming a Ground Search and Rescue Team” 22 TRAINING NOTEBOOK “Holding the Nozzle” 26 THE ENGINE COMPANY “Overcoming Standpipe Problems” 30 FIRE SERVICE EMS “EMS Customer Service”

HOLDING THE NOZZLE, P. 22

34 THE CHIEF PROBLEM SOLVER “Politics and Problems” 38 ROUNDTABLE “Engine Company Assignments”

134 APPARATUS DELIVERIES 135 PRODUCT SHOWCASE 150 COMING EVENTS

54 NEWS IN BRIEF

151 COMPANY/ASSOCIATION NEWS

60 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

151 NAMES IN THE NEWS 152 CLASSIFIEDS 156 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT “Going to School for 50 Years”

THE COVER: This early evening fire in Camden, New Jersey, involved a store with apartments above. Members of a ladder company ventilate the storefront windows and don personal protective equipment prior to entry. Note that a 21∕2-inch line is already advancing to the seat of the fire. Prior to entering a commercial building fire, check the floor for stability and construction. Immediately after entering and periodically while advancing, punch inspection holes in the ceiling to ensure that fire is not traveling overhead and dropping down behind advancing companies. Use the reach of the stream to knock down fire well ahead of the nozzle team’s advance. All members searching remote from the hoseline should be in contact with a search rope. (Photo by Steve Skipton, www.phillyfirenews.com.)

Periodicals P i di l P Postage t P Paid id att T Tulsa, l OK 74101 and d att additional dditi l mailing ili offices. ffi

6 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_6 6

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:19:49 PM

BUILT FOR LIFE. In every sense of the word.

This is the rescue line you need when there are lives on the line. Acoustic and seismic sensors to locate desperate victims trapped under rubble. Crisis proven cameras that give vital visual feedback. Information your team can use to safely plan rescues. Hardwire communication systems when wireless doesn’t work or could trigger disaster. Get the full story. Then the full line.

for more information visit con-space.com or call 1.800.546.3405

Enter 103 at www.fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_7 7

9/24/08 5:19:59 PM

EDITOR’S OPINION

With the Deepest Respect BY BOBBY HALTON JUST FINISHED ANOTHER MINDnumbing piece about Generation X and Generation Y and how they are somehow different, inferior, and dangerous. Horsefeathers! I was upset to find that now an even more vitriolic title, which I refuse to repeat, is being used to degrade and insult the next generation of firefighters now coming on the line. I am firmly a baby boomer .... OK, I am an old guy and damn proud of every gray hair on my head. However, I am equally proud—if not unequivocally prouder—of my sons, their friends, and their peers who make up the newest generation of firefighters. The true leaders of my generation of firefighting—distinguished firemen and firewomen—all seem equally as frustrated with these self-proclaimed generational geniuses who belittle the new folks. The real leaders worked their way through the ranks, took no career shortcuts, led crews in fires, led battalions or districts in battles, and went to the school of hard knocks, thereby gaining wisdom through real-life experiences. They are proud of the legacy and the foundation they have laid for this the next band of real American heroes. We know who they are because we refer to them as the senior gentlemen and gentlewomen of the fire service. Tom Brokaw said of our parents’ generation that they were men and women who rose to every challenge without fear and won. He referred to them as the greatest generation and, although it is true that they served with honor and dignity and that they continued the deliberate focused development of this incredible fire service and this wonderful country we now enjoy and cherish, they are not “the” greatest generation. Every generation of Americans since Samuel Adams and the gang threw the tea into the harbor has been the “world’s

8 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_8 8

greatest.” I am ashamed of the fools who do not recognize or honor this newest generation’s potential, commitment, dignity, and courage. I would like to share with you the words of one of this newest and greatest generation, in a letter written to his Mom and Dad. This young man is an example of what we refer to as America’s treasure, our sons and daughters, our nephews and nieces. This young firefighter/soldier/cancer survivor went to our nation’s capitol after getting his orders to deploy to Iraq. What follows is an excerpt from that letter: We went to Arlington National Cemetery, and it took all I had to hold back my tears. I know I’m not old enough to personally recall these times, but this place is so moving to me. I am very young, but to see the Vietnam Memorial moved me. I stood quietly, tears streaming down my face, with the realization of the ultimate cost these service members paid. I bought a sticker that reads “For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.” This struck a chord with me that I can’t explain. Standing here in our nation’s capitol, I realized that this is where it all begins and ends. This is the very place where my freedom begins. This is the place where my future starts. I begin then the next chapter in my life, being deployed to Iraq. It all started in this very place that I am visiting. It also may be the very place that the final chapter of my life is written. Through it all, these monuments have given me the sense of freedom that most will never know. With all of this said, Mom and Rick, I want you both to know that I go willingly. I have never felt more of a sense of calling as I do in our nation’s military. I know that you are having the most difficult time with this, but, Mom, I want you

to know that I truly believe that this was my calling. I feel that it was written for me to be part of something bigger than you and me. I love you and will see you soon. Love always, Gary Michael

Sergeant Gary Michael Henry was killed in action on August 4, 2008, by an improvised explosive device six months after writing this letter. He was buried by his family and fellow firefighters from the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department (IFD) and the Indiana National Guard. The Irish poet Oscar Wilde said, “Duty is what one expects from others; it is not what one does oneself.” Perhaps that was true in Oscar’s world but not to American firefighters or servicemen. Duty was the internal force driving IFD Captain Gary Henry, a force as compelling as any ancient migratory survival instinct. Gary lived duty, honor, and courage. This beautiful man is a true example of this generation’s values. Oscar Wilde was a great poet, but I would bet he couldn’t make a secondfloor advance or protect a stairway while the truckies finished a primary search. I am in awe of this generation’s courage, its values, its strength, and its untarnished honor. It is with the deepest respect that I offer my condolences to all the families who have lost a loved one, but let it be known that the fire service will never forget or disrespect what Gary and the rest of them have given for us. Nor will I allow anyone to disrespect what those beautiful treasures now coming into our fire service are willing to give.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:20:03 PM

TOUGHER.

The only 3-layer moisture barrier available.

Field-tested and proven tough. The durability of our CROSSTECH® 3-Layer Moisture Barrier makes it the right choice for today’s challenging environments. And thanks to its rugged 3-layer construction, this moisture barrier addresses the increased emphasis NFPA 1851 places on long-lasting turnout gear service. For the best combination of durability, heat stress reduction, thermal protective performance, and liquid penetration, there’s no other product like it. For every challenge you encounter, rely on the most rugged moisture barrier on the market today— CROSSTECH 3-Layer Moisture Barrier.

crosstech.com 1.800.431.GORE

Enter 104 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_9 9

9/24/08 5:20:05 PM

. . . . ▲

▲

. . . .

131.

EDITORIAL ADVISORS AND CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

ADVISOR IN MEMORIAM

▲

PHOTO EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR

▲

EDITOR IN CHIEF EXECUTIVE EDITOR SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR PRESENTATION EDITOR TECHNICAL EDITORS

▲

21-00 Route 208 South, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-2602 Tel.: (973) 251-5040, Fax: (973) 251-5065 Visit our Web site at: FireEngineering.com

▲

. . . 1

▲

TRAINING THE FIRE SERVICE FOR 131 YEARS

. . .

▲ 8▲ ▲ ▲ 8 7 7-200

Chief (Ret.) Bobby Halton (roberth@pennwell.com) Diane Feldman (dianef@pennwell.com) Mary Jane Dittmar (maryjd@pennwell.com) Robert J. Maloney (robertm@pennwell.com) Derek Rosenfeld (derekr@pennwell.com) Josh Troutman (josht@pennwell.com) Glenn P. Corbett, P.E. (gcorbet1@ix.netcom.com) John (Skip) Coleman (ch112ret@yahoo.com) Mike McEvoy (mcevoymike@aol.com) Nate DeMarse (ndemarse.fireeng@gmail.com) Peter J. Prochilo (peterp@pennwell.com) Anthony Avillo, Alan Brunacini, John M. Buckman, Michael N. Ciampo, Paul T. Dansbach, Frank L. Fire, Richard A. Fritz, William Goldfeder, Bill Gustin, Leigh T. Hollins, Arthur L. Jackson, Steve Kreis, Rick Lasky, John M. Malecky, David McGrail, John W. Mittendorf, Frank C. Montagna, Jack J. Murphy Jr., Mike Nasta, Gerard J. Naylis, Gregory G. Noll, John P. O’Connell, William C. Peters, David Rhodes, Rob Schnepp, William J. Shouldis, Michael A. Terpak, Jerry Tracy, Andrea Zaferes Thomas F. Brennan

VICE PRESIDENT–AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT CIRCULATION MANAGER MARKETING PRODUCTION MANAGER SUBSCRIPTIONS

Gloria Adams Ron Kalusha Wendy Lissau Rae Lynn Cooper, Tulsa Sharon Spencer (800) 582-6949 (sharons@pennwell.com)

PENNWELL CORP. CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SR. VICE PRESIDENT–GROUP PUBLISHER, BID VICE PRESIDENT–GROUP PUBLISHER

P.O. Box 1260 • Tulsa, OK 74101 • (918) 835-3161 Frank T. Lauinger Robert F. Biolchini Lyle Hoyt Eric Schlett

FIRE DEPARTMENT INSTRUCTORS CONFERENCE ®

21-00 Route 208 South, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-2602 Tel.: (888) TEL-FDIC, Fax: (888) FAX-FDIC Visit our Web site at: http://www.fdic.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EDUCATION DIRECTOR CONFERENCE DIRECTOR CONFERENCE MANAGER CONFERENCE COORDINATOR EVENT OPERATIONS MANAGERS EXHIBIT MANAGERS FIRE ENGINEERING SUBSCRIBER SERVICE FIRE ENGINEERING ADVERTISING PRODUCTION FIRE ENGINEERING BOOKS & VIDEOS FDIC EXHIBITING FDIC REGISTRATION

10 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_10 10

Eric Schlett Chief (Ret.) Bobby Halton Diane Feldman Mary Jane Dittmar Ginger Mendolia Allison Foster, Kay Baker Lila Gillespie, Nanci Yulico (800) 582-6949 • Fax: (918) 831-9482 (918) 831-9143 • Fax: (918) 831-9415 (800) 752-9768 • Fax: (918) 831-9555 (888) TEL-FDIC • Fax: (888) FAX-FDIC (888) 299-8016 • Fax: (888) 299-8057

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:20:09 PM

Enter 105 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_11 11

9/24/08 5:20:13 PM

VOLUNTEERS CORNER

Forming a Ground Search and Rescue Team BY LARRY RADTKE ANY TRAINING AND CERTIfication demands are placed on the fire service. In addition to fighting fires, most departments are involved in EMS (at one level or another), hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, and technical rescue. Some of these demands are required by law; others are self-imposed. The Blue Lake (MI) Township Fire Department (BLTFD) decided to take on another responsibility—the formation of a ground search and rescue (SAR) team.

THE NEED FOR A TEAM Blue Lake Township is located in west Michigan in the northeastern portion of Muskegon County and covers 36 square miles (23,040 acres); more than 50 percent is wilderness and is owned by the U. S. National Forest, the State of Michigan, Muskegon County, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Blue Lake fine arts camp. There are also many single-family homes built on five or more acres. Blue Lake Township’s population is about 2,500. Camping activities during the summer months cause the population to soar to more than 10,000. Although the above may read like a travel brochure, it is meant to convey the region’s vast amount of wilderness and its large population increase during the summer. Many of these people are unfamiliar with the area, which means there are many places for them to get lost. Realizing this, the BLTFD decided to organize, train, and equip a SAR team. The team was activated on January 1, 2007. MEMBERSHIP The SAR team was open to any interested BLTFD member, as well as members of neighboring fire departments and interested government-related agencies. It was important that the 12 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_12 12

(1) Twelve backpacks have been set up with items primarily for search team members’ safety. (Photos by author.) (2) The SAR manager kit contains everything the manager may need to direct the search from start to ﬁnish. The SAR notebook contains the SOGs chronologically listing the order in which to conduct the search. All necessary documentation is included for each step.

BLTFD include only members who have had background checks. Since the SAR team’s beginning, some community members have expressed an interest in joining. As a result, the BLTFD adopted the policy that any person not working in government organizations could join the county’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This would not only provide these people with basic emergency response training but also ensure that they receive driving and criminal history background checks. These candidates could then join the SAR team, and the BLTFD would train them. Presently, there are 19 SAR team

members; 16 are BLTFD members, one is a Montague (MI) Fire Department member, two are CERT members, and two are members of Muskegon County’s Emergency Service Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). RACES members help establish and maintain radio communications in areas where reception is usually very poor. Maintaining a membership list and member certification sheet allows the SAR manager to quickly set up search teams with appropriately certified personnel. This sheet shows the BLTFD SAR team members and their certification levels.

TRAINING The SAR team members are trained (by a certified instructor) and certified according to NFPA 1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents. They are encouraged to be certified at all levels— awareness, operations, crew leader, and SAR manager. Since the BLTFD is a small volunteer department, this will ensure that those who do respond to a search can operate at whatever level is needed. Training is provided throughout the year, usually in the form of mini-evolutions dealing with basic SAR skills. EQUIPMENT The BLTFD SAR team is equipped to work at the Operations, crew leader, and SAR manager levels. Twelve backpacks were purchased and stocked for Operations and crew leader team members (photo 1). This equipment includes the following: • Front pouch—pen, notebook, first-aid kit, emergency blanket, compass, and whistle. • Middle pouch—two bottles of water and orange flagging tape. • Top pouch—LED flashlight. • Main pouch—reflective orange safety www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:20:16 PM

An Oshkosh Corporation Company

FIREFIGHTER FLEXIBILITY. The world has changed. So has your job, requiring you to be agile and flexible. You expect the same from your apparatus. The Pierce® PUC eliminates the bulky pumphouse for increased compartment space and the design flexibility required for ever-changing response needs. In addition to a simplified two-step pump shift operation, it features big fire suppression capabilities as well as pump and roll and a shorter wheelbase. Now available with the 75' aluminum ladder and as a top mount pumper. The Pierce Ultimate Configuration – everything you need. Configured around you. www.piercemfg.com | 920.832.3231 Enter 106 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_13 13

9/24/08 5:20:18 PM

VOLUNTEERS CORNER vest and space for the searcher’s personal equipment. • Right pouch—insect repellant and mosquito head net. • Left pouch—12-hour light sticks (two red and two yellow). There is sufﬁcient room in the backpack for personal items. Also, there is a water bottle pocket on each side of the backpack. All backpacks are set up identically. The two crew leader backpacks will have one additional item in

the near future—a global positioning system (GPS) unit. Each crew leader is also given a portable radio for communications. Each team member receives a safety green T-shirt to wear in warm weather for easy visibility. The SAR manager kit contains all the supplies needed to efﬁciently manage a search (photo 2). These items include the following: • Front pouches—notepad, drafting compass, three pens, four grease-

fresh ideas… made daily.

Our talented designers work to incorporate our customers’ needs and requests and it results in some of the most innovative rescue and ﬁre vehicles made. And we’ve been doing this as a family owned and managed business for over 105 years.

715.754.5261 www.marionbody.com

RESCUE & FIRE APPARATUS

Enter 107 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_14 14

marking pencils, highlighter, Search Time Estimator (helps determine places within a search area where the lost person most likely could be found), sector ladder rules, and clips. • Middle pouch—clipboard with pad of paper. • Rear pouch—SAR notebook (BLTFD SAR team’s standard operating guidelines), any necessary paperwork, member list and certification levels, and a copy of NFPA 1670. The backpacks and SAR manager kit are carried on the BLTFD’s medical/ light rescue truck, a five-passenger, fourwheel-drive truck that carries medical first responder equipment and supplies, enabling licensed search team members to begin necessary medical treatment on the victim as soon as he is located. The BLTFD SAR team also has several large updated maps of Blue Lake Township showing different township details. They are kept in a cardboard tube with the SAR manager kit on the medical/light rescue truck.

RESPONSE The BLTFD SAR team was organized to respond within Blue Lake Township. However, realizing that much of its surrounding area is environmentally similar to Muskegon County and neighboring counties, the SAR team also responds to mutual-aid requests within the entire region. SAR team members are paged by BLTFD members; RACES members and non-BLTFD members are telephoned from Muskegon County Dispatch. In addition, a SAR run card, which lists the agencies needed as the incident becomes more complex, was set up to activate additional support personnel. Search teams consist of two fiveperson teams for a search in Blue Lake Township; a crew leader is assigned to each team. One or two SAR managers organize the search from a command post. A safety officer monitors activities outside the command post. Most BLTFD members are state of Michigan-certified incident safety officers; at least one member of each search team, preferably the crew leader, functions as the search area’s safety officer. When requested to assist on a mutualaid call, the BLTFD SAR team provides www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:20:19 PM

• • •

•

Record-keeping is easy! Test data can be printed or saved for future retrieval When a Complete Test is not required, the “Quick Test” evaluates the operational readiness of most SCBA components in less than 2 minutes. Consumes less than 1% of the SCBA’s air supply Tests Low Pressure (2216 psig) and High Pressure (4500 psig) SCBAs for mask leakage, exhalation check valve opening pressure, static mask pressure, bypass flow rate, pressure gauge accuracy, low pressure alarm activation, first stage regulator performance, breathing resistance at standard and maximum flow rates

WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

FIREFIGHTERS ENCOUNTER RISKS EVERYDAY. DON’T LET YOUR SCBA BE ONE OF THEM. Thousands of fire departments today rely on the Sperian BIOSYSTEMS POSICHEK3® to positively verify their SCBAs are fit for use. It is the only NFPA-Compliant SCBA Test Bench that meets the stringent NFPA 1852 requirements. In fact, the BIOSYSTEMS POSICHEK3 is the standard test bench for virtually every major SCBA manufacturer around the world.

SPERIANFIRE.COM 800.563.0504

Enter 108 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_15 15

9/24/08 5:20:21 PM

VOLUNTEERS CORNER at least one five-person search team, one crew leader, and one SAR manager. The SAR team expects to work under the incident’s incident command or operations chief. If other SAR teams have already assumed this responsibility, the BLTFD SAR team will work under its SAR manager. As with all specialized fire department operations, it takes time to organize SAR personnel into a team and to respond to a mutual-aid request. An estimated time of arrival is given when the SAR team leaves Blue Lake Township. If a unified incident command structure has been established, the BLTFD SAR manager directs the SAR operations within this system.

THE FIRST YEAR Since the BLTFD SAR team’s activation in January 2007, the team has responded to seven missing person searches. The ﬁrst search in Blue Lake Township illustrated the reason the BLTFD was needed. Seven Boy Scouts from the Chicago area went for a hike at dusk on

the Owasippe Boy Scout campgrounds and became disoriented. After a futile search attempt, the Scout camp administration requested the SAR team. During the “hasty search” (a quick check of the area where the lost person was last seen), the boys were located on a trail near a county road. Their location was given during radio operations. A Michigan state trooper in the area picked the Scouts up and drove them back to the command post. The boys were then turned over to White Lake Ambulance Authority medical personnel, evaluated, and released to their Scout leader. The BLTFD SAR team also responded to one mutual-aid call in Montague Township, two in Kent County, and one in Isabella County, the last involving a missing person search and an evidence search.

CHANGES After gaining some initial experience in 2007, the BLTFD SAR team implemented a few operational changes for 2008.

First, we realized that, based on the volume of work initially involved, the SAR manager position was really a twoperson operation—one SAR manager would be overwhelmed. As we gain more experience, one SAR manager will be trained to handle this operation. Second, we realized that refresher training and periodic search technique reviews would be very beneficial. SAR managers have since had a refresher course, and search techniques are being worked into the fire department’s training schedule in 2008. Third, one of the major SAR team changes shifts the resources on the BLTFD SAR team run card. The Kent County SAR team is now activated on the first alarm instead of the second alarm. This team has at least a 45-minute response time and provides experienced searchers and search dogs. Fourth, Muskegon County Central Dispatch also changed its notification procedure for BLTFD firefighters and non-BLTFD search team members and will use a special pager tone and tele-

COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY COMPLETELY ONLINE DEGREES

(concentration in Fire Science)

OTHER DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

! % % "

# # % # #& % % # ' $

Enter 109 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_16 16

9/24/08 5:20:22 PM

Enter 110 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_17 17

9/24/08 5:20:26 PM

FireGround Compass®... First Responders' Sixth Sense

Halcyon Products, Inc. is proud to annouce the RIÀFLDO UHOHDVH RI WKH )LUH*URXQG &RPSDVV®, a OLIHVDYLQJ WRRO GHVLJQHG VSHFLÀFDOO\ IRU ÀUHÀJKWHUV +DOF\RQ 3URGXFWV ,QF KDV GHYHORSHG DQ DIIRUGDEOH HDV\ WR XVH WRRO WKDW FDQ EH XVHG E\ DOO ÀUHÀJKWHUV 7KLV WRRO ZLOO RULHQW ÀUHÀJKWHUV DW DQ HPHUJHQF\ VFHQH WKHUHE\ UHGXFLQJ WKH SRVVLELOLW\ RI WKH ÀUHÀJKWHU EHFRPLQJ ORVW WUDSSHG LQMXUHG RU NLOOHG JLYLQJ ÀUVW UHVSRQGHUV D VL[WK VHQVH

440-543-1518 www.halcyonproducts.com Enter 111 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_18 18

phone calls to notify all team members sooner.

THE FUTURE The BLTFD SAR team hopes to achieve the following goals: Realizing the importance of human resources, the SAR team will continue to train all new members at least to the Operations level and also have at least one representative from the Muskegon County Fire Department and neighboring Ocean County Fire Department. Neighboring fire department members have already expressed interest in participating. A long-term goal is to develop a regional team. This will necessitate a diverse geographical membership of more than just fire department personnel. The BLTFD SAR team will reach out to the volunteer civilian search teams in the neighboring counties, provide their members with certified training, and offer membership to the BLFTD SAR team or the SAR run card. Also, we may request a multipassenger all-terrain vehicle equipped with a stokes basket and other emergency medical equipment. This would enable the fire and ambulance personnel to reach the victim more quickly to administer any necessary medical care. Although the BLTFD has taken on a large responsibility, the members of the SAR team feel that they provide a necessary service to the township. Over the years, several people have become lost in Blue Lake Township’s wilderness. With this SAR team, the BLTFD hopes to be better prepared for this in the future. ● ● LARRY RADTKE is a four-year member and captain (training division) with the Blue Lake (MI) Township Fire Department, a four-year member of the Muskegon County Hazardous Material Response Team, and a part-time teacher at the Department of Homeland Security Hazardous Material Training Center in Lansing, Michigan. He was a 21-year member of the Frankfort (IL) Fire Department, serving the final eight as assistant chief. He founded and was chief of the Will County (IL) Hazardous Material Response Team for 18 years.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:20:26 PM

Every Incident Every Call We’ve Got You Covered EMS and Technical Rescue Protective Clothing EMS runs, extrications, terrorist incidents, and search and rescue are all part of your responsibilities. Face it, you’re the ultimate multi-tasker. While your training and experience tell you what to do, your gear isn’t quite so versatile. Each scenario is different and presents different requirements from your protective clothing.

No Compromises Lion RescueWear™ addresses the task-specific clothing requirements of EMS and technical rescue activities. Extensive field research has gone into the design of each garment. Because each garment is designed task specific, you aren’t forced to deal with compromises in terms of comfort, safety, and function.

For a free brochure, visit www.lionrescuewear.bz/0703 or call 800.421.2926.

3M and Scotchlite are trademarks of 3M company.

Please join us in supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Visit http://www.firehero.org to learn more. Enter 112 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_19 19

9/24/08 5:20:30 PM

THINK OF IT AS A 50,000-WATT MEGAPHONE. When all hell breaks loose, the last thing you need is a communication breakdown. That’s no longer a problem with the E-ONE Comms-ONE. This high-tech SUV features a unique operations platform that lets you converge all of the communications at the scene, regardless of conditions. Available with a comprehensive public safety software suite and radio interoperability system, Comms-ONE brings everyone together. Because when chaos ensues, wouldn’t you like to know you’ll be heard?

Stay in touch at Connect-Better.com

0810FE_20 20

9/24/08 5:20:31 PM

Enter 113 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_21 21

9/24/08 5:20:34 PM

TRAINING NOTEBOOK

Holding the Nozzle B Y R AY M c C O R M A C K IREFIGHTERS USE A VARIETY of hand positions to hold and operate the nozzle at fires. Unfortunately, many of these hand positions decrease stream effectiveness and can lead to a loss of nozzle control or loss of water. Some firefighters hold the nozzle the way they were taught, while others have used those methods to develop their own style. Holding the nozzle is not really about comfort; it is about effectively delivering the water where it is needed. Photo 1: The firefighter’s left hand is palm down on top of the hose, gripping the line just behind the bail. With this grip, the elbow points away from the

body, eliminating the chest as an anchor point. The left hand is in line with the bail and can easily slide forward, causing a partial or complete loss of water. Some firefighters have been taught that this grip works best for an emergency shutdown of the line. However, shutting down of the line is rarely an emergency. Photo 2: The firefighter is holding the line with both hands close to his body and far from the nozzle. From this distance, using both hands to make circular motions will exaggerate the nozzle’s motion. While making these motions, the firefighter’s arms will move away from his body and make his hands the line’s only locking points. This grip causes the

nozzle to whip around but not necessarily the way the firefighter intended. It is very difficult to accurately direct the stream using this grip, and it increases the chance of getting the nozzle caught in a doorway or in another object. Photo 3: The firefighter’s hands are very far apart. Using this style of nozzle grip relies totally on hand strength. If the right hand strikes an object during the advance or is used to regain balance, only one hand will control the nozzle. This nozzle grip does not allow the firefighter to compensate for changes in line pressure. If you can advance with this grip style, you are probably flowing less water than you should.

Photos by author.

22 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_22 22

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:20:37 PM

ALWAYS EXPANDING THE POSSIBILITIES THE NEW MULTI-BASE

CONE BASE

V-BASE

CHAIN WEDGE

CORNER BASE RESCUE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Paratech’s new “Multi-Base” is designed for use in a wide array of Vehicle Stabilization and Structural Collapse scenarios. Arrive on scene knowing you will always have the right tool. The Multi-Base (#22-796025) is four bases in one: use either of its two top points as a “Cone Base”, its angled center area as a “V-Base”, its engineered deep cut center slot as a “Chain Wedge” and its angled top shape as a “Corner Base”. Paratech... quality, innovation, and reliability in everything we do.

Enter 114 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_23 23

9/24/08 5:20:41 PM

TRAINING NOTEBOOK 5

Photo 4: The nozzle is too close to the firefighter’s body. This position does not allow for adequate pattern coverage with the nozzle. The firefighter has to move his body in the direction he wants the water to go instead of simply moving the nozzle. This grip causes problems if the line gets caught on an object, pushing the firefighter on top of the nozzle, as there is no additional hose

out in front of him. When the nozzle is this close to the body, there is a greater chance of losing hoseline control, increasing the odds of having to shut down and call for more line. Photo 5: The firefighter is holding the pistol grip nozzle close to his body. Many firefighters fall into this trap. When the upper right arm is in a straight line with the shoulder, the nozzle is brought

Enter 115 at fireeng.hotims.com

24 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_24 24

too close to the body. Attempting to make a turn into a room will require the firefighter to turn into the room instead of just using the line’s reach. Holding the bail while operating can cause a partial loss of water as the firefighter advances. Using this grip places the firefighter on top of the nozzle. Photo 6: The firefighter has his left hand palm up below the nozzle bail and on the first coupling from the nozzle. By placing his hand on the coupling, he has a positive gripping spot. His left elbow is pointed inward and can rest against his body for additional support once water is flowing. The line is tucked below his upper right arm, and his right hand is holding the line. The line is secured in four places, and there is enough line in front of the firefighter to provide maximum stream coverage and to easily move the line around a corner. By having additional hose out front, the firefighter can gauge when the line has moved back. This allows the firefighter some “time” before control is lost. Observe how your firefighters hold the nozzle next time you drill. Remember, once the bail is open, remove that hand until it is time to shut down. Although it is difficult to change habits, using more effective gripping techniques will result in a safer fire operation. ● ● RAY McCORMACK is a lieutenant in and a 26-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York. He is the founder of Live Burn Training, specializing in firefighter training and benefit seminars. He is the lead instructor for the FDIC H.O.T. Hose Loads and Deployments program.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:20:42 PM

RIGHT THERE WITH YOU! # # $#' # # # # # # # # # &### #' "# $#( # "# # # $# % !## # $# # $# "# # # $# % "## $# # # # $# # # # % ## # # # # &

TESTED…PROVEN…TRUSTED $%" ) %'" # ! " $( # &" # " # Enter 116 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_25 25

Toll Free: 1-800-228-1161 | www.akronbrass.com

$ #

$ ! "

9/24/08 5:20:46 PM

THE ENGINE COMPANY

Overcoming Standpipe Problems BY DANIEL SHERIDAN TANDPIPES MAY BE FOUND IN shopping malls; theaters; and residential, large commercial, and public assembly buildings. There are two types of standpipe systems, wet and dry. Wet systems have water in them all the time and are usually supplied by a gravity tank or a water main. Dry systems are usually found in parking garages or other areas that may be subject to freezing. In the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), our standard operating procedure (SOP) for working in buildings with standpipes is to supply the fire department connection (FDC) or siamese with the largest diameter hose possible, which in FDNY is a 3½-inch hose. We should always be ready to supply the system if needed, especially if the building does not include a fire pump or has inadequate standpipe pressure. The pump discharge pressure for each hoseline attached to a standpipe outlet should be 100 pounds per square inch (psi) plus five psi for every floor above the first based on two lengths of 3½-inch supply and three lengths of 2½-inch hose attached to the outlet using a 11∕8-inch smooth bore nozzle (see “Supplying the First-Floor Outlet”). On a recent day tour, I took the crew out to look at one of our fire-resistive buildings. The 19-story building has two 7,500-gallon gravity tanks on the

Supplying the First-Floor Outlet If FDC Defective Assume that the standpipe outlet is 2½ inches and you are stretching a 3½-inch supply line. You have two problems right from the start: hose size and sex. You will need two fittings: a 3½-inch to 2½-inch reducer and a 2½-inch double female coupling. This technique will not work on many types of pressure regulating hose valves. These types of valves allow water flow in only one direction—out of the hose valve, not in. 1. Stretch the 3½-inch supply line to the first-floor outlet. 2. Attach the 3½-inch to 2½-inch reducer to the male end of the supply line. 3. Attach the 2½-inch double-female coupling to the 2½-inch reducer. 4. Remove the outlet cap. 5. Attach the supply line to the first-floor outlet. 6. Charge the line to the adequate pressure (see “Calculating Pressure Needed” below). 7. SLOWLY open the valve on the first-floor outlet. CALCULATING PRESSURE NEEDED The pressure needed is 100 psi plus five psi for each floor above grade, considering that we are using three lengths of 2½-inch hose and a 11∕8-inch smooth bore nozzle. We would hope to have 70 psi at the standpipe outlet for three lengths. If we need four lengths, then the pressure should be 80 psi. Example: The fire is on the 11th floor. The pressure needed is as follows: 100 + 50 [5 psi × 10 floors above grade] =150 psi.

roof that supply the standpipe; it does not have a fire pump. This system also supplies the building’s domestic water needs. We wanted to check the different pressures on various floors without charging the system. The first-floor standpipe outlet included a pressure gauge, which indicated about 100 psi, which in theory would be more than enough pressure to operate a 2½-inch hoseline. We attached one length of 2½-inch hose with a 11∕8-inch smooth bore nozzle. 1 When we opened the outlet, the pressure dropped dramatically to 45 psi. We had a decent stream but not enough to fight a fire if we had to. We made our way up to the 19th floor; again, we checked the pressure. It was zero. We stretched a line up to the roof; we had barely enough water to put out a small trash (1) Fire department connection (siamese). (Photos by author.) fire. In this building, we

26 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_26 26

would need to supply the system from a fire department pumper to fight a fire. One situation that pops up from time to time is closed sectional valves. About a year ago, we responded to a report of fire on the 10th floor of a 19-story fire-resistive multiple dwelling. The dispatchers were getting a few calls, and it sounded like we were going to go to work. We took the elevator to the eighth floor. From there, we walked up to the 10th floor and found smoke pushing out around the closed fire apartment door. I had my crew get ready to hook up to the standpipe on the ninth floor. We chose the A stair as our attack stair. I went up to the 10th floor, got a look at what we were facing, and determined that it smelled like someone had left an aluminum pot on the stove. I had the guys stretch up to the 10th floor. We could stretch the line dry to the fire apartment door because the truck personnel were still forcing the heavily fortified door. My crew was ready, and I asked my hookup firefighter on the ninth floor to send me water. He responded that there

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:20:49 PM

Challenge:

Develop unique device for aid in all hazards response

Solution:

Crimson Boomer

Challenge:

Develop elevated waterway that extends 2 stories high

Solution:

Crimson Boomer

When inspiration calls, we listen. Sitting at a restaurant, in a hotel room, or around a table full of industry professionals - at Crimson, we're always listening. The incredibly versatile, all purpose Crimson Boomer TM is just another example of our astuteness. It packs more than 7 tools into 1 low maintenance device, featuring an elevated waterway without an elevated price tag. It's everything you need and more. We can say this with confidence because after all, you inspired us to build it.

C RIMSON A Spartan Company

www.crimson-fire.com Enter 117 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_27 27

9/24/08 5:20:55 PM

THE ENGINE COMPANY 2

was no pressure in the standpipe. I radioed down to the pump operator about the situation. We had some time because the door had about five locks on it and every one of them was engaged. Finally after a few minutes, the pump operator figured it out and sent us water. It turned out that the building maintenance people were working on the system and closed the sectional valve, which prevented us from supplying the system. My pump operator resolved it by finding the

valve and opening it. Had he not, there was another solution. Sometimes the siamese or FDC is impossible to supply for any number of reasons—defective clapper valves, swivel threads out of round, or debris jammed into the siamese. But there is an alternative: You can bypass

(2) Note that in this photo the valve is open. If the stem (arrow) were not visible, that would indicate the system is closed. (3) Supplying the ﬁrstﬂoor outlet will bypass any obstructions.

the siamese or FDC and go right to the first-floor standpipe outlet. This technique will not work on many types of pressure regulating hose valves. These types of valves allow water flow in only one direction—out of the hose valve, not in. When I first came to FDNY, it was common practice for the engine pump operator to bypass the siamese FDC altogether and supply the first-floor outlet because, more often than not, the siamese would be vandalized. ●

● DANIEL SHERIDAN is a 22-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York and captain of Engine Company 46. He is a national instructor II and an instructor at the Rockland County (NY) Fire Academy. Sheridan founded Mutual Aid Americas, which works with ﬁre departments in Latin America.

Enter 118 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_28 28

9/24/08 5:20:57 PM

108

Enter 119 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_29 29

9/24/08 5:21:05 PM

FIRE SERVICE EMS

EMS Customer Service B Y S C O T T C . H O L L I D AY HE ONE EMERGENCY SERVICE that should have cornered the customer service market is the emergency medical service (EMS). EMS is all about compassion and caring for a sick or injured individual. We interact with these individuals when they are at their lowest and are reaching out for someone for concern, kindness, and help. We are a healing service that must treat not only the broken bones and diseased organs but also the person. Why do some big chain retail outlets have greeters? Those people say hello at the door, direct you to the right department, and say thank you for shopping with them as you leave. Those retail giants compete with each other, and they want you to spend money in their store. They make every effort to make you feel special; help you; and, most importantly, make you want to come back. Chances are if you are treated poorly, feel disrespected, receive little assistance, and don’t have an overall pleasant experience, you won’t be returning. As EMS responders, we are generally the only “store” in town that provides this service. Does that mean that we aren’t competing for the customers’ dollars? Yes. We are competing with other municipal services for precious budget dollars. Whether it is valuable tax revenue, fund-raising dollars, or donations, we all fight for a share of that income. Elected officials do not like receiving phone calls and letters complaining of poor emergency service care. Customer service, public perception, and public support are what define you as a great (and well-funded) emergency service. Does your organization teach customer service? Your employees might need a refresher, but most of the key elements for successful customer service were learned in kindergarten. Your kindergarten teacher probably told you to treat everyone with kindness, patience, consideration, and respect. You were told to always say please and thank you, and to be polite. All these elements put together

30 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_30 30

make for the basic foundations of good EMS customer service. To improve the basic foundation and provide exceptional customer service, you must set some expectations about what you think is exceptional EMS customer service. This means different things to different agencies. It might mean clean ambulances; neat, clean, and presentable uniformed personnel; or a level of service related to response time or level of care. To foster an extraordinary customer service atmosphere, ﬁnd out what your customers want. How do you do this? Just ask. Ask past customers what they liked and didn’t like. Go to your risk management people and ﬁnd out what are the most common complaints they receive about your service. These are the areas you should stress and improve.

DON’T PASS YOUR BAD DAY ON The kids or your spouse is sick, you had a ﬂat tire on the way to work, or you spilled coffee on your clean uniform. Everyone can have one of those days, but it is how you handle it that determines good customer service. You must put the needs of the customer before your own. Deputy Chief (ret.) Carl Tramontana, FDNY EMS, says that we rent an employee’s behavior for eight hours. It doesn’t matter how bad your day is going; your employer and your customers expect and are paying for you to always be at your best. You can’t pass along your bad day to your patient. The patient is already having a bad day. GIVE YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION Don’t act like delivering service is an inconvenience to you. Did you ever notice that you always receive a call just when you are about to eat, you just got a bathroom break, or it is ﬁve minutes before your shift’s end? Responding at these times can be inconvenient, and if the call is not an exciting trauma job or something interesting, you may give that patient less than your best performance.

Separate your performance and patient care from these personal annoyances. Develop a systematic approach so every patient gets the same attention and quality patient care every time. Also remove any mp3 players and bluetooth devices from your ears and turn your cell phones off. Never answer your cell phone when you are on a call. Your patient demands and is expecting your full attention.

PREVENT, PROTECT, AND DO NO HARM People are calling you for assistance. Situations that you don’t consider an emergency they may consider a crisis. They feel vulnerable and helpless and are reaching out for someone to support them in putting order and stability back into the situation. Whether you are dealing with a traumatic injury or an illness, patients expect you to either “ﬁx” them, make them feel better, or take them somewhere that will; they don’t expect you to make things worse when you arrive. Do everything to live up to that expectation. The old saying “What constitutes an emergency on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part” may be true, but we are trained professionals and the patient is turning to us for help. Our actions must be palliative and not exacerbate the patient’s problem. This comes from your attitude and how you present yourself. Be the professional you are at all times. TREAT EVERYONE WITH KINDNESS AND RESPECT Every EMS instructor tells you to treat your patients as you would treat your own family; that is the best customer service advice you could ever receive. How did you treat your last 80-year-old cardiac patient? Did you introduce yourself to him and explain that you were there to help, or did you just start treating him without speaking to him directly? Younger EMS providers must respect older patients, who come from a different generation and may have a more formal expectation of their EMS interaction. Address adults www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:21:08 PM

We know there’s nothing basic about BLS.

You need leading, unrivaled technology that can handle harsh environments and situations. Using the knowledge gained from more than 50 years of providing trusted and reliable products to emergency responders worldwide, Physio-Control has developed a new, simple-to-use BLS solution that helps you stabilize patients fast…the LIFEPAK 1000 deﬁbrillator and LUCAS™ Chest Compression System. ®

LIFEPAK 1000 defibrillator • Straightforward user interface and clear, comprehensive prompts allow trained users to respond quickly. • Escalating energy up to 360J provides the options needed for maximum defibrillation success. • The most rugged defibrillator built by Physio-Control.

LUCAS™ Chest Compression System Physio-Control offers you a standardized solution, making it easy to hand-off from BLS to ALS when your ambulance crew

•

LUCAS is simple and intuitive; can be applied to a patient quickly with a pause in compressions of 20 seconds or less.

•

Designed to provide effective, consistent, uninterrupted compressions according to AHA Guidelines.

•

Maintaining high quality hands-free compressions frees responders to focus on other lifesaving tasks.

arrives with the LIFEPAK 12 deﬁbrillator/monitor for advanced monitoring and transport.

For more information about this and other Physio-Control products, visit our website at www.physio-control.com or call us toll free at 1.800.442.1142. Enter 120 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_31 31

9/24/08 5:21:08 PM

FIRE SERVICE EMS by their surname, or use the terms “sir” and “madam.” This may sound strange, but it builds the bond and trust on which a good patient/provider relationship is based. Showing kindness and respect puts the patient at ease and makes the job easier. Remember your basic patient assessment techniques; get down to the patient’s eye level and speak clearly and directly to him using plain talk and nontechnical terms. Inform him of the situation, what you suspect the problem is,

and what you are going to do for him; this is all part of informed consent and good customer service. Let adults participate in their health care decisions.

EVERY CALL IS A SHOWCASE Each new patient is an opportunity to win over not only that patient but also his family and friends. First impressions are important. How you present yourself and how you treat that patient may be the only exposure some people have to you and

Knox MedVault™ Drug Locker ®

SECURES NARCOTICS ON EMS VEHICLES Now Available! !

To learn more about the Knox MedVault ™

Call 800-566-9269

" www.knoxbox.com Enter 121 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_32 32

your service. Studies show that when you meet or exceed patients’ expectation levels, they will tell only a few people, but if they have had a bad service experience, the whole world will know about it. In addition, don’t forget about the impression you make while on a street job. You may be focusing on only one patient, but there are multiple cell phones, cameras, and video lenses focusing on you. Act as if you will be on the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper or the lead story on the six o’clock news. How is your customer service? Did you ever ask your patient how you performed? Follow up to see how the patients felt they were treated. We can learn about the good and bad parts of our service from a quick survey. Reward those EMS personnel who provide good customer service. Distribute newsletters and conduct recognition ceremonies to tell your organization just how well they are doing. Strive to improve those who get less than stellar ratings. If you don’t correct a problem and improve your personnel’s service, you perpetuate and condone poor customer service. Emergency service providers do not always consider customer service, but it is a critical component of their job. Present yourself and your service as competent and professional. Strive to provide the best care and compassionate service to individuals in your response area. Take control of the scene, and make the situation better than it was before you arrived. Give each patient your undivided attention and your best performance. Treat everyone as you would want you and your family treated. Always do your best for your customers. First impressions are lasting impressions. ● ● SCOTT C. HOLLIDAY is a 25-year emergency services veteran. He is a deputy chief with FDNY EMS and the executive officer of the Bureau of Training, EMS Academy. He is a 23-year New York City paramedic and a New York State instructor coordinator. He is also a state fire instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy and is the chief of department for the Mineola (NY) Volunteer Fire Department. He has a bachelor of science in fire and emergency service administration from SUNY Empire State College and is a DHS master exercise practitioner.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:21:09 PM

The Most Trusted Name In Protective Fabrics.

THE

FABRICS IN YOUR GEAR ARE CRITICAL. let uS GUIDE YOU TO THE PEAK PERFORMERS.

All that stands between you and disaster is the fabric in your turnout gear. Choosing the best combination of fabrics has always been a daunting process. Until now. TenCate SouthernMills’ Peak Performance System eliminates the guesswork.

Building on our tradition of fabric expertise and product innovation, the Peak Performance System brings the best materials together in fabric systems that make no compromise in protection or quality. This system helps you specify the highest performing materials on the market today, giving you the best protection that money can buy. To find out more about the Peak Performance System visit our web site at www.southernmills.com/PEAK.

866-806-4013 www.southernmills.com

©2007 SOUTHERN MILLS, Inc. TENCATE is a trademark of ROYAL TEN CATE NV. SOUTHERN MILLS is a trademark of SOUTHERN MILLS, Inc. GEMINI, MILLENIA XT, and QUANTUM3D are trademarks of SOUTHERN MILLS, Inc. GEMIINI is made under the MATRIX® technology License from PBI Performance Products, Inc. U.S. Patent No. 6,624,096 and other U.S. and foreign patents pending. MATRIX Technology is a registered trademark of PBI Performance Products, Inc. and is used with permission. GORE® and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Enter 122 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_33 33

9/24/08 5:21:11 PM

THE CHIEF PROBLEM SOLVER

Politics and Problems BY RICHARD MARINUCCI S WE ENTER INTO THE election season this fall, this might be a good time to talk a little about politics and some of the potential pitfalls. We all know that, ultimately, the politicians control the resources needed to provide the services required and requested. Fire departments and fire chiefs cannot operate in a vacuum and think that some magic fairy godmother will appear to help fund the organization. There needs to be regular interaction and relationship building with those who must support what we do. In return, politicians can have some expectations for support of their ambitions. This can be challenging to the fire chief, fire department, and every individual member. Now, on to the problem.

of the election process. Certainly, there are circumstances that require open support of elected officials—usually situations where the chief is appointed directly. The chief gets to keep the job if his candidate is elected or reelected. However, if the conditions are such that there is not a direct connect between the election and continuing on the job, then everything must be done to stay out of the “action.” This is not to imply that the fire chief is not a political position in many cases and that relationships with elected officials are not important. There needs to be clear communication with everyone regarding the fire chief’s position with respect to elections and endorsements. Most of the time, that position will be respected as long as it

the above problem, it was not the direct support of a candidate that caused the problem but the failure to support the individual with local connections.

ACTIONS TO TAKE What can you do? Offer to meet with the elected officials who have been offended. Your willingness to be open about the issue will help you. You may not sway any opinions, but you can hope to keep the animosity away from the day-to-day operations of the fire department. You can express the position that you have taken as fire chief and your direction to the department. You can also be honest regarding your view of the firefighter group. This is not the time to “throw them under the bus” so

Playing in the political arena can be complex and competitive—and it requires a good understanding of the system in place and the players involved. Your boss just called you and asked you to report to his office. When you arrive, you find that he is irate because of a phone call he just received. It seems that the top elected official in your community just called him to tell him that he had just heard that the local firefighters announced their endorsement of a candidate for a local judge position. The elected official is angry because the firefighters have never publicly endorsed anyone and his friend is running for the same position. Further, the elected official has been a great supporter of the fire department and firefighters. Even still, the firefighters have never endorsed this politician. Your boss understands that technically you cannot do too much, but he wants to know what is going on with the firefighters and what you can do to help alleviate the tension that has been created. Although it is not always possible, it is usually best for the fire chief to stay out 34 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_34 34

is consistent and does not publicly favor one candidate over another. There are other related issues to this—the obvious talents of the chief, existing relationships, and role in the community, among others. This strategy in dealing with elections would also work for the firefighters groups. However, many fire departments have reaped rewards by supporting particular candidates. The temptation to continue this can be great. Further, the fire chief does not control the direction of the firefighter groups in this area. If good communication exists between the fire chief and firefighters, discussions regarding the benefits, risks, and rewards need to take place. Not only do you need to ensure that the candidate being supported will win, but you must also consider future elections where the losing candidate this time is successful next time. You also need to consider the candidates’ “friends with influence.” As suggested in

to speak but to offer your opinion in a tactful manner. You also need to engage the firefighter group. You need to understand its perspective and the reasoning behind the decision. You can also take the opportunity to express your views based on your experience with these types of issues. You also may choose to discuss the differences between communities. Often, firefighter groups will see successes in other communities when they are engaged in the process. There is no doubt that many good things have happened because of the involvement in the political process. However, not all of these tactics are transferable to every community. You need to know the rules of engagement in your community. Understand what can and cannot work. Not one size fits all. Try to discuss, not lecture. Often, all parties involved can come to the same conclusion. Threats, intimidation, or direct orders rarely

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:21:13 PM

8 st 200 Augu of eries in a s –1983. d r i h t 9 is the rs 195 y, this hts the yea r mic a s r : e r iv econo nd hlig ade th Ann e d g i n L h a y d r 0 10 ust is a tism nity a any’s istory. Th re Ind patrio of commu & Co. i p f F m o r o a h e c it d ns ey De te our a spir ed se r prou . Darl emora haring ou renew there was grew, W.S m a m h o t s d i a an To c ronicles meric 50’s w alive h r fire the 19 ream was story. As A four c n i for ou rley d i d e n h v n i w a r o A c h . Da t kn meri n US ica t e bes the 1960’s y loyal r Amer rity. The A perienced i e w e n e ad ma ess in any, w prosp seldom ex comp our busin USA and h he 1930’s. h t d w e o i f r t i g f t. e e divers with i r oss th part o s sinc grew y. Ou was a e largest rtments acr arley truck y e l r Darle erica h a a t D p D g s f e e a o d h R w ts m ug or n of oss A Altho us, which pparatus f entire flee irectio rtment acr t a d d a e r e r n a e i i f p h a t ap nt pa ed under d mai factur fire de na grew ally every rkets. manu ers who ha o s l ness i a m r busi ion and sion nd in virtu oreign ma i u custo v o i d f o s ent were fou any f l part bal vi ch quipm s nto m critica arley’s glo travel, whi a Our e ent catalog eir ways i g n i D r l o m l f h i o t m c B equip an to find assion ast be oad. was f elling abr ed by his p eg s s , e n s l and b i fue world ere bus es. d the arley xport mpanies w arkets was 00 countri n e u s o ’ r y s a ratus. D Darle en few co national m ore than 1 d untrie a h m er ny co Fire App rley viewe a m time w pursue int stomers in n . a y i s e D l k e r c s c a a u to ru la D drive d visiting c monp or use on A builders our own t m o c f e S e U er ed for includ other tage reserv mps w ur pu primarily r pumps to itive advan o ined h g t u u e ers jo b Altho they wer market o a compe m e m e as ely amily at hom ot to activ on Pump e. rley f ership. a i D : n g p f n e o d m cha istory chos ley Cha ration er their lea soon rley h e and r rd gene a d a l D u d D f o n u e3 the rs o g archiv yw 0’s, th 5 yea o grow trateg o d 198 continue t next 2 for a catal This s n r a u s o ’ 0 d e l e 7 r t u i 9 u t s o b late 1 ill fea ley w ur we In the pany. Dar hich w eck out o 00years. w s n m h o o 1 c ati it, om/ the c public n’t wa rley.c future . If you ca t www.da r o f Look 984-2008 rmation a 1 fo years istorical in h r e h ot ey . Darl Paul C ent ey.com Presid rley@darl a pauld

Enter 123 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_35 35

9/24/08 5:21:16 PM

Protective Clothing for Emergency Responders

Wear Something Safer™

• EMS Gear • Technical Rescue Gear • Dual-Certiﬁed Gear • Extrication Gear

CROSSTECH® S/R Fabric NFPA 1951 Certiﬁed NFPA 1951/1999 Dual-Certiﬁed Available PBI Triguard™ • Millenia Light™ • NOMEX® Extensive Customizing and Sizing Proudly made in the USA

www.ricochet-gear.com

Ricochet Manufacturing | 4700 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144 | Tel: 1.888.462.1999 Enter 124 at fireeng.hotims.com

are successful. Again, good relations between workers and management can help you come to the right solution. If this information had been relayed to you prior to the public announcement, you would have more opportunities to find the best solution before the problem occurred. Good communications and trust with all involved help address these types of issues before they get blown out of proportion. If you build solid working partnerships, these relationships can become a sound foundation when issues arise. If this is the case, rarely will a one-time issue create any long-lasting negative effect between the politicians and the fire department. Playing in the political arena can be complex and competitive. It requires a good understanding of the system in place and the players involved. Certainly, supporters of the fire service need to receive reciprocal support. There are ways to do this without raising undue attention and staying engaged in the political process. Be aware of all of the circumstances, the risks and rewards. A seemingly simple act to support a friend can turn hostile in a hurry if the wrong individuals perceive unfair treatment or disrespect for them or their position. ● ● RICHARD MARINUCCI has been chief of the Farmington Hills (MI) Fire Department since 1984. He was president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs in 1997-98 and chair of the Commission on Chief Fire Officer Designation. In 1999, he served as senior advisor to Director James Lee Witt of FEMA and acting chief operating officer of the United States Fire Administration for seven months as part of a loan program between the City of Farmington Hills and FEMA. He received the Outstanding Public Service Award from the director for his efforts. Marinucci has three B.S. degrees: in secondary education from Western Michigan University, in fire science from Madonna College, and in fire administration from the University of Cincinnati. He was the first graduate of the Open Learning Fire Service Program at the University of Cincinnati (summa cum laude) and was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 1995.

Enter 125 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_36 36

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:21:17 PM

REASONS WHY

YOU SHOULD TRY WARRIOR 3

Integrated components and electronics reduce snag points to keep you moving freely

Lightweight aluminum AirPod™ backpack tested to over 1,000 lbs. of pull force

4 Ergonomic swivel/pivot mechanism increases mobility by up to 30% and reduces stress on your shoulders and back

Lower center of gravity design allows you to look up a ladder without your helmet hitting the cylinder

YOU DEMANDED IMPROVED MOBILITY. WE GOT A MOVE ON. The reasons for trying the WARRIOR ™ SCBA are really countless — although integrated design, unprecedented mobility and comfort, fewer snag points and improved vision and communication are all great places to start. But the most important reason why you should rely on WARRIOR is because people rely on you.

TRY WARRIOR TODAY. SPERIANFIRE.COM/WARRIOR 800.821.7236

Enter 126 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_37 37

9/24/08 5:21:19 PM

ROUNDTABLE OPINIONS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

Engine Company Assignments HIRTY YEARS AGO, AT LEAST where I fought fires, when the first-due engine pulled up to a working fire, you would hear an on-scene announcement like this: “5 Pumper at 1945 Vermont. Smoke and fire showing. 6 Pumper, lay in.” After that, it was anyone’s guess what 5 Pumper was going to do. If the travel distance between the first two engines (we called them “pumpers“ back then) were considerable, the second engine might only see a pumper, a driver, and some hose pulled off and going into the building (possibly). Today, most departments operate under one of two forms of fireground operations. One is “Pre-Incident Assignment” (PSA). Under this form of operation, procedure dictates what the first-in (as well as all other responding units) do at a fire. Many larger departments use this form of operation. The other form of fireground operation is “Incident Specific Assignment” (ISA). In this form of operation, the officer on the first-arriving unit makes assignments for his unit and other incoming units based on the situation (the incident). In Toledo, Ohio, we used ISA. In many areas of the city, the distance between companies is considerable. Using ISA allows the incident commander (IC), the first-arriving officer, to make assignments based on the priorities of the incident, which could include search, exposure protection, ventilation, or additional attack lines, among others. —John “Skip” Coleman retired as assistant chief from the Toledo (OH) Department of Fire and Rescue. He is a technical editor of Fire Engineering and a member of the FDIC Educational Advisory Board. He is the author of Incident Management for the Street-Smart Fire Officer (Fire Engineering, 1997); Managing Major Fires (Fire Engineering, 2000); and Incident Management for the

38 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_38 38

QUESTION: Some departments operate under specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) that give specific direction to the first- and second-arriving engines at a working fire (as well as all incoming units), called “Pre-Incident Assignment” (PSA). Other departments let the first-arriving officer make initial assignments based on the situation, called “Incident Specific Assignment” (ISA). How does your department make initial engine company assignments at a working fire? Street Smart Fire Officer Street-Smart Officer, Second Edition (Fire Engineering, 2008). Thomas Dunne, deputy chief, Fire Department of New York Response: Response areas and types of hose stretches may vary in New York City, but all of our engines essentially operate in the same manner. Engine firefighters are preassigned to specific positions starting with the nozzleman, the backup man, and one or two additional firefighters to assist in stretching the hoseline. The first-arriving engine is responsible for hooking up to a hydrant and positioning the initial hose to confine or extinguish the fire. The second engine assists in stretching this line, ensures that the first engine has an adequate water supply, and provides fresh personnel to operate the line when the first engine requires relief. The third and fourth engines to arrive at a fire are assigned to work together and place the second hoseline in operation. A chief or company officer can expect to see these same engine procedures employed anywhere in the city. On occasion, the first engine officer may have to enhance his tactics to fit a particular fire scene—for example, at an advanced fire he may order a largediameter “multiversal” nozzle operated from the top of the engine apparatus to confine the fire and protect an endangered exposure. This requires precise coordination to avoid endangering firefighters who may be engaged in stretching the first line.

Tight street conditions might create another situation requiring adjustments by the first engine. In this scenario, two lines may be dropped in front of the fire building before proceeding down the block to a hydrant location. Later-arriving engines may assist in completing the first two hose stretches if they are blocked out of the immediate area. Situations like these call for engine officers who can follow our specific, preassigned SOPs but who are also capable of adapting and adjusting to on-scene conditions. In that sense, we employ both preincident and incident-specific tactics. Ron Hiraki, assistant chief, Gig Harbor (WA) Fire & Medic One Response: We follow the ISA model. Because of the makeup of our fire department and community, there are a lot of variables in responding to an incident. Therefore, using the PSA model would probably hinder or confuse operations. As a combination fire department, we use resident and volunteer firefighters in our outlying stations. Their availability, staffing, and turnout time vary. Having a directive that requires the first company to go directly to the scene might not be effective if it arrives with a limited number of people. We also have many rural areas without hydrants and with long narrow roadways or driveways. Having a directive requiring the first company to lay a supply line or establish a water supply vs. going directly to the scene to knock down the fire could make the incident worse. These are just a couple

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:21:24 PM

Enter 127 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_39 39

9/24/08 5:21:31 PM

ROUNDTABLE of examples of variables that affect initial incident operations. Therefore, we empower our members to make decisions on arrival based on response time, incident conditions, location, access, and resources; this is the most practical and effective method of operating for our fire district. To support this, we continue to provide training on size-up and incident considerations and operational procedures. To assist them, we have an exceptional incident information system with touch screen computers in apparatus that show streets, tax parcels, hydrants, and preincident plans. Good training, knowledgeable members, and technology enable us to remain flexible, which works well. Rick Lasky, chief, Lewisville (TX) Fire Department Response: For us to be effective with our fire attack, there has to be some sort of organized effort in place prior to our even receiving the call. Just as seriously as we take seat or riding assign-

0810FE_40 40

ments, so should we consider incident assignments whether they are preincident or incident specific. Not to appear to be sitting on both sides of the fence, we tend to use ISA more, but as for our standard operating guidelines (SOGs), we reserve the right to allow the firstdue company officer to modify an SOG, if he feels the need, to properly attack an incident. Keeping the thought of “never say never and never say always” in mind, our first-alarm response to a structure fire is as follows: The firstdue engine or quint has the fire attack. The second-due engine or quint has the backup or second attack line. The third-due engine or quint is the rapid intervention team (RIT). The truck has search (both for the fire and victims), ventilation, and outside vent responsibilities, and the first-due ambulance supports the suppression efforts where needed. The battalion chief (BC) and his aide assume command. The majority of the responses will fall in line with the above, but it could change regarding some of the following:

An incident that goes to a quick second alarm prior to or on arrival because of rescues, etc. can change the assignments for some of the second- and third-due companies. A commercial roof would get the entire truck crew going to the roof for ventilation. High-rise or standpipe operations would change some of the assignments likewise. The fireground is a very dynamic place. It can go in one direction and rapidly change and head the opposite way. With that in mind, we need to have the ability to adjust our fire attack assignments accordingly to meet the demands of the specific incident. Regardless of the size and specifics of the incident, we have to address fire attack, search (again, for the fire and victims), and ventilation every time. Without a good plan, one set in place ahead of time and one the entire team knows from one end to the other (it doesn’t matter whether you use a PSA or an ISP, the teams need to know what’s expected of them and their options), we can lose on the fireground big time. When we operate without a

9/24/08 5:21:32 PM

ROUNDTABLE plan, we risk the safety of our personnel and more than likely will end up with a substantial loss of property. Gary Seidel, chief, Hillsboro (OR) Fire Department Response: We use ISA. Company officers need the flexibility to make decisions based on the inherent risks and the dynamic situation with which they are confronted. The statement “No two incidents are alike” demonstrates the need for being able to make decisions based on the unique incidents we confront on a daily basis. By having a set of preincident procedures (procedures by the numbers), our personnel would be restricted in their ability to operate successfully because they would be required to take action in a preset order, not as directed by the scope of the incident. Let’s look at firefighters responding to an approximately 2,000-square-foot, single-story, wood-frame dwelling. They find smoke and flames showing from one rear room. The companies respond-

ing begin with fire attack, search and rescue, backup fire attack, exposure control, salvage, and ventilation. Other needs may be utility control, rapid intervention, and medical intervention. The priority for this scenario depends on what the initial company is confronted with. The dwelling may be unoccupied or occupied, a firefighter may become trapped or lost, the building may collapse, the room may flash over. Therefore, the company officer needs to have the ability to make incident-specific decisions based on what he is confronted with and implement tactics to support those decisions. The person responsible for the incident’s outcome needs to be given the latitude to make the required assignments; this person has the best information available. This information, coupled with training, experience, and known priorities, enables the company officer to make the best decisions for mitigating the incident. Firefighters are always thinking of ways to perform their duties in an aggressive, effective, and safe manner.

When your duties call for a fire attack, ensure that your efforts are well coordinated and that support measures—ventilation, forcible entry/egress, and utility control—are in place so that the overall firefighting effort is done safely. The goal is to achieve the maximum safety at minimum risk. As firefighters, we are subjected to dangerous conditions and situations. Each member must become proficient in recognizing and dealing with these dangers. To perform our duty, we must not fear these conditions; we must respect, understand, and combat these conditions based on the incidentspecific needs. Jeffrey Schwering, lieutenant, Crestwood (MO) Department of Fire Services Response: In our department, we do have preset assignments for the two first-arriving engines. We operate two engine companies out of one house. When both companies are in quarters, the first engine out is the water supply company; the second engine is the

Enter 128 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_41 41

9/24/08 5:21:34 PM

ROUNDTABLE “holding” company. On a working fire, the water supply company catches a hydrant and lays a five-inch line to the holding company in front of the structure. The holding company officer and his crew stretch a line to the fire while the crew from the water supply engine establishes a water supply for the attack engine and its engine, if needed, and performs initial search until additional companies arrive. The company officer from the water supply company is the IC until a chief officer arrives. Our department has two additional engines and one quint assigned on a first alarm. The IC determines the assignments for those additional companies. The officers of our two companies work together. Sometimes, we find it necessary to change the position of the first-due engines for many reasons, but communication is the key. Having good communication with our first two companies helps to prevent the first five minutes from turning into the next five hours.

Craig H. Shelley, fire protection advisor, Saudi Arabia Response: Our department uses ISA as determined by the officer in charge after consultation with the plant operations personnel. In an industrial setting, there are, for the most part, no “bread and butter” operations. Each situation is different according to the industrial process involved and must be managed effectively not only from a fire perspective but also from the process management side. Only by managing the fire as well as the process can a successful outcome be ensured. Close cooperation and consultation between plant operations and fire commanders is essential. For municipal operations, I am completely in favor of predetermined response assignments for responding units and individual assignments for members of the responding units. Predetermined individual assignments reduce, if not eliminate, freelancing and allow the IC to be ensured that tactical assignments will be covered. Such policies were initi-

ated when I was the chief of a smaller department. In many small departments, each incident is handled differently and, many times, critical assignments are overlooked. By instituting policies for response and critical operational assignments, we can ensure that critical assignments are not overlooked. After instituting such policies in our department, we had a fire, and one of the firefighters came up to me after the fire, where he performed his preassigned position duties and found a victim hanging out the rear window, and said, “You know, chief? This stuff actually works!” I believe he summed it up to a tee. John Salka, battalion chief, Fire Department of New York Response: FDNY operates under a detailed set of “Firefighting Procedures” for the various building types within the city. These procedures outline tactics for the first- and second-arriving engine and ladder companies. The first-to-arrive ladder company generally operates on the fire floor; the second-due truck most

EXPERIENCE OUR NEW SHIELD BUILDER AT: www.paulconwayshields.com 1.800.955.8489

PAUL CONWAY YOUR SINGLE SOURCE FOR ALL FIREFIGHTER GEAR.

SHIELDS & EQUIPMENT

SHIELDS FOR ANY STYLE OF HELMET TRADITIONAL OR MODERN.

Enter 129 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_42 42

9/24/08 5:21:35 PM

ROUNDTABLE often handles the floor above the fire. The first engine stretches the first attack hoseline, assisted by the second engine; additional hoselines are stretched as needed and ordered by the chief in command. Additionally, each of the firefighters working in each ladder company has a riding assignment that translates into a tactical assignment at a building fire. These firefighters have tool assignments and will have those specific tools in hand on just about every response. This “preincident assignments” system works extremely well for FDNY and gets the companies and the firefighters into position rapidly and accurately. There is almost no duplication of effort, and every aspect of the operation is covered. The first-arriving BC is also relieved of having to order each of the first-arriving units into a specific location in the building to perform specific tactics. Basically, the first- and seconddue engine and ladder companies know where they are expected to operate and what they are expected to do before they even arrive. Brian Zaitz, firefighter/paramedic, Metro West (MO) Fire Protection District Response: Our district uses preferred operating methods (POMs) rather than standard operating procedures (SOPs) or SOGs. POMs are similar to SOPs and SOGs in that they set the course of action for all first alarm-arriving units, except that they are not a standard and allow for variation on-scene, permitting company officers and ICs the flexibility to change the POM on-scene based on incident conditions, experience, and training instead of being forced to comply with an SOG. We have established POMs for many operations within our district, from ice rescues to structure fires. In terms of structure fires, our POM is based on our district’s first-alarm assignment—three engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, and a duty officer. Our POM clearly defines the roles for all of these responding units in terms of their arrival on the scene. For example, our third-due engine company is to establish a backup water supply, assist with search and rescue if needed, and ventilate the building

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_43 43

if not already done. The POM method allows the IC to change this if needed; he may assign the third-due engine to fire attack or notify it en route that a backup water supply is not needed and to perform salvage operations on arrival. This flexibility allows for greater efficiency of units on the scene. The key to any POM, SOP, or SOG working smoothly is training. We practice our POMs during all applicable types of training, such as live-fire training. This practice gets all

members comfortable and familiar with the POMs and their operations at a real scene. William Brooks Jr., captain, East Wallingford (CT) Volunteer Fire Department Response: Our department SOPs specify that the ﬁrst-arriving engine company initiate ﬁre attack using tank water and the second-arriving engine company establish a water supply. We

headsets intercoms bone conduction interfaces accessories

i n t e g r a t e d C O M M U N I C A T I O N

S Y S T E M S

7340 SW Durham Road Portland, OR 97224 USA 800-527-0555 email: sales@firecom.com www.firecom.com

Enter 130 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:21:37 PM

ROUNDTABLE use five-inch large-diameter hose for water supply. This will hold true in about 95+ percent of cases. The exceptions occur when there is a long driveway/access, drafting from a static water supply is necessary, or a hydrant is very close to the first engine. In the case of the long driveway/access, the first engine will drop a supply line (the first-in engine officer announces that a dry line is being dropped) at the beginning of the access and lay in prior

to initiating attack. The second engine will pick up at this line and finish the lay to/from the hydrant. If using a static water supply (most typically, water tanks supplied by tanker shuttle), the first-in engine will forward lay a supply line to the fire building, and the second engine will set up in a location that best allows for shuttle operations to supply the first engine by drafting from the water tanks and pumping the supply line. In the case where a hydrant is in the im-

FIRE UP

YOUR PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM!

Fire extinguisher training should be SAFE and EFFECTIVE. That is why Las Vegas Fire & Rescue has trained countless people IURP OHDGLQJ RUJDQL]DWLRQV ZLWK %XOO([·V Intelligent Training System.™ The Intelligent Training System uses clean-burning propane fed ﬂames and a quick-recharge air/water training extinguisher to provide a realistic simulation for trainees while eliminating the hazards

of conventional fire extinguisher training. Trainees learn how to effectively use a fire extinguisher without the cost and clean-up associated with using drychemical or CO2 extinguishers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION and to view demo videos, visit us online at www.BullExSafety.com.

FIRE, SAFETY AND EMERGENCY TRAINING TECHNOLOGIES

CALL US AT 1-888-4BULLEX 9,(: '(02 9,'(26 21/,1( $7 WWW.BULLEXSAFETY.COM Enter 131 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_44 44

mediate area of the first engine, the pump operator/driver may be directed to stretch and hook up his own supply line, or the second engine may stretch from the first engine and hook up before stretching the backup line. Other options/assignments are at the discretion of the first engine officer based on circumstances. Operations at buildings with sprinkler/standpipe connections also require a difference with the pump operator/driver of the first engine stretching and hooking up to the FDC connection. The second engine will establish a water supply and assist as needed or bring in another standpipe pack. Jay Wieners, chief, Lake Hiawatha (NJ) Fire Department Response: Our department adheres to an established SOP regarding the responsibilities of the first-arriving engine company. The procedure covers not only the company’s tactical priorities but also the individual assignments of the firefighters. Of course, the plan will at times have to be modified based on incident conditions; but, for most fires, it works. We find it is far easier to make the small modifications to the basic plan at the scene than for the officer or IC to devise a separate plan for each incident and then give the assignments. We also find that this system tends to control freelancing and aids accountability. The company’s priority (offensive mode) is to establish a water supply from a hydrant (lay in) if a working fire is confirmed prior to its arrival unless the IC orders otherwise. It, then, is to stretch an appropriate handline between the fire and any trapped or fleeing occupants. In the absence of occupants, the line will be stretched between the fire and the unburned portion of the structure or exposed structure, if necessary. Once the fire is contained, the company will move in for extinguishment. Personnel permitting, a second team of firefighters may be assigned to stretch a backup line or address other tactical needs. Our SOP also covers individual assignments: Seats are filled in priority order according to assignment. This way we can work with as few as three and as many as seven firefighters. The critical three assignments are the driver/pump operator, of-

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:21:38 PM

ROUNDTABLE ficer, and nozzleman. With more firefighters responding, a backup man, a hydrant man, an outside vent man, and a driver’s assistant may be added. The last three positions mentioned would usually comprise the second team when they are available. Mike Bucy, assistant chief, Portage (IN) Fire Department Response: Our department has specific SOPs that dictate what the first-arriving units should be doing. The key here is that these are SOPs—standardized responses. We understand that not every response should be treated equally—thus we train our officers to follow the SOPs but to deviate from them if necessary. More importantly, if we find that the same deviation occurs over and over again, we look at the SOPs to see what needs to be changed. The problem most fire departments see on the fireground, I think, are caused by their being too rigid—not allowing for “nonstandard” issues to be immediately and easily resolved. This can lead to disastrous events.

...buy the

FIRE HUNTER® AF

receive a HAIX® care kit

for free!

Richard Wilson, lieutenant, Bartlett (IL) Fire District Response: We leave it up to the first-in officer to do size-up and direct his crew using guidelines set up by the chief officers before our BC arrives. With our growth and new administration, we will be moving toward the preincident assignments, using an SOG. Most of us are aware that a truck/tower gets the address as well as the squad, aka “the tool box,” leaving the engine companies to lead out and get away from the structure. In some rural departments, like ours, with houses set back, we have to adapt and gear our initial company training toward those target areas, running procedures that will assist in this setup. This would not get a truck/tower in front as we all would like, causing engines to lead out to the house up/ down the driveway to set up for a drafting situation. Doing this can be challenging because all our tools are away from the area where they are needed, causing firefighters to “tote” all equipment to the scene. Let’s think of that oh-so-dreaded rapid intervention crew (RIC) assignment: All that equipment is carried a distance to be staged and hopefully never used. Just keep in mind that just because we might be second-in with a hydranted area does not mean that we will always be water supply. We could be sent as a backup team, RIC, Roof Operations, or any other task needed by the IC. Todd Ungar, lieutenant, Willoughby (OH) Fire Department Response: Our suburban department provides fire and EMS service to our citizens. Our officers have a mental and physical checklist of items that should be completed at incidents; everyone on the shift has specific tools and assignments depending on the vehicle they ride. With that being said, most of our engine company assignments are ISA because we frequently respond with an inconsistent number of personnel and units as a result of EMS call volume. Like most departments, the focus is on getting the proper initial attack line in operation as quickly as possible. Traditional engine company assignments will vary according to whether the ladder crew is responding.

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_45 45

A revolutionary pull-up boot... NFPA 1971-2007 CAN/CSA - Z 195-2002 ASTM F 2413-05

For structural ﬁre ﬁghting

Contact HAIX® North America for a list of participating dealers from September 1 through December 31, 2008

...because Heroes wear HAIX®! www.haix.com

HAIX®North America Inc. 157 Venture Court, Suite 11, Lexington, KY 40511 Phone 859-281-0111, Toll free 866-344-HAIX (4249) Enter 132 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:21:39 PM

ROUNDTABLE Our second-due engine can and will be used for truck company operations, and we are fortunate to be able to carry nearly the same tools and equipment (minus the aerial and ground ladders) on our engines and ladder truck. When all personnel are in quarters, it is more likely that we would follow more of a PSA plan, where engines do engine work and trucks do truck work. Our personnel must be able to switch gears and perform a variety of tasks regardless of the type of vehicle in which they respond.

engine establishes a water supply. On a commercial assignment, the secondarriving engine catches the hydrant, and the third-due engine supports the sprinkler system. Having SOPs in place helps cut down on radio trafﬁc; incoming units don’t have to call and ask command for an assignment. The SOPs are there as a guide only; common sense should prevail. If the IC on-scene determines that something different is needed, the order is issued and should be followed. The SOP is to be used if the on-scene IC gives no other assignment. Generally, the on-scene IC will assign the next-in unit to the task needed; when that does not happen, our SOPs are there to provide guidance.

Skip Hefl in, captain/training officer, Hall County (GA) Fire Services Fire Academy Response: Our department uses PSA according to SOPs that outline the roles of the units as they arrive. The typical assignments are outlined and depend on the type of call. For example, on a residential building fire, the first-arriving engine establishes command, conducts a 360° walk-around, and transmits a sizeup to address any rescue situations and then the fire itself. The second-arriving

Jay Womack, lieutenant, Euclid (OH) Fire Department Response: The first-arriving officer determines initial engine company assignments based on the situation (ISA). Once the officer decides on the strategy based on size-up, he takes formal command, goes into investigative mode, or

attempts to mitigate the emergency by going “fast attack.” Fast attack is used 99 percent of the time with great results. A first-alarm response would bring two engines, a ladder, one ambulance, and the command vehicle. At a confirmed working fire, Command will typically special call our remaining two ambulances to the scene, emptying our three stations. Once our platoon chief arrives, he will typically have the second-in crew back up the attack crew with the emphasis on helping attack get the first line flowing. The ladder crew may already be committed to an assignment, depending on the order of its arrival, so the job of ventilation may be given to an engine company that is expected to be proficient with the tools and equipment on the ladder. Members of the fire department are encouraged to train with equipment on other apparatus so they can become familiar with the subtle nuances of each tool. Our department does not have the resources to have engine assignments carried out only by engine companies; tremendous emphasis is put on being

NEW! Emergency Responder Tool Kit

Magnetic Storage/Carry Pouch Essential Tools Where You Need Them * When You Need Them www.minicrashkit.com or call 800 228-7612

970-461-8731

OnSceneSolutions.com

• Lifetime Warranty • Anodized, Aluminum Construction • Easy Online Ordering • Rated Up To 1,000 lbs Capacity Enter 134 at fireeng.hotims.com

Enter 133 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_46 46

9/24/08 5:21:47 PM

Hale Muscle Pumps Everything about them is high-performance. Including the warranty. You already know that Hale Muscle Pumps are serious performers – innovative, rugged, with a track record of proven reliability. Itʼs no wonder that firehouses all over the world specify them by name. So weʼve developed a warranty that matches the power of our Muscle Pumps and provides the coverage you expect from a leader. We call it the “Hale High-5 Performance Warranty.” You get the most comprehensive FIVE-year warranty coverage in the industry backing up the most popular “High Flow” pumps on the market. Never go into a fire alone. Go with a mighty Hale Muscle Pump – with a warranty to match. Contact us for details. Call 800-220-4253 or click to www.HaleProducts.com.

SERVING SIDE-BY-SIDE Enter 135 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_47 47

9/24/08 5:21:51 PM

ROUNDTABLE cross-trained on a variety of tasks. Understanding that some would feel this is not the optimum approach, I believe that it speaks to situational awareness, giving members a global view as to what is occurring outside their line of sight and what is entailed in achieving those other assignments. Nick Morgan, firefighter, St. Louis (MO) Fire Department Response: Our department would fall into the category of preincident assignment SOPs. Because we operate under the “total quint concept,” our SOPs designate which companies operate as engines or trucks based on the order of dispatch. For example, our SOPs state that on a typical still alarm for a house fire, Fire Alarm dispatches three quint engines, one quint hook and ladder, and a BC. The first and third engines in the dispatch order are expected to operate as engine companies. The firstarriving engine company gives a size-up over the radio, establishes an initial water supply, and stretches the first pre-

connect 1¾-inch line to attack the fire. The water supply is generally a forward lay in that the supply line is connected directly from the hydrant to the pumper, though usually it is hand-stretched by the firefighter assigned to the “plug” position. This engine is expected to pull past the involved building on arrival to give the captain a three-sided view of the fire building and to leave room for the designated truck to position in front of the structure. The engine dispatched third is expected to back into the fire scene from a location where it can reverse lay from the first engine out to another hydrant to establish a secondary water supply. The captain and two firefighters from this company remain at the fire scene and stretch the second or backup preconnect line to assist the first engine with fire attack or support the primary search underway. This ensures that the companies operating will have water, even if the first hydrant fails. This procedure also supplies additional water volume should the first engine and truck need

to use their aerial ladders if the fire goes defensive or begins that way. There are times when the companies arrive in a different order than how they were dispatched. When this occurs, the captains have the flexibility to establish operations based on arrival order rather than dispatch order. However, this requires that the members of each company pay attention to the radios en route, as this must be communicated among the companies to avoid chaos and confusion on the fireground. Even though our SOPs establish fairly specific assignments for each arriving company at a working fire, our quint system gives us a certain amount of flexibility in how we operate on the scene. This, of course, requires that our company commanders not “lock in” on their assignments and communicate effectively with the other responding companies. Devon J. Wells, assistant chief, Hood River (OR) Fire Department Response: Since our fire response staffing varies frequently, we do not have

Enter 136 at fireeng.hotims.com

48 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_48 48

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:21:53 PM

ROUNDTABLE preincident assignments for each apparatus. However, we use seat assignments for each firefighter on the apparatus. In a small combination department that handles advanced life support, transport services, and all other fire services, the staffing levels on our fire apparatus differ on every call. Our system relies on the first-arriving officer to do a complete size-up and make the initial assignments to responding apparatus. Second- and later-arriving units will vary because of the number of call-back firefighters and volunteers available to respond. Also, our mutual-aid neighbors may be the second-in apparatus depending on the incident’s location. This makes preassigned tasks difficult, since the response varies so much. We train our officers on quick decision making, size-up skills, and initial incident management to reduce any differences that exist. They are all trained on the same strategy and tactics so that each will address concerns as similarly as possible. This makes the transition to the responding command officer much smoother. Also, each officer is involved in frequent training sessions where they play different roles in the command structure. This allows each officer to see how others would handle situations and creates a more uniform approach to incident management. Joseph D. Pronesti, chief, Elyria (OH) Fire Department Response: Our department has the disadvantage of up-and-down staffing issues. There were times our engines responded with four; now, we are at three. I caution any department that runs with four members to comply with two-in/ two-out to train and mandate that if two go in, two stay out. Too many times, the chief officer in my city would pull up to find the pump operator alone outside and the other three inside attacking. Our department now has three engines and a truck company in service, each with three members. The first engine in attacks the fire if the officer feels they can safely do so and after evaluation of the life safety issues. If they do not initiate an offensive attack right away, they may establish a water supply, lay out their lines, and wait for the next compa-

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_49 49

nies to arrive before attack. The wait time in most cases is less than two minutes. Our second engine company lays a backup or supply line, if not already established. The third company arriving is RIT. If all three companies need to go to work, we use a mutual-aid RIT. The days of rushing in have to end. It’s time we train our officers to stop and think. For smaller departments like ours, flexibility is the key, and incidentspecific assignments probably work best. Perry Bailey, chief, Eastman Fire/Rescue, South Carolina OperationsEastman Chemical Company Response: Ours is an industrial fire department with two career firefighters per shift and eight to 10 interior qualified firefighters from other jobs in a large industrial complex. The career staff members serve as apparatus operator and incident manager and usually lay a supply line for connection by nextarriving firefighters. As responders arrive on-scene, we staff the initial attack line, the RIT, and the second hoseline, in that order. By the time RIT is staffed and ready, attack team 1 usually has a line off the truck and is ready to enter. For upper-floor operations, hose teams 1 and 2 go in together. Tom DeMint, battalion chief, Poudre Fire Authority, Fort Collins, Colorado Response: We operate under our departmental operational directives, which are our response procedures. We follow ISA for our first-due officers. The first-due officer is the initial IC and is responsible for the following: establishing command, conducting a size-up, developing strategic goals and objectives, communicating the action plan to other responding units, and ensuring orders and assignments are understood. In his communications, he must give in his arrival report the following information: What do I have? What am I doing? What do I need? Who is in command? Our Operational Directives allow the first-arriving officer to keep command in the combative commander role or pass/ transfer command to another engine or truck company until the BC arrives, as

Hoseless Engine Exhaust Removal AIRVAC 911®, the industries most effective, affordable & hands free exhaust extraction system.

N o H oses!

EMS Expo

#959 & FIE

RO #1

• Meetss NFPA 1500 • AFG Grant Compliant • Fully Automatic • 1000’s of Systems Installed

Engine Exhaust Removal System For more information and free site evaluation please contact:

800-540-7264

www.airvac911.com Enter 137 at fireeng.hotims.com

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 49

9/24/08 5:21:54 PM

ROUNDTABLE the incident dictates. This officer is also responsible for determining the appropriate mode of operation based on critical fireground factors and the needs of the incident. The combative commander typically engages in the tactical and task levels while accomplishing the incident priorities (life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation). Before engaging in an offensive or marginal mode fire, he must determine the need for immediate rescue, the location and stage of the fire, and the available resources to meet two-in/two-out protection. The first-arriving officer (IC) then assigns responding units to meet the tactical objectives he has established. The assignments of additional responding units are not scripted to allow the IC flexibility to respond to the incident needs as they dictate. Jimmy Taylor, battalion chief, Cobb County (GA) Fire & Emergency Services Response: We allow our officers and acting officers off the first-arriving units

to make initial assignments based on their size-up. We do have some guidelines, but they are just guidelines; decisions should be made based on a thorough size-up, and that can be done only on-scene. We require the first-in officer to establish command unless the company must do a rapid attack, in which case command will be passed to the second-in unit. Establishing command that early in the incident should eliminate freelancing and centralize decision making. The IC should make assignments based on his tactical priorities. A secondary size-up is essential to determine the effectiveness of operating crews and if the resources on hand are sufficient to handle the tactical priorities. Once the BC arrives, he meets face-toface with the IC to transfer command. The bottom line is, decisions should be made by officers on-scene and not by the chief behind the desk. Premade assignments change the tactical priorities for the first-in crews, since the chief has emphasized what he thinks should

be done first. In my opinion, premade assignments only confirm that the chief has no confidence in the decisionmaking abilities of his officers. If that is the case, your problems with the first-in units have only started. Vance L. Duncan III, deputy chief, Training Division, Erie (PA) Bureau of Fire Response: We have some preincident assignments for first- and second-arriving engines at a working fire, though the first-arriving officer is allowed to make incident-specific assignments based on the situation. The functions of an engine company are to provide an adequate and selfsustaining water supply, select and deploy hoselines and appliances, operate nozzles to confine and extinguish the fire, remove endangered occupants, and treat the injured. The first-arriving engine company arrives on-scene and completes a size-up. This size-up should answer the following questions: What do I have? What

Enter 138 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_50 50

9/24/08 5:21:57 PM

California Gold Rush. $ ! #!"

Enter 139 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_51 51

9/24/08 5:22:03 PM

ROUNDTABLE am I going to do? How can I do it with what resources I have? What additional resources do I need? (Keep in mind the safety of all on the scene.) Once these questions are answered, the ofﬁcer may begin to attack the ﬁre with appropriate hoselines (1¾-inch or larger) and begin the search for and rescue of trapped/missing occupants (depending on the time interval for the arrival of the truck company). The second-arriving engine company

secures a sustained water supply for the first-arriving engine. This may be a reverse lay, forward lay, or a blind alley/ split hoselay. Once this task is done, the second-arriving officer and his remaining crew (driver stays with the apparatus) receive their assignment from the IC (either the first-arriving engine officer or the deputy chief, if on-scene). Assignments may include stretching an additional hoseline to assist the first-arriving engine company on the fire floor,

HAVE SPECIFIC

NEEDS? For years, CET fire pumps has set the industry standards by developing high performance equipment. Customized to satisfy your specific needs, our pumps, trucks, CAFS and drop-in units are built to provide an increased level of efficiency, reliability and ease of use. Designed, engineered and manufactured by CET. Let our experts guide you through the purchase and configuration of your new emergency equipment.

Call us or visit our website to get what you really need.

www.fire-pump.com Toll free: 1 800 567.2719 Fax : 1 800 434.2613 sales@fire-pump.com

POWER THAT MEETS YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Enter 140 at fireeng.hotims.com

52 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_52 52

stretching a hoseline to go above the fire floor, beginning search and rescue operations, or another task-specific assignment. Depending on the size of the structure or volume of smoke and fire, the third-arriving engine company may secure another sustained water supply, advance additional/larger hoselines on the fireground, or function as the RIT. It receives its assignment from the IC. If this engine company is not assigned as the RIT, an additional engine company is dispatched as RIT. Jim Mason, lieutenant, Chicago (IL) Fire Department Response: Our first-due companies are given a combination of preincident assignment procedures as well as the flexibility for the first-due officers to make decisions based on the specifics of an incident. For example, apparatus assignments, the first-due radio report, apparatus positioning, many common ventilation tasks, and hose stretches based on typical fire problems are all preincident specific in our procedures. Offensive or defensive procedures are also spelled out for the specific dangers such as unstable construction styles containing trusses. Incident-specific decisions are made for primary search targets based on the location and extent of the fire, some unusual venting operations, and offensive or defensive decisions based on reports the IC receives from interior companies during the attack. Forward or reverse hydrant lays are also an option of the first-due companies, even though we use reverse lays more often. What this does is give guidance to the first-due companies for standardized actions in typical fire situations and allows the officers to work “outside the box” when need be. A good example of how both are beneficial is when companies respond to a large building where fire is not showing on arrival vs. a small building with fire coming out a window. The small building would most often have standard actions taken, whereas a large building would need to be investigated before the fire mitigation could even begin. In the second situation, preplans would help, but the actions taken must be decided in an incident-specific manner. ●

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:22:03 PM

NO OTHER FIRM HAS BUILT MORE TRAINING CENTERS THAN WHP TRAININGTOWERS LET US BUILD ONE FOR YOU

ENGINEERED W H P BUILDING SOLUTIONS Enter 141 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_53 53

800.351.2525

www.trainingtowers.com 9/24/08 5:22:05 PM

NEWS IN BRIEF FOR MORE NEWS, VISIT WWW.FIREENGINEERING.COM

NIST: Fire caused the collapse of WTC 7 ncontrolled building fires—sim“ ilar to fires experienced in other tall buildings—caused an extraordinary event, the collapse of World Trade Center 7 (WTC 7),” S. Shyam Sunder, lead investigator for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), reported at a news conference in August. This conclusion was reached, Sunder said, “by reconstructing the building, beam by beam, column by column, connection by connection into a computer model.” The investigation results are included in a draft of the report and recommendations available online at http://wtc.nist. gov; NIST was accepting comments on the document up to September 15, 2008. The study took three years to complete. Among the findings contained in the report are the following: • The collapse was not caused by explosives or fuel oil fires. • Fires, which undermined floor beams and a critical structural column, led to the eventual collapse. The fires on Floors 7 through 9 and 11 through 13 were particularly severe. • Thermal expansion of long-span floor systems in the east side of the building was a critical factor. The building’s exterior columns were more closely spaced than the interior ones. Thermal expansion of the floor beams damaged connections between the steel beams and concrete slab of the composite floor system. Some beams buckled; others pushed the girders, causing some to buckle. A few girders lost their connections to columns, triggering floor failures. • WTC 7 is the first modern high-rise to collapse primarily as a result of a fire. Debris from the falling WTC Tower 1 damaged structural columns and ignited fire on at least 10 floors. The main fuels for the fire were office paper and furnishings. • The water supply for the sprinkler system had been cut off on six of the

54 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_54 54

Line-of-Duty Deaths July 22. Firefighter Brian J. Munz, 24, Fairbury (IL) Fire Department: injuries sustained as a result of falling through the floor into the burning basement of a twofamily structure. July 23. Chief Frank Wichlacz, 76, Pulaski (WI) Tri-County: injuries sustained when he was pinned between a bay door and a fire tanker when a privately owned pickup truck being moved by another firefighter reportedly accelerated out of control and crashed through the door. July 25. Firefighter Andrew Palmer, 18, Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA: fatally injured when struck by a falling tree while working on the Eagle fire in California. July 27. Chief Dan Packer, East Pierce Fire & Rescue, Bonney Lake, WA: overrun by wildfire following an unexpected shift in the wind while supervising firefighting efforts as part of an interagency emergency management team at the Panther fire, south of Happy Camp, a part of the Siskiyou Complex fire near Yreka. Incident details are being investigated. August 3. Firefighter First Class Gerald R. Leduc, 52, Tiverton (RI) Fire Department: cardiac arrest. August 5. Pilot Roark Schwanenberg, 54, Carson Helicopters, Inc., Grants Pass, OR: helicopter crash while assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. Crash under investigation. August 5. Pilot James Ramage, 63, U.S. Forest Service—Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Redding, CA: helicopter crash while assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. Crash under investigation. August 5. Firefighter Steven Renno. 21, Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR: helicopter crash while assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. Crash under investigation. August 5. Firefighter David Steele, 19, Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR: he-

licopter crash while assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. Crash under investigation. August 5. Firefighter Rich Bryan, 29, Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR: helicopter crash while assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. Crash under investigation. August 5. Firefighter Edrik Gomez, 19, Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR: helicopter crash while assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. Crash under investigation. August 5. Firefighter Matthew Hammer, 23, Grayback Forestry Inc., Merline, OR: helicopter crash while assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. Crash under investigation. August 5. Firefighter Scott Charlson, 25, Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR: helicopter crash while assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. Crash under investigation. August 5. Firefighter Shawn Blazer, 30, Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR: helicopter crash while assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. Crash under investigation. August 9. Captain Sean T. Whiten, 47, Roscoe (PA) Volunteer Fire Company: cause still to be reported. August 14. Firefighter Tony McGough, 44, Amity (AR) Fire Department: motor vehicle accident while responding in his privately owned vehicle to a medical call. August 17. Firefighter Robert A. Hales, 40, Scappoose (OR) Rural Fire District: cardiac arrest while driving his personal vehicle. August 21. Assistant District Forester Curtis Jessen, 32, North Carolina Division of Forest Resources, Region III, Asheville, NC: injuries sustained from falling at least 50 feet from the Big Bradley Falls near Saluda, NC, while working on an outdoor fire.

lower floors, which caused these floors to burn with intensity. The upper floors had a backup water supply. • The collapse started on the 13th floor when a girder disconnected from a critical column (79), which supported a long open floor span. Once the floor gave way, the floors below it, down to

the ﬁfth ﬂoor, also compressed. The buckling of Column 79 (and then Columns 80 and 81) occurred when lateral support for nine stories was lost. As the building started to fall, a kink occurred at the top of the building as the east penthouse failed. Sunder noted that thermal expansion

Source: USFA Fireﬁghters Memorial Database

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:30:01 PM

Enter 142 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_55 55

9/24/08 5:30:04 PM

NEWS IN BRIEF effects currently “are not explicitly considered in design practice for fire resistance ratings. No professional is assigned the explicit responsibility for ensuring the adequate fire safety performance of a building’s structural system.” He added that the important lesson for engineers and architects to consider for other skyscrapers is how the heat from fires can weaken structural elements, potentially causing a “so-called progressive collapse.” Owners of tall buildings with a similar floor design, he said, “should immediately consider whether to install reinforcements.” He added, “Perhaps codes should be changed to address the weakness.” ●

Metal fatigue reportedly associated with Ferno stretcher Model 35-X

t the beginning of August, Abdullah Rehayem, director, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, notified all state ambulance services and EMTs that some Ferno-Washington Model 35-X stretchers have experienced breakage of the telescoping legs; the area of highest concern is the X-frame axle (where both telescoping legs connect). Rehayem noted in his “URGENT NOTICE UPDATED” that Ferno is working diligently to analyze data related to the issues involved and will be contacting customers who may be affected and require further attention. The entire Ferno PROFlexx series of ambulance stretchers is not affected, only Model 35-X. The Notice is asking all ambulance services in the state using the 35-X stretcher “to immediately inspect all of these cots for signs of metal fatigue (shavings, bent support arms, cracks, etc.) and, if such signs are discovered, to remove the cot from service immediately and arrange for inspection and maintenance by a factory authorized representative as soon as possible.” The Notice continues: “Even if you do not discover any signs of metal fatigue, you should contact Ferno-Washington, or the dealer who provided your stretcher, for immediate inspection and/ or maintenance.” EMTs were reminded “to keep both hands firmly on the cot AT ALL TIMES, 56 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_56 56

since at least one cot leg break occurred as the EMTs wheeled a patient toward the ambulance.” EMTS were also advised to wheel the patient at the lowest cot height, to minimize potential harm to the patient, “since catastrophic failure can occur without warning.” Also, all patients are to be ﬁrmly secured to the cot using the over-theshoulder harness, hip, and leg straps. ●

Paciﬁc Consolidated Industries recalls mobile oxygen storage tank

n September 8, 2008, Pacific Consolidated Industries, LLC (Riverside, California) initiated a Class 1 recall of its mobile oxygen storage tanks manufactured and distributed from January 11, 2005, through March 28, 2007. The tank is used in military aircraft, in disaster areas, and in healthcare facilities. The tank’s pressure gauge may rupture and the device may catch fire as a result of the hydraulic fluid present in the pressure gauge tubing. Questions may be directed to Pacific at (951) 479-0860. Healthcare professionals and patients may report problems to www. fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm or by fax: (800)-FDA-0178. www.fda.gov/cdrh/recalls/ recall-090907.html, August 28, 2008 ●

Study: “Conspicuity of ANSI/ ISEA- and NFPA-compliant garments comparable”

“

n terms of pedestrian conspicuity, there is no apparent difference between American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) 107-2004-compliant Class 2 vests, which meet the requirements of the recent Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rulemaking (23 CFR part 634), and an ANSI-ISEA 207-2006-compliant vest or a turnout gear coat that is compliant with NFPA 1971, [Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2007 edition],” according to a report by The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. “The Conspicuity of First-Responder Safety Garments” document, issued in April 2008, concludes: “Consequently, the NFPA 1971-2007 turnout gear and ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 Class 2 vest should be considered performance-equivalent to compli-

ance with the FHWA’s 23 CFR part 634.” The garments were compared in daytime and nighttime conditions. Time of day and pedestrian orientation relative to oncoming traffic were determined to be the most important factors affecting conspicuity. There is some concern about pending legislation that requires the use of ANSI/ ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3-compliant highvisibility garments for all workers when operating within the right-of-way federalaid highways and, eventually, all public access roads. NFPA 1971-compliant gear cannot be an option for compliance unless it is added to the FHWA 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCO). “ANSI vests are not NFPA 1971 heat and flame resistant and are not compatible with some of the risks in emergency responders’ work environments,” explains Jean Waller, market development manager, 3M Visibility and Insulation Solutions. For additional information, contact Colleen Harris, 3M, (651) 733-1566. The UMTRI report is available at www.umich. edu~industry/PDF/UMTRI-2008-4-Abstract.pdf or www.nfpa.org/assets/files/ Fire%20 servive/UMTRI-2008-4.pdf/. ●

USFA releases report on 2007 ﬁreﬁghter LODDs

uring calendar year 2007, 118 firefighters died in the line of duty, according to the U.S. Fire Administration’s report Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2007. Sixty-eight volunteer and 50 career firefighters died while on duty. Twenty-seven firefighter line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) resulted from vehicle-related incidents, the report notes. Seat belt status was not known for 19 of the 27 incidents; however, 11 firefighters were confirmed not to have been wearing their seat belts at the time of the event. In seven incidents, two or more firefighters were killed (21 total). The report also revealed the following: • Fifty-two firefighters died from heart attacks. • Eleven firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass, or wildland firefighting, the lowest in more than a decade. • Seventy-six firefighters died while engaged in activities related to emergency incidents.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:30:06 PM

Often times, how fast you can deliver can make a difference….. With the largest selection of in stock and demonstrator custom stainless steel pumpers, attack units, tankers and aerials in the business, you can have your new HME Ahrens-Fox in service a matter of weeks. Whether you choose from our Silverfox budget-priced pumper line, one of our rescue/pumpers, a metro style hardened, city pumper, a large capacity tanker/pumper or a 75’ to 109’ aerial, chances are that we have exactly what you need, ready to go to work. Our web site, www.hmeahrensfox.com, has a list of available and upcoming production apparatus, and when you find the unit you need, give us a call for the name of the sales and service representative near you. When you need a rig in a hurry, check out HME Ahrens-Fox.

www.hmeahrensfox.com

0810FE_57 57

9/24/08 5:30:09 PM

NEWS IN BRIEF • Thirty-eight firefighters died while engaging in activities at the fire scene. • Twenty-six firefighters died while responding to or returning from emergency incidents. • Eleven firefighters died while engaged in training activities. • Fifteen firefighters died after the conclusion of their onduty activity. ●

Fireﬁghter Cancer Wellness legislation introduced in RI

he Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs is supporting the State Senate’s Firefighter Cancer Wellness bill (S-2887 Substitute A), which “would establish an education campaign to inform firefighters of the cancer risks associated with their profession and to monitor increases and medical breakthroughs to decrease the incidence of cancer among firefighters.” Timothy McLaughlin, chief of the Pawtucket Fire Department and president of the Association, explained: “Each day, firefighters are put at risk, but one risk they should not face is an increased risk of cancer, and early detection is our best hope to beat this epidemic.” For additional information, contact ESlingsby@regancomm.com. ●

Study shows impact of residential sprinkler on heat release rate of a Christmas tree ﬁre

he United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) report

Online Courses U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Academy: Incident Command System Simulation Series • Q324 – Ranch House • Q325 – Town House • Q326 – Mansion • Q424 – Nursing Home Visit NFA Online at www.nfaonline.dhs.gov. Select “Browse Catalog” or “New Student” option. USFA and National Wildfire Coordinating Group • S-130 Firefighter Training; completion of this course earns a certificate for L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline as well. • S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior The classroom portions of these two basic fire training courses are at www.nfaonline.dhs.gov. Each course is broken down into one- to three-hour modules. The two courses offer about 40 hours of training. Firefighters will still have to complete the field portion of S-130 to qualify as a wildland firefighter.

Impact off a Residential d l Sprinkler kl on the h Heat Release l Rate off a Christmas Tree Fire demonstrates how residential sprinklers positively affect the heat release rate of a dry Christmas tree ﬁre. Videos of the project’s experiments show a dry Christmas tree ﬁre in rooms with and without a sprinkler and the ignition of a dry tree vs. a properly maintained tree. The report and videos demonstrate how a single sprinkler

Affordable Solutions Direct from the Manufacturer

SINCE 1977

Allows operator to engage/disengage tire chains without stopping via dashboard switch. Increase vehicle safety and productivity. Provides traction in forward or reverse for: 1/2 Ton to Class 8 Vehicles

Why settle for cheap imported furniture that falls apart? All A Board’s furniture is solid wood construction and made in the U.S.A. Our furniture has a five-year warranty and we deliver nationwide. Call us toll free at 1-800-882-2753 to place an order, to get a price quote, or for a free color brochure. 395 Dabbs House Road • Richmond, VA 23223 Toll Free: 1-800-882-2753 • Phone: 804-652-0020 Fax: 804-652-0016 • E-mail: allaboardinc@aol.com • www.allaboardinc.com

Resting Position

Working Position

DOT APPROVED • MADE IN USA

FACTORY OPTION OR RETROFIT School Buses • Fire Trucks Ambulances • Utility Trucks Plow Trucks • Tractor Trailers For more information call

1-800-766-7768

onspot@onspot.com www.onspot.com Enter 145 at fireeng.hotims.com

Enter 144 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_58 58

9/24/08 5:30:10 PM

NEWS IN BRIEF was able to prevent flashover even under conditions of extreme fire growth, control the tree fire, and limit the spread of the fire to other objects, as well as the importance of properly maintaining a live Christmas tree. “This project’s experiments demonstrate that a small amount of water can have a significant impact on a fire,” said NIST fire protection engineer Dan Madrzykowski. “In the experiments where the tree was maintained, the moisture contained in the tree provided resistance to ignition,” explained Masrzykowski; “in an experiment with a dry tree, a residential sprinkler flowing nine gallons per minute controlled the fire.” To review the report and videos of the experiments, visit http://www.usfa.dhs. gov/fireservice/research/dsn/dry_tree. shtm/. ●

tionLink™ platform. It includes 15 hours of online, essential firefighter training covering topics such as NFPA-compliant fire curriculum and EMS continuing education as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration, human resources, and general safety courses. Web-based tools make it possible for a chief or training officer to assign, track, and record all training as well as manage and document required tasks, such as vehicle and equipment inspections and departmental policy

and procedure review. Departments interested in applying for the grant-funded program can do so at www.targetsafety.com/grant. Online applications must be submitted by November 30, 2008. TargetSafety and VCOS will review all applications; winners will be notiﬁed by December 31. The program runs through June 30, 2009. Additional information is available at ﬁregrant@targetsafety.com, or visit www.targetsafety. com/grant. ●

USFA releases reports The U.S. Fire Administration has released the following reports: • Twelve Fatality Hotel Arson: Reno Nevada is a critique of the October 31, 2006, fire that occurred in the Mizpah Hotel in downtown Reno. • Fire Department Preparedness for Extreme Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters examines the impact of extreme weather and natural disasters on the fire service and the types of service calls most likely to arise as a result of these disasters. • TR-159 The After-Action Critique: Training Through Lessons Learned is designed to assist in gathering critical preparedness, response, and recovery information from all emergencies; in documenting the lessons learned; and in the continuous evolution of firefighter training. These reports are available at www. usfa.dhs.gov/. ●

Online training grants announced for volunteer and combination departments

argetSafety, a provider of online enterprise risk management solutions for public entities, and the Volunteer & Combination Ofﬁcers Section (VCOS) of the International Association of Fire Chiefs are making available to U.S. volunteer and combination ﬁre departments six months of free access to TargetSafety’s Preven-

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_59 59

Enter 146 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:30:11 PM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

(October 2008)

Fireground efficiency matters! men” to Bobby Halton’s “The “ King Has No Clothes … or Firefighters” (Editor’s Opinion, July 2008). At the technical college level, we teach basic skills (ladder raises, advancing handlines, forcible entry) to a team of three under the supervision of an instructor, who is also functioning as the company officer. In real life, the same team of three will be expected to perform the same task without the presence of the fourth team member, the officer, because that is the way our elected officials have staffed our real-life fire departments and companies. Even if one of the three team members is a company officer, the officer will be so occupied performing tasks that he can pay little attention to firefighter safety and survival. Although this hasn’t been stated as a factor [in line-of-duty deaths] in any of the National Institute for Occupational Safety Health reports that I have read, some of them imply it. It doesn’t take a big-city fire department to feel the effects of downsizing. My fire department presently has three stations covering about 40 square miles, including two residential areas around two lakes, divided by a city, a river, and a railroad—and with no hydrants. The town board is considering building one new station to replace two aging and inadequate facilities and does not seem to regard personnel (all volunteer) response time, apparatus response time, changes in our ISO rating (presently mostly a 7), and response distance as significant factors. The next step would be eliminating one of three engines and not replacing our 22-year-old water tender. Most citizens are willing to pay for a high level of fire protection services and seem to expect that it is available. Somehow, this message doesn’t get through to the elected officials, who don’t understand that to provide any level of fire protection, we have to be staffed to per-

60 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_60 60

form tasks simultaneously, not sequentially. This means 24 people performing six or seven tasks at the same time, plus the incident commander—not the same three or four people performing one task after another. Gregory Havel Deputy Chief (Ret.) Burlington (WI) Fire Department In reference to July’s Editor’s Opinion, it is nice to see that some departments might consider hiring chiefs based on some level of fireground competence. One thing that no one in the fire service has pointed out is that although the Charleston report finds that the fireground operations were flawed (big time!), Charleston is an ISO Class 1. What kind of a measure is this? You can run a fireground like that in today’s fire service and the instrument used to rate fire departments finds that department to be the best in the field! This situation has to point to the ISO’s being irrelevant to the modern fire service. Phil Hodgdon Chief Consolidated Fire District #2 Prairie Village, Kansas

Approaches to air management

have been a career firefighter for 16 years, a lifelong student of the fire service, and an instructor. I have not been to a fire where there was not something we could have done better. It is not the mistake you make—it is how you recover from it and the fact that you recognize it, share it, and learn from it. We as a service cannot address safety issues incrementally; we must take an all-inclusive proactive approach. An air management policy that supports NFPA 1404, Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training, 2006 edition, recommendations combined with practical training to change the firefighters’ reference on their air consump-

tion with different variables will aid us in reducing smoke-inhalation injuries and deaths. We must train in large acquired structures! However, I’m concerned about the message suggested about filter mask use in “Out-of-Air Emergency: Using Technology to Survive,” by Frank Ricci and Matt Marcarelli (May 2008). While technology produces many pieces of safety equipment to protect firefighters, inadequate training, failure to adhere to training and procedures, and improper use of equipment will always put the firefighter at risk. Using technology to solve a cultural or behavioral problem may not save the firefighter. Too many fire departments fail to train their firefighters in proper SCBA air management and to constantly monitor their air supply pressure and to plan on exiting the building before the low-air warning activates. I routinely pose the following question to audiences as I speak around the country: “What does your SCBA training tell you as to when to leave a building?” Consistently, nearly 100 percent of the time, the answer is, “When my low-air warning activates.” This indicates a serious cultural and training failure. While the firefighter may have enough air to safely exit a small residential property, it will not allow enough air to safely exit a large, deeply penetrated building, as was learned in Phoenix at the Southwest Supermarket fire that killed firefighter Bret Tarver. I know. I was there that day. The above article cited that 79 firefighters died of smoke inhalation between 1995 and 2004. An anecdotal review of those cases strongly suggests a large number of the deaths were related to a lack of situational awareness— lack of awareness of air supply and fire conditions. Only a small number were trapped by collapse. Some were caught in a flashover. The majority appear to have run out of air before they could exit. This is supported by the authors’

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:30:15 PM

pr ot ec tio n… de nim co mf or t

In Arm res or 7.0 ™ p on ,S Úla ders afety a me Com n tha nt Du innov pon t pr Pon ™ ativ ent s into ovide t Ke e out brin a li s ad vlar ,® er sh gs to wit ghte ded sol ell geth ho r w the utio fab er abr ur pat eight rmal n dye ric wi Amer i asi ent , se pro d D th n ca s on v res ed Du en-ou tectio uPont ™ ew F mos t ista Po i n nce nt ™ nce tw , exc Nom lamen truste . Am TeÛ ill elle ex ® t F d n eric on ® wea nt te and iber ame T s a s F-P ve f ar Bra PE w abr resi DuPo echno in pe n i s r ves ™ l c t o t a a t de ter r that nce Kev gy. sonal ser epe imp and lar ® Arm pro ve not llent Ú roves supe Úber or 7.0 tectio n hin r g le nish.. comfo ior fa s to fo comb to of ss… .the rt a bri rm ine fer Arm wo nd c str a p s mi ÚreÚ or rld s enha eng owe litar ght 7.0 ™ be rfu th er y n wit st at ces m . All a l shie grad s and he e xclu shedd obility re un ld of , bal Úrst sive ing . An ique prot listic Fila wat d it ly b ectio me er a s to len n nt F nd ppe ded ibe inc d o r Te rea ff chn sing olo gy.

ba ttl eg ro un d

Enter 147 at fireeng.hotims.com

40 Emery Street • Greenville, South Carolina 29605 • 800-896-6926 ext. 25

0810FE_61 61

9/24/08 5:30:20 PM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR statement, “Analysis of past LODDs shows the need for conservative air management training ....” I couldn’t agree more. I have on a number of occasions been asked to review accident investigations involving near-miss or fatal incidents involving SCBA use. In each case, the firefighter did not check his air supply pressure level (to confirm a full tank) on donning, did not constantly monitor his pressure while in the building, and was surprised when the low-air warning activated. In reviewing statements from other firefighters at the incidents, several (unbelievably) could not remember the correct pressure for a full tank. They were professional firefighters in major metropolitan fire departments. There is something seriously wrong with our training and culture, and we need to address the cavalier attitude about SCBA use. The article mentions that SCUBA divers use a “pony bottle”—a small bottle attached to the larger tank and harnesses reserved exclusively for emergency use. What the authors did not describe was that all SCUBA training mandates the

diver surface with at least 500 pounds of air remaining in the tank. This air is reserved for unexpected underwater emergencies—such as entrapment and strong currents. It is so well adhered to that professional dive and boat operators will prohibit additional diving if a diver surfaces without 500 pounds, unless he experienced an emergency. Have firefighters been entangled or trapped in a building? Has their planned exit been blocked by fire or collapse? You bet! With a reserve of 500 pounds of “real” air, the chances of survival are much higher. Perhaps the SCUBA standard ought to be adopted by the fire service. The 2006 edition of NFPA 1404 attempts to apply the SCUBA concept. The standard states the following: “The firefighter should exit before consumption of reserve air begins” (before the low-air alarm activates). The standard is weak in two areas. One, if you are still using the 1,200-liter “30-minute” bottle, the remaining air may be only 300 pounds once the low-air warning activates. Even the 1,800-liter (45-minute) bottle

may provide only 450 pounds at the time of alarm. Two, there is no mandate (disappointingly) that the firefighter “must” exit the building before the alarm sounds. Finally, if a fire department does not adopt the standard and enforce it, the firefighter will remain at great risk. One of the lessons that evolved out of the Phoenix tragedy was that 75 percent of all training should be spent in teaching firefighters how to stay out of trouble in the first place and to survive. Phoenix has since implemented a very aggressive air-management program. As to SCBA use, there is no shame in leaving a tactical position early to allow adequate time and air to safely exit the building. On the other hand, it is just plain stupid to intentionally push the safety envelope and suck your last bit of tank air as you stumble out of the building. If you’re doing that, someday “Murphy” will kill you. So, we’re back to the question. Why are we not aggressively teaching our firefighters to constantly monitor their air pressure and exit before the low-air alarm

Enter 148 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_62 62

9/24/08 5:30:22 PM

Trust HURST Jaws of Life when a life depends on you. ®

Architect of the World’s First Rescue Tool, Hurst features the most complete line of reliable 5,000 and 10,000 psi products. The Standard for preparedness with maximum safety, consistency and rescue efﬁciency for 35 years. HURST.

5,000

PSI

10,000

PSI

Enter 149 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.jawsoﬂife.com HURST / HURST HIGH PRESSURE / AIRSHORE / VETTER

0810FE_63 63

9/24/08 5:30:30 PM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR activates? A filter mask will not interrupt the poor behaviors that get the firefighter in trouble in the first place. It seems to me that we should first focus on preventing out-of-air emergencies through more conservative air-management training. Gary P. Morris Assistant Chief (Ret.) Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department Frank Ricci and Matt Marcarelli respond: Improved filter technology

provides the firefighter in trouble with a last chance to get out alive. The smoke produced in today’s fire is not like the smoke your dad used to breathe. Running out of air has been a reality for far too many firefighters. Failure to manage your air is not the only way to get jammed up on this job. This unit provides a redundancy to our SCBA that is prone to single-point failure. How can anybody be against breathing? This technology has already been credited with saving three

Get Ready

Get Set

GO! READY RACK® “We take care of the gear that takes care of you!” Specify the highest quality, longest lasting, most economical turnout gear and equipment storage systems on the market … Ready Rack by Groves Incorporated. READY RACK® BY

800-991-2120 www.readyrack.com

Enter 150 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_64 64

firefighters from further injury or possible death in Los Angeles. Although I agree that departments across the country can do more, our article made it clear that air management, proper staffing, a trained rapid intervention team, and a strong departmental commitment to providing the necessary training to prevent the firefighter from getting jammed up in the first place are all part of the answer. The training program for this technology also focuses on the importance of sound tactical operations for avoiding Maydays. We operate in a hostile and dynamic environment where firefighters must make split-second decisions based on imperfect information. Almost all of our operations are interdependent with decisions made by others (officers, chiefs, and firefighters). This is a dangerous job. We all teach continual size-up and adjusting tactics to fit the situation. We all go in with plan A while coming up with plan B, and that is the point! The fire service has adopted high-risk technology (SCBA) to make our job more efficient and effective [and] that does not have a plan B. Until now we have been without a backup or a parachute. Plan A usually works, but we would be considered ignorant if we didn’t plan for failure in all of our operations. All deaths are not the result of air management. Many firefighters have exhausted their air supply after getting lost when ordered to evacuate the structure. In 17 of these deaths, air management played no role. Firefighters have faced equipment malfunctions, entrapment after collapse, and simply getting lost during operations. Insufficient staffing, inadequate training, and not being prepared for the Mayday have all been contributing factors. There is no magic bullet. Air management alone will not produce the result we all want. It will take a combination of changes, including a respiratory protection plan that mandates NFPA 1404 recommendations, training, filter technology, and physicals. We can’t blame our culture for everything! Culture is a symptom, not the problem. Our culture (traditions, background, customs, way of life) can be described as a brotherhood that is compassionate, dedicated, professional,

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:30:31 PM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR noble, trustworthy, and at times heroic. It is what attracts most of us to the fire service. If we treat only the symptoms, not only will we dishonor ourselves, but also we will never solve the problem. The problem is lack of leadership. We are talking about the departments that are not moving forward from the top down. The way we see it with any safety issue, from offering quality training to something as simple as using seat belts, it comes down to accountability, attitude, and training. A policy, law, and standard operating procedures are all meaningless if not enforced. Many departments still have leaders that encourage an attitude of pleasing and concealing instead of honest evaluation and correction. It is not the mistake that you make. It is how you recover from it and that you recognize it, share it, and learn from it. We as a service cannot attack safety issues incrementally. We need to have a strong presence on all fronts to reduce our injuries and deaths. We must keep in mind that most of us with more than 10 years on the job were trained to work in an immediately dangerous to life and health environment until our low-air alarm went off. We as a service have learned from the sacrifice of our fellow firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Now we are teaching air management and now have a backup to use in an out-of-air emergency so we can get out. We applaud Fire Engineering Editor in Chief Bobby Halton for taking the leading role in getting the word out about air management. The magazine, FDIC, and Fire Engineering Books and Videos have all put the issue to the forefront. I recommend to any department Air Management for the Fire Service by Mike Gagliano, Casey Phillips, Phillip Jose, and Steve Bernocco (Fire Engineering, 2008) and the DVD Firefighter Survival Techniques: Prevention to Intervention (Frank Ricci, Fire Engineering, 2008). These resources demonstrate that the fire service is heading in the right direction. In the past 10 years, we have seen many improvements. We all must commit to work on training and embrace technology responsibly. Remember, smoke inhalation is not just an acute event; it can produce chronic conditions that may

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_65 65

affect your health later down the road. Do not breathe smoke.

USS Indianapolis and Jim O’Donnell

s I am a regular chief who is swamped with everything from A to Z, I usually try to take a little time on Friday to catch up on my magazine reading. I [have gotten up] to the June 2008 issue of Fire Engineering and saw Bobby Halton’s Editor’s Opinion “Thank You” relative to USS Indianapolis and Jim O’Donnell. I thank Fire Engineering for recognizing the ship and crew. My father is a survivor of the ship also. I grew up going to reunions in Indy; now, so many of the survivors are gone. My dad is 82; as I get older, every day I have him with me is a blessing. My parents dedicated their lives to telling the story of what happened at the end of the war. Many people have asked me over the years what it means to be a son of a survivor. I always say how glad I am my dad made it, or I would not be here. There are many books and movies about the Indianapolis; I still have a hard time watching and hearing what my dad and the others went through. It was my dad’s 9/11, and it has changed his life. I am very proud of what he did for our country. My dad is very proud of me and my son—we both are firefighters. I am near the end of my career; my son, Michael, is at the beginning of his. What Bobby Halton said in his column about our traditions and pride is very true. If you could reverse time, my dad would go back to 17 and go back to war; I would go back to 19 and begin my first day in the fire service. So many people do not know the feeling of the brotherhood—the military or the fire service. Thankfully, I have done both. Actually, looking back, my dad was a volunteer firefighter for a few years and spent many years in the local Civil Defense. It must be in the blood. I can’t wait to show this magazine to my dad; he loves to read articles about his wartime adventures, as do all his shipmates. He will be tickled to see Jim O’Donnell being recognized. Michael Kuryla III Chief Hillside (IL) Fire Department Enter 151 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:30:33 PM

Universal Gold

The Preferred Choice for Fire Professionals Worldwide 1% x 3% AR-AFFF Firefighting Foam Concentrate • The first and original 1% x 3% AR-AFFF listed since 1991. • Meets requirements needed by Industrial, Municipal, and Marine Fire Services. • Proven effective on many large and difficult tank fires. • Excellent vapor suppression for many hazmat applications. • Environmentally responsible formulation with no hazardous or federally reportable substances. • Extensive listings and approvals, unmatched by any other foam concentrate. • UL Listed • FM Approved • USCG Approved • Last Fire Level One Pass

Enter 152 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_66 66

National Foam Tel (610) 363 1400 Fax (610) 524 9073 www.kidde-fire.com

RED ALERT ® Emergency Hotline (1) 610 363 1400

9/24/08 5:30:34 PM

25 Pointers for Your Engine Company BY JEFF SHUPE

ONSIDER THIS SCENARIO: IT IS A MIDDAY SUMMER afternoon, and a large 21∕2-story, wood-frame structure is on fire. It is a double-decker style two-family dwelling that has been vacant for a short time. Fire is coming out of all windows and doors on both floors and the attic. The smoke is visible from a mile away. En route, the dispatcher reports that the fire alarm office is receiving multiple phone calls reporting the fire. As your first-due engine turns into the block, a crowd of people greets you. Many are shouting, “Put out the fire!” The houses on either side of the fire building are also of wood frame, and both are occupied. They are only five feet away from the fully involved building and are starting to burn. As should be expected, their owners are the most vocal in the crowd. The engine driver spots the apparatus just past the fire building, as department procedure stipulates, allowing room for the first-due ladder truck to take its position in front of the building. It is a narrow street, and cars line both sides. The officer in charge of the first-due engine radios, “We have a working fire in a large 21∕2-story frame. Well involved!” The two firefighters in the company start to stretch the initial attack hose. The older, senior firefighter knows the situation and “has been there” many times before. He starts to lay 1

out the 2½-inch attack line. It is equipped with a solid bore nozzle, needed for its high volume stream and knockdown power. The “junior” or younger firefighter hears the officer call for the 1¾-inch attack line—but with a solid bore nozzle. The officer excitedly repeats that he wants to use the smaller hoseline. The 2½-inch line is left in the street while the smaller handline is put into service. The attack begins. The fire has increased substantially in volume and intensity since arrival. The exposure to the right (D side) begins to burn furiously as the stream is directed at the flames. The officer wants the stream put on the exposure only. No water is being put on the main body of fire as flames pour out of the fire building. The senior firefighter backing up the hoseline tells the nozzleman he needs to put some water on the fire to slow its growth. However, a sheet of plywood is covering the front door. He runs up to the front porch and pulls the plywood covering off the front door. The interior of the structure is now exposed. Solid flames are visible from top to bottom. Flames from the upstairs porch push out horizontally overhead 10 to 15 feet from the structure and into the street with great intensity. The large oak tree in front of the house begins to burn. The officer tells the nozzleman to put the stream on the exposure only! The senior firefighter tells the nozzleman to put the stream into the front door. The nozzleman is getting it from both sides. The senior firefighter, positioned behind the nozzleman, yells once more at him to get water on the base of the fire. The nozzleman complies and directs the stream into the front door; the flames coming out of the windows on the side affecting exposure D diminish in volume. From the porch steps, the nozzleman moves the stream around the interior quickly. He then alternates the stream between the inside of the fire building and the exposure and is having much better success at knocking down the flames. He then directs the stream onto the exposure for a good “wet down.” However, the fire has damaged the upper part of the wall Photos by Steve Nedrich unless otherwise noted.

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_67 67

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 67

9/24/08 5:30:39 PM

● ENGINE COMPANY on the D side of the fire building, causing the wall to bow outward a little. The second-due engine is now on-scene. Its pump operator has helped the attack engine’s pump operator to secure a water supply from a nearby hydrant while the officer and his two firefighters have set up and are now using the 2½-inch handline that was left in the street. The crew has positioned it between the fire building and the B exposure, since that building also has received some fire damage. The fire eventually dies down, and the size of the fire attack begins to win. The initial attack crew begins to move inside through the front door with the hoseline, but it must be cautious because of the bowing wall. Inside, the floor has weakened so much that a foot of one of the firefighters goes through. All that’s left of the interior is char from floor to ceiling. Visibility is poor at best, even though all windows and doors are gone. Part of the second floor has been removed because of a remodeling project underway in the building. This structure has been burned out, and now a dozen or so firefighters are inside prying, pulling, pushing, and smashing the remains during the overhaul process.

25 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Remember the primary mission of an engine company: to get water on the fire. This is especially true if your engine is first due at a fire like the one described. Engine company members should function as a team on the fireground and should have predetermined jobs or duties. They should maintain the team or company concept—not freelance or wander. In most working-fire situations, they should stretch an attack line of the proper diameter and length with an effective nozzle to the point of operation and attack the fire from there. At other times, your engine company might arrive second due or even later in the fire. Your primary responsibilities as a second-due engine company generally are to ensure a supply of water to the initial attack engine and then stretch a second handline if necessary. In any event, there must be a plan for each engine on the scene, and everyone must understand and implement it. All firefighters should know the engine company’s four primary points of responsibility: • To attack and extinguish a fire. • To act as a supply pumper and provide water to other engines engaged in fire attack. • To supply water to fire protection systems and standpipes. • To supply water to master stream appliances like those found on aerial ladders and platform tower units. The engine company has eight basic points of work coverage: rescue, exposure protection, initial attack line, heavy streams, water supply, fire protection systems, second line, and overhaul. Know your apparatus, equipment, district, and personnel. Company members (firefighters and officers) should go over their engine apparatus and its equipment daily. Check hosebeds and nozzles to make sure they are ready to deploy at the next incident. Go over compartments to make sure tools and appliances are in their place. Check your SCBA and the spare air bottles to make sure they are full. Discuss

68 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_68 68

any unique buildings, occupancies, and hazards in your firstdue area, especially those that have been remodeled or have changed occupant use. Be aware of any street access or water supply problems involving your apparatus. Know who you’re working with. Make sure each firefighter understands his job. Start your size-up before the alarm. There are three categories of size-up information: preincident, initial onscene/arrival, and ongoing. Your personal size-up begins before an alarm comes in. It deals with preincident information and any prior knowledge or information that you may have before an alarm. For example, when you are dispatched to an alarm, begin to consider the basic points of size-up along with any prior knowledge you might have about where you are going. You may have been in this structure before for personal business or on an earlier response and may know something about a particular hazard to firefighters. This could be important and might save a life. Pass it on to all members. Respond with caution. This is a deadly time for firefighters. Use all warning devices when responding, and remember that you are liable for your actions. Drive with due regard for the safety of all others. When entering the block or nearing the address of the reported fire location, slow down. Do this to get yourself and your crew calmed and ready to read the arriving conditions and to put together your arriving size-up information. Observe the fire building for any visible fire or smoke; look for access and if there is any obvious life hazard involved. Make an effort to calmly assess the situation to get a clear picture and then determine what needs to be done. As first-due (or acting) officer, you

(2) Fire departments should preplan their districts and instruct their firefighters in the importance of apparatus placement for efficient fireground operations and firefighter safety. In this photo, no engines, which might prevent an aerial apparatus from “commanding” the building, are parked near the fire building. A rear-mount ladder tower has been spotted at this building corner for platform use and also for providing quick access to ground ladders. Another ladder company, in the background, has raised its aerial ladder to the roof, providing access for firefighters. In the case where firefighters might need to evacuate a building quickly, it is important to have quick access to ground and aerial ladder devices. Do not let your engines block ladder access to fire buildings.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:30:41 PM

HUCKBOLT TECHNOLOGY – PROVIDING SAFETY AND SECURITY IN UNEXPECTED PLACES ®

Huckbolt technology in the manufacturing of their patented Box Boom designed Aluminum Aerial Platforms and Ladders for over 40 years. While major competitors also use aluminum construction, Sutphen is the only manufacturer to use Huckbolts in their designs. The combination of the use of aerospace technology Huckbolts and the unique design of the four-sided Box Boom make the Sutphen Aerial

In our day-to-day lives Àlled with driving to work, running errands,

the strongest in the industry with a 3:1 safety factor. Huckbolting

and dropping kids off at soccer or gymnastics, our hectic lives don’t

the aerial eliminates the need for welds that can ultimately crack and

leave much time to sit down and relax, let alone stop and think about

weaken the structure. The Box Boom design provides a more stable

the technology behind what keeps us safe as we go through the day.

structure and gives the Sutphen aerial the ability to withstand greater wind loads and higher Áow volume from the monitors at the ladder

Everyday, in one way or another, some aspect of our lives is affected

tip or platform. In addition, the waterway is totally enclosed within the

by a Huckbolt fastener. Although you may have never heard it, Huck

Box Boom so it is protected and reduces the odds of costly damage to

is a name synonymous with strength and performance and provides

the waterway.

safety in even the most demanding applications. Whether it is the car you drive to work, the building that you work in, the airplane you board

The use of Huckbolt technology in the manufacture of Àre apparatus is

to go on vacation, or the RV that takes you across country to see the

clearly an innovative choice, and just one more reason There’s Nothing

sights, chances are a Huckbolt fastener is providing a safer foundation.

Like a Sutphen.

Other applications that do not affect our lives as directly as cars or airplanes include rail cars, HVAC equipment, pre-fabricated houses, and even your satellite dish antenna utilize Huckbolts. The Huckbolt takes the place of a standard nut and bolt or joint and seam weld. Under extreme conditions, the standard nut and bolt will loosen due to vibration. Welding provides a weak point where the joint can eventually crack and fail. The reliable lockbolt and collar technology behind the Huckbolt allows it to stay tight, safe, and secure. One of the more unique and unexpected applications of the Huckbolt is in the Àre trucks that protect our communities. Sutphen Corporation, manufacturer of quality Àre apparatus, has utilized

Safe & secure

Huckbolt® fasteners hold tight no matter what. Strong. Reliable. Vibration-resistant. Patented Huckbolt fasteners have been the construction choice of Sutphen Aerials for more than 40 years. When lives are at stake, when safety is critical, trust the #1 choice for unmatched performance. Sutphen aerials with Huckbolt Fastening Systems by Alcoa.

There’s Nothing Like a Sutphen.

SUTPHEN

All Out Since 1890.

8 0 0 . 8 4 8 . 5 8 6 0 • 6 1 4 . 8 8 9 . 1 0 0 5 • F a x : 6 1 4 . 8 8 9 . 0 8 7 4 • w w w. s u t p h e n . c o m Enter 153 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_69 69

9/24/08 5:30:43 PM

● ENGINE COMPANY should give a good initial on-scene radio arrival 3 report. Paint a good picture for the other responding units so they have an idea of what you have and what they might have to do to support your actions when they arrive. “Place” fire apparatus. The first-arriving engine should slow down when approaching the fire building and position itself to leave the front of the building open for the truck (unless there is heavy fire involvement and a deck gun is to be used for attack). Generally, the first engine should pull past the fire building. Position engine apparatus with ladder company apparatus placement in mind—even if your department doesn’t have one. One may be coming from a mutual-aid department. A general rule is to give the building to the ladder/ truck company. In some cases, a ladder company will position its apparatus to cover two sides of a fire building with (3) When confronted with a large body of fire, use large handlines or masits aerial device, necessitating that the engines stay ter stream appliances equipped with solid bore nozzles for maximum efaway from the fire building completely. The reasons fectiveness to knock down the fire and reduce the radiant heat. If nearby exposures become involved, that will add to the already large volume are obvious: Aerial and ground ladder placement of fire. Unfortunately, too many fire departments rely on small handlines takes precedence, along with accessing forcible (1½- or 1¾-inch) for attack of practically all of their fires. When they arentry tools quickly. Besides, engine personnel can rive at a large fire, they usually deploy that line as the first line, with the add another length of hose to their stretch if necesthought that a little water will extinguish a lot of fire. In many instances, sary. Engine drivers should know the kind of aerial the fire grows bigger and extends to other buildings because of this apdevice responding; many fire departments are using proach. Remember, 1¾-inch handlines will not extinguish a completely involved structure. rear-mounted turntable apparatus, which means it can be placed 30 or 35 feet behind their cab. The second-due engine company should position itself so it does must guard against this, as it will delay hoselines from being not block any apparatus movement on the fireground and stretched quickly and your initial water supply may not be is able to hook a supply line to the initial attack engine, if sufficient for the fire. If a second line is not stretched in a necessary, and run to a water source to supply it. timely manner at a serious fire, there could be other conseThird-due engines and later-arriving engines should posiquences. tion (or stage) out of the fire scene, to avoid congestion and to Remember: 1¾-inch hose cannot extinguish a fully keep mobile, if necessary. involved house fire. Unfortunately, for many fire Stretch in quickly. An engine company is supposed to departments, the 1¾-inch attack line is the “go-to line” for function as a team with a mission—to get water on the every fire they fight—from rubbish fires to high-rise fires and fire. To do this efficiently, every engine member has to take every fire in between. Every fire has a critical flow rate. To care of a job or two. Load engine company attack hosebeds aggressively attack a fire, you must have the right volume of with male couplings “out” and nozzles attached so that hose water for extinguishment and in the right pattern or stream can be played out quickly and easily by the least number of setting. Anything less will not put out the fire. Eventually, a firefighters responding with the engine. For example, an enfire will consume the bulk of its fuel and die down to the gine company arriving at an obvious working house fire with point where it will look as if the 1¾-inch (or smaller) hosethree or four members should be able to stop and stretch 200 line is controlling the situation. At that point, the fire is lost. feet of 1¾-inch hose and get water flowing within 90 seconds For decades, the fire service has had the adage: “As the first of arrival. If fire conditions call for a large handline, such as line goes, so goes the fire.” The mnemonic ADULTS can be the 2½-inch line, that hose should be loaded so members can used as an aid in determining when to use a larger hoseline: get that line in service easily. Company officers, remember: Do A—Advanced fire conditions. not let your members freelance. You will need them to help D—Defensive fire operation. stretch the line. U—Undetermined location of fire. If firefighters from the first- and second-due engine comL—Large-area structure (big commercial or industrial buildpanies run into the fire building with hooks and axes in their ing, for example). hands instead of working on getting the initial attack line T—Tons of water are needed for extinguishment. stretched (or a supply line established or the second attack S—Standpipe operations. line laid to back up the first line), then your department has If any of these indicators apply to the fire, you probably organizational and fireground discipline problems. Officers need to use a large handline.

70 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_70 70

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:30:44 PM

ENGINE COMPANY ●

Position the hoseline properly. If a life-threatening situation exists in a structure fire, the attack crew should position its nozzle between the fire and any occupants. The crew should make every effort to push the fire, heat, and smoke away from any known victim locations. Improper positioning could cause the fire to be “pushed” toward victims. When operating the nozzle, throw as much water as possible to knock down the fire and stop combustion products from getting to unprotected victims. If you are the nozzleman, put the nozzle out in front of you and open the bail fully during attack. When life safety is not a concern, position hoselines to protect property or items of value. Also, consider internal and external exposures. Ensure efficient working length and drop point. Fold the first hose length from an attack hosebed in such a way as to give the nozzleman 50 feet of hose to go with the nozzle. The hose can be carried on a shoulder load or on the nozzleman’s forearm. This working length is to prevent a short stretch. It can be carried comfortably by the nozzleman. The folds of the working length should be no more than six or seven feet long, so the nozzleman can carry it up or down stairways, through tight spaces or alleys, or up and back, in the case of traversing stairs, without having long strands of hose that can catch on door sills, fence posts, or other objects. The drop point is generally the area as close to the fire as safely possible where the hose is readied for attack. After dropping the hose, flake it out or straighten it to minimize any kinking. As that is being done, the call for water is given. The pump operator should acknowledge that water is on the way. Now, with water on the way, the attack team members don their face pieces and go on air together while taking a last look at their immediate surroundings and making sure everyone is ready to go. In far too many instances, firefighters step off their fire apparatus with their face pieces on, some breathing their air supply and some not, lenses fogged over, and regulators not attached. Firefighters should not don their face pieces individually but as a team. If the attack team members’ air supply runs out at different times, team accountability will break down. Eliminate all kinks and bleed the nozzle. When the attack team is at the drop point and water is coming from the pump, listen, if you can, for the sound of the engine revving up to pressurize the hoseline. Give the nozzle a long bleed before entering the fire area, to make sure that you have a good fire stream and the approximate correct volume of water for attack. The long bleed will also help you to know if there are any kinks in the hoseline that have gone unnoticed. A short bleed will only give off air compressed at the nozzle; it won’t let you know about that kink 110 feet back in the line that will rob you of water. Don’t walk by hoselines that have kinks in them. Remove the kinks. One kink can take away more than 40 gallons of water per minute in a 1¾-inch hoseline. That may be the water you need to stay safe during the attack. When entering a fire area, stay low, look up, and look around. When encountering poor or zero visibility and a growing heat condition, stay low to the floor and look upward and listen, since that is where the fire is likely to

You Can’t Buy A Better Reel. Cable and Hose Reels for Firefighting and Rescue ✓ Superior reliability and durability ■ ✓ Shorter response time ■

✓ For your new and existing vehicles ■ ✓ Heavy duty materials and design ■ ✓ Complete custom capabilities ■

Download or call for your FREE catalogs

http:///go.hannay.com/J27 877-467-3357

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_71 71

Enter 154 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:30:46 PM

● ENGINE COMPANY show itself first, like in a rollover. Hold on to your hoseline under these conditions, because it is now also your life line. Maintain voice contact with fellow team members. It is times like these that the value, quality, and quantity of ventilation make themselves evident. Pump at the required discharge pressures. It’s the pump operator’s job to know the length of the hose layout, the diameter of hoses, and the type/kind of nozzle being used so he can calculate the approximate pressure to get the correct gallons per minute (gpm) to the firefighters. Remember, fog nozzles generally require higher nozzle pressure, and solid bore handline nozzles are low-pressure, highvolume tools. A simple street formula for determining pump discharge pressure is EP = nozzle pressure + friction loss +/elevation. (Note: Fire departments should consider outfitting engines with master gauges and flowmeters or combination flowmeter/pressure gauges for all outlets. Another item to consider is screw-type outlet control valves for all discharge outlets, for smoother valve operations.) When rollover starts to show, attack it. Often, firefighters advancing an attack line into a hot, smoky area stay close to the floor and have a tendency to keep focused on the floor in front of them. Don’t look down. Look up. That is where rollover will show itself. Remember, rollover is a preceding sign to flashover. If you encounter rollover, don’t wait to attack it (or use the ridiculous excuse that you want to get a better angle or see it more fully developed); this

is a dangerous gamble, because if flashover occurs, its volume might be more than your attack line can handle. When you start attacking a well advanced fire, open the nozzle completely. Use good nozzle mechanics. If you are the nozzle operator, position the nozzle approximately 18 inches (an arm’s length) in front of you. That will allow you to move the nozzle around and get the best coverage from the stream. Open the nozzle bail fully, and use the full force of the stream to knock the fire down. Start by aiming for the ceiling and the room’s upper parts. Use the ceiling as a big deflector to break apart your stream; cover as much area around you as possible. This is a protective measure for you and your crew. Then work the upper parts of the walls, rotating the nozzle around in clockwise circles and occasionally sweeping the floor to maximize cooling, reach, and effectiveness. By the way, do not believe that “penciling” will enable you to control a large amount of fire with a little amount of water. This is a dangerous belief, and it is not true. Do not do it! Engine company officer, take charge. You are responsible for your attack crew, what the hoseline does, and what your company accomplishes. Do not allow your people to freelance, self-assign, or run off with tools, because you are responsible for their accountability and safety. During attack, position yourself so you can monitor your crews and conditions and progress and still maintain radio communications with other companies/units and the incident

Clear the Dark for a Fighting Chance. Fire and rescue departments have discovered clearing the darkness from emergency scenes make it much safer and more efficient for your personnel to rescue victims and fight fires. Contact your dealer for a demonstration of all the Command Light products to see what you’ve been missing in safety for fire and rescue scenes.

Enter 155 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.commandlight.com

P.O. BOX 87 • LOVELAND,CO 80539 • 1-800-797-7974

0810FE_72 72

9/24/08 5:30:47 PM

ENGINE COMPANY ● commander (IC). If anything goes wrong with your hoseline, you are the primary troubleshooter and communicator to the “outside world.” Nozzleman, don’t abandon your nozzle. After the fire has been knocked down, don’t drop the nozzle on the floor and do some other task. Some nozzles have been left on a floor and were buried under fallen ceilings and debris. If you must leave the fire area, notify your officer or the person in charge and give the nozzle to another crew or company member (that’s accountability!). Never leave a nozzle unattended— just in case the fire you knocked down a minute or two earlier starts to light up around you and it needs attention quickly. It is a second line—not a backup line. Always stretch a second hoseline whenever there is any appreciable volume of fire or there is reason to think there is fire extension. The second engine company or a second “attack crew” should always have this job in mind. The primary responsibility of the second line is to back up—protect or reinforce—the position of the first attack hoseline. If this is not a concern, then the second line should be used to check for fire extension. The second hoseline should be at least equal in size and attack volume to the first hoseline. It should be stretched and positioned behind the first line to perform its primary duties. However, it should not hinder advancement of the first line as long as the first line is making progress. Each hoseline, regardless of how many there are, should have a company officer or someone in charge to maintain accountability of personnel and to coordinate efforts with other officers during attack. Large buildings can make large fires. If you arrive at a commercial building (for example, a “big box store”) and have a smoke condition but no flame is visible, prepare for something big—the potential is there. Don’t stretch a small (1¾-inch) handline for a structure that has a large internal area or a large fire load. If you end up with a controllable incident, that’s good, because at least you will be ready. But if conditions deteriorate quickly, as can happen with these buildings, you will at least have a substantial water volume ready to protect you and your people. If you must stretch a large handline and need to move it about the fireground, the IC should consider “marrying” two engine crews together for hoseline advancement, management, and relief. Big fires require big water: Deliver it in a big way! When you are confronted with a heavy volume of fire in a bread-and-butter fire, but especially in commercial and industrial buildings, use big lines, or go to heavy stream appliances for knockdown. One 2½-inch handline equipped with a solid bore nozzle is more effective than two 1¾-inch handlines. If the fire is growing and moving, you had better think about a deck gun or master stream operation right now. Don’t wait to see what the fire is going to do! Use solid bore tips for fire stream efficiency. Why? Because of the sheer volume of water and the stream character—it’s solid with weight and momentum. It has greater heat-absorption capacity. It also has momentum for greater stream reach, which helps firefighters to deliver water from a safer distance under heavy fire conditions.

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_73 73

Enter 156 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:30:50 PM

● ENGINE COMPANY 4

(4) Don’t wait for the room to roll over completely before attacking. When making an interior attack in high heat and heavy smoke conditions, stay low and look up because that is where rollover will show itself. Rollover precedes ﬂashover. Keep your nozzle out in front of you, and be ready to go to work. If your line has a fog nozzle, be sure it is on a straight-stream pattern, because a wide-angle-fog pattern will draw this environment down on top of you. (Photo by Greg Gettens.)

Pump operators, read your gauges. Do this especially when you take several handlines from your engine. Know what size hoselines are being stretched from your engine, how long they are, what kind of nozzles are being used, and the approximate gallons per minute (gpm) they can discharge. As the fire goes on, water demands on your water supply system can vary even if you are hooked into a municipal water system, are in a tanker shuttle, or are operating from draft. Watch your residual pressure. If you have a limited water supply and someone is calling for more pressure, turning up the throttle to satisfy the person may put you in cavitation and shut down your engine. When advancing (“feeding”) the attack line, don’t push it toward the nozzle team. If you are in the backup position (or helping to support the hoseline), move the line forward only, or “lighten up” on the line when the nozzle team calls for more line. Pushing or forcing the line forward may cause the nozzle operator to lose his grip and control of the nozzle, setting the tone for a disaster. When calling for more line, the person on the nozzle should call for what is needed—only a couple or a few feet at a time, maybe five or six feet, for example. Pass this “command” down the line to all members, so everyone understands how much hose to “feed” the nozzle team. Back out of a tough position safely. If you must back out because the fire has overpowered your attack, stay low and keep the nozzle flowing—completely open, moving around, and overhead. It’s your only protection right now. The firefighter in the backup position behind the nozzleman should keep the hoseline lower than the nozzle; otherwise, it will kink the line and make it hard for the nozzleman to control—something you don’t need at this time. If you have a fog nozzle on your attack line, make sure it is on the straight-stream position, because a fog pattern will create a low pressure point at the nozzle tip and draw the superheated environment down on you, possibly causing severe injury to

you and those with you. Conditions like this require that the company officer keep full control of crew members; make sure that the steps or hallway is not jammed with firefighters and the nozzle team’s path to safety is not blocked. The person on the nozzle should never roll over on his back to hit anything overhead; it may cause the ceiling or another object to fall on the operator’s face. Also, there would be no way this person could move about; he would be stranded in a dangerous position because of lost mobility. Once everyone has backed out to a safer position, take a head count, if necessary, to see that everyone is accounted for and not injured. Shut down and pick up hoselines only after the IC gives orders to do so. After the fire is out and overhaul is completed, do not shut down hoselines or back them out of the structure unless the company officer or crew officer has received orders from the IC to do so. Pick up and put away the hoselines after the IC gives the order. In the case of multiple hoselines, the IC should have a plan that indicates the order in which the lines should be picked up. If firefighters or company officers decide on their own when to shut down their lines and put them away, something important may get overlooked, and there may be a rekindle or some other type of reignition. The IC is responsible for knowing the positioning of hoselines, shutting them down, and determining when they should be picked up. Prepare to return to service. After the fire has been extinguished, overhaul has been completed, and the order has been given to pick up, firefighters should make every effort to get their apparatus and equipment back in service as close as possible to the condition it was in before the incident. For example, if any booster tank water was used in the initial attack, was the tank refilled? Were used air bottles exchanged or filled? Was the hose rinsed with a hose stream and packed

74 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_74 74

(5) This position on the hoseline is not exciting at all, but it is very important to the attack team’s successfully advancing the line into the fire. Notice that the hose is straight, making it easier for the attack crew to manage. When the attack crew calls for more line, this firefighter will “feed” more, keeping the hose as straight as possible. This will help make the hose manageable and the nozzle easier to control. Pushing more hose at the nozzle team than it needs may cause the team to lose control of the nozzle. Engine operations require teamwork and communications among members on the fireground. (Photo by Greg Grettens.)

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:30:52 PM

Year End Demo Blowout! Inferno HD-100 Heavy Duty Rear Mount Platform

Inferno HD-100 Heavy Duty Mid-Mount Platform

2 To Choose From!

300 gallon tank Hale QMAX 2000 GPM pump Extruded aluminum EZ Stack body ISO ground ladders 10kw generator

300 gallon tank Hale QMAX 2000 GPM pump Extruded aluminum EZ Stack body ISO ground ladders 10kW hydraulic generator

Inferno HD-107 Heavy Duty Rear Mount Aerial Ladder

Intruder 2 HD-77 Heavy Duty Rear Mount Aerial

2 To Choose From!

400 gallon tank QMAX 2000 GPM Pump Extruded aluminum EZ Stack body ISO ground ladders Enter 157 at fireeng.hotims.com 10kw generator

5 To Choose From!

400 gallon tank Waterous CSU 1500 GPM pump Extruded aluminum EZ Stack body NFPA ground ladders 6kW hydraulic generator

Get Your New Aerial Before 2009! 27855 James Chappel Rd P.O.Box 249 Holden, LA 70744 800-443-9006 225-567-7100 Fax: 225-567-5260 www.ferrarafire.com info@ferrarafire.com

0810FE_75 75

9/24/08 5:30:58 PM

SStop top BBreathing reathing Toxic Exhaust Emissions…

3 Ways

World’s most advanced systems for exhaust removal BEST GY LO T E C H N OA B L E AVA IL

100% effective capture…Guaranteed Fully automatic & lowest maintenance 1000s of INSTALLATIONS NATIONWIDE

Air purification systems With photo-catalytic process that neutralizes more toxic gases than other filtration systems

Pneumatic exhaust removal systems Air intake for engine protection & cooler operation—less wear, longer life ISO 9001:2000 CERTIFIED

Call TODAY for No-cost Survey, Drawings & Grant Assistance

1-800-875-5440

www.magnegrip.com

● ENGINE COMPANY on the apparatus properly so it plays out freely the next time it’s used? If you have fog nozzles, were they left on the proper stream setting? If you have select flow nozzles, what gpm setting were they left on? (Solid bore nozzles don’t have that problem.) Were any sections of hose damaged from the fire or by mechanical or chemical means? If so, did you roll them up and set them aside so they weren’t packed with the regular hose? If the ground ladders or any hand tools or hose appliances were used, were they rinsed or washed down before they were put back in their proper place or compartment? Perform a company critique. Before a fireground critique, it wouldn’t hurt to make sure everyone is healthy. Usually, it is best for a company officer to hold an informal critique at the scene after everything has been picked up and before you’re ready to return to quarters. Things are fresh in your mind, and the scene is still there to jog your memory about things that might have happened in the course of events. Remember, the critique is to be used in a positive manner—to reinforce the good things your company does and to enable you to learn from the negative things that affected your operations in an adverse way, so the next time you can adapt and overcome the problem.

••• Fire extinguishment should be the responsibility of the engine company. At most structural fires, all other functions depend on the engine’s ability to attack the fire and bring it under control. If this cannot be accomplished, in most cases the fire building will be lost. Any persons trapped by fire, heat, or smoke will have diminished chances of survival. On the other hand, the fire attack team needs the support of the ladder company crews or other firefighting crews to “open up” the structure by performing ventilation and forcible entry. These pointers are to provide a baseline for engine company operations from prealarm to postincident. Thousands of fire departments across the country have different ways of operating and certain things for their engine companies to consider because of their local conditions. However, regardless of the jurisdiction in which you operate, an engine company’s goal is to get water on the fire. Keep in mind the principles of engine company teamwork and the mission. When everyone understands and follows the basics, the team is stronger and more capable of accomplishing its goal. ● ● JEFF SHUPE, who has more than 33 years of service as a career firefighter, is a member of the Cleveland (OH) Fire Department and a former volunteer firefighter. He is an Ohio-certified fire instructor and has been a training coordinator for volunteer and career fire departments. He is the lead instructor for the Cleveland Fire Department “Back to Basics” program and an instructor in the Outreach programs for the Ohio Fire Academy. He has an associate’s degree in fire technology from a community college and also attended the University of Cincinnati Fire Protection Engineering program. He is an FDIC H.O.T. team member for Engine Company Operations and an FDIC classroom presenter.

Enter 158 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_76 76

9/24/08 5:30:59 PM

High-Rise Rope Rescues, Indianapolis, Indiana B Y D AV I D O W E N S

VERYONE ASSOCIATED WITH TECHNICAL RESCUE knows that technical rescue incidents are low-frequency/high-risk events events. Most teams train for months months, if not years, before they are called to an incident. For the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department (IFD) rope rescue teams, all of that knowledge, training, and perseverance over the years was put to the test on the outside of a downtown high-rise.

THE INCIDENT On August 14, 2008, at 1244 hours, the IFD sent a rope rescue task force and box alarm assignment that consisted of Tactical 7, Tactical 14, Squad 7, Squad 14, Squad 13, Ladder 13, Engine 13, Engine 11, Engine 5, and Battalion 13 to the 31-story M & I Bank Building at 135 North Pennsylvania Street for a report of a scaffolding collapse. Initial reports indicated that three workers were hanging on a broken scaffolding unit and that one had fallen to the ground. It was later determined he did not fall. First-arriving units conﬁrmed the number of victims and

(1, 2) Indianapolis Firefighter Private David Creighton reaches the worker next to the scaffolding unit for the first rescue. Creighton places the worker on IFD ropes and removes him from his fall protection so other rescuers can raise them both to the ledge on the 25th floor. (3) Creighton nears the ledge on the 25th floor with the worker. Once on the ledge, they can go in a window that rescuers removed. Rescuers decided to raise the first victim because lowering would have placed the rescuer and victim under the scaffolding, in the collapse zone. (Photos by Tod F. Parker PhotoTac.com.)

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_77 77

9/24/08 5:31:03 PM

● HIGH-RISE ROPE RESCUES approximated their location on the building as the 28th floor. Battalion Chief Mickey Radez arrived on-scene and assumed Pennsylvania Command. He immediately requested additional advanced life support (ALS) transport units to the scene and requested the building engineer to report to the command post. Rope Rescue Task Force 7, with 10 firefighters, is housed five blocks away and arrived on-scene quickly with Tactical 7. Captain Robert Aldrich quickly sized up the operation and determined that with the number of victims and the victims’ spacing on the wall he would need to conduct three separate operations. He requested an additional rope rescue task force through Command. Rope Rescue Task Force 14, with 10 firefighters, was dispatched and responded with Tactical 14 at approximately 1254 hours. Tactical 7 used interior elevators to move equipment to the 26th floor and used an interior stairway to gain access to the roof. Some of the box alarm fire companies were sent to locate windows near where the workers were hanging, in case it became necessary to remove the windows to retrieve the victims. An additional consideration was which victim to retrieve first; it was decided to get the worker closest to the scaffolding unit first (photos 1-3). 4

IFD Rope Rescue Teams The Indianapolis Fire Department has been involved with high- and low-angle rope rescue for more than 25 years and has grown from one team to three teams. Team personnel are trained by two in-house instructors using Progressive Rescue Solutions Guidelines and are National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-compliant. Each team carries enough hardware and rope to establish four separate systems (two main and two belay). Each team carries three ropes ½ inch in diameter and 300 feet long and three ropes ½ inch in diameter and 600 feet long stored in separate rope bags. All three stations train regularly. The company officer assigned to the rope rescue house conducts regular monthly training sessions. Additionally, each team attends quarterly training sessions conducted by the two in-house instructors. All training is documented and placed in each firefighter’s training file. The in-house instructors are also responsible for maintaining the NFPA- and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-required rope and equipment logs for each team.

(4) Indianapolis Fireﬁghter Ian Marano removes the second worker from his fall protection. (5) Marano (left) is lowered with the second worker to the roof of the parking garage. Indianapolis Fireﬁghter Peter Horvath (right) prepares to be raised approximately two feet to remove the third worker from his fall protection and place him on the IFD ropes so he can be lowered to the roof of the parking garage. Once on the roof of the parking garage, both workers were turned over for medical treatment and transport. (Photos by Tod F. Parker - PhotoTac.com.) 78 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_78 78

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:31:08 PM

The PETZL EXO PERSONAL ESCAPE SYSTEM provides firefighters with a fast, reliable means of escape from a burning structure when using a conventional exit is no longer possible. A firefighter trained and equipped with the EXO system can quickly deploy the unique anchor and rope, then move rapidly towards an egress point and descend to a lower level. • EXO Descender has self-braking function • fast, easy deployment • versatile anchoring • heat and cut resistant rope • designed in collaboration with the FDNY • certified to NFPA 1983-2006 00:04

00:05

00:07

00:08

00:10

Enter 159 at fireeng.hotims.com

For more information and to ﬁnd an authorized EXO dealer/trainer, go to www.petzl.com/exo or call 801-926-1500

0810FE_79 79

9/24/08 5:31:15 PM

● HIGH-RISE ROPE RESCUES other two workers. Captain Ron Dix, the officer-in-charge of this unit, began the ascent to the roof with the necessary equipment. Once on the roof, Aldrich briefed Dix on the mission needs, and Tactical 14 began to set up. The team encountered the same anchoring challenges. However, the plan was to raise the victims just enough to remove them from their fall protec(6) Glass and falling debris from the scaffolding and support system on the roof made crowd tion system before lowering them control and the establishment of a collapse zone the immediate operational priorities. (7) One worker’s fall protection failed to work properly, and he slid down his rope to the top floor of to the roof of the attached sixththe parking garage. He wrapped his leg in the rope, using it as a friction device to slow his fall, floor parking garage. and sustained moderate friction burns. (Photos by Rodger Birchfield - IFD.) After the team quickly established both lowering systems, The wind on that day was blowing at five to 10 miles per members lowered Firefighters Ian Marano and Peter Horvath hour, and a storm front was moving in that was predicted to to the two remaining workers. At the same time, the first bring 30- to 45-mph winds, heavy rain, and lightning to the worker was pulled onto the ledge at the 25th floor, taken area within one hour. The scaffolding unit was swinging like through an open window to safety, and turned over to the a giant pendulum in the light wind; rescuers knew that if the Medical Group for evaluation. wind picked up, the scaffolding would become a safety hazard The two rescuers reached the remaining two workers at to the worker next to it and the public below. almost the same time and began patient assessments. Both Once on the roof, rope rescue team members were faced workers were in stable condition with only minor injuries. The with a very small working platform comprised of filled metal rescuers placed harnesses on both victims, and each rescuer struts used to hold the cables that supported the scaffolding. placed the victim onto the fire department ropes using a pickFinding a suitable anchor became a challenge. Once members off strap (photos 4, 5). Crews raised the victims approximately identified an anchor, iron work bolted to the roof, it became two feet, removed them from their fall protection, and lowered apparent that there was only a four-foot area in which to set up them to the roof of the parking garage. They were then turned a mechanical advantage. over to the Medical Group for treatment. All three victims IFD standard operating procedure is to lower victims during a were transported to a local trauma center. rescue operation. However, in this case, rescuers needed to raise the worker located next to the scaffolding because lowering him LESSONS LEARNED would have placed the victim and the rescuer under the dangling The operation lasted approximately two hours. The weather hunk of metal and into the potential collapse zone. In addition that was predicted came in just as the last victim’s feet touched to the collapse zone hazard, the first rescuer over had to triage the parking garage. Following are some of the lessons learned. the worker when he reached him to determine if he was stable. • Radio channels. The incident commander (IC) tried to If the worker was severely injured or his condition was quesuse a couple of different channels to make communicationable, rescuers would have had to reevaluate the risk/benefit tion easier. The problem was that not everyone made the analysis and possibly lower the victim to the ground. channel change, which led to some confusion early in the Rescuers quickly put the lowering system into position and incident. sent the first rescuer, Private David Creighton, over the wall • Span of control. The IC established three group comand lowered him to the worker next to the scaffolding unit. manders: Operations, Safety, and Recon. The group comCreighton performed a quick assessment and determined the manders helped to cut down on the radio traffic, which victim was stable. Because of the decision to raise, Creighton eliminated most of the initial confusion. placed a harness on the victim, placed him on the rope system • Preplanning. There is always room for improvement using a pickoff strap and an IFD victim harness, and removed in preplanning, but technical rescue personnel need to the worker from his fall protection to begin the process of preplan from a different angle. If IFD personnel had raising him to a ledge at the 25th floor. On this ledge was a looked up and noticed that work was being done on that row of windows. One ladder company was assigned to rebuilding, we could have gone to the roof and preplanned move one of the windows (using a pickhead ax and pike pole a rescue operation. ● to clear the glass) to help free the victim from the rope system as soon as possible. The obvious reason for taking out a ● DAVID OWENS is a division chief and a 21-year vetwindow above the ledge was that the glass would fall onto the eran of the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department, assigned to ledge and not down the side of the building, where it could the Training & Special Operations Division. He also serves strike victims, rescuers, or onlookers. as a rescue team manager and task force leader for Indiana Task Force 1. Tactical 14 personnel set up two lowering systems for the 6

80 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_80 80

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:31:16 PM

Enter 160 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_81 81

9/24/08 5:31:18 PM

TRAINING THE FIRE SERVICE FOR 131 YEARS

1--Year 1 Year Ye ar Sub bssc criiption pt pt Ra ates te te (U USD D) USA

Canada

Internat In ationa n l

Print int Maga in gazi ga zine zi & We W bsite Arch hiv ive

$44.95

$58..80

$79 $7 9.95 95

Print M Maagazi ziine n Only

$29..95

$42 $4 2..75 2

$64.95 $6 4.95 95

Digital Ma Maga gazi zine ne & We W bsite Archive

$24.95 $2 95

$26 $2 6.7 70 70

$2 24. 4 95 95

The digital magazine is the full electro onic versio on th that att you you ou can rea ead d on the web or download in PDF formaat. Su ubsscrrib iber erss re ece ceiv ivee an n eema mail ma when each monthly digital issue is avaiilablee. Th Thee diigi g ta al ve vers rsio rs ion io n iss keyword searchable and articles can bee prin nted for nted for offfl fline n use s . Our website archive at www.fireengineeering..co O com m con nta tain inss ev in ever eryy er Fire Engin Fi nee eeri ring, fireEMS and Firre Engine neeerin ng.co com co m ar arti ticl ti clee pu cl publ blis bl ishe is hed hed siince January 1995 9 . The archive is search hablee by kkey eywo word wo rd,, isssu rd suee date da te and mag a azine category. A valuable trainiing an and d re rese searrch too oo ol forr an fo anyy fi fire refi figh ghte ter. To sub ubsscri ribe b caalll 80 8000 58 5 2-69 6949 69 49 or vi v si sitt www..fe-s -sub ub bsc scri riibe be.c .co com. Customers outsid t idee th thee USA USA call call +1 +1 91 918-83 8-831-94 1-9405. 05. Contact Cont c us forr multi multicopy copy pri print nt and and d digit igital al site site lice license nse pric icing ing g.

0810FE_82 82

9/24/08 5:31:19 PM

Improving Preconnect Function and Operation B Y B O B S H O VA L D 1

HE 1¾-INCH PRECONNECT IS THE MAINSTAY OF THE modern fire service. For most jurisdictions around the country, it is the initial attack line pulled for up to 80 to 90 percent of our fires. There are a multitude of hoselay configurations, such as preconnected lengths of 200, 150, and 100 feet, which can be combined with a large variety of accessories and nozzle styles. This allows the engine company more flexibility than ever before to fine-tune, customize, and make its 1¾-inch preconnects work harder and more efficiently. At the Coeur d’Alene (ID) Fire Department, we use crosslay preconnects and have two 200-foot 1¾-inch crosslays and one 100-foot 1¾-inch line (configured as a crosslay on some engines, as a front bumper line on others). The 100-foot line is also called a “trashline”; it is used for nuisance fires, grass fires, and occasionally vehicle fires. Our primary interior attack line is the 200-foot 1¾-inch line. We once had three 1¾-inch preconnects: 200, 150, and 100 feet. We changed this when we realized that a backup team using the 150-foot line could come up short when protecting the initial attack team using the 200-foot line—not a good plan when you are protecting your fellow firefighters. The preconnects not equipped with solid stream nozzles had automatic combination nozzles. We used a flat load with pull loops on both sides with the nozzle on top of the stack, which allowed us to pull the lines from both sides of the apparatus. But this design often left a pile of hose at the side of the apparatus, which the pump operator had to help flake out. It did not allow for easy stretching around obstacles, and we depended on the pump operator to supply the correct pressure when it was unclear how many gallons per minute (gpm) the automatic nozzle was actually delivering. Since we had a new engine on the way and we needed new nozzles, it was a good time to reexamine our crosslays and the equipment used with them.

1¾-INCH VS. 1½-INCH HOSE Years ago, 1½-inch hose worked ﬁne and is still a good choice for wildland ﬁres. However, there are some key reasons to choose 1¾-inch over 1½-inch hose for interior attack preconnects. Primarily, it all comes down to one important factor, gallons per minute (gpm). Using 95- and 125-gpm attack lines is outdated and dangerous. Consider the following factors: www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_83 83

Photos by author.

• Because of the huge increase in the use of synthetic materials in modern homes and businesses, including foams, plastics, vinyl, and volatile coatings, we are now experiencing fires with higher rates of release than ever before. • Because of the high cost of energy, more homes and businesses have improved insulation. In a fire, this seals that increased heat inside the structure. • As a result of more effective fire prevention programs, we arrive on-scene much sooner than in years past, in large part thanks to inexpensive smoke detectors. What this all adds up to is that we are getting on-scene FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 83

9/24/08 5:31:28 PM

● PRECONNECTS 3

sooner to hotter, more aggressive fires, often just before flashover conditions or self-ventilation. To fight the beast, today we need a bigger gun with bigger bullets—i.e., providing greater gpm and thus more water faster at the start of our interior attacks. The gpm—not the pressure and not the steam—kill the beast. In the case of 1¾-inch vs. 1½-inch hose, it all boils down to friction loss. Because of the hotter fires we experience today, the minimum flow for any

interior attack line should be no less than 150 gpm. When comparing a 200-foot, 1½-inch attack line ﬂowing 150 gpm, we have a friction loss of around 108 pounds per square inch (psi) in the line.1 Add this to the 100 psi required for a standard combination/fog nozzle, and you have a pump panel pressure of 208 psi. The 1¾-inch attack line will have a 72-psi friction loss and a pump panel discharge of 172 psi with the same nozzle. With

Enter 161 at fireeng.hotims.com

84 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_84 84

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:31:29 PM

No Plug Just Play Firecom Introduces the First Wireless Headset for the Fire and Rescue Industry

No wires, no plugs, just crystal clear, mission-critical communication with Firecom’s new wireless headset and base station. Our wireless headset connects first responders to the in-cab intercom system, at the pump panel or within 90 feet of the base station. The headset is ideal for command vehicles, on scene first responders and ambulance attendants. For more information about Firecom’s wireless headset, contact your territory manager at 800-527-0555 or email at sales@firecom.com.

www.firecom.com Enter 162 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_85 85

9/24/08 5:31:33 PM

● PRECONNECTS such high hoseline pressures, handling the attack line can feel like moving a 25-foot-long 2 × 4 around inside the structure.

NOZZLES Our department had identified nozzles as one of our problem areas since we had two different operating pressures, solid stream nozzles operating at 50 psi nozzle pressure (NP) and the automatic combination nozzles operating at 100 psi NP. Additionally, flow tests of our automatic nozzles produced several failures because of insufficient flow. We found several of these nozzles flowed well below 100 gpm at 100 psi NP even though the reach and pattern looked fine. I highly recommend annual flow testing of combination nozzles, especially if you use an automatic design. In our department, as well as in many other departments across the country, the Great Debate centers around solid stream vs. combination/fog 7 nozzle. We have about a 50/50 split on this issue. If anyone wants to stir things up, introducing this topic will do the job! It was one of the issues we wanted to try to address if possible. Other goals were to reduce stress and fatigue on the nozzle team; to establish a minimum of at least 150 gpm for interior attack lines; and to select a lightweight, user-friendly nozzle package—no small task! We started with research. We found that reaction force of a nozzle at 100 psi NP had a reaction force of roughly half of its gpm. Likewise, we found that a nozzle at 50 psi NP had a reaction force of one-third of its gpm. Example: A combination nozzle flowing 150 gpm at 100 psi NP has a reaction force of 76 pounds.2 Compare this with a combination nozzle flowing 150 gpm but now at 50 psi NP; the reaction force drops to 53 pounds. This is a 30-percent decrease in reaction force, a big difference when operating the nozzle for any length of time. We felt that this was significant enough to test the new low-pressure/high-volume combination/fog nozzles. One concern we had with low-pressure nozzles was line kinking. After extensive testing with several nozzle brands and different tips, we found that kinking of the attack line using a low-pressure/high-volume nozzle was negligible. For our testing, we considered 150 gpm and greater flows as high volume. We selected break-apart nozzles with a built-in 15 ∕16-inch formed solid stream waterway or slug tip. The nozzle tip is threaded, allowing attachment of a combination/fog tip. The combination tip we use is a fixed-gallonage type rated at 150 gpm at 50 psi (photos 1, 2). This is a lightweight, simple, user-friendly nozzle designed to flow a specific rate at a specific pressure with no springs or dials. This is as simple as a combination/fog nozzle gets. 86 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_86 86

The 50-psi operating pressure also allows the pump operator to operate either the combination or solid stream at the same nozzle pressure. This went a long way in helping to at least quiet the Great Debate, since the combination/fog tip can be quickly removed from the nozzle, leaving the 15∕16-inch solid stream. We also found some other benefits of the break-apart nozzle design. With the combination tip removed, a medium foam expansion device can be quickly attached to the nozzle without shutting down the line (photo 3). A 1½-inch wildland hose can also be rapidly extended from a deployed preconnect without shutting down (photo 4). This can be beneficial on an initial attack of a fast-moving wildland fire. With our nozzle style selected, we now needed to determine how best to pump the new style nozzles to take full advantage of their design. Even though both solid stream and combination tips oper-

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:31:33 PM

Enter 163 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_87 87

9/24/08 5:31:42 PM

● PRECONNECTS ate at 50 psi NP, they have different ﬂow rates. The solid stream ﬂows at 185 gpm, the combination tip at 150 gpm. Friction loss formulas are a good place to start in determining correct pump panel discharge pressure; however, they do not take into account the friction loss behind the pump panel caused by bends, turns, and swivels that add to the overall friction loss. To ensure that we would be delivering the desired

gpm at the nozzle, we used a flowmeter to verify the flow. With the preconnects stretched to full length, we flowed the lines with the solid stream first. When 185 gpm was reached, we marked the discharge gauge with a reflective red arrow decal. Next, we installed the combination tip and reflowed the line until we reached the same pressure as previously marked on the gauge. In our case, we

Enter 164 at fireeng.hotims.com

88 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_88 88

found we were flowing 165 gpm with the combination tip, well above the 150 gpm we had set as a minimum. We also found that when operating an engine with a pressure governor, the revolutions per minute (rpm) automatically adjust to maintain the desired pressure when set in psi mode. On an apparatus equipped with a relief valve system, the pump operator needs to manually adjust the rpm to maintain the desired pressure. Marking the individual discharge gauges allows the pump operator to rapidly place lines in service and guarantees correct flow. Verifying our flow with a flowmeter also satisfied our concerns that the combination tip may not flow its rated flow when attached to a reduced orifice nozzle (slug tip). After flowing each preconnect, we labeled the discharge gauges with the flow ratings. The solid stream gpm is followed by that of the combination tip reading (photo 5).

HOSE AND HOSELAYS In our flow tests, we found that the friction loss in our current hose was well below the standard formula established for 1¾-inch hose. We use an extruded nitrile rubber-coated hose on our preconnects. Since it has proved to be very durable and allows reloading without the hassle of hanging and drying, we decided to stay with it. After testing several preconnect lay configurations, we decided on the minuteman load. It was a good choice, as we had already been using the minuteman load for our 2½-inch preconnect. Using the minuteman on the 1¾-inch preconnects simplified things and reduced the in-service training time. The beauty of the minuteman load is that the load is pulled from the bed directly onto the shoulder of the firefighter. Hose then plays off the top of the stack as the firefighter walks from the engine around any obstacles and to the attack position. Once at the door, the firefighter sets the remaining stack on the ground, then stretches back any remaining hose by grabbing the couplings. One challenge with the minuteman load is that it is an unidirectional load—that is, it deploys from one side only. You must decide ahead of time www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:31:44 PM

PRECONNECTS ● from which side you will deploy the load. We choose to deploy from the right side of the apparatus, since it would be away from the pump operator; we felt that the pump operator is busy enough at this point and shouldn’t have to work around firefighters pulling lines. Deploying lines from the right side of the apparatus also allows the firefighter to pull lines to the curbside and out of the way of traffic most of the time. One concern of deploying from the right side is loss of hose length as it goes around the apparatus to the left side. To address this, we attached a nine-foot extension hose (pup) at the beginning of the preconnect. The nine-foot pup makes up for any lost length going around the engine; but, more importantly, it provides a location at ground level for a quick disconnect of the hoselay (photo 6). The ability to quickly disconnect the load at ground level allows for the following: • Quick deployment of a foam attack line when using a pump panel-mounted eductor (photo 7). • Rapid line extension from a 2½-inch attack line. • Deployment of an attack line to a remote site, a standpipe, or an auxiliary pump. My engine crew has been using this configuration on our preconnects for more than a year now with very good results.

••• Often, we tend to overlook those things that have worked well for us over the years. In this case, we found that we could improve the function and operation of our 1¾-inch preconnects. Sometimes you can’t improve on a good thing, but you will never know until you look into it and check it out. ●

ENDNOTES 1. Formula for friction loss: FL = C×Q/100² × L/100. FL = Friction loss; C = hose coefﬁcient; Q = quantity of water (gpm); L = length of hose. 2. NR = .0505 × Q × √NP (fog nozzle) or 1.57 × d² × NP (solid stream nozzles). NR = nozzle reaction (psi), Q = total ﬂow through the nozzle (gpm); NP = nozzle pressure (psi); d = nozzle diameter.

● BOB SHOVALD is a 14-year veteran of and a lieutenant with the Coeur d’Alene (ID) Fire Department, assigned to Station 3. He is certiﬁed in Idaho as an EMT; a hazmat technician; and an instructor for driver operator, rapid intervention teams, and hazmat response. Shovald also serves on Idaho’s Task Force 1 as part of the state’s All Hazards Rescue Team.

Enter 165 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_89 89

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 89

9/24/08 5:31:45 PM

YEAR 2009

Nominations Now Being Accepted ®

George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award

TO BE PRESENTED AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INSTRUCTORS CONFERENCE, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, APRIL 20-25, 2009

he Fire Engineering / ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award recognizes individuals for extraordinary accomplishments in fire service training. The winner of the George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award • will have displayed a deep commitment to furthering the cause of the fire service through training; • will have advanced the cause of firefighter operational effectiveness and safety; • will have gone above and beyond the call of duty in training; • will have brought creativity and innovation to fire training programs, or will have shown great persistence in pursuing an innova-

tive program; and • will have served as a positive model for other fire instructors and firefighters throughout the country. The George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award marks individual accomplishment. Therefore, while members of an instructional team or ad hoc training group, for example, will be considered, nominations in the name of a fire department or training academy are not eligible. Nominations must be received by December 31, 2008. Send them to Diane Feldman, George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award, Fire Engineering, 21-00 Route 208 South, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-2602. You can also download this form at FireEngineering.com.

2009 GEORGE D. POST INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINATION FORM Date:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominated by:___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominee:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s Mailing Address:________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s Phone/Fax/E-Mail:______________________________________________________________________________________ Describe the training achievement of the individual:_____________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How can other departments benefit from the training?____________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What makes the program unique, innovative, resourceful?_________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please send in any supplemental information such as diagrams, photos, and written materials (no testimonials) to illustrate the program. Use additional pages if you need more room to write.

0810FE_90 90

9/24/08 5:31:47 PM

Fireground Recon: Deﬁning an Old Term

B Y S T E V E N E . S TA N D R I D G E

N MY NEARLY 13 YEARS IN THE FIRE SERVICE, I cannot recall the number of times an incident commander (IC) directed my crew to “recon” an area, the fire floor, or an entire structure. Undoubtedly, we’ve all heard the expression and may have even used it for our own purposes. Oddly enough, for as often as I’ve heard the phrase used, I’ve found very little written on the subject, much less come across a formal and explicit definition for it.1 The only fire-related description that seems to exist is within the realm of wildland firefighting. Yet, this frequently used expression has real-world implications on the fireground; therefore, it is in our best interest to thoroughly understand and use the term properly. This apparent disconnect compelled me to research the topic. I discovered that “recon,” in the context of the fire service, has a specific meaning and requires a corresponding set of tactics to accomplish the task. It’s with this knowledge that I venture into unfamiliar and controversial territory: I propose a new definition for inclusion in our collective fire service dictionary: Fireground Reconnaissance (fireground recon). I’ll also discuss the specific elements of an effective recon that will better ensure safe and efficient operations. The first thing we must do, though, is establish a universally agreed on definition, which, given our profession’s sometimes prickly nature, may be easier said than done. As ICs, what exactly do we mean when we instruct our crews to “recon” an area? It’s my contention that we’ve long used the term in a loose and often inaccurate manner. The term, in fact, has a precise definition that requires specific tactical considerations. Unfortunately, we have not collectively devoted the requisite time and energy to come up with a satisfactory definition. The military, by contrast, formally recognizes the term and defines recon as “a mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other detection methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy or potential enemy, or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area.” 2 In the wildland vernacular, recon is characterized as a way “to examine a fire area to obtain information about current and probable fire behavior and other related fire suppression information.” 3 I submit that these descriptions do not, for

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_91 91

the purpose of general firefighting, clearly convey the meaning and intent of fireground recon. Given this, it is then necessary to advance a definition that can withstand the scrutiny of our profession. I believe the following rises to that level: Fireground Recon: the process of determining the location and extent of the fire prior to committing resources to a large commercial building, residential structure, or wildland fire.

The key point when evaluating this definition is that there is a distinct difference between reconnaissance and size-up. As firefighters and officers, we’ve been indoctrinated with the size-up process and have it etched into our thought process.

SIZE-UP VS. FIREGROUND RECON We know that size-up is “the ongoing process of evaluating a situation to determine what has happened, what is happening, what is likely to happen, and what resources will be needed to resolve the situation.” 4 One of the most recognizable size-up tools is the COAL WAS WEALTH acronym. This comprehensive assessment tool is designed to give an officer as much information about the incident as possible to make sound strategic and tactical decisions. Some argue that it begins at the time we get the alarm; others suggest it starts before the day even begins with assessments about weather, preplans, personnel, training, and so on. Regardless of the precise moment size-up begins, it is still the fundamental means we use to gather all the pertinent information necessary for doing our jobs safely and efficiently. Fireground recon, on the other hand, is but one of the tools an IC has at his disposal to help determine the what, where, and how. In military lingo, recon is the “fact-finding” mission, whereas size-up is the evaluative procedure by which the “known” facts dictate your strategy and tactics. Clearly, size-up and recon are not the same. For example, a truck crew might be assigned to recon the roof. When the team gets to the top, it reports seeing “heavy smoke coming from the vents on the northwest corner of the building.” This is specific and unfiltered information, which is gathered through the process of reconning an area. After the report is transmitted to the IC, he evaluates the information and tries to determine the fire’s location, attempts to predict FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 91

9/24/08 5:31:53 PM

● FIREGROUND RECON where it will go, and allocates the appropriate resources to mitigate the situation. This can be accomplished only when all the reconnaissance information is received from the various sources on the fireground. In the military, this process is often referred to as a continuous intelligence operation. For us in the fire service, it is the ongoing process of size-up. The dilemma for most ICs is figuring out how to go about answering those critical questions. The recon team simply acts as an information-gathering resource for the IC. More precisely, recon crews endeavor to help the IC answer all the critical questions, which will assist the officer in determining the proper strategy and tactics for the incident. Ironically, we engage in recon operations every day in both large and small departments. Think back to your last early-morning fire alarm call. If your department is anything like mine, you get at least one engine and a ladder truck assigned to investigate the alarm. On arrival, you take command; size up the exterior of the building; and, barring any obvious signs of fire, head to the fire alarm panel to gather more information that can help pinpoint where to send your crews. If the fire alarm panel indicates a smoke detector has activated on the third floor, we head up with tools in hand and personnel in tow. Once on the “fire” floor, we begin looking for clues that help us determine where the “phantom” problem may be. In accordance with our training, we feel the door prior to making entry, scan the area with our thermal imaging camera (TIC), check the ceiling space for fire above, and gain entry into offices to check for

any signs of fire. As is typically the case, we find no immediate problem and continue this process until we find that lone smoke detector, which, because of neglect, finally activates, causing us to grumble about another false alarm wrenching us from our comfortable beds. Lo and behold, and without even realizing it, we’ve just conducted our recon operation. Some might quibble and suggest, “No, what you’ve done is actually a ‘size-up,’ ” to which I respond, “I beg to differ.” Remember, in this newly created definition, recon is but one of the many mechanisms we use to size up the call. Recon, like any other source of information, helps us answer the critical size-up questions: Where is the fire? How big has it gotten? Where is it going? What do we need to do to get it under control? You might still be wondering what the distinction is and why it is so important. It’s simple really. Let’s go back to our 2 a.m. mid-rise fire alarm call. This time, when we get to the fire floor and open the door, instead of finding a clear hallway, we discover the entire corridor is charged with heavy black smoke. Now what? Most of us would acknowledge that we have to get to the seat of the fire with our hoseline and start doing what comes naturally—putting the wet stuff on the red stuff. But, what if we don’t know where the seat of the fire is? What should we do then? Do we simply connect our 2½-inch high-rise pack to the nearest standpipe connection and pray we get to the seat of the fire? I would hope not. Instead, it might be far more advisable and efficient to take the extra time and send a crew over to the

Enter 166 at fireeng.hotims.com

92 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_92 92

Enter 167 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:31:54 PM

FIREGROUND RECON ● next stairwell to evaluate the conditions from that location. I’ve witnessed a number of occasions when crews in both training scenarios and on actual calls advanced their attack lines only to come up short of their objective. This adds to the confusion, chaos, and stress of an already tense and highly charged situation. Had the crews taken the time to recon the other stairwells, they might have found a closer access point to the fire than the one originally chosen. Those few minutes needed for recon are vital, but it takes discipline to conduct such an operation. We all have on our crews those horses we’re forced to rein in from time to time to get them to slow down for their good and the good of the crew. We love them, because they’re the Clydesdales of our department. They can climb eight flights of stairs, advance 150 feet of charged 2½-inch hose, and still have enough energy to overhaul the fire room. That’s when discipline comes into play. I can assure you that if you choose the wrong access point from which to connect and advance your hose, it won’t matter how many thoroughbreds you have on your crew. You won’t come any closer to getting the fire out. That’s why an understanding of when and where to use a fireground recon operation can be beneficial, if not essential, to the overall mitigation of the incident. It will aid you in making the right decisions when assigning resources to the correct location so that you can get the fire under control and extinguished. In 2003, I had the extraordinary opportunity to do two consecutive 24-hour ride-alongs with the Los Angeles City (CA) Fire Department as part of FDIC’s H.O.T. packages. About midway through my second shift, I had the good fortune to be assigned to the engine that was third-in on what I can describe only as a third-alarm fire (L.A. City uses the task force concept, so its alarms don’t equate to a traditional first- or second-alarm assignment most departments use). As our unit positioned, the officer and his two firefighters jumped off the rig and sprinted into the structure with only their personal protective equipment and SCBAs and with axes and rope bags in hand. At the time, I was stunned at how aggressively this crew entered the structure without hoselines or even water cans to protect them, but I shortly realized why they had gone into the structure so quickly. Within a couple of minutes, at least half a dozen firefighters from different crews were dropping rope bags down to their awaiting engineers to hoist up one of their crosslays. The firefighters then raised the hoselines to the fire floor, ensuring they had enough to reach the seat of the fire, and signaled to the engineer to make the connection. At this point, the engineer uncoupled the crosslay, connected at the panel, and began pumping the appropriate gallons per minute (gpm) needed for an adequate fire attack. It was a truly impressive sight to witness. I have great admiration for the L.A. City firefighters, who demonstrated an efficient and highly coordinated operation. It was also during this ride-along that I began to formulate the concept of fireground recon and the tactics needed to facilitate a safe and efficient operation.

THREE-SIDED RECON APPROACH No hard-and-fast rules exist, since ﬁreground recon is a newly deﬁned concept. However, the following set of general guidelines www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_93 93

Become a Partner.

Build a Future.

Your employer can help you reach your dreams of higher education by becoming a CSU Learning Partner. Beneﬁts include:

Spouses and children of employees are also eligible for these beneﬁts.

10%

TUITION DISCOUNT

New Concentration in Fire Science

FOR LEARNING PARTNERS!

CITY OF HEMET FIRE DEPT. CA

CHICAGO FIRE DEPT. IL

FDNY NY

LEARNING PARTNER

Enter 168 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:31:55 PM

● FIREGROUND RECON might be useful in determining the need for a recon operation as part of what I call the “three-sided recon approach.” The interior of the structure. The primary task of our recon team is to determine the location and extent of the ﬁre prior to committing resources. This team is lightly “armed” and most likely will be operating without a hoseline. With that said, it should at a minimum have some forcible entry tools, a TIC, and a water can or two at its disposal. Remember, your recon team needs to be highly mobile to facilitate a quick assessment of the building and the conditions to best determine where to position crews, equipment, and hoselines. The IC should, however, take into consideration at least three factors before committing the recon team inside: • Is the roof intact, or is it nearing collapse? • Are the conditions inside the structure such that the “light” recon team can safely proceed—i.e., hazmat materials are known to be inside; egress routes cannot be clearly identiﬁed? • Can an offensive strategy still be employed? Clearly, you may use other go/no-go criteria before committing crews inside. Regardless what they are, keep them at the forefront of your risk assessment, because your recon team is highly vulnerable to rapidly changing conditions that can put the team in peril. Outside the structure. In all actuality, we do this all the time. If your department is anything like mine, this

function typically falls to the truck or RIT as it conducts its 360° walk-around. As the RIT is doing this, the recon team should be popping doors and looking in windows and under eaves and vents for signs of smoke and walls for indications of imminent collapse. I know all of this sounds obvious, but I’ve witnessed more than a few occasions where an officer or a recon team conducted a 360° survey and didn’t really “look” at the building. I call this speed walking through the size-up. Consequently, he didn’t take the time to closely examine the structure to gather all the information that might be critical for determining what was actually going on. If you’re assigned to recon the exterior, you have a responsibility to critically evaluate and report back any findings or actions to the IC. And, like an interior recon operation, there are several instances when it may not be suitable to conduct a complete outside recon operation, such as the following: • When a wall or the roof has collapsed or collapse is imminent. • When conditions from the fire make it untenable to do an adequate outside recon—i.e., radiant heat is so great it limits the crew’s ability to get close to the structure. • When significant barriers exist that restrict a comprehensive exterior recon from being conducted. The roof. Ideally, as most truckies will tell you, it should be done with “feet on the ground.” However, if the roof has collapsed or is about to collapse or has already vented,

Enter 169 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_94 94

9/24/08 5:31:57 PM

FIREGROUND RECON ● this operation can be conducted from an aerial, a ground ladder, or an adjacent structure. Regardless of what your specific department’s standard operating procedures outline for roof operations, there are some key things you should be looking for: • Is the roof fully intact? • Has it vented? • Will the roof collapse, or has any part of it collapsed? • Are there any signs of fire—i.e., smoke coming from vents? Obviously, these guidelines may preclude conducting an immediate recon operation, but as the incident progresses and resources become available or conditions change sufficiently, the IC may elect or be forced to initiate a recon operation. Although a truly effective recon operation should employ a three-sided approach whenever possible, it does not mean you can’t or shouldn’t use one or more of the approaches when the circumstances dictate. For example, if you’ve arrived on the scene of a fully involved commercial structure fire and declare a defensive strategy, you may still need to conduct a recon operation on the exterior to ensure the fire isn’t impinging on any exposures. Or, an IC may roll up and determine the resources on-scene are too limited to conduct a recon operation when immediate life safety needs are required— i.e., immediate rescue, mass evacuation of occupants. Or, the structure, such as a residential house or stand-alone commercial building the size of a typical fast food restaurant, is small enough and the location of the fire is obvious that a recon operation is not warranted. Generally speaking, the larger the structure, the more likely a thorough recon operation needs to be conducted to ensure resources are deployed to the proper location in as timely a manner as possible. Some examples of structures or incidents that necessitate one or more recon operations are large and complex commercial structures (such as churches, strip malls, high rises, and warehouses) and wildland fires. It’s also worth noting that, although the current definition of fireground recon is limited to fires,

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_95 95

these operations may not necessarily be restricted to these incidents. For example, as IC you may elect to send a recon team out to gather information on a large multiple casualty or hazmat incident. The possibilities for recon operations are endless.

Specialty Fire Equipment

•••

“BIG WATER”

This article was predicated on the assumption that I’m not introducing a new concept but formalizing a well-known albeit little-discussed idea that should be roundly debated, ﬁeld tested, and built on. It is designed to be the ﬁrst stage in what I hope will be the beginning of an ongoing dialogue and evolution of a concept, in much the same way as size-up has taken on a life of its own in discussions about strategy and tactics. Let the debate begin. ●

ENDNOTES 1. It should be noted that there have been articles and short sections of books devoted to the subject but only in a superficial manner. For example, John Norman talks about reconnaissance as it relates to building collapses in his Fire Officer’s Handbook of Tactics (Fire Engineering, 2005), while Joseph Bachtler and Tom Brennan take a similar approach in The Fire Chief’s Handbook, Fifth Edition (Fire Engineering, 1995). I’m certain others have discussed this subject, but all the written material I could find talked about it only in a cursory manner. This bolsters my main contention that no definition exists despite the term’s widespread use. 2. Reconnaissance. FM 3-0 Operations. U.S. States Army, http://www.globalsecurity.org/ military/library/policy/army/fm/3-21-21/chap3. htm. 2001; June, 10-11. 3. Glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology, Publication 205. National Wildfire Coordinating Group. http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/glossary/PMS205.pdf/. Oct 2006; 141. 4. Size-up and Incident Plans: Fire Department Company Officer, 3rd ed. International Fire Service Training Association. 1999; 271.

● STEVEN E. STANDRIDGE is a captain with South Metro Fire Rescue in the Denver (CO) metro area. He’s been a line and a training ofﬁcer and is working as an administrative captain helping to develop the department’s Emergency Management Plan. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in management and in public policy.

BALL INTAKE VALVE • • • • • • • •

250 psi maximum operating pressure Meets 900 psi hydrostatic strength test Lowest friction loss through elbow shaped ball bore Meets NFPA requirements Adjustable relief valve from 50 to 250 psi 3/4” Air/water drain valve 30° Intake elbow Optional full time swivel

Kochek Company 75 Highland Drive Putnam, CT 06260 800-420-4673

www.kochek.com QUALITY

ONNECTIONS

Enter 170 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:31:58 PM

REAL EDUCATION. REAL EXPERIENCE. REAL CONNECTIONS.

WHERE LEADERS COME TO TRAIN

April 20-25, 2009 Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN www.fdic.com

Flagship Media Sponsor:

0810FE_96 96

Owned & Produced by:

9/24/08 5:32:00 PM

High-Rise Fireﬁghting Perils: Veterans’ Perspectives

BY JEFF CROW

HIGH-RISE FIRE CAN BE A MOST CHALLENGING event for a firefighter or fire department: Thousands of people could be in an enclosed structure from which there are very limited means of egress and in which the fire load is extremely heavy. And, even though high-rise fires can be the most challenging and dangerous, they are among the least frequent types of fires to which we respond. This is as true for firefighters who work in high-rise districts as for those who don’t. Firefighters who work in suburban or rural areas may think, “There’s not a high-rise building anywhere in my response area.” Are you sure of that? What exactly is a high-rise building? Departments and building codes define high-rise buildings differently. In general, a high-rise is any building tall enough so that its top cannot be reached by your department’s tallest aerial apparatus. That can be a building as low as six or seven stories. Today, most communities have at least one six- or seven-story building in their area. And whether a fire is on the 70th floor of the Sears Tower in Chicago or the seventh floor of a hotel in a small town, firefighters face similar challenges. They have to rescue or shelter in place occupants who cannot escape through doors and windows, and they have to move firefighters and equipment up and down many floors to accomplish their tasks. And even if one-story ranch houses and restaurants are all you have in your territory, if a major fire were to break out in a high-rise building on the other side of town, your company, and even companies from many miles away, may have to respond. You may have seen the photos of fire trucks running hot across the Brooklyn Bridge and other outer-borough bridges into Manhattan on the morning of September 11, 2001. That obviously was an extreme situation, and none of us hopes or expects to respond to another 9/11, but the principle remains the same. “The downtown companies aren’t going to put out the fire,” says Assistant Chief (Ret.) Bob Ramirez, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department. “You know who’s going to put it out? The outlying companies.” He explains: “At a major high-rise fire, the first-in crews aren’t going to be anything more than pathfinders. They’re going to set up the fire ... and they’re going to be spent.” Ramirez may be the person most responsible for putting out one of the biggest high-rise fires in U.S.

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_97 97

(1) A helicopter searches for civilians trapped on the 50th ﬂoor at the First Interstate ﬁre. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fire Administration.)

history—the First Interstate fire in Los Angeles (LA). That fire consumed five floors of a downtown LA high-rise before Ramirez and his crews stopped the fire on the 16th floor; they nearly lost their lives in the process. On the fire floor, Ramirez recalls, “We were standing on a floor that was so hot that the plastic carpet was melting at our feet. We had no air. You couldn’t stand up. You couldn’t kneel down. Your feet were slipping in the melting carpet.” But they persevered and put out that massive fire. “The First Interstate fire,” Ramirez says, “was literally a battle between Murphy’s Law and firemen, and firemen won” (photo 1). The reason the high-rise district firefighters called to extinguish high-rise fires often do not put out the fire is that the greater alarm companies come in “fresh” and pick up the hose and put out the fire, Ramirez explains. “I’ve seen it happen time after time after time,” he adds. The point is that high-rise fires are not just the problem of a big city or downtown firefighters. They are every firefighter’s potential problem.

LEARNING FROM OTHERS’ EXPERIENCE “[A] high-rise [fire] is probably the most difficult incident you’ll ever have to deal with as a fire officer, and you can’t really get good at it, because these fires are so rare,” Chief FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 97

9/24/08 5:32:10 PM

● HIGH-RISE PERILS (Ret.) Jack Bennett, Ramirez’ colleague in the LA County Fire Department, relates. Among many other incidents, Bennett was incident commander at the Fickett Towers fire at which 12 floors on one side of an elderly residential high-rise building were engulfed in flame. To the credit of the LA County Fire Department, not one of the building’s 300 residents was killed. So if experience is the best teacher, what do we do when we can’t get enough on-the-job experience to learn? We have to rely on training and, to a large extent, “secondhand” learning from others’ experiences. Young firefighters learn by talking to veterans about their past experiences of fighting fires when “the fire was hotter and the water was wetter.” In the same way, we can learn about high-rise fires from the experiences of firefighters who have fought major high-rise fires. I’ve interviewed firefighters from around the nation who responded to some of the most significant, intense high-rise fires. Following is a summary of their most important points— the lessons to be learned from their “voices of experience.”

BUILDING SYSTEMS Few firefighters in the world probably have responded to, analyzed, and taught about as many high-rise fires as Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn, who retired from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) after 42 years of service.1 Dunn says that high-rise firefighting is all about the building systems. What’s the biggest difference between a high-rise fire and other types of fires? First of all, a high-rise is the only building where we’re totally dependent on the systems in that building. Our firefighting fails if the elevators fail. Our firefighting fails if the communication system fails. Our firefighting fails if the water or standpipe system fails. Now, in a low-rise fire, we control all those systems. Your portable radio never fails. Your hose stretching never fails. Maybe you get a kink or a burst line, but you can always fix it. And your feet are your transportation system. [At a high-rise fire, on the other hand], you’re totally dependent upon the systems of the building. And if the systems fail, we fail.

John Norman, FDNY deputy assistant chief (ret.), concurs: “For me, knowing the building, knowing the systems, knowing the way the systems were designed—that’s the bottom line.” 2 Norman explains:

alarm systems in these buildings activate, they turn out to be false alarms. “We go to those buildings all the time on false alarms, smoke detector malfunctions—you name it,” Bennett says. “You know. I guess it’s just, again, we’re back to the discipline that’s involved.” “We call [high-rise districts] ‘the electronic ghetto,’ ” Norman says, “where you’re running automatic alarms all day.” Repeated false alarms are a problem, because they make us run hot down city streets for no good reason, endangering firefighters and citizens. They cause needless wear and tear on fire apparatus and keep apparatus out of service and unavailable to respond to real emergencies. But the biggest problem with frequent false alarms in high-rise buildings is that they can lead to complacency on the part of the firefighters who respond to them. This leads to a situation, says Assistant Chief Bruce Kolar of the Clark County (NV) Fire Department, where “guys don’t want to put on their turnouts; they don’t want to put on their SCBA.” Back in 1981, Kolar was a young firefighter just starting his career among the newly constructed high-rise buildings of Las Vegas. Recalling his complacency in those days, he says, “I remember thinking that Vegas was a new town and we would never have the ‘big one.’ I never felt that, being in a new town, I would ever get any kind of experience.” He got plenty of experience that winter when, in the space of a couple of weeks, he responded to the MGM Grand fire, where 84 people died, and the fire in the Las Vegas Hilton, where there were eight fatalities. He cautions: “It’s so easy to let your guard down, especially as a firefighter going to a new building. When the call came in for the MGM Grand, I distinctly remember thinking, ‘It’s a new building. What are you going to have there? (photo 2). There’s nothing that’s going to go on there.’ Then, in a couple of minutes, you hear guys screaming on the radio, and they were in deep [trouble].” Billy Sands, now a federal court judge in Georgia, was a captain in the Jacksonville (FL) Fire and Rescue Department in 1994 when he responded to a fire at the Cathedral Towers high-rise building, which was home to some 250 senior citizens. Heavy smoke and fire broke out on the 14th floor. Sands recalls, “It was one of these places that you go to every 2

A big problem is the building. We have to rely on the building, and when the buildings fail us, we’re in big trouble—whether it’s First Interstate, where the ﬁre pumps failed, or any of the other numerous high-rise ﬁres where systems in the building have failed. That’s when we make headlines, you know.

FALSE ALARMS AND COMPLACENCY Often, the first and most frequent systems with which we interact in these buildings are those downtown firefighters have come to hate—the alarm systems. Their purpose is to warn occupants and the fire department that a fire is in the building. The problem is that, more often than not, when the 98 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_98 98

(2) The MGM Grand ﬁre. [Photo courtesy of the Clark County (NV) Fire Department; used with permission.]

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:32:12 PM

EVERY RESCUE.

Whether it’s a heart attack, a burning warehouse or a flash flood – any call could turn into a rescue mission. That’s why Cummins engines use proven technology to deliver reliable performance. The cooled-EGR subsystem and patented VG Turbo have over 40 billion miles of experience. Plus, every component from the air intake to the exhaust is totally integrated for optimum performance and fuel economy. For details, phone 1-800-DIESELS (1-800-343-7357) or visit everytime.cummins.com. From the more powerful ISB to the unique design of the ISX, you can depend on Cummins. Every call. Every rescue. ©2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A.

0810FE_99 99

Enter 171 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:32:20 PM

● HIGH-RISE PERILS week. You get complacent. Nothing’s going to happen. And this time, these people were going crazy.” Jacksonville Fire and Rescue was able to save all of the Cathedral Towers’ occupants; but, Sands warns, “Complacency is what will kill you.” “You think [new buildings] are not going to burn,” Kolar points out. “And it’s hard for you to have that mindset that, hey, this could happen. But I’m telling you that probably the biggest thing

you’ll learn in your career is that whenever you let your guard down, you’re going to get smacked.” So how do we keep from getting “smacked” because of complacency? According to James Mockler, a 26-year veteran of the Houston (TX) Fire Department, it all begins with leadership by example. “I ﬁnd that they’ll [my members] do what I do. People do what the captain does. I don’t really explain myself. I just kind of do what I think is

Enter 172 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_100 100

necessary, and people follow me.” Mockler, assigned to the downtown high-rise district, was on the department’s heavy rescue squad in 2001 when it responded to a fire at the Four Leaf Towers high-rise apartment building. Mockler’s crew was sent upstairs to rescue the captain of the first-in fire attack team, who had become disoriented, was running out of air, and called a Mayday. Mockler recalls hearing the captain saying, “Where’s my backup engine?” and then, “We’re having trouble,” before declaring a Mayday. “Eventually, we found him,” Mockler says. “It was a big rugby scrum. Some guys were running out of air. One of the guys knocked me over.” After a desperate struggle that nearly cost the lives of Mockler and his crew, they succeeded in reaching the downed captain and removing him from the fire floor. Despite their heroic efforts, the captain did not survive. In Mockler’s eyes, the crew will avoid complacency so long as their leader doesn’t show complacency. “I think it’s a leadership thing,” he says. He asks, “When responding to calls for alarms sounding in hotels and apartment buildings, do company officers put on their gear? I think there are a lot of guys who don’t put their equipment on,” he offered. Mockler stresses that he doesn’t intend to be a victim of complacency: “I don’t want to be on the fire floor and have to come running out because I went up without my gear or something,” he explains. Mockler uses the frequent false alarm responses he makes in high-rises as opportunities to train his crews and teach them about the building. “We use all these automatic alarms we make,” he says, “as a fire drill for us. We don’t look to write up any tickets about excessive alarms. It’s like a training session for us.” When responding to automatic alarms, he adds, “We go to the fire control center; we get the firefighter’s key, and then we proceed as if we had an incident. And then I drill—you know, each guy gets to run the elevator at different incidents.” In this way, Mockler transforms a false alarm from an annoyance to a learning opportunity and transforms the “electronic ghetto” into a training ground.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:32:23 PM

HIGH-RISE PERILS ● LOGISTICS If, as Ramirez says, the downtown companies—the first to arrive on the scene—often are not the ones who will put out the fire, what should they be doing? The answer is: They’re doing the most important part of high-rise firefighting—logistics. “You have to understand that a high-rise fire is a logistics problem,” Ramirez says (photo 3). Bennett puts it bluntly: “We had several fires where we forgot logistics until we were up to our necks in alligators.” What is meant by logistics? Roughly speaking, logistics is everything except fire attack and rescue, including elevator and stairway management, resource pool setup, transport of personnel and equipment to a staging area, lobby control, and other activities. Although logistics may not be as exciting as fire attack or rescue, it is, by interviewees’ consensus, the most important part of high-rise firefighting. Logistics is the groundwork that must be laid before the fire attack and rescue can be accomplished. At a normal fire, like a house fire, most of the firefighters on-scene will be directly involved in the firefighting or rescue effort. At a high-rise fire, the opposite is true. A relatively small percentage of personnel will be engaged in firefighting and rescue operations, and a much larger percentage will be involved in logistics. Ramirez cites the following rule of thumb: “Four firefighters for every firefighter on a hoseline is a good estimate.” High-rise fire logistics is inherently personnel intensive. Ramirez says, “These buildings will eat

(3) The equipment pool in the lobby at the First Interstate ﬁre. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fire Administration.)

resources like you’ve never seen before.” Kolar recalls: The MGM [fire] just overwhelmed everybody. That casino was fully involved in less than a minute. In less than a minute, all the resources of your department are totally overwhelmed (photo 4). That [fire] was so overwhelming, to go from seven o’clock in the morning [when] you’ve no problem to 7:12 [when] you’ve 5,000 people you need to put someplace, and you’ve got a fire that you’re dealing with ....

identity BUILD-IT...

BUY-IT...

SEE-IT...

What does yours look like? Log on to the TheFireStore.com and create your own identity. Thousands of badge, helmet front, and license plate options!

Ordering has never been so easy!

800-852-6088 TheFireStore.com 104 Independence Way, Coatesville, PA 19320 Enter 173 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_101 101

9/24/08 5:32:24 PM

● HIGH-RISE PERILS 4

(4) The MGM Grand Hotel fire overwhelmed everyone. The fire moved with unbelievable speed. [Photo courtesy of the Clark County (NV) Fire Department.] (5) Air bottles staged in the lobby at the First Interstate fire. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fire Administration.)

To keep from being overwhelmed, Bennett says, “Assign a logistics officer early in the resource game—maybe even before operations.” “When you attack the fire, it has to be a sustained attack. You cannot stop to run down 20 flights of stairs to get another air bottle or another length of hose,” explains Ramirez. “The hose and air bottle have to be right there (photo 5). Otherwise, you lose the fire.” Raymond Orozco, commissioner of the Chicago (IL) Fire Department (CFD), was incident commander at the 2004 high-rise fire at 135 S. La Salle Street, at which four floors of a heavily occupied office building were engulfed in flames. “At a large fire in a high-rise building, deploy additional resources to aboveground staging/support areas,” he recommends. “This practice will reduce reflex time. If you lose the elevators, those resources will then have to walk up from the lobby.” At this incident, the CFD was able to rescue all of the building’s occupants. Coming as it did about a year after a disastrous highrise fire in which six Chicago citizens were killed, the La Salle Street fire is considered the incident at which the CFD put into practice the lessons learned from the previous year’s tragedy. At a high-rise fire, just like at any other fire, aggressive crews want to be attacking the fire and performing rescue. Warns Ramirez, “Everybody wants to go squirt water, but you can’t do it. Your most aggressive officers and crews may not want to be assigned to logistics, but they should be.” Ramirez related the following concerning a high-rise fire he commanded: Early in the game, I took my best battalion chief, who later became the number two man in the fire department. I told him, ‘You’re going to be logistics.’ I could almost see his face drop [as if he were thinking], ‘I was going to get a chance to fight fire and now I’ve got [this] job.’ He may have been thinking that; but he said, ‘Yes, sir,’ and he set it up. 102 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_102 102

CREW FATIGUE The logistical requirements of high-rise firefighting demand that people and equipment be moved up many floors before fire attack and rescue can begin. For that reason, one of the most important aspects of logistics is how you manage and conserve the most valuable tool on the fireground: the firefighters. Bennett recommends this basic method for reducing crew fatigue at a high-rise fire. Set up a rotation of crews among three positions near the fire floor: (1) one group actively engaged in firefighting operations; (2) one group standing by, ready to move into action; and (3) a group resting in staging after having just left active operations. So, he says, “You’ve got one company involved on the [fire] floor; one in the stairway ready to relieve the other company, to take over their hoseline or to get another line to back them up, as the case may be; and one down in staging. Go through that rotation twice, and then relieve [the crews] with fresh crews that have not yet been in action. This way, you have three companies rotating. And that continues until you have three companies that are too tired and have to be rehabbed.” FIRE ATTACK After a solid logistical foundation has been established, fire attack can begin. It has to be decisive. Dunn says, “You can’t switch from an offensive to a defensive, outside attack if your fire is above the reach of the hose streams. You know, your ability to do an exterior, defensive attack is taken away from you. In other words, ‘You’ve only got one chance to put out a high-rise fire.’ ” For that reason, using large-diameter hose and a solid stream nozzle is crucial. That is why, Orozco says, “The CFD prohibits the use of 1¾-inch hose and fog nozzles in highrise buildings.” Relative to the successful attack at the La Salle Street fire, he says, “On verification of the fire floor, the first www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:32:26 PM

Enter 174 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_103 103

9/24/08 5:32:38 PM

● HIGH-RISE PERILS two engine companies combined to lead out a 2½-inch attack line with a smooth bore nozzle.” Norman agrees: “For FDNY, 2½-hose with solid tip nozzle is mandatory.” “You’d better cover your back by having the largest diameter hose and hook up on the floor below the fire,” cautions Dunn. When advancing the hoseline, Bennett says it is important to check the ceiling space above your head. “What’s happened to our guys,” Bennett says, “is that they’ve advanced the hoseline into the building about 15 to 20 feet, and guess what? The fire was behind them!” He recommends using either the fire hose stream or a pike pole to “knock those [ceiling] panels out to make sure you don’t have fire above you as you advance down the hallway or into the fire.”

When the fire floors become heavily involved, firefighters may not have to open windows for ventilation. Glass will break of its own accord and rain down on the streets around the building. “There was so much glass coming down at First Interstate,” Bennett says, “that it trimmed all the trees on all four sides of the building.” For this reason, he counsels: “Protect the inlet connections and the hoselines by using ladders and salvage covers. Lay lines fire-to-hydrant. Place pumpers as far away as possible from the building.” By the time the glass starts falling, it will be too dangerous to send firefighters to the apparatus to reposition them. Fire apparatus should be parked a considerable distance from the fire building as early as possible in the operation.

VENTILATION During the fire attack, Bennett says, “Smoke will enter stairways.” He says that using blowers in tandem may ventilate those stairways with postiive pressure. Dwayne Ayers, a Jacksonville firefighter who was among the first to arrive at the Cathedral Towers fire, saw this method work effectively. At that fire, Ayers says, “We set the fans up on the ground floor, blowing into the stairwells. We opened the firefighting stairwells to the fire floor, and it worked great.” As for the ventilation of the fire-involved areas, Bennett says, “You’re not bashful about the windows. You take those babies out.”

ELEVATOR USE The topic of elevator use is controversial. The normal way of moving up and down in high-rise buildings, of course, is the elevator. In fact, the invention of the modern safety elevator was one of the things that made high-rise buildings possible. These generally safe and reliable transport systems move thousands of people up and down the dizzying heights of high-rise buildings every day. However, the use of elevators during high-rise fires is a complex and contentious topic. When used correctly at a high-rise fire, elevators can be the key to getting personnel and equipment close to where they need to be to fight the fire and rescue occupants. When used

THE LEADING NAME IN EMERGENCY LIGHTING CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING QUALITY, RELIABLE PRODUCTS, SERVING PROFESSIONALS WITH OUR STRENGTH AND DEPENDABILITY

• COVERED WITH DURABLE POWDER COATING

• RUGGED • LIGHT WEIGHT • COMPACT

• AVAILABLE IN SILVER HAMMERTONE OR HIGH VISIBILITY YELLOW

• MADE OF HEAVY DUTY CAST ALUMINUM

MADE WITH PRIDE IN THE U.S.A. Natale Machine & Tool Co., Inc. Carlstadt, NJ 07072

www.circle-d.com

201-933-5500 800-883-8382 Enter 175 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_104 104

9/24/08 5:32:39 PM

Enter 176 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_105 105

9/24/08 5:32:42 PM

● HIGH-RISE PERILS incorrectly, they can be a death trap. “If you ask, ‘how is the next firefighter going to die at a high-rise fire?’ ” Dunn says, “you can say, ‘It’s going to be in an elevator.’ ” Sometimes elevator use is not an option. At the First Interstate fire, Ramirez says, “[The elevators] never worked. They were already stopped. There was a dead guy in one of them.” So he and his crews had to climb up 16 flights of stairs to attack one of the biggest high-rise

fires in history. Sometimes elevators work; sometimes they don’t. Dunn says, “You know, a bucket of water can put these elevators out, but I’ve seen freight elevators work with water pouring down through them.” There is a lot of disagreement on this subject. Ramirez is adamant that elevators that serve the fire floor should never be used at working high-rise fires. Many fire departments, Ramirez says, “compromise the firefighter’s safety by jumping

bronze

Presentation Extinguisher honor your bravest with quality

888-411-7744 libertyartworks.com Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

Enter 177 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_106 106

in elevators. They haven’t thought it out—the fact that fire gets in the elevator shaft. The heat and the smoke are going to go to the top and are going to affect the mechanism ... trap people [in the elevator.]” When I told him that many departments, including mine, allow fire crews to take the elevator to five floors below the fire, he didn’t mince words. “Oh, you’re crazy,” he said. “You’re out of your mind.” Bennett is just as adamant. “Do not use elevators. Walk the floors. Elevators can be life threatening. We lost a captain years ago in a multistory building fire.” However, most with whom I talked saw elevator use at a high-rise fire as a calculated risk. “We just do it [use the elevators],” says Norman, “We do it with caution. We take a lot of precautionary stops. We try to make sure that we’re checking the shaft as we ascend ... knowing where the staircases are on each floor as we travel up. But to us, it’s just a necessary evil.” When told of Ramirez and Bennett’s objections to elevator use, Dunn explained, “I think most of America uses elevators. That’s why they have fireman service.” Norman says, “I’ve walked 30 flights, 32 flights of stairs, but in tall high-rises, it’s just not practical.” Kolar agrees, “When you get a guy up 25 floors, what kind of shape is he going to be in?” “The issue,” Dunn says, “is not whether to use or not use elevators. The issue is how to use them.” That means taking precautions. Norman gives this advice when using elevators: Every five floors, you’re supposed to get out and verify the location of the stairwell, because the staircases do change on different floors …. And check the shaft. Shine your light up the shaft. Look for water, smoke. Look for fire. If you have a hatch on the elevator, while you’re traveling, open it and constantly keep an eye up that shaft. If you press ‘5’ and it doesn’t stop at 5, well then you should be pressing the emergency stop button. If that doesn’t work, force the doors open to trip the interlock.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:32:43 PM

HIGH-RISE PERILS ● Others echoed the importance of the precautionary stops. “The Fire Investigation Team will check at five-floor intervals to ensure that the elevator is still under fire department control, as well as check for smoke and water,” says Orozco. “The operator of every elevator car must have some type of forcible entry tool, an SCBA, a portable radio, and one extra air bottle,” he adds. Dunn agrees, “When you use an elevator, you had better have a handheld radio in there; you had better have forcible entry tools to force your way out; [and] you’ve got to keep testing your controls every fifth floor.” Norman says that elevators should be used early if they are going to be used. “You have to move your resources up close to the point of attack as early as you can, because you’re going to lose the elevators,” he says. At a certain point in a high-rise fire—for instance, when water or smoke enters the elevator shaft—elevators should no longer be used for moving people. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t be used at all. David White, president of Fire and Safety Specialists, Inc., in College Station, Texas, a high-rise consulting firm, offers the following suggestion: If we can’t do anything else with the elevators, let’s use them for freight. I’m going to fill that elevator up with air bottles, hose, generators, lights, whatever else I need; push a button; and send it to the 25th floor. I can get my men up there, eventually; but when I’ve got to carry air

bottles up there and a thousand feet of 2½-inch hose, there’s no way. So we can just use the elevator as a freight truck.

In this way, White says, we’re addressing the most difficult task in a high-rise incident—taking care of logistics. In other words, when it becomes too risky to put people in the elevators, take them out of firefighter service, put them in regular mode, and use them to move equipment. Mockler has another idea he learned from hard experience: Use the map in the lobby that directs occupants to stairwells for evacuation as an aid. When he and his crew members got lost and disoriented at the Four Leaf Towers fire, they pulled that map off the wall and used it to find the exit stairwell. “That made a profound impression on me,” Mockler says. “One of the things to check is that map, or check for exits, to orient yourself.” He says he makes a point of telling everyone that the first thing you do when you get off the elevator is look at the map. “I teach it as a basic survival skill,” he adds.

STAIRWELL MANAGEMENT Inevitably, when enough smoke and water enter the shafts, the elevators will stop working. When that happens, the stairways become the prime means of moving up and down inside the building. At that point, managing the stairwells and their use by civilians and firefighters becomes crucial. It is important to prevent occupants from trying to self-evacuate through smoke- and heat-filled stairwells, as happened

Reliable Portable Power TEU1000D/TEU2000D

Products Include: • Open Access Lockers • Standard Lockers • Vented Lockers • Extra Wide Lockers • Designer Lockers • Modular Lockers

• Honda EU1000i or EU2000i Generator • 500W Quartz Light • 4 to 8 hrs run time • Clean Power • Super Quiet • Simultaneous AC/DC

Nova-EU6500 • Honda EU6500iSA generator • 4.7 to 14 hrs run time • (2) 500w Quartz Lights • Raises to 10 feet • Easily mounts/detaches

• Solid Oak Exec. Lockers • Plastic Lockers • Storage Lockers • Storage Cabinets • Locker Benches • Locker Options

1010 East 62nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001-1598

Phone: 1-800-562-5377 • Fax: 1-800-562-5399 Enter 178 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_107 107

Rochester, New York

1-800-538-0022 www.tele-lite.com

For optimum performance and safety, we recommend you read the Owner’s Manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment. Connection of generators to house power requires transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualiﬁed electrician.

Enter 179 at fireeng.hotims.com

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 107

9/24/08 5:32:48 PM

● HIGH-RISE PERILS 6

(6) The Cathedral Towers fire. (Photos courtesy of Working Fire Training System; used with permission.) (7) Firefighters rescue a resident from the Cathedral Towers fire. (8) A resident is given fresh air at the Cathedral Towers fire.

at the Cook County Administration Building fire in Chicago in 2003, where six civilians were found dead in the stairwells. In the wake of that tragedy, the CFD now deploys what it calls “rapid ascent teams” (RATS) to ascend each stairway above the fire floor to check for occupants and direct those in the ventilation/fire attack stairwell to move to another stairwell or enter safe floors and shelter in place. At the LaSalle Street fire, Orozco says, the RATS “deployed above the fire floor and directed civilians to the designated evacuation stairwell.” CFD policy requires that the fire attack stairwell be cleared of building occupants for a minimum of five floors above the fire floor before the attack line is advanced onto the fire floor. Norman says if there are indications that people are coming down from above [the fire floor], you have to physically verify those spots so that no people are in that staircase, and you have to withhold the attack until the attack stair has been checked.

SHELTER IN PLACE VS. SELF-EVACUATION To minimize the risk to occupants in stairwells, often the best option is to have most of them shelter in place. According to Dunn, “A high-rise fire takes away two important strategies from the fire incident commander. The first strategy is rescue. You can’t use ladders to rescue people. Your ability to use a ladder to get people out is taken away from you. Your ability to rescue people from the exterior and the ability to switch to an exterior/defensive attack are the two major differences of a high-rise fire.” For this reason, Dunn adds, “The strategy for high-rise residential buildings is total defense in place. Everybody stays in place.” Ramirez agrees, “Sheltering in place is a part of high-rise firefighting. It is really what it’s all about.” “At a high-rise residential building,” Dunn says, “you have to tell everybody: ‘Stay in your apartment.’ Every single apartment is subdivided. You don’t have central air systems. So the safest place for them to be is in their apartments.” 108 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_108 108

Norman notes that FDNY tries to educate building managers that there are other threats than fire. At the MGM Grand, Kolar recalls, “Some people who stayed in their rooms fared a little better. The ones who went for the stairwell didn’t do so well.” Ayers says his experience at Cathedral Towers brought home the rationale behind sheltering in place at a residential high-rise fire. “I’ll tell you what [the Cathedral Towers fire] did for me,” he says. “It gave me a lot more respect for the building itself (photo 6). I came to appreciate the actual structure, how the building is designed to contain the fire.” Some types of high-rise construction contain fire better than others. Bennett relates that the center core and the center hallway are the two main types of construction found in a high-rise building. Most residential high-rises are compartmentalized and have a hallway down the center of the floor. That’s why, he says, as a general rule, fire spreads less in a residential high-rise. Ramirez considers residential high-rises “a slam-dunk.” Your biggest problem there, he says, “is going to be external flame spread, lapping.” On the other hand, according to Bennett, “With center core type, you’re going to have more fire. If you have hallways with one-hour construction, you’re not going to have as much fire spread. {There’s a] big difference.”

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:32:56 PM

0810FE_109 109

9/24/08 5:33:01 PM

● HIGH-RISE PERILS A goal, notes Ayers, is to teach occupants of a high-rise to realize that they can be safe in a burning building. The problem, especially in a post-9/11 world, is getting the public to understand this. After watching the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on 9/11, civilians tend to overestimate the risk of building collapse during a high-rise fire, disregard firefighters’ instructions, and risk their lives trying to self-evacuate when they should be sheltering in place. In fact, Orozco says, “The reality of the post-9/11 era is that you must be prepared to address the fact that most occupants will not shelter in place.” In Florida, Dunn reports, the elderly sit in the stairs. “They can’t even get down the stairs. They bail out of their buildings. They’re dying in the hallways and stairways. And nobody knows what to do.” Happily, that was not the case at the Cathedral Towers, at which Jacksonville fire crews were able to evacuate all residents with no fatalities. They did it by proper management of the stairwells. Jacksonville assigned a section officer in the lobby to control all of the stairwells and companies to go up those stairwells. “If you tell people to go to the 47th floor and shelter in place,” cautions Ramirez, “you’d better get firefighters up there to calm them down. We’ve done it, and you can have near panic up there.” According to Lieutenant William Langley, who responded to the Cathedral Towers on the first-in unit, that’s exactly what Jacksonville did: As rough as this may sound, we were very firm with the occupants of the building. If they tried, if they wanted to go down the [wrong] stairwell—no matter what—we would not allow it (photos 7-8). We forced the flow of traffic. Once we controlled the flow of traffic headed in the right direction, it was like they almost forgot about that stairwell we were using for a fire attack stairwell, so to speak. We had people, firefighters—uniformed, dressed firefighters—at every floor level, actually blocking the exit and telling people, ‘You cannot go this way. You must go that way.’

COMMUNICATION “For any one of these defend-in-place strategies, you need three things,” Dunn says. “You need to be able to extinguish the fire. The building’s got to be fire resistive and confine the fire to that floor without letting it spread. And people have got to pay attention to and comply with your instructions.” Effective communication to the building occupants is crucial to defend-in-place strategy. Norman says that the building’s personnel should make public address system announcements. “We give them what we want them to tell them {occupants], but they handle the system, make the announcements, because they already began that before we arrived.” Dunn asked the fire safety director to make an announcement such as the following: “The fire’s on the 13th floor. Everybody on the 13th and 14th floors—the fire floor and the floor above—evacuate. Everybody else stay in place.” You must make sure that those who evacuate take the right stairwell. For that reason, Dunn recommends that the decision 110 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_110 110

of which stairway will be used for fire attack and which one for evacuation be made early. There will always be some people who will not do what the firefighters tell them for whatever reason—they don’t understand the directions or can’t identify the correct stairway, for example. “We really don’t expect them all to listen,” Norman says. Communication among firefighters working in the building is as important as communicating with building occupants. However, communication among firefighters is one of the toughest problems when fighting fires in high-rise buildings. And, it is serious! “If you’re a chief officer and you don’t have communication at a fire, you might as well go home,” Dunn stresses. “All we do at fires is communicate. It’s the name of our game.” Langley underscores the communication difficulties. “The radio traffic, in my opinion, is eventually going to get a lot of people killed, because people cannot get through on that radio,” he explains. “Everybody is trying to talk. It’s the same problem that all major departments have.” Dunn speaks for all high-rise firefighters when he says, “I want one radio that works in high-rise buildings.” As of yet, that ideal radio does not exist. The 9/11 Commission criticized FDNY for not having an effective communication system when responding to the World Trade Center attacks. Although no one’s found a perfect solution to the problem, some progress has been made. Most notably, FDNY has developed what it calls the post (short for “command post”) radio—actually a powerful repeater to amplify and extend the range of weak handheld radio signals in the building. Norman says that since 9/11, FDNY deployed a number of new items and the post radio is probably the “biggest item .... We’ve tested it in virtually every commercial high-rise in the city and have had real good luck,” he reports. “Whereas before, you were lucky to penetrate eight or nine floors, we’re now routinely getting to every floor, 100 stories,” he explains. Norman, however, warns: “Radio communication is not everything. One of the big things we do try to use is hard-wired communications within the building, in the lobby command post area. We have floor warden stations out on the floors. We have phone systems in the staircase. They’re redundant systems, separate systems.” Orozco describes the redundant communication systems at the La Salle Street fire: Radio traffic was very heavy, as can be expected. To deal with this, we utilized a tactical channel as well as a command channel. We also utilized the building’s communication system as designated in our General Order. Chief officers utilized the fire phones located in the stairwells to communicate with the command post in the lobby. We also deployed the engineers of apparatus not committed to pump operations to serve as runners.

If we can’t always have the perfect communication systems for use in high-rise buildings, we should at least be aware of what to expect from the buildings in our area. We should use preﬁre planning and high-rise building inspections to ﬁnd

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:33:02 PM

HIGH-RISE ● out to what extent our radios work in the buildings. What we really should be doing at every high-rise building is checking our radios,” says Dunn. “We send a firefighter to the roof, and he should be able to communicate from the lobby to the roof and the lobby to the lower floor.” ••• Communication is the key—whether it’s between firefighters on different levels of a high-rise or firefighters with different levels of experience. Because high-rise fires are rare, high-rise firefighting experience is a rare and valuable commodity. Like any other commodity, it must be traded and exchanged to be of use. Few of us will ever respond to enough working high-rise fires to master all of the skills we need to deal with them successfully—whether it be controlling building systems, setting up logistics, handling stairwell evacuation and ventilation, or any other of the many special challenges of these fires. It’s one thing to learn these skills from drills, books, or articles. It’s quite another to have performed them under pressure. By listening to firefighters who have performed them, we can avoid their mistakes and emulate their successes. And when the time comes for us to roll up on a high-rise building showing heavy fire and smoke, we’ll be a little bit more confident, having learned from those who faced the fire before us. ●

Enter 180 at fireeng.hotims.com

Just the touch of a button...

ENDNOTES 1. Vincent Dunn is the author of Safety and Survival on the Fireground (Fire Engineering, 1992) and Strategy of Fireﬁghting (Fire Engineering, 2007). 2. John Norman is the author of the Fire Ofﬁcer’s Handbook of Tactics, Third Edition (Fire Engineering, 2005). He served as search and rescue manager at the World Trade Center operations on 9/11.

● JEFF CROW is a 25-year veteran of the Houston (TX) Fire Department, where he is a district chief responsible for the downtown highrise fire district. He is a Texas statecertified fire training instructor.

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_111 111

...empties your tanker safely. No need for two-man crews, you don’t even have to leave your truck! Our Newton Kwik-Dump Valve, Model 1070 Valve with 5018 Auto Chute (shown) can be electrically or air operated. Just the touch of a button empties your tanker, and gets you on your way - FAST! Contact us for more information. Brochures and CD-ROMs available.

A.H. Stock Manufacturing Corp.

8402 Center Road Newton, Wisconsin USA 53063 Phone: 920-726-4211 Fax: 920-726-4214 sales@ahstockmfg.com www.ahstockmfg.com Enter 181 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:33:02 PM

Increase your firefighting knowledge with the editorial archive! TRAINING THE FIRE SERVICE FOR 130 YEARS

Archive subscribers enjoy 24/7 online access to every Fire Engineering, fireEMS and Fire Engineering.com article published since January 1995.  Search by keyword across the entire database from 1995 to present.  Sort search results by relevance, chronological or reverse chronological order.  Print articles for use in department training classes.

Call (800)582-6949 to order archive access. Start a new Fire Engineering subscription with archive access for as little as $44.95, or add archive access to your current subscription for only $20.

0810FE_112 112

9/24/08 5:33:06 PM

Leadership Excellence: Balancing Management with Leadership BY RONALD E. KANTERMAN

E’VE ALL HAD BOSSES WHO APPEARED TO have been good leaders but were terrible at being managers, and vice versa. Both disciplines take hard work. Management entails lots of work in planning, organizing, staffing, delegating, budgeting, and all the other managerial aspects. Can you be a good leader and a good manager at the same time? I say yes. Can you be good at one and not the other? I say yes again. Can you be unsatisfactory at both? Of course! I knew a chief of a small combination fire department. He was a great manager and administrator. He could justify a delivery of ice to the firehouse on a 5° day in February and get the funding for it from City Hall. However, he couldn’t lead his personnel to the breakfast table. He had no “people skills” or leadership qualities and had a tendency to mess with the troops regularly. I once asked him why he did that. His answer was, “Because I can.” He’s gone. Leadership isn’t necessarily what’s on your collar. Respect for rank comes with that rank, but respect for you as a person comes with having the right stuff. Think about the best leaders, officers, and firefighters you ever worked with. What made them who they were? I’ll guess they were trustworthy, dedicated, well-read people with great integrity who respected others at the highest levels. Now think about the worst leaders you’ve come across. You can learn from the bad ones, too, because you also know what NOT to do!

HAVING A VISION AND A COMMON BOND Consider the great leaders of all time. Let’s go to Ron’s Leadership Hall of Fame. You may not like some of the names, but think about their ability to lead the masses and bring them to the place they wanted their people to end up. These names come from ﬁre service people who have sat for my seminars. It’s a mixture of folks you probably would never put together and is only a partial list: Dwight Eisenhower, Abraham Lincoln, Norman Schwarzkopf, Ronald Reagan, Harry Truman, Al Gore, John Kennedy, and Fiorello LaGuardia. The list goes on. All of these leaders had one thing in common: They had a vision. If you are going to be a leader in your organization or the www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_113 113

leader of your organization, you must have a vision. Don’t confuse your vision statement with a mission statement. Most fire and emergency services organizations have a mission statement. I’ll guess that most have these key words: service, dedication, best, customer, quick, efficient, effective, and ability. A vision statement is much different. Here’s your opportunity to dream a little and really look into the old crystal ball. Shape your vision of what you believe the organization should and could look like. Put budget and all the other current obstacles aside for the moment and come up with a vision for your organization. Once you develop your vision, share it with your staff. A chief might want to discuss it with his assistant chiefs or deputy chiefs. It may become a group vision at this point and then start to filter down to the line. “Our firehouses are 100 years old. We need new quarters. My vision is to build new firehouses.” Sound impossible? If you don’t believe in your own vision to start with, it will never ever come to light. You must believe in it yourself for you to make others believe that it’s possible. If in fact a vision just came to you and you said, “That will never happen,” either change it or go read another article in this fine magazine. Going back to the Hall of Famers, what really made them the leaders they became was one common bond—they were great communicators. We know President Reagan was labeled “The Great Communicator,’’ but he was just the lucky one. They were all great communicators. They had a vision they believed in and were able to share and communicate that vision to the masses and were able to change the lives of others. If you are to be an effective leader within your organization or beyond, you must have a vision, the passion to make it work, and the ability to communicate that vision at all times and at all costs. Most importantly, you must first believe in it yourself.

VALUES We all have values, and they’re all different. In a leadership role, you have to attempt to strike a balance with all the members in the house, bureau, or department. I asked my students numerous times, “Where do we get our values?” Most answer, “From home” or “Our parents.” It seems we are a product of our FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 113

9/24/08 5:33:09 PM

● LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE environment. How does this affect you in your leadership role? Every member of the organization brings his own set of values to the table. Your job is not only to deal with them but also to understand them. Your job is to sort through the pile of values on the table and bring everyone to a common ground. Boy, that sounds easy. It’s not! It’s hard work and takes perseverance; as a leader, you need to rise to the occasion and get the job done.

BEING PROACTIVE Create the environment, and lead by example. Chief Peter Lamb from Massachusetts says, “What you allow to happen without intervention becomes your standard.” Is he ever right! If you continually let the tail wag the dog and the day comes when the dog must wag the tail, you will have to go over Mt. Everest to get there. You must set the stage, create the environment, set the tone, or do whatever you have to, but as the leader, you have to lead at all times, not just when you have to or it’s convenient.

You are charged with setting the tone for ethical behavior, even if you were the biggest prankster in the house or told the best jokes. Once you are elevated to the next level, “you can’t play cards with the guys anymore,” as one of my former bosses told me when I moved up.

AREAS FOR SELF-DEVELOPMENT Before we discuss self-development, consider the “KANTERMAN GAL” (Guidance Acronym of Leadership). It took me awhile to come up with the title for this one. K - Kidding: Are you kidding yourself and those around you that you are or can be an effective leader, or are you really committed? A - Accept problems, and go to work on them. Fix the big ones ﬁrst. The small ones will fall into place. N - Never forget your leadership role and your responsibilities. T - Take action every time. Don’t procrastinate.

28 TIPS FOR SAVING LIVES

– MAYBE YOUR OWN! NEW DVD! Live Action Shot in High Deﬁnition 45 Minutes / DVD / March 2008 ISBN 978-1-59370-147-5 $79.00 US Firefighter Survival Techniques: From Prevention to Intervention delivers practical, hands-on techniques that firefighters can use for initial training or a quick refresher during drills. The video encompasses aggressive, real-world tactics that serve as an extra bonus to the video content. The modular format makes it easy for instructors to use the video in its entirety, or jump to specifi cific sections. It makes a great supplement to any firefighter survival program! — Eddie Buchanan, President International Society of Fire Service Instructors

Order your copy today! www.FireEngineeringBooks.com

114 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_114 114

E - Evaluate every situation carefully for the best plan that will result in the best possible outcome. R - Remember who you are, where you are, and the impact you have on the organization. M - Make good decisions based on the best information you can obtain. A - Act on everything with diligence and purpose. Prioritize your work. N - Never put yourself in front of the organization. If you follow the goals and objectives of the organization, the things you want for yourself will eventually come.

BUILDING EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS Cooperation is one of those things that seems to work most of the time. Cooperating with your team is as important as getting cooperation from them. Sit and listen to their points of view and ask for input. Let them know up front that you may not use their ideas but you want to hear from them. Try a brain-storming session even though the ﬁrst one may be more like a light drizzle. If your people have never been asked to contribute to the cause, you may get that “deer-in-theheadlights” look. It’s OK for you to start it off with an idea or two, but then let them do their thing. You’ll be very surprised to hear what comes from your troops. It lends itself to ownership. When you are locked in your corners, butting heads, and trying to get to “win-win,” try to move to higher ground. Agree to disagree if you have to, and move on. At least you agreed on something. When you are in the mix at a disciplinary meeting, always reserve judgment until after you have all the facts. Don’t rush to judgment! Do your homework. When you’re wrong, admit you are wrong; don’t get defensive. Once two of my members appeared to have made a dire mistake in their work, resulting in what I believed would be a life hazard to personnel. In anger and in haste, I drew up the papers for two days off for each member, which would have resulted in dismissal on their next offense. I wrongfully accused these normally good workers and felt compelled to make amends. The disciplinary action was expunged from their records, and I www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:33:09 PM

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ● not only verbally apologized to the men but sent a letter apologizing to their families for bringing undue grief on all of them. Not only did this make it right, but these men are still with me, and our level of mutual respect is high. Bill Hopson, Ocean County (NJ) Fire Marshal, has stated, “If you mess up, fess up, clean it up, and move on.” These are words to lead by.

TAKE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND CONTRIBUTE As the leader of an organization, you are looked on to continually contribute to move the organization forward. Generating new ideas fosters excitement in the members. Try new things. Chief (Ret.) Alan Brunacini, Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department, must have said it a million times: “We’ll try it, and if it doesn’t work, we’ll try something else.” He’s right. If something new doesn’t work, then try something else. Get out of the box and see what everyone else is doing. Go to conferences and seminars, and bring ideas and information home. Apply the new knowledge rapidly. If you hear or see something great at any class, seminar, or school, and you get home and shelve it, you’ll never pull it out again. When I returned from a National Fire Academy (NFA) class four years ago, I Ieft that oversized white binder (you NFA students know what I mean) on my desk with a yellow note sticking out of one page. That one page was going to change the way my department responded to buildings on a pre-emergency planning basis. I knew if I shelved the binder, I’d never pull it down. It sat on my desk for three months until I got to it. I had a meeting with my staff; we looked at it and all agreed it was the way to go. The project took 10 months to complete, but we’re better for it. Show ﬂexibility with your team. That could mean working hours for the administrative staff, accommodating a shift person with different hours for a personal problem at home, or bending the rules but not breaking them. Captain (Ret.) D. Michael Abrashoff, U.S. Navy, bent every rule the Navy has (and there are millions) to get his crew and ship to be the best they could be. (I highly recommend his book, It’s Your Ship: www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_115 115

Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy. Although the book has a “management” title, I believe that the good captain hit all the good leadership buttons. Remember to develop yourself functionally and technically so you can speak, operate, and lead at the proper levels across the board. You don’t necessarily need to know how every new tool operates or have it in your hands when you’re at the higher levels of the organization, but you need to understand the concepts so you can support the need. I can’t physically create a 4:1 Z-rig mechanical advantage system, but I know what it’s for and what it does, and why the rescue company needs the equipment (rope, pulleys) to make it happen. (For the record, I could never make a ﬁgure 8 either!)

DEVELOP YOUR DEPARTMENT Be customer focused. Most of us know who our customers are. They are the people who dial 911 and ask us to come and get in between them and their problem and make their problem go away. They don’t know if we get paid or not; frankly, the average American doesn’t care. “I dial 911, and somebody shows up and helps me.” That’s the bottom line. It goes deeper than that. In a leadership role, you have to dig a little bit. Keeping up with the demographics of your town is very important. Few, if any, communities in the country today are stable, in that people aren’t moving in and out and the culture isn’t rapidly changing. New cultures bring new challenges for the emergency services. It’s your job to keep up and ensure that your new customers are getting what they need. You may have to meet with community or religious leaders to get a better understanding of who they are and what they need. I have an associate who works in a large city where diversity is the norm. As an Italian-American fire officer, his firehouse was smack in the middle of a Hassidic Jewish area of the city. By taking the time to read a bit and study the customs, he created a relationship with his customers so both parties understood each other, particularly with regard to fire prevention and code issues. Consider that you, as the leader or

Specialty Fire Equipment

“BIG WATER”

FLEX-LITE

PVC SUCTION HOSE •

All hose standard 10’ lengths and odd lengths available on request

•

Specifically designed non commercial hose for the Firefighting market

•

Low profile, high strength flexible polymer collars

•

Exclusive interlock design provides superior strength and durability

•

Proven redundant sealing system insures a dependable no leak seal

•

Available with threaded, storz or assorted connections

•

Available in all sizes

•

5" Storz ridged long handle available - no wrenches needed

Kochek Company 75 Highland Drive Putnam, CT 06260 800-420-4673

www.kochek.com QUALITY

ONNECTIONS

Enter 183 at fireeng.hotims.com

9/24/08 5:33:12 PM

PORTABLE 6000-PSI BREATHING AIR BOOSTER PACKAGE

Model HIHPG3-27003

BREATHING AIR BOOSTER PACKAGE ensures FULL 4500-6000 PSI FILLS even if the High-Pressure Air SCBA Truck Mount or Stationary Supply drops below 500 PSI. EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR CYLINDERS OR H.P. CONVENTIONAL COMPRESSOR SYSTEM

Safe, driven by low pressure shop air, high-pressure SCBA storage, or H.P. conventional compressor systems. Approximate ﬁll-time for a 45 cu-ft cylinder to 4,500 psi Equalization Pressure 2500 psi 2000 psi 1000 psi

Approx. Fill Time 36 seconds 56 seconds 160 seconds

WA S T E D O N ’T ONEY YOUR M E! IM T AND

HII

Approx. Fill Rates 32 scfm 26 scfm 13 scfm

HII

9201 In Chatsw dependenc e orth, C A 9131Ave. (P ) 8 1 USA 18-40 (F ) 8 7-340 1 (T F ) 8 8 - 4 0 7 - 3 4 0 2 88-78 www.h 0-786 8 iipump 7 s.c om

PRODUC

T IN STOC

K FOR IM

MEDIATE

DELIVER

Enter 184 at fireeng.hotims.com

𰁐𰁖𰁓𰀁𰁇𰁓𰁆𰁆𰀁𰁍𰁂𰁕𰁆𰁍𰁚𰀠

116 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_116 116

● LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE boss, have internal customers as well, which includes everyone in your department under your command. If you’re the chief, your staff chiefs, line officers, and line firefighters, along with the administrative staff, are all your customers. You need to fulfill their requests as you would those of the civilians on the street. Your people are your greatest asset. You need to take care of them. You also have customers in the other municipal agencies—the police department, the department of public works, the parks and recreation department, the office of the mayor or city manager, and others. Take care of them the way you want to be taken care of when you make the call for assistance. Get involved in your community. Successful chiefs I’ve met are members of the local Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce. One volunteer chief told me that his apparatus hit a tree on the way to a call (no injuries; everyone was belted in). The local truck body shop called him and asked if it could fix it for him for nothing. He sat at Chamber meetings for three years with all the business people in the town. It paid off. Personally support your department. If the leaders of the department talk bad about it, especially in public, then what could you expect from your people? Most of us support our department by wearing a marked shirt or jacket or by displaying a window sticker on our cars. Remember, however, that you are now a “marked person” and that what you do will reflect not only on you but also on the entire department. When a firefighter gets arrested for drunk driving, the news usually reports, “An off-duty firefighter was arrested today” or “A volunteer firefighter with 25 years of experience responding to road accidents was arrested today.” If you hold a rank, it will only be worse.

COLLABORATION If you are at or near the top, you need to discuss with your companies, divisions, bureaus, and units why it’s important for all of you to align yourselves with the department’s goals, objectives, and guidelines. If you’re a company ofﬁcer, you need to lead your members to the “alignment trough” and have

them take a sip. Many career firefighters and line officers have told me that they work in a four-platoon system, with the result that there are “four separate fire departments within one fire department,” because each shift and shift commander does it a little differently or, in some cases, a lot differently. It gets real interesting when a firefighter is detailed to another shift and the officer admonishes him for doing his job the way he knows how. “We don’t do it that way on C shift,” the C shift commander says. Alignment is key, and leaders at all levels are responsible for making that happen. Align the Fire Prevention Bureau with the suppression forces. Align the shifts. [You would think that standard operating procedures (SOPs) or standard operating guidelines (SOGs) would take care of that.] Align the line and the staff. It’s okay if everyone is singing “Jingle Bells” in different keys; if everyone is on the same sheet of music, all will have a general idea of what the others are singing. Sharing is another way to get collaboration within your department. Share your ideas, and solicit new ideas from within. Share your successes and lessons learned, and document them. We seem to be getting better at that lately (firefighterclosecalls.com; the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Near Miss Reporting System @ IAFC.org). If we don’t learn from the past, we’re doomed to repeat our mistakes. Our founding fire service father Benjamin Franklin defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Don’t forget to take advantage of collaborating with other agencies as well. Many jurisdictions form task forces with police, fire, and other municipal services. Get onto these task forces and do some cross-jurisdictional work. As a leader, you are expected to do this type of work; don’t forget to encourage others to do the same.

THINK AND ACT STRATEGICALLY First things ﬁrst. You need to know who you are. You can’t do anything until you are comfortable with yourself and conﬁdent in your position. Once you’ve conquered you, then you can lead others and make the necessary changes to www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:33:16 PM

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ● move your department forward. Successful entrepreneur Jack Kahl of Manco, Inc., once said, “Today’s leaders must be students of change first, before they become teachers of change to others.” You have to have your act together, and you have to believe in yourself before you can present anything to others. You must also know your department—every function, position, policy, procedure, SOP and SOG, rule, regulation, what to do, and—more importantly—what NOT to do. Then you have to know your people. The success of every good leader I know or knew was because of two things: having the ability to lead and having good people around them to carry out the mission. As a 14-year chief, most of my successes came from my staff of chiefs, line officers, and firefighters. I used to love talking to chiefs (not really) who thought they were bigger than their department. I always had to break the bad news: “They’re bigger than you and, by the way, probably much better.” For some reason, they never liked that. Get that valuable input from your staff; look at best practices and benchmarks with your peers and professional associations. There are no excuses for today’s fire service leaders not being on top of current information and technology. Florence Nightingale said, “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.” No excuses. There is no need for a fire department anywhere in the world to operate in 2008 like it’s 1955. Successful leaders are part of local, county, state, and national organizations so they can get what they need to stay ahead or at least keep up. Chief Charlie Dickinson, deputy United

States Fire Administrator (Ret.), shows a chart called “The Five Horns.” It’s all about being the fire chief: • Horn 1: The Department • Horn 2: The Firefighters • Horn 3: Public Safety • Horn 4: Politics • Horn 5: Personal Integrity That last one says it all. If you give up your integrity, you lose everything. If you lie to your people and they find out, they will never trust you again. Some things you just can’t get back. Maintain your integrity at all times. Your leadership legacy depends on it. Part of thinking and acting strategically is consistency in how you handle your people when things go right or things go wrong. It’s most important when things go wrong. Inconsistent thinking can ruin a department, whether it’s allowing four shifts to operate four different ways or it’s preferring charges against one of your volunteers when two of them committed the bad act. Consistency is critical to keeping the ship not only afloat but also upright, on course, and moving forward at all times. Leadership makes the world move in a positive direction. So, contribute. Training the troops, the staff, and yourself and cross-training are the hallmarks of strategic thinking. Fire departments that don’t train or do very little training are doing a disservice to

“Leader Of The Pack”

PO Box 159 4444 E. 146 th St. N. Skiatook, OK. 74070 1-800-260-9950 www.huskyportable.com

Husky’s New Pinch Free Frame Design!!! (standard) Products – x Folding Frame Tanks (steel, alum) Pinch Free!!! x Husky’s Patent Pending “Easy Lift Handles” Standard x Self Supporting Tanks (100 – 40,000 gal.) x Salvage Covers, Hall Runners, Hose Bed Covers x De-Con Pools, Staging Mats, Supply Line Brackets

Husky’s #1 Concern Is Customer Satisfaction! Call Today!!! Ph 800-260-9950 / Fax 918-217-3483 www.huskyportable.com

Call for a Dealer Near You!

Enter 187 at fireeng.hotims.com Enter 186 at fireeng.hotims.com

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 117

0810FE_117 117

9/24/08 5:33:19 PM

● LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE themselves and the community they serve. In fact, it’s more important to do more training when things are slow than when we’re busy. When things slow down, we tend to lose our edge. A large city on the East Coast was reporting firefighter injuries at an alarming rate in the mid to late 1990s every single night on the news: “Five firefighters were hurt today.” “Six firefighters were hospitalized last night.” I called a friend who was a deputy chief at the time. He said, “We’re losing our edge, because the number of fires is down. With the influx of the new kids who haven’t seen a lot of fire duty like we did in the 1970s and 1980s, we’re getting hurt. We need to do more training.” Present opportunities for training. Take companies out of service if you can. Get mutual aid to cover, if you have to, so you can get out and train. If you’re a volunteer outfit, use a neighboring company to cover your area so you can get to the fire academy at night or on a Saturday morning to get in those live-burn exercises. There are many online programs, books, and magazines. As a leader, bring your firefighters the resources they need to train and get the job done.

COMMUNICATION Communication is the cornerstone of good leadership. You must connect with people to move the wheel forward. Communication has to be clear and concise to be effective. It’s almost like trying to give ﬁreground command orders over the radio. Almost. You must be consistently open and effective to maintain your level of leadership. Part of this is the dignity and respect issue—yes, treat people as you would like to be treated. Take the high road. Remain calm, evaluate the problem, and quietly and effectively deal with it. Screaming matches don’t work; you’ll bring yourself down to lower levels. Show patience and courtesy even when the other person is not. Here’s where your leadership skills really kick in again. On the other side of communication, keep the information ﬂowing. So many seminar attendees have said things like “We know nothing” or “They tell us nothing.” No excuses. Bulletin boards, e-mail, chat rooms, notices, and good old one-on-one or group conversations are all good sources of information. I would err on the side of sending more information than less.

DEVELOP YOUR STAFF Your immediate staff is the group of people—or in small departments, the person—who will help deliver your message or, more importantly, your vision. You rely on this group of senior officers every day, whether or not you’re in town. If you haven’t developed them to your level, you’re cheating them and yourself. Bosses who hold back information so that their subordinates don’t know what they know need to get out of this business. You must delegate for development purposes and stand behind your staff so you can catch them, stand them up, and guide them forward should they fall. There are many tools you can use for staff development. Consider the following: • Clear goals and objectives. Establish annual goals and objectives for the staff. Have them give you input on what they think is important to the department and will move it forward. • Constructive feedback. Set up a system of constructive feedback. Telling your staff or even your line firefighters they messed up an operation without specific information accomplishes nothing. Constructive feedback changes behavior and sets it in a positive direction. • Reward performance. Start out with a thank you now and then, or even a handshake for a job well done. Reward groups of people (tour, shift, bureau) as well, not just individuals. Everyone at all levels wants to know they did a good job and to be acknowledged. A pizza, a meal, or even a cake on the firehouse table does wonders. Start a trend. • Training and personal development. Encourage your staff to train at the highest levels, whether they attend conferences, the National Fire Academy, or other training venues. It doesn’t have to be firematic all the time—maybe your deputy chiefs need a report writing class and an “English tune-up.” • Be flexible. People sometimes have problems. Maybe someone needs steady days for awhile for child care or to take care of a sick family member. Do what you can to accommodate the staff within the guidelines of your rules and regulations.

QUOTABLE QUOTES TO LEAD BY • “When I must criticize somebody, I do it orally; when I praise somebody, I put it in writing.”—Lee Iacocca. Make sure you put something in a person’s ﬁle for a job well done that may help him to achieve the next level sometime down the road. • “An army of deer led by a lion is more to be feared than an army of lions led by a deer.”—Phillip II of Macedon. An aggressive leader can bring anyone to the ﬁght and set the others back a few feet. • “Our best ideas come from clerks and stock boys.”—Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart. Sometimes, you just have to ask the probie, the rookie, or the new guy what he thinks. You might be surprised at the answers. • “Who ought to be the boss is like asking who ought to be the tenor in a quartet. Obviously the man who can sing tenor.”—Henry Ford. Put the right people in the right spot. That makes sense.

118 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_118 118

WHAT DO YOU WANT THEM TO SAY ABOUT YOU? At your retirement party or your funeral, what would you want others to say about you? Most of us never really think about that. The standard answers that I’ve heard include the following: He was firm but fair; he was a good husband and father; he was a good boss; he cared; we learned a lot from him; he was dedicated; he could be trusted; he never lied to us. Think about this question. After you come up with the accolades for yourself, consider if those given by others for you would, in fact, coincide with those you chose. If not, you’ve got work to do. ● ● RONALD E. KANTERMAN is a 30-year veteran of the fire service and chief of public safety at a large industrial facility for a Fortune 100 pharmaceutical company in central New Jersey. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire administration and master’s degrees in fire protection management and in environmental science. He is a contributor to Fire Engineering and lectures on a myriad of fire service topics nationally.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:33:23 PM

The In-Line Gauge in Standpipe Operations BY RUSS CHAPMAN

OUR ENGINE COMPANY RECEIVES A REPORT OF fire in a mid-rise elderly housing complex during morning coffee at the beginning of a shift. You know from past history that this complex has had fires as well as “smells and bells.” On arrival, you see the familiar seven-story Type I standpipe-equipped apartment complex and note heavy smoke coming from a window on the A side of the sixth floor. You call in a second alarm and order your crew to grab their hose bundles as you grab the standpipe bag. As you enter the building, your pump operator hooks up to the fire department connection. An occupant reports the fire is in apartment 6-G, which you report to all incoming companies and designate the B stairwell as the attack stairwell. Your company proceeds up to the fifth floor, where you order your crew to connect three lengths of hose and the nozzle as you memorize the floor layout. You order the second-arriving engine company to come to your position and assist with getting the first hoseline into operation. After instructing one of your crew members to connect up to the standpipe outlet, you lead the remainder of the two companies up to the fire floor. On the fire floor, the hallway has a light smoke condition, so you know the apartment door is controlled. Your companies make their way to the apartment door, and you call for water. Initially, you get great pressure, and you bleed the air from the hoseline. As you proceed into the fire apartment, you order your nozzle firefighter to open up. Suddenly, the line goes limp, there is no pressure, and the stream 1 is poor. You order the crews to back out the hoseline, and control the door. The firefighter standing by the valve radios you that the valve is fully open. Your pump operator radios you, reporting that he has good water and is pumping at the standard Photos by author.

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_119 119

operating procedure (SOP) pressure of 150 pounds per square inch (psi). However, you are still having problems with your stream. Again you radio your pump operator; he says he is still pumping at 150 psi. You instruct him to increase the pressure because you are having water problems. After what seems like an eternity, you call back to ask if he increased his pressure; he assures you he is up to 200 psi. While you confer with the officer of the other engine company, the ladder company radios that it found an open standpipe outlet in the basement that appears to have been vandalized and that members managed to close it. You regroup your efforts, but what was originally a roomand-contents fire has now extended to the whole apartment. Your company finally regains pressure and is able to make good progress and knock down the fire.

PRESSURE MONITORING The preceding incident can happen in any town. Standpipes are not exclusive to high-rise structures. Most standpipe operations that go wrong are directly attributed to water issues. A main tool commonly ignored in standpipe operations is the in-line gauge. A connection that is placed on the standpipe outlet, the in-line gauge has a 2½-inch swivel coupling at one end, a 2½-inch male connection on the other, and an armored pressure gauge in the center (photos 1, 2). The gauge monitors the pressures of the hoselines attacking the fire and is monitored by a firefighter, who should be permanently assigned to the outlet if staffing allows. This firefighter is designated the standpipe valve or control firefighter. Using the in-line gauge has numerous advantages. • It takes the guesswork out of the apparatus pump operator’s hydraulic calculations. The pump operator needs only to pump at the pressures listed in the department’s SOPs. For example, for floors 1 to 10, 150 psi; floors 11 to 20, 200 psi; and floors 21 through 30, 250 psi. Be especially careful if personnel are operating near any riser that is pumped at a pressure higher than 250 2 psi, as this is approaching the test pressures of the system.1 • It acts as a safety device indicating that there is a water problem. For example, if the standpipe valve firefighter has the FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 119

9/24/08 5:33:26 PM

● STANDPIPE OPERATIONS 3

valve all the way open but reports to the pump operator that his gauge is reading only 60 psi and the engine is pumping at 150 psi, there is a problem between the engine and the outlet. Any one of the following may be the cause: an open standpipe outlet, a broken riser, a pressure-regulating device in the standpipe system, or foreign objects in the standpipe outlets. • It acts as a safety device for the nozzle team. If the nozzle firefighter or officer calls back to the standpipe valve firefighter and reports that there is a pressure problem and the standpipe valve firefighter replies that his in-line gauge reads 100 psi with the valve only partly open, there is a problem between the standpipe outlet and the nozzle, possibly resulting from kinks, a blown hoseline, or debris in the hoseline/nozzle. • It provides a comprehensive way of detecting the need for increased pump pressure. No two standpipe systems are alike. Some may operate smoothly with SOP pump pressures, but most will need more pressure than the typical 150 psi will provide. You can detect this with an in-line gauge. In departments with limited staffing, the in-line gauge can aid in maintaining proper pressures once they are set. Firefighters may not have to go back and forth from the nozzle or hoseline to the standpipe outlet to make adjustments, although, ideally, there should always be a firefighter assigned to stay and monitor the standpipe outlet, just as a pump operator does with an engine. • The in-line gauge can assist the standpipe valve firefighter to determine if the in-house fire system is in use and if it will have enough pressure to support operations. • If backup hoselines are used off the same standpipe riser, the in-line gauge will allow the standpipe valve firefighters using each outlet to coordinate pressures. • The in-line gauge stops the unnecessary overpressurization of standpipe risers.

CONFIGURATION Photo 3 shows a 2½-inch hose with a lightweight 2½-inch by 1½-inch ball-valve shutoff with a 11∕8-inch smooth bore tip that would flow at 250 gpm. To make it simple, mark the operating pressures to be used on the in-line gauge. The pressures below are for a setup with 2½-inch hose with the pictured nozzle (photo 4). For 150 feet, allow 75 psi; for 200 feet, 85 psi; thereafter, allow an additional 10 psi for each additional 50-foot length. You must also take into consideration the five psi needed for one floor above the outlet.2 If the members are operating on a floor other than one floor 120 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_120 120

below the fire, as in the case of the backup line, add an additional five psi per floor. The firefighter assigned to the valve needs to know how many lengths were added. One note of caution: Standpipe systems have an inherent “lull” in them. They take time to “level out” because of pressure surges. All firefighters need to know the difference between static pressure (pressure of water not moving) and residual pressure (pressure of water moving). The last thing the valve firefighter should do is “chase the pressures.” It is important for the standpipe valve firefighter to flow the standpipe outlet to flush out any debris in the outlet before connecting the in-line gauge, to ensure that the gauge does not get clogged. Before the nozzle team moves in on the fire, the team should open the nozzle and flow it until all kinks are removed and until the standpipe valve firefighter tells the nozzle team he has the proper pressures. Also, firefighters need to be patient as far as waiting for the pressure to build up. Standpipe operations have extended “reflex times.” An engine connected to a fire department connection may be a long way from the outlet. Even wet standpipe systems take time to adjust, and water will take time to get to the standpipe outlet (photo 5 shows the in-line gauge connected to a standpipe outlet). The in-line gauge is not just a “nice thing to have.” It is a lifesaving tool all engine companies should carry for standpipe operations. It is relatively inexpensive and lightweight. Use the in-line gauge during all standpipe operations, regardless of the size of hose and the type of nozzle your department uses. ••• Crews have a lot going against them during a standpipe operation and should use all available tools to ensure the safety of companies attacking the fire. The in-line gauge will ensure that crews will be going into the job with the proper flows and give them the confidence to carry on the fight. ●

ENDNOTES 1. Fire Department of New York, “High-Rise Office Buildings,” Firefighting Procedures, Volume 1, Book 5, DCN: 3.02.01, January 1, 1997, 9-10; www. firetactics.com/HIGH-RISE.pdf. 2. McGrail, David M, “Firefighting Operations in High-Rise and StandpipeEquipped Buildings,” Fire Engineering, 2007.

● RUSS CHAPMAN is a 24-year veteran of and lieutenant with the Milford (CT) Fire Department and an adjunct instructor with the Connecticut State Fire Academy.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:33:27 PM

Rollover Extrication: Upside Down with Nowhere to Go 1

Photos by author unless otherwise noted.

BY RANDY SCHMITZ

UTOMOTIVE DESIGN CHANGES HAVE INCREASED the frequency of vehicle rollovers in which the vehicle ends up resting on its roof with the patients still belted into their seats. When confronting this difficult upside-down patient situation, there are a number of patient and rescuer considerations. Vehicle manufacturers have engineered more aerodynamic vehicles to increase vehicle fuel efficiency, with a more rounded, streamlined appearance in contrast to the boxy shape of older cars. As a result, when a vehicle rolls, it tends to roll over more times and come to rest on the flat roof section rather than on the rounded sides of the vehicle. Physics is another factor contributing to the increased number of rollovers. SUVs and pickup trucks have higher centers of gravity, and their popularity has increased the potential for rollovers. Manufacturers are now installing electronic stability control (ESC) in many of the newer models, including SUVs. ESC uses a variety of sensors along with automatic braking of individual wheels to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle. This technology also helps drivers maintain control during hard cornering and on slippery roads by keeping the vehicle headed in the intended direction, even when the vehicle approaches or exceeds the limits of road traction. ESC can also detect when a car is entering a skid or nearing a rollover and make the necessary corrections. Although ESC does help drivers avoid loss of control that could lead to a collision and is an exciting new safety feature, it does not replace driver prudence and attention while behind the wheel. Driver error remains the number one reason people are hurt or killed in crashes.

ROLLOVER PATIENT EXTRICATION Often, when you ﬁnd patients still belted in their seating positions in a rollover incident, they may be unconscious or injured www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_121 121

seriously enough that they make little or no attempt to remove themselves from their uncomfortable predicament. A variety of rescue methods have been proposed for extracting patients found in this compromising position. Some rescuers access the patient by opening the doors and attempting to support the weight of the patient at the torso while releasing the seat belt. They then twist, turn, and maneuver the patient into a position so that the person can be placed on a backboard. This practice is effective for small, lightweight patients but puts rescue personnel in awkward positions not very conducive to proper body positioning while lifting patients. There is also considerable risk of dropping patients using this method. It is extremely impractical when confronted with larger or heavier patients.

TWO-BACKBOARD EXTRICATION A preferred option to assist rescuers in safely moving a patient in this situation uses two backboards for added patient and rescuer safety. For photo purposes, certain vehicle components normally in place have been removed to provide a better view of FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 121

9/24/08 5:38:02 PM

● ROLLOVER EXTRICATION the procedure. Also, EMS providers who would normally be in place providing C-spine stabilization have been removed. Always provide proper immobilization of obvious or suspected injuries. Begin by ensuring all department accident scene protocols are followed regarding scene size-up, safety, vehicle stabilization, air bag and supplemental restraint system awareness, and using hard protection between cutting/spreading tools and patients. In this procedure, assume there is one stable patient with no entrapment in the driver’s seat position of an overturned vehicle—in this case, a two-door hatchback (photo 1). First, gain access to the passenger compartment to assess 4

patient condition, determine the degree of entrapment, and perform other interior rescuer duties (e.g., turning the ignition off, unlocking doors, and opening windows). Next, locate the recline lever on the side of the seat. Depending on the vehicle make and model, it may be on either side of the seat bottom—in this particular vehicle, the seat back recline lever is on the inside of the lower seat cushion toward the center console area of the vehicle. If the front passenger seat is unoccupied, you may easily identify and locate that seat’s recline lever, which may give you a clue as to the location of the occupied seat’s lever. Remember that in this 5

Photo by Peter Steenaerts.

122 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_122 122

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:38:04 PM

ROLLOVER EXTRICATION ● 10

Photo by Peter Steenaerts.

inverted position, the seat back will provide the patient with little or no torso/lumbar support. Also, the two-inch-wide lap seat belt will be supporting nearly all of the patient’s weight, which is extremely uncomfortable for the patient. Open and overextend driver and passenger doors, or remove them completely if necessary. Open the hatchback door and let it rest on the ground. Alternatively, you can leave it closed and just break out the glass if the window area is large enough to provide adequate access. However, you will have more room to work if you remove it completely, since it won’t be in your way. Use whatever method is appropriate for the situation (photo 2). Next, insert a long backboard (orange in photo) transversely through the vehicle passenger compartment so the foot end is accessible to rescue personnel positioned at the passenger side vehicle door. The board should pass under the middle of the patient’s thighs. This allows rescue personnel to support both ends of the backboard (photo 3). From the rear of the vehicle, insert another long backboard (yellow in photo) in line with the patient. Place the foot end of the backboard near the patient’s head, not quite under it, at a slight angle initially, in a ready position to slide it directly under the patient (photo 4). Once this board is in place, the interior rescuer releases the recline lever so that the driver’s side seat back can be pushed to its fully reclined position. The front passenger seat back should also be fully reclined

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_123 123

Photo by Peter Steenaerts.

at this point to allow more space for patient maneuverability. The headrest in most vehicles may also be removed to gain another four to ﬁve inches of clearance, if needed (photo 5). Assist the patient’s torso with some support. With assistance, the interior rescuer carefully positions the patient’s torso back to create room for the yellow spine board that is to be inserted under the patient with the foot end following through to the patient’s foot area. If possible, insert the foot end into the lower portion of the steering wheel for support, or rest it on the dashboard if the patient is in the passenger seat (photo 6). This will bring the board closer to the legs to better accommodate the lowering of the patient. Ensure that a rescuer remains supporting the head end of the yellow backboard. The patient is now ready to be released from the seat belt. Carefully raise the other backboard (orange) to the patient’s thighs, take his weight, and release the seat belt buckle or cut the seat belt (photo 7). Lower the patient carefully onto the bottom (yellow) backboard, paying close attention to C-spine and airway patency. Ensure the patient’s airway remains open by supporting the head and neck; do not allow it to overextend and possibly compromise his breathing (photo 8). The patient will now be resting prone on the bottom yellow backboard (photo 9). Next, carefully remove the top (orange) backboard from the vehicle. Remove and support the foot end of the backboard out of the steering wheel and coordinate a careful, smooth shufﬂing FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 123

9/24/08 5:38:07 PM

● ROLLOVER EXTRICATION motion out toward the rear of the vehicle (photo 10). Once the patient has been moved to a safe location away from the vehicle, position the original (orange) backboard or a scoop stretcher next to the patient, check him for injuries, and logroll the patient onto the remaining board into a supine position for proper care and packaging (photos 11, 12). The vehicle used in these photos is a hatchback. For vehicles that have a trunk or smaller rear exit areas, create a quick large egress point with a hydraulic ram or spreader. Insert the ram/ spreader into the rear window, near the center; spread/push until there is compression of the trunk bulkhead and the roof starts to tent in the middle; continue to spread until there is sufﬁcient room to remove the patient out of the rear window area (photo 13).

ADVANTAGES Some advantages of the two-backboard method follow: • It decreases manipulation of the patient’s spine by not requiring twisting or turning the patient’s body for removal out the side of the vehicle. • It eases the rescuers’ workload by not forcing them into compromising lifting positions. • It reduces the risk of responders’ inadvertently dropping the patient. Depending on the damage and type of vehicle, you can perform the two-backboard extrication method without forcefully removing the vehicle’s components by possibly opening rear hatches and doors.

DISADVANTAGES Some disadvantages of the two-backboard method follow: • It will not work well if the vehicle is a truck (pickup or older SUVs and minivans with nonremovable second and third seats) without removing or relocating large amounts of metal or other components. However, most newer minivans and SUVs have removable bench seats or captain’s chairs. When these seats are removed, it is easy to enter through the rear of the vehicle. • It is more time consuming if the vehicle’s seat backs do not recline and have to be removed with tools. • It requires a minimum of four rescue personnel. ••• The two-backboard method of removing a patient belted into his seat from a rolled-over vehicle is one means available. No single procedure will work for every situation. The more tools we have available in our arsenal, the more proficient we can be at the variety of rescue situations we encounter. ● ● RANDY SCHMITZ is a firefighter and an extrication instructor for Calgary Fire Department in Alberta, Canada. He is chairman of the Alberta Vehicle Extrication Association and educational chairman for Transport Emergency Rescue Committee (TERC) Canada and has served as a judge at TERC international extrication competitions. Schmitz teaches extrication courses and new vehicle technology programs across Canada and the United States.

Inside your station, your firefighters are your most valuable asset. Therefore it is mission critical that you make every effort to remove hazardous diesel exhaust from your station. PlymoVent® Source Capture Systems offer the most proven and time-tested features of any system built today – including our Grabber® nozzle which attaches to the tailpipe eliminating virtually all exhaust fumes. PlymoVent has over 20 years of experience in source capture with over 50,000 systems installed! Call us at 800.644.0911 or 609.395.3500 for more information PlymoVent - new logo same quality systems Enter 188 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.plymoventfire.com

0810FE_124 124

9/24/08 5:38:09 PM

Positioning Aerial Apparatus When You’re Not First Due BY NICHOLAS A. MARTIN

ERHAPS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE CHAUFFEURS of aerial apparatus face is the limitation of their aerial. As the saying goes, “You can always stretch hose, but you can’t stretch ladders.” Scrub angles and aerial length necessitate that the apparatus be placed in specific positions or locations to achieve optimum use. This can be difficult when you are one of the first units on the scene and is severely complicated when you arrive later in the incident. Apparatus operators should always strive to place their apparatus in the optimum position available. It is tempting to think that we don’t have to worry about setting our rig up because other ladder companies may already be in position. However, we must always plan for the worst: • What if one of those aerials experiences a failure? • What if the fire continues to advance? • What if one of our fellow firefighters is trapped and out of reach of the other aerials? If a spot is available, do not waste the opportunity to get your rig in position for optimum use. Of course, this means that ladder company members must be intimately familiar with their apparatus. This includes the rig’s dimensions and specifications, scrub angles, tip loads, capabilities, limitations, and maneuvering abilities. This is not just the chauffeur’s responsibility. A knowledgeable crew member can be an asset to the chauffeur in spotting apparatus placement and assisting with positioning. In some situations, your rig may offer capabilities not available from the ladder companies already operating on the scene. This is often the case for the first tower ladder to arrive at a fire. Tower ladders offer unique capabilities for access, rescue, and elevated master streams (photo 1). These advantages are lost if the chauffeur cannot obtain a good position. Although it is easy to say that engine operators and other

units should position with easy access for aerials in mind, most ladder company chauffeurs will tell you that this, unfortunately, does not always occur. Often, positioning of the ladder company will be complicated by the location of engine companies, command vehicles, police cars, hoselines, and equipment. You may also encounter other obstacles such as trees, fences, and parking meters.

DON’T SETTLE; BE PROACTIVE In their haste to set the parking brake and get to work, many chauffeurs accept the unfortunate placement of these obstacles and work with what they have. The downside to this, of course, is limited functionality of their apparatus. Instead, the ladder company’s chauffeur and ofﬁcer should work together to achieve optimum placement by taking a few simple steps. Plan your route of response. When you plan your route to the scene, consider that everyone else probably already took the “fastest” route. Consider the routes other apparatus may have taken. These streets often will be clogged with other apparatus and hoselines. Is there another way you can take? It may be slightly “longer,” but will it help you avoid obstacles and ultimately get to work faster? If possible, know your assignment before you arrive. If the incident commander (IC) wants you on the rear

1 2 1

(1) Different types of aerials have different capabilities. Exterior overhaul is much safer from a tower bucket than off a standard aerial. (Photos by Justin E. Davidson.)

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_125 125

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 125

9/24/08 5:38:13 PM

● AERIAL APPARATUS 2

(2) Spotters allowed this tower ladder to squeeze into a tight spot and use its full capabilities.

of the building, it would be a waste of time to fight your way to the front. You may have to plan a different route to access the rear. In addition, if you are going into an elevated master stream operation, you will need to consider the source of your water supply. Take time to move obstacles. If it doesn’t have hose connected to it, get it moved. Have the crew drag hoselines out of the way. You may also have to cut small limbs off a tree or take out a fence or street sign to get your rig into the best spot. Your concerns are the fire and fellow firefighters. Use your crew as scouts and spotters. Everyone on the rig should know about its turning radius, dimensions, capabilities, and limitations. If this is true, you can send your crew on foot ahead of the rig to scout out your best spot and route. Use your crew members as spotters and eyes to negotiate into tight spots. If it needs to go on the grass, put it on the grass. You cannot effectively reach some buildings from the hard surface, particularly the rear of buildings. The chauffeur and officer will have to make an assessment about the stability of the ground; however, ultimately your goal is to get the rig in the best spot for firefighting and rescues. At the fire in photo 2, a two-story end of the row was heavily involved in fire on both floors, and a defensive mode was

(3, 4) Although two other aerial devices were on-scene, the chauffeur recognized the need to obtain an optimal position so that the tower ladder’s capabilities could be effectively used.

3 4 5

in place. This tower ladder was the third aerial apparatus to arrive; the ﬁrst two were tractor-drawn aerials. Positioning the tower necessitated the relocation of several police cars, an air-cascade unit, and two supply lines. Spotters negotiated the rig between two engine companies, with inches on each side. The front of the rig had to be placed partially on a sidewalk. A spotter made sure the boom did not contact the roof of the one engine company during operations. The building had an intact roof covered with tin, which 6

(5) Other ﬁre apparatus, cars, hoselines, and power lines are just some of the obstacles a ladder company chauffeur must negotiate. (6) Crew members with strong knowledge of this tower ladder’s maneuvering capabilities and limitations were key to getting it into position. 126 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_126 126

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:38:14 PM

AERIAL APPARATUS ● 7 (7) Your concern is the ﬁre. Do not let movable obstacles ruin your operations. Here, several sections of fence were removed to allow proper clearance for tower ladder operations.

would severely limit the effectiveness of aerial streams from above. Placing the tower’s 1,250-gpm bucket monitor to the secondfloor windows allowed rapid extinguishment of the second floor, providing penetration of walls and ceilings throughout the 60-foot-deep building (photos 3, 4). The rig’s placement allowed full coverage of the Alpha and Bravo sides. In addition, the wood rafters were smoldering below the tin roof. The penetration of the bucket monitor was used to attack this fire from underneath, blowing the tin roof up. This allowed extinguishment of the hot spots without subjecting crews to the unstable roof or second floor, saving truck crews hours of tedious overhaul. At a 2003 fire in Boulevard Heights, Maryland, a one-story auto body shop was well involved. This tower ladder was the

fourth aerial apparatus and the first tower ladder to arrive onscene (photo 5). The chauffeur and officer were aware of the building type and the heavy volume of fire and wanted to get in position to use the bucket monitor as the IC was directing. The response route was planned accordingly. Still, the rig had to negotiate an extremely narrow street

Enter 189 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_127 127

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 127

9/24/08 5:38:16 PM

● AERIAL APPARATUS over dual supply lines, past two engine companies, between civilian vehicles, and other apparatus to obtain a position where this would be possible (photo 6). One of the crew members was sent ahead to scout the path and clear obstacles. The crew members were also used as spotters to ensure that the rig didn’t strike any other vehicles, hoselines, or equipment. Saws were used to remove part of a fence that was reducing the boom’s scrub angle. As a result, the bucket was able to be placed to a roll-up door and to knock down the fire and provide hydraulic overhaul with the monitor’s penetration capabilities (photo 7). Proper positioning can mean much more than effective fire knockdown. In July 2004, a three-alarm fire occurred at a residential high-rise in Prince George’s County, Maryland. A fire on the fourth floor was causing heavy smoke conditions on the floor above, trapping occupants on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors. A rear-mount aerial was the only ladder company in the rear and had to leave the pavement, parking in the rear courtyard to effect rescues. This necessitated moving several cement trash cans and small trees. The chauffeur was able to get the rig into position, but because of recent rains, the rig ultimately became stuck in mud; it had to be removed with a heavy wrecker. Still, before the fire was over, 11 victims were removed with this aerial apparatus. The rig

required a good bath and a tow truck to remove it, but 11 people were removed to a position of safety. Surely, the lives and safety of those civilians were worth the chauffeur’s efforts and a bucket of soap. Each fire will challenge the ladder chauffeur’s abilities in placing the apparatus. The officer and chauffeur must survey the scene and determine the optimum position for the rig’s geographical and functional assignment. Don’t just accept the scene as you find it. Use your crew to scout a position. Remove any movable obstacles. Remember that once the parking brake is set and the outriggers are dropped, that rig is in position for the remainder of the job. Repositioning will require a significant investment of effort and time. Make all efforts to get it right on the first try. ● ● NICHOLAS A. MARTIN is a firefighter with the District of Columbia Fire Department, assigned to Engine Company 11, and a volunteer with the Kentland (MD) Fire Department. He has more than 13 years of firefighting experience and has a bachelor’s degree in fire science from the University of Maryland. He is pursuing a master’s degree in public safety leadership at Johns Hopkins University. He is involved in firefighter training and instructs frequently on the East Coast on operational topics.

Innovators in Voice and Data Communication Solutions for Emergency Apparatus, Haz-Mat, Rescue and On-Scene Command

- Bone Conduction, Throat and Ear Mics - Headsets - Push-To-Talks

Enter 190 at fireeng.hotims.com

128 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_128 128

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:38:18 PM

Diversity in the Fire Service: A Problem or a Solution? BY JOHN J. MCNEIL

HE CONCEPT OF DIVERSITY IN THE FIRE SERVICE can be thought of in different ways. Diversity considerations can range from cultural (nationality, religion, and language) to subcultural (age, gender, and community) to individual (personal traits and learning styles). Perspectives regarding the impact of diversity in the ﬁre service vary from causing adversity and ineffectiveness in the organization to providing a position of strength and success through collective intelligence. No matter what your perspective may be on diversity, it is an issue that can evoke emotions.

THE PROBLEM Some perceive diversity in the fire service as a management nightmare. The idea of bringing together people of different nationalities, languages, religious beliefs, ages, genders, sexual orientation, and personalities to work effectively and accomplish something seems to be impossible and ridiculous. The diversification of members within an organization can be further complicated and convoluted by mixtures of cultures within cultures such as African-American Catholic or gay Asian. The potential cultural barriers in the fire service seem to be insurmountable. Conflicts and misunderstandings caused by different languages, cultural idiosyncrasies, learning styles, education levels, and religious beliefs could paralyze a department or make it ineffective. To further complicate the issue of ensuring diversity in an organization, the strategy of hiring more minorities to balance out the organization’s membership only seems to complicate matters even more. A survey conducted in 1993 by L.H. Research for the National Conference of Christians and Jews found that black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans resent one another almost as much as they do Caucasians. It seems that perhaps it would make better sense to hire a homogeneous group of members or employees to work together within an organization and avoid all of the miscommunication and cultural barriers diversity creates and that impede productivity and efficiency. Perhaps the intent of the concept of promoting diversity in the workplace could be summed up in the words of George Schuyler, author of Black No More: Like most men with a vision, a plan, a program or a remedy, he fondly imagined a person to be intelligent enough to accept a good thing when it was offered to them, which was conclusive evidence that he knew little about the human race.

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_129 129

To complicate matters further, many fire service leaders mistakenly believe that lowering the various fire service hiring standards is necessary to attain diversity in their department. This lowering of standards creates resentment in incumbent firefighters and concern for firefighter safety as well as diminishes the highly respected firefighter status. The problematic perspective of diversity in an organization presents legitimate concerns regarding the hiring for diversity as well as the barriers and ensuing negative repercussions that result from differences in language, age, culture, religious belief, nationality, sexual orientation, and gender. These barriers, intermingled with personal bias and the prejudices of organization members, can ultimately affect an organization’s communication and effectiveness.

THE ADVANTAGE Others perceive diversity in the fire service as the means of survival in a growing diverse country. The leveraging of diversity can mean using cultural differences to accomplish organizational goals not feasible in a culturally homogeneous department. It would seem to make tremendous sense for fire departments to seek a diverse workforce to eliminate language and cultural barriers that might otherwise exist with the diverse communities they now seek to serve. The collective intelligence of a diverse organization allows for many perspectives and different strengths in effectively meeting the department’s goals. Just as a government and its elected officials and leadership should reflect the demographics of their constituents to ensure that all are represented in decision making, so, too, it is important that government agencies, such as the fire service, be representative of the citizens they serve. The demographics of the service providers should be such that the citizens feel that their culture, language, and beliefs are respected and understood when they are in need of services. It is interesting to note when discussing diversity in services provided by the public sector that public safety, and particularly the fire service, remains significantly behind in diversity in the workforce. As a member of the fire service, I believe that addressing the issue of diversity is one of the greatest challenges or complicated issues a chief faces today. According to 2003 U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the fire service workforce was the least diverse of any protective service occupation. According to information reported about the protective services, which includes police officers, security ofFIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 129

9/24/08 5:38:21 PM

● DIVERSITY ficers, and firefighters, firefighters have the lowest percentages of employed women and African Americans and the second lowest percentage of employed Asians and Hispanics. A positive perspective on diversity in the fire service presents legitimate advantages relative to the very same barriers presented by the problematic perspective. Based on my research, I believe that the information presented on the two perspectives pertaining to the impact of diversity in organizations is accurate. It is the responsibility of the organization’s leaders to meet the challenges diversity in the workplace might present to obtain the advantages diversity could offer.

THE CHALLENGE OF LEADERS Achieving diversity in the fire service requires that fire service leaders commit seriously to actively recruit in arenas that will provide qualified minority applicants without lowering any standards. College campuses, the military service (experienced members), and fitness/wellness centers are examples of potential sources of qualified and successful firefighter applicants. Additionally, leaders and recruiters have to be willing to approach minorities with an equally positive and personal approach in recruitment as was used in recruiting the incumbent firefighters. An equally serious effort must be provided in the form of a mentoring program prior to the physical ability testing for both men and women. This will increase the prospect of success for applicants who may struggle in the physical ability aspect of the hiring process without compromising the standard.

Many leaders of America’s ﬁre service grew up in segregated communities and had limited opportunity to interact with different cultures or peoples. Many have internalized all the stereotypical beliefs about race, gender, sexual orientation, and nationality that exist in society and the organizations. The leaders themselves are part of the challenge and are not properly prepared to address the issues that might exist in a diverse workforce in ﬁre service organizations in the future. The dramatic changes and challenges of diversity entail integration of all workers based on not only social justice but also the need to effectively meet the community’s needs. Fire service leaders must embrace diversity and recognize its importance. They should assess their attitudes, assumptions, and feelings about people who differ from them and the effect of these beliefs on their effectiveness as leaders. They must work to change any negative attitudes—theirs and others’. They can accomplish this through networking and exposure to people of different backgrounds. Leaders should learn to engage and use the contributions and talents of the culturally diverse members inside and outside their organization. In doing this, they will serve as models for their members. The behavior leaders demonstrate will in turn begin to change not only their negative attitudes and misconceptions but also those of their members. After assessing their attitudes and behaviors, the leaders should assess the organization’s readiness to meet the challenges of diversity and build an attitude that illustrates a degree of readiness to accept a culturally diverse organization.

Spanish

Real-World

f First Responders for

It’s vital for ﬁrst responders to communicate with victims and witnesses. Street-Smart Spanish for First Responders will help anyone who’s ever arrived on a scene only to find a language barrier hampering their response.

NEW!

This handy, pocket-sized guide covers the basic terms needed to ascertain a patient’s condition, get descriptions, and assess situations, including: Questions and commands Body parts • Numbers • Months • Days of the week

Colors Diseases and illnesses • Drugs • And More

•

Bulk discounts available! Order a copy for everyone in your department! ®

0810FE_130 130

88 Pages / Hardcover / 3.5" x 4.75" / December 2007 ISBN: 978-1-59370-141-3 • Price: $25.00 US

www.FireEngineeringBooks.com 800-752-9764 9/24/08 5:38:22 PM

DIVERSITY ● Leaders who are familiar with the various approaches to changing antidiversity attitudes are better able to manage diversity. As a point of information, usually employing logic is not effective in changing the attitude. It is difficult to find examples that show a change in an antidiversity attitude that came about as a result of a logical argument or additional information. It has been found, instead, that the employees tend to hide their attitudes and pretend to have been converted. Diversity training can help begin the process of leaders and department members’ meeting the challenge. Classroom demonstration, work groups, problem analysis, role playing, and video presentations are useful techniques in diversity workshops. These techniques help members to understand differences among cultures. It is preferable and less contentious in an organization when the leaders and members are prepared and committed to the value of a diverse organization before the organization’s diversification. Nonetheless, if a department is already diverse and struggling with these challenges, it is never too late to begin the process of understanding and accepting the importance of diversity in an organization. It is imperative that the leaders assist members with diverse backgrounds to succeed, recruit, and promote a diverse workforce and use the potential and talents derived from diversity. The challenge of diversity in the fire service does not end with the acceptance of minority hiring but continues on throughout your career with equal opportunity in promotions, assignments, and a harassment-free environment. Accountabil-

ity of officers and supervisors in the commitment to bias-free performance-based treatment of all subordinates must be maintained through chief officers’ monitoring their performance. Fire service leaders should immediately address bias behaviors based on such stereotypes such as gender, race, nationality, or religion in hiring, assignments, promotions, or daily duties and life in the firehouse or workplace in a manner so that others can see the intolerance for such inappropriate behavior. Leaders face challenges when introducing or addressing diversity, but their success is critical to the success of the organization. The strength of an organization rests in its greatest resource—its people. Leadership cannot accomplish any of the organizational goals without the employees’ uniting to accomplish the work. The more talent, skills, perspectives, insight, knowledge, and abilities acquired through diversity, the stronger and more effective and competitive the organization will be. In our multicultural society, positively integrating this necessary diverse workforce and meeting the inherent challenges are the duties of leadership. ●

● JOHN J. MCNEIL retired as deputy chief from the Atlanta (GA) Fire Rescue Department, where he served 27 years. During his tenure, he served as deputy chief of the Technical Services Division, assistant chief of training, and battalion chief; he has 20 years of experience in ﬁeld operations. While assistant chief of training, McNeil was responsible for the hiring and training of ﬁre recruits for the department.

All Class A Foams do not perform the same... That's why many respected Fire Departments all over the country have adopted this specification. Does your Fire Department Have a Class 'A' Foam Specification? A complete Class 'A' Specification should include: The Product Shall be on the USDA Forest Service Qualified Products List (QPL). (Outside test that ensures that the product has been tested for corrosion and for environmental, safety, and health). The Product shall Not Contain any EPA Listed Hazardous Materials such as Gylcol Ether. The Product Shall be a UL Listed Wetting Agent with a Use Rate of 0.25%. (Outside tests that prove the product penetrates and extinguishes a Class 'A' & 'B' fire). The Product Shall not contain more then 50% water content. PHOS-CHEK WD 881 meets these stringent qualifications. For information that will assist you in making informed decisions, call 1-800-682-FOAM (3626)

ICL Performance Products 810 E Main Street Ontario, CA 91761 Enter 191 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_131 131

9/24/08 5:38:25 PM

REMEMBER FOREVER: SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 … AND BEYOND. The Fire Engineering Courage and Valor Foundation was created to ensure that we as Americans “Remember Forever” the fallen firefighters of September 11, and in their memory, recognize other firefighters who demonstrate that same courage and valor in rescue missions. For more information visit www.

courageandvalor.org

FIRE ENGINEERING COURAGE AND VALOR FOUNDATION 3300 First Place Tower 15 East Fifth Street Tulsa, OK 74103 (P) 918.831.9563 (F) 918.831.9476 info@courageandvalor.org

0810FE_132 132

The Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award commemorates the life and career achievements of Deputy Chief Ray Downey, who lost his life while commanding rescue operations at the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001. Deputy Chief Downey was chief of rescue operations and a 39-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York. He was the most highly decorated firefighter in the history of FDNY. Deputy Chief Downey commanded rescue operations at many difficult and complex disasters, including the Oklahoma City Bombing, the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing, and many natural disasters worldwide. For his lifetime of unparalleled service to firefighters and citizens alike, and in remembrance of the courage and valor exemplified many times throughout his life, it is fitting that the Courage and Valor Award, presented to one extraordinarily courageous American firefighter each year, bear the name of Ray Downey, a truly extraordinary man.

Keep the tradition alive — Nominate your candidate for the 2009 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award now.

9/24/08 5:38:26 PM

RAY DOWNEY COURAGE AND VALOR AWARD 2009 NOMINATION FORM CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PERSON SUBMITTING NOMINATION FORM: Name: Address: city

state

zip code

city

state

zip code

Phone: Email: Relationship to Nominee:

NOMINEE INFORMATION: Name: Title/Rank: Fire Department: Years of Service: Home Address:

Home Phone: Qualifications/Distinguishable Traits:

1. Please give a brief history of the nominee. 2. Describe the event or circumstance for which you feel the nominee displayed unparalleled courage and valor and is deserving of the 2009 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award. 3. Describe in detail why you feel the nominee went above and beyond the call of duty during this event. Important Details: • Answers to questions 1-3 should be typed on separate 81/2 x 11 pages and attached to the nomination form. • The incident/meritorious act described in this nomination form must have occurred between December 1, 2007 - November 30, 2008, and must have been part of an official fire department response to an emergency incident. • The award is open to all firefighters in the United States, regardless of rank or department type. • The recipient of the award may be living or deceased. • The recipient will receive a medal and a significant financial award. • The award will be presented at the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis, April 22, 2009. • Nomination forms will be published in Fire Engineering magazine and on its Web site. • Incomplete nomination forms will not be considered. • Forms must be received by January 15, 2009 for consideration of the 2009 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award.

Signature

In remembrance of Ray Downey and all fallen firefighters, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Fire Engineering Courage and Valor Foundation. Please send nomination forms to:

0810FE_133 133

Fire Engineering Courage and Valor Foundation Nomination Committee Attn: Diane Feldman PennWell Corp. 21-00 Route 208 South, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

9/24/08 5:38:31 PM

APPARATUS DELIVERIES

>> The Weston (VT) Fire Department replaced a two-seat pumper with this KME pumper. Firefighter Lee M. Phillips says that the custom cab carries more personnel and SCBAs and can be used for rehab and as a command center. The pumper also has more compartment space and a Class A foam system, allowing for a strong initial attack while conserving water. Features/Equipment: • Predator LFD chassis with 195-inch wheelbase and sixinch raised roof cab with six seats; • CUMMINS ISL 400-hp diesel engine with ALLISON 3000 EVS automatic transmission; • HALE Qmax single-stage, 1,500-gpm pump with HYPRO Foam Pro 2002 system, three crosslays (two 1¾-inch and one 2½-inch with TFT Blitzfire hand monitor), and two 2½-inch rear preconnects (one with TFT Blitzfire); • factory-engineered six-inch jet dump using a BETTS butterfly valve (piped from tank through pump and out the rear); • UPF 1,000-gallon water tank with rear three-inch direct fill and 30-gallon foam tank; • ROBINSON roll-up compartment doors and seven wheelwell sleeves for spare SCBA cylinders; • enclosed ladder, pike pole, and hard suction hose storage (between water tank and compartments for easy access); • ONSPOT ice chains; • ZOLL AED; and • light and power with FABCO 10-kw hydraulic generator, SVI Command light (behind crosslays), four WHELEN scene lights (on cab and rear), and HANNAY electric cord reel.

BY JOHN M. MALECKY

• climate-controlled patient compartment with full-size ambulance cot, attendant bench, storage compartment, and overhead cabinetry; • light and power with ONAN 2.8-kw gasoline generator and two HAVIS SHIELDS telescoping ﬂoodlights; and • 24-foot MOTIV trailer. Enter 2 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

>> In Canada, the hamlet of Paulatuk in Northwest Territories received this FORT GARRY FIRE TRUCKS pumper, purchased by the Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) division of the provincial government. Assistant Fire Marshal Claude Gervais says it was designed for general ﬁreﬁghting and offers pump operator protection from extreme temperatures.

Enter 1 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

>> The District of Columbia Fire Department Special Operations Unit has in service this FOSTER RESCUE PRODUCTS mini ambulance. Assistant Chief Alfred Jeffery says it is deployed for special events and in pedestrian areas around the Capitol, along the Mall, and up to the Lincoln Memorial. The ambulance also covers a canal in Georgetown and transports patients to a full-size street ambulance. Features/Equipment: • ASAP RS-660 with POLARIS Ranger 6 × 6 ATV chassis with 105-inch wheelbase and two-seat cab; • POLARIS 683-cc 44-hp gasoline engine with Model PVT transmission; • 156-inch length, 60-inch width, and 91-inch height; 134 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_134 134

Features/Equipment: • STERLING Acterra chassis with 224-inch wheelbase and three-seat cab; • CATERPILLAR C7 300-hp diesel engine with ALLISON 3000 EVS automatic transmission; • crown cab enclosure for top-mount pump panel and additional seating for three; • WATEROUS CS single-stage, 1,050-Imperial gpm pump with two 1¾-inch speedlays and AKRON Apollo Hi-Riser deck gun; • WELLINGTON PLASTICS 900-Imperial-gallon water tank; and • two HAVIS SHIELDS COLLINS telescoping lights mounted midship. Enter 3 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:38:35 PM

product showcase NO SMOKE 2 is an exciting new product enhancement by Ward Diesel Filter Systems. The new high-performance substrate with proprietary wash coat removes gaseous matter on 2007 model engines. It’s designed for new diesel exhaust temperatures and far exceeds any temperatures seen onboard mobile diesel engines. 2007 model engines address emissions for the outdoor environment. NO SMOKE 2 provides the clean air you need in the ﬁrehouse, within the enclosed structure, for an important health and safety upgrade. www.warddiesel.com. (800) 845-4665.

American Trade Mark Co.’s CASE COMMANDER COMMAND SYSTEM allows the incident commander (IC) to easily track assignments of personnel and apparatus through the use of the NIMS. Manage large and small incidents with this system. The IC can track all fireground groups and divisions, as well as the officers leading them. The dry erase surface has space for scene layout, size-up notes, strategic and tactical planning, assignments, PAR, special hazards, tactical considerations, etc. Included are 50 custom-engraved magnetic tags representing your apparatus and officers. Web site: www.firecommand. com. (800) 964-0748.

Enter 401 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Enter 402 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Res-Q-Jack® XSTRUT™ is your neXt Strut. Multipurpose, lightweight aluminum, heavy-duty rescue strut with QuikJack®-n-strap™ technology makes X-Strut™ the all-in-one, universal, and quick strut. Starting with a plastic-free aluminum, no-twist telescopic square tube strut body, and adding a swiveling multipurpose strut head, quick connect base links, AutoPin™ alignment, and ﬁnished off with an on-board retractable strap. STRONG enough for collapse, FAST enough for extrication, LIGHT enough for anyone! www.res-q-jack.com. (800) 466-9626. Enter 403 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Holmatro’s newest innovation, CORE TECHNOLOGY™, is a revolutionary fluid path and connection technology designed to make hydraulic rescue tool connection, deployment, and use faster, easier, and safer. Patented technology allows the user to connect and disconnect the tools under flow (“hot-swappable”), saving valuable time. The unique coaxial hose design now places the high-pressure line inside the return line, shielding it from physical damage inherent on the rescue scene. Core Technology™ is the next major step forward in rescue tool design. Web site: www.coretechnology.info. (800) 654-0203. Enter 404 at fireeng.hotims.com

Council Tool’s KATOOL (KWIK ACCESS TOOL) is a patented, multipurpose, fast-attack tool. It’s ideal for firefighters and trainers searching for hidden fires, making smoke inspection cuts, opening interior finishes, cutting cables and wires, removing doors, and clearing windows. Constructed of tempered #4140 alloy steel, it has eight unique rip teeth precisionmachined to a knife-edged point and enables firefighters to remove ceiling and wall building materials more safely and quickly than traditional pike poles, hooks, and gypsum board pullers. (910) 646-3011. Web site: www.counciltool.com. Enter 405 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_135 135

Sperian’s WARRIOR™ SCBA is a new type of SCBA based on proven technologies and updated with features suggested by firefighters themselves. While placing the firefighter at the center of the design process, Sperian focused on member and team safety, maneuverability, and comfort. The result is an SCBA unlike any you have experienced before. Comfortable, reliable, and simple to use under the worst conditions, the Warrior™ represents a major advance in thinking about what a SCBA is and how it should work. Web site: www.sperianfire.com. (800) 343-3411. Enter 406 at fireeng.hotims.com

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 135

9/24/08 5:38:39 PM

product showcase The problem: Stiff, poor-fitting boots hurt your feet and your performance. The solution: Globe FOOTGEAR. Globe’s Emergency Series is certified to NFPA 1999 (Emergency Medical). Unique cement construction combines contoured outsole, 3D lasting board with built-in flex zone, and multilayer composite puncture protection. Without stiff welts, ribbed midsoles, or steel plates, this attachment process is far more flexible than traditional welt construction. Globe FootGear has been tested to withstand 1,000,000 flexes with no compromise in performance. GlobeFootGear: Athletic footwear for firefighters. Web site: www.globefootgear.com. (603) 435-8323. Enter 407 at fireeng.hotims.com

Versatility. Functionality. Dependability. It’s what you want in a new apparatus and it’s what you expect from E-ONE. With SYNERGY, we’ve incorporated an ultra-compact and extremely versatile pump module providing better access to the pump with both side-mount or enclosed top-mount control options. Synergy also allows for up to 528 cubic feet of compartment storage with a compact wheelbase, allowing for more equipment and exceptional maneuverability. Web site: www.e-one.com. (352) 237-1122

The problem: Your turnout gear is too hot and heavy for everyday rescue runs. The solution: Globe LifeLine’s CONVERTIBLE™ turnout gear. Total Heat Loss (THL) measures the ability of materials to allow body heat and moisture to pass through the garment. Convertible™ has a minimum THL of 450 W/m2 with its Crosstech® fabric liner in place for rescue and recovery and 600 W/m2 when removed to convert to utility. Convertible™ also gives you an optional ﬂeece liner for use in cold weather. The result is lighter, more breathable, protective gear. Globe LifeLine—The right gear for the job. Web site: www.globelifeline.com. (603) 435-8323.

Drain, roll, and load your three-inch, four-inch, or ﬁve-inch large diameter hose (LDH) in less than 30 seconds per length with RollnRack’s battery-operated POWER ROLLER—without lifting rolls of hose! Whisk away dirt and load hose from the self-propelled unit. Traverses grass, gravel, dirt, and pavement. Drain and roll at least 3,000 feet of LDH. Hose rolls are removable. (262) 363-2030. Web site: www.rollnrack.com.

Enter 409 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

When it comes to protecting firefighters, no single attribute is as important as thermal protection. Basofil FIBER effectively blocks heat, as demonstrated by the highest thermal protective performance (TPP) values in the industry and the highest protection on the thermal manikin test. The more heat you block on the outside, the cooler you feel inside. (800) 216-3640. Web site: www.basofil.com.

Enter 408 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Enter 410 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Tele-Lite, Inc. is proud to announce the newest addition to its fire rescue product line HONDA MARINE. Tele-Lite is now an authorized Honda Marine dealer offering products and service on all Honda outboards. Honda four-strokes are super-quiet, fuel-efficient, dependable, and ranked #1 by four-stroke owners. We offer the best outboard warranty available and offer models ranging from two to 225 horsepower. Tele-Lite takes pride in providing the kind of customer satisfaction that you expect from a Honda. (800) 538-0022. Enter 412 at fireeng.hotims.com

Enter 411 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

136 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_136 136

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:38:40 PM

product showcase

Harrington, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of HYDRANT STORZ CONNECTIONS in the United States because we offer AWWA- and NFPA-compliant ﬁttings with tamper-resistant storz caps. We offer an integral storz built into new hydrants and a permanent hydrant adapter that threads onto the existing steamer nozzle threads. Specify security and uniformity throughout your system. Specify Harrington Hydrant Storz on your hydrants! (800) 553-0078. Web site: www.hydrantstorz.com. Enter 413 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

MagneGrip EXHAUST EXTRACTION SYSTEMS provide 100-percent effective removal of dangerous vehicle exhaust emissions in firehouses. Systems are fully automatic and do not delay response time. MagneGrip systems are easy to use; compressors, air lines, and electromagnetic wiring are not needed for operation. And no system is more effective than MagneGrip— guaranteed! MagneGrip systems are available for every application, with thousands installed nationwide. The MagneGrip Group also offers AirHAWK Air Purification Systems to ensure protection in all areas of the firehouse, including living quarters, offices, etc. (800) 875-5440. Web site: www.magnegrip.com. Enter 414 at fireeng.hotims.com

UL-listed in the United States and Canada for safety standards, the POWERBOX JUNCTION BOX from Circle D Lights offers two new optional mounting bracket styles that not only keep boxes stored neatly but also allow for fast, safe, and easy accessibility. Both may be mounted vertically or horizontally. The Powerbox and brackets are made of heavy-duty cast-aluminum alloy and are powder-coated with your choice of High-Visibility Yellow or Silver Hammertone corrosionresistant finishes. Unit consists of four single Twist-Lock and/ or straight-blade receptacles available with many custom configurations, including optional GFCI for added protection. Standard features include integral easy-grip carrying handle; bright locator light; and spring-loaded, waterproof flip-lid fitted with neoprene gaskets to keep out dust and water. (800) 883-8382, (201) 933-5500. Web site: www.circle-d.com. Enter 415 at fireeng.hotims.com

AMDOR Inc.’s NFPA-compliant SUPERBRIGHT H20 is the latest offering from Luma Bar. Designed for pump panel applications, the new “Superbright” beam technology washes your entire pump panel with LED illumination. Think of this as a waterproof Luma Bar filled with LED spotlights. The lowprofile ½-inch extrusion will easily fit under any pump panel shield and is now available in 20-inch and 40-inch models. Web site: www.amdor.com. (877) 462-6367. Enter 417 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_137 137

FirePrograms’ MOBILITY SOLUTION mobile software interface is designed for in-the-field use with tablet PCs and laptops that run Windows operating systems. The Mobility Solution is an Always-on Database® that allows departments to enter and retrieve their data while on-scene regardless of whether there is a network connection. Your critical data will always be accessible in even the most extreme emergencies when communications are impaired. Web site: www. fireprograms.com. Enter 416 at fireeng.hotims.com

The AIR-VAC 911® ENGINE EXHAUST REMOVAL SYSTEM is the industry’s most effective, user-friendly, and complete system available. No vehicle or building retroﬁts, manual connections, expensive maintenance, or swinging parts. AIR-VAC 911® provides 100percent removal in a fully automatic, hands-free, highly affordable, and code-compliant total system for your station. FREE site evaluation and users’ list. (800) 540-7264. Web Site: www. airvac911.com. Enter 418 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 137

9/24/08 5:38:42 PM

product showcase From All-A-Board, the CRESCENT RECLINER is a contractgrade unit designed to handle the rigors of the fire station. Each unit features a double-doweled northern hardwood frame with miter blocks at stress points and a nearly bulletproof mechanism, both protected by a lifetime warranty. Includes hand-tied, five-gauge, heavy-duty springs; block and conjugated microfiber Dacron fill to help maintain loft; an extra-soft seat and back with lumbar support, and a 375-pound weight capacity. (800) 882-2753. Web site: www. allaboardinc.com. Enter 419 at fireeng.hotims.com

The Farmersville (OH) Fire Department has put in service this HME Ahrens-Fox stainless-steel ATTACK TANKER/ PUMPER that features their exclusive SFO compact chassis with a Cummins ISL-370-hp engine. The unit has a Hale QFlo 1,250-gpm pump, Hale FoamLogix Class A foam system, 2,500-gallon tank, through-the-tank storage for ladders, Zico drop-down rack for the folding tank, and Power Arc emergency lighting system. Web site: www.hmeahrensfox.com. Enter 420 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Hydraulics International Inc. (HII) manufactures a wide range of pneumatically operated BREATHING AIR BOOSTER PACKAGES for fire departments. They ensure full 4,500- to 6,000-psi SCBA tank fills even if the air storage tanks (in-station or on the mobile unit) drop below 500 psi. Truck-mounted unit can be easily set up to fill 4,500- to 6,000-psi SCBA parked in station or at the fire scene. It can be driven with a low-pressure conventional air compressor or directly from the high-pressure air storage supply in either location. Oxygen booster packages rated to 5,000-psi also available. (888) 780-7867. Web site: www.hiipumps.com. Enter 421 at fireeng.hotims.com

The TACTIX® MT94™ MULTIWEAR ENSEMBLE, designed to provide protection against a variety of threats, including chemical/biological terrorism agents, is available from Lion RescueWear™. It is certified to meet NFPA standards 1994 Class 2, and 1992. The MT94™ has a wide range of uses, including technical rescue, haz mat, confined space rescue, decon, high-risk entries, and bomb (secondary threat protection). It also offers protection against flame and weaponized chemical and biological agents. Web site: www.lionrescuewear.bz.

Paratech introduces the new MULTI-BASE for use in a wide array of vehicle stabilization and structural collapse scenarios. Don’t stop and think of what base to use. Come on scene knowing you will always have the right tool. The Multi-Base (#22-796025) is four bases in one: use either of its two top points as a “Cone Base,” its angled center area as a “V-Base,” its engineered deep cut center slot as a “Chain Wedge,” and its angled top shape as a “Corner Base.” Web site: www.paratech.us. (815) 469-3911. Enter 422 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Champion Rescue Tools’ new BEAST MULTI TOOL ACCESSORIES require no tools to attach. New attachments include a USAR blade for thick metal posts/beams, a general purpose long-reach blade, a combi plate cutter for plate cutting/spreading, a tube/bar cutter for solid bar and reinforced tubing, a nibbler/rebar cutter for rebar/sheet metal, and a general-purpose guillotine cutter. New mounting system keeps attachments secure and safe in transit. (888) 396-2426. Web site: www. championrescuetools.com. Enter 424 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Enter 423 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

138 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_138 138

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:38:45 PM

product showcase The Knox Company has developed a new FDC PLUG with SWIVEL-GUARD™ that covers the entire swivel connector. Since the SwivelGuard covers the entire swivel connector, it minimizes the potential of the swivel being stolen. With the Swivel-Guard™, the set screw is no longer accessible, making it difﬁcult to remove the ball bearings and brass swivel. It still provides protection against thread damage, and prevents trash and debris from being lodged into uncovered connections. The Knox FDC plug with Swivel-Guard™ is designed for a 21∕2-inch connection with NH threads; however, other thread sizes are available. www.knoxbox.com. (800) 552-5669. Enter 425 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Rescue 42’s new advanced Kevlar® composite TELECRIB® STABILIZATION SYSTEM is a lightweight, compact, telescoping stabilization tool designed for rescuer and patient safety during extrication. The superior properties of the advanced Kevlar® composite material makes the TeleCrib® struts four times stronger than steel and nearly impervious to all types of environmental and chemical corrosion, as well as offering exceptional impact resistance. Web site: www. rescue42.com. (888) 42-RESCUE. Enter 426 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Petzl, a leader in safety and rescue equipment, introduces the EXO PERSONAL ESCAPE SYSTEM, providing firefighters with a fast, reliable means of escape from a burning structure when a conventional exit is no longer possible. A firefighter trained and equipped with the EXO system can quickly deploy the unique anchor and rope, then move rapidly toward an egress point, and descend to a lower level with the self-braking descender. Contact us for more information and to find an authorized EXO dealer/trainer. Web site: www.petzl.com/exo. (801) 926-1500.

On Scene Solutions’ CARGO STRAPS eliminate broken and shattered plastic buckles. Aluminum and brass buckle is easily released with gloved hands and has a builtin rub guard to prevent equipment damage. Available in a variety of lengths; includes all-stainless mounting hardware. Orders placed online receive same day shipping! Web site: www.onscenesolutions.com. (970) 461-8731. Enter 428 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Enter 427 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Liberty Art Works’ traditional style HELMET MONUMENT is cast in bronze and is an affordable solution to honoring past, present, and future firefighters. The helmet is twice life size, producing a notable impression, and is a worthy addition to any dedication area. We also include a custom bronze shield. Proudly made in the USA. Web site: www.libertyartworks.com. (888) 411-7744. Enter 429 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_139 139

PlymoVent makes firefighter safety priority #1. Controlling diesel exhaust in the fire station has become fire departments’ top safety priority. PlymoVent is the best proven solution to this problem, offering three types of systems, which are backed by nationwide service and installation teams. PlymoVent’s SBTA SYSTEM has been designed to provide firefighters with the most dependable and user-friendly exhaust ventilation system on the market today. (800) 644-0911. Enter 430 at fireeng.hotims.com

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 139

9/24/08 5:38:46 PM

product showcase Constructed of 16-gauge steel, Salsbury Industries’ OPEN ACCESS LOCKERS are 24 inches wide, have an overall height of six feet and 24-inch depths. Open access lockers feature a lockable top compartment that includes a springloaded door and a padlock hasp. They also include a coat rod and a 14-inch-high foot locker. The foot locker includes a hinged lid and a ventilated front panel with a recessed padlock hasp for secure equipment storage. (800) LOCKERS. Web site: www.lockers.com. Enter 431 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Sigtronics VOICE-ACTIVATED INTERCOMS and NOISE ATTENUATING HEADSETS interface with all mobile and handheld radios and cellular phones. For use in all types of emergency vehicles. Web site: www.sigtronics.com. (800) 367-0977. Enter 432 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

With outer shell performance requirements, everyone has a different idea of what’s important. New ADVANCE ULTRA™ from Southern Mills provides the best value no matter how priorities are ranked. Choose any test: Thermal Protective Performance (TPP), Taber Abrasion Resistance, Initial Strength, Strength after Laundering, Strength after Thermal Exposure, or Strength after UV Exposure. Factor in the cost, and ADVANCE ULTRA wins every time. Its unique construction, engineered from a blend with DuPont™ KEVLAR® brand ﬁber, provides superior strength, durability, and thermal protection that stands up to the heat. DuPont™ and KEVLAR® are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its afﬁliates. (866) 806-4013. Web site: www.southernmills.com.

Be visible, be safe in Ricochet’s high visibility EMS GEAR! Ricochet has several garments dual-certified to NFPA 1999 and ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Class 3 (high visibility). Ricochet’s sole focus is and always has been on building high quality garments to meet the specific requirements of EMS and first responder markets. Ricochet’s broad range of products include technical rescue, EMS, chemical protective and extrication gear. Wear something safer Ricochet! Web site: www.ricochet-gear.com. (888) 462-1999. Enter 434 at fireeng.hotims.com

Enter 433 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

The TOYOTA/LEXUS HYBRID VEHICLE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING CD from Toyota offers hybrid electric vehicle safety training based on available emergency response guides. Hybrid electric vehicles present fire responders with unique challenges because their high-voltage electric power systems differ from those of conventional vehicles. Educates first responders on proper procedures for working safely with Toyota and Lexus hybrids, addressing high-voltage safety, extrication, submersion, fire, spills, and first aid. Order material number: 00453-HEVER-R10. (800) 622-2033. Web site: http://techinfo.toyota.com.

Columbia Southern University offers five completely ONLINE FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAMS designed to take your career to the next level. From learning about fire prevention to fire service equipment, you will gain the expertise and skills you need to succeed in the fire science industry. Web site: www.columbiasouthern.edu. (800) 977-8449. Enter 436 at fireeng.hotims.com

Enter 435 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

140 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_140 140

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:38:48 PM

product showcase Sparky the Fire Dog is the best-known mascot figure for fire prevention today. A trademark character of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Sparky is at the center of the NFPA’s Risk Watch and Learn Not to Burn programs, two of the most comprehensive safety programs in use in America. The Robotronics ANIMATED SPARKY COSTUME is an especially exciting tool for teaching fire and safety awareness because it is so interactive. Audiences will be delighted when Sparky’s eyes wink and blink (a random blink feature is programmed into the costume), his mouth moves, and he speaks with preprogrammed fire safety messages through an optional MP3 player or the wearer’s voice through a WAVE (Wearer Amplified Voice Equipment) system included with each costume. (800) 762-6876. Web site: www.robotronics.com.

The Extendo Bed ROLLERIZED CARGO PLATFORM allows equipment to be suspended from the rear of vehicles for easy access. Rolling on steel bearings, the heavy-duty assembly provides a capacity of between 1,200 and 1,800 pounds at more than 100-percent cargo bed extension. Offers easy onehand operation with lock positions every 12 inches. Multiple applications are available for ﬁre command centers and rescue equipment. We specialize in custom shelving to meet your needs. Web site: www.extendobed.com. (800) 752-0706. Enter 438 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Enter 437 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Firecom introduces the first WIRELESS HEADSET for the fire and rescue industry, including the new UHW-10 model (pictured). It connects first responders to the in-cab intercom system, at the pump panel, or within 90 feet of the base station. The headset is ideal for command vehicles, on-scene first responders, and ambulance attendants. Firecom’s wireless communication system can handle a large number of headsets in the same vicinity. The wireless headsets and base stations incorporate antenna spatial diversity for a robust RF link and guarantee a 300-foot open field range and a 90-foot minimum range for emergency vehicles. www.firecom.com. (800) 527-0555.

Crimson Fire doesn’t just build rescue apparatus; we build “Smart Solutions” to rescue apparatus needs. This stainless-steel HEAVY RESCUE for the Union Fire District in Rhode Island was custom designed with more than 625 cubic feet of effective equipment storage space. This 18-foot vehicle has a 40-kw PTO generator providing power to two electric cable reels, several power outlets, and more than 15,000 watts of 120-volt area lighting. For extrication and mobile breathing air readiness, there are six preconnected HRT hose reels and a four-bottle cascade system. Everything rides safely on a Spartan Diamond chassis with roll stability control. (605) 582-4000. Web site: www. crimson-ﬁre.com. Enter 440 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Enter 439 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Live fire training can be accomplished with WHP’s Alarm Series TRAINING SIMULATOR. The rugged design is engineered for heavy-duty fire training. The Alarm Series can be further customized to match specific training needs. The Alarm Series features a powder coat paint finish or an optional brick façade. Turn-key installation allows for one-call support. The Padgenite™ burn room is realistic and can be used with Class A fires or commercially available gas fired simulators. Web site: www.trainingtowers.com. (800) 351-2525. Enter 441 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_141 141

The new W. S. Darley P-2 is a PUMP and GENERATOR in one package! It features a patent-pending clutching system to allow for engagement of the pump when needed. The pump is capable of ﬂows up to 290 gpm at 145 psi. The generator system provides power (1,500 watts; 1,000 continuous). Customers can reduce the space, weight, and maintenance costs. Contact Darley today for details. (800) 323-0244. Web site: www.wsdarley.com. Enter 442 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 141

9/24/08 5:38:50 PM

product showcase The Search Systems SEARCHCAM ENTRYLINK is a wireless video camera system that enables incident command personnel to see and hear in real time what the entry team encounters in the exclusion zone. It increases safety by allowing constant monitoring of the entry team’s actions and provides a means to use technical experts from the safety of the support zone. The EntryLink reduces the number of entries required because technical experts can help provide solutions by viewing the video monitor. Web site: www.searchsystems. com. (800) 722-2824. Enter 443 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

The new Foster BADGER MINI-FOAM TRUCK, contrary to popular trends, is getting smaller and smaller. At only four feet, eight inches wide, it goes down factory isles, into the lowest parking garages and tunnels, or down the narrowest alleys. With 100 gallons of water, 10 gallons of foam concentrate, and a Darley 13-hp pump and foam eductor, the Badger packs a remarkable punch. Lots of accessible storage space. The PolyBilt body with roll-up doors and an electric rewind Hannay reel complete the package for the most powerful little fire truck in the fleet. (866) 762-8600. E-mail: bruce@FosterRescue.com. Enter 444 at fireeng.hotims.com

Firecom, a leader in the development and production of headsets and intercoms for the fire and rescue industry, introduces the all-digital, all-in-one rugged PANTHERCCS INTERCOM designed for use in rugged physical conditions and challenging acoustic environments. Its durable construction with recessed controls is ideal for use on aerial fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, or any other mobile command equipment. It provides high volume and clear digital audio communication. Web site: www.firecom.com. (800) 527-0555.

Rosenbauer has developed a new ACCESS LADDER for accessing the top of ﬁre apparatus. It is an all-aluminum design and has an angle of 75° to facilitate ascending and descending the ladder when in the deployed position. E-mail: info@rosenbaueramerica.com. Enter 446 at ﬁreenghotims.com

Enter 445 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

The Phoschek-ICL Performance WD 881 CLASS A FOAM CONCENTRATE provides superior foam generation at 0.1- to 1.0-percent use concentration. Phos-Chek WD 881 has been tested by the U.S. Forest Service and is approved for use from ground engines, helicopter buckets, and helicopters equipped with ﬁxed tanks. It’s a UL-listed wetting agent at 0.25-percent use rate effective on Class A and B combustibles. Insist on outside third-party testing to validate performance, environmental, safety and health, and corrosion standards. Meets the requirements of NFPA 1150. Contains no EPA-listed hazardous materials. (800) 682-3626.

From Quala-Tel Communications comes ON-SCENE LINKTM, a portable, suitcase-sized communication system that connects up to eight independent radios/frequencies on-scene and takes less than three minutes to link communication systems of local, state, and federal agencies for seamless coordination and control of all emergency response activities. System is fully self-contained in a rugged waterproof case weighing just 36 pounds. Offers four talk groups of recordable output and includes a headset with voice interface. Built-in rechargeable battery delivers up to 36 hours of continuous operation. (800) 442-1504. E-mail: info@qualatel.com. Enter 448 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Enter 447 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com 142 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_142 142

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:38:53 PM

product showcase Problem: Your current turnout gear restricts your performance. Globe’s FIREFIGHTER SUITS are the solution. It’s physiology. When you bend your knee to step up, sit down, or crawl, you need five inches more length over the knee and eight inches more length in the seat or your movements will be restricted. Our patented AXTION™ knee and seat provide extra length and fullness where you need it, while our patented adjustable belt closure transfers weight to your hips instead of your shoulders and keeps the roomy fit under control. Globe Firefighter Suits—turning out the world’s best. (603) 435-8323. Web site: www.globefiresuits.com. Enter 449 at fireeng.hotims.com

The Orlando (FL) Fire Department recently took delivery of a new Sutphen 3000 HEAVY RESCUE APPARATUS. Powered by a CAT C-12 505-hp engine, it features Raydan Air Ride suspension. The aluminum body is accessible from the door opening in the rear of the cab and provides storage for the Amkus Ultimate PTO-driven hydraulic tool system, Amkus hydraulic hose reel, and 60-kw shaft drive Marathon Electric generator, which provides power to the Kwik Raze MagnaFire ﬂoodlights. Additional lighting includes Will-Burt Night Scan NS11-9000F lights. (614) 889-1005. Enter 450 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

CET is proud to introduce its new TWIN-IMPELLER PORTABLE FIRE PUMP, powered by a six-hp Honda engine. This pump produces a maximum volume of 80 gpm and a maximum pressure of 150 psi. The pump is also offered with a nine-hp Honda engine. (800) 567-2719. Enter 451 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Kussmaul Electronics Co.’s new MODEL 091-167-12 LOAD MANAGER 1HP is a compact, encapsulated load manager that monitors the vehicle’s battery voltage and operates a 75-ampere relay. When the voltage drops, the relay disconnects the load to prevent complete battery discharge. Encapsulated electronics permits mounting the load manager under the hood or in other unfriendly environments. www.kussmaul.com. (800) 346-0857. Enter 452 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Ideal for broad portability and ease of use in protective gear, Smiths Dectection’s HAZMATID RANGER™ is a rugged FT-IR chemical identifier. It features touch-tosample technology and one-hand trigger operation. It provides both spectral results and a list of probable substances to aid in the responders’ capability to identify chemicals, as well as components in mixtures. The HazMatID Ranger provides quick, easy, and accurate identification of over 32,000 substances including white powders, WMDs, explosives, narcotics and drugs precursors, pesticides, common chemicals, and TICs. www.smithsdetection. com. (203) 207-9726. Enter 453 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_143 143

The UPF INTEGRAL POLY-TANK® and POLYBODY® combines the reliability of the Poly-Tank® with the various body options of the PolyBody® to make an outstanding addition to the chassis of your choice. Each Integral Poly-Tank® and PolyBody® is manufactured independently and then joined together to form the integral unit. With numerous options, the Integral Poly-Tank®and PolyBody® is available from 1,250 to 4,000 gallons. Body and tank provided by UPF to the apparatus manufacturer of your choice. www.unitedplastic.com. (978) 989-0272. Enter 454 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 143

9/24/08 5:38:55 PM

product showcase Onspot of North America, Inc. (ONA) celebrates its 20th year in business. ONA is the North American distributor and U.S. manufacturer of the Onspot AUTOMATIC TIRE CHAIN SYSTEM. Since 1988, Onspot of North America has become the largest automatic tire chain distributor in the world and now even supplies the Onspot Swedish factory with U.S.-built components. Onspot chains are now available from more than 150 original equipment manufacturers as a factory option or from over 1,000 dealers throughout North America. (800) 766-7768. www.onspot.com. Enter 455 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

5.11 Tactical® introduces three top-quality, fade-resistant JOB SHIRTS that look and perform like no others. Choose from a traditional design with a denim collar and elbow patches, an updated traditional model with canvas accents, or a contemporary quarter-zip front. Made of fade-resistant 11.6-oz., 80-percent cotton/20-percent polyester ﬂeece with faderesistant collars and elbows, these easy-care shirts are also shrink-, wrinkle-, and stain-resistant. Waistbands and cuffs are reinforced with spandex for enhanced fabric recovery and comfort. High-end YKK zippers increase durability. www.511tactical.com. (866) 451-1726. Enter 457 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Kochek Company has updated and expanded its WEB SITE to improve communication and support for customers. The new content-managed site offers greater functionality to create a more useful tool for customers. The site is a comprehensive source of application information, product descriptions, part numbers, and current pricing. Customers can now go to the Kochek site to check on the latest products offerings, custom options and contact information. www.kochek.com. (800) 420-4673. Enter 459 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Ferrara Fire Apparatus builds a complete line of fire and emergency vehicles, including high-end custom heavy rescue, hazmat, and command trucks. FDNY’s Haz-Mat 1 is built on a Ferrara IGNITER TWO-DOOR HEAVY RESCUE CHASSIS and includes a sophisticated communication center that allows the department to work with multiple agencies. Contact Ferrara to find out more about its custom chassis, heavy rescues, emergency response trailers, aerial ladders, aerial platforms, Strong Arm, rescue pumpers, tankers, wildland, and specialty vehicles. (800) 443-9006. Web site: www.ferrarafire.com. Enter 456 at fireeng.hotims.com

The FireStore.com’s DRAGONE RIT/ FAST RESCUE BOARD fits over your SCBA for hands-free carry and over a victim’s SCBA to become a rigid rescue sled. All DragOne Rescue Boards feature a Y-harness to fully secure the victim to the board for safe fire scene evacuation. The Y-harness is made of two-inch nylon webbing straps that hook together with metal two-piece seat-belt-style push button buckles. www.TheFireStore.com. (800) 852-6088. Enter 458 at fireeng.hotims.com

FIRE UP your public education program! Fire extinguisher training should be SAFE and EFFECTIVE. That is why Las Vegas Fire & Rescue has trained countless people from leading organizations with BullEx’s INTELLIGENT TRAINING SYSTEM™. It uses cleanburning propane-fed flames and a quick-recharge air/water training extinguisher to provide a realistic simulation for trainees while eliminating the hazards of conventional fire extinguisher training. Trainees learn how to use a fire extinguisher effectively without the cost and clean-up associated with using dry-chemical or CO2 extinguishers. www.BullExSafety.com. (888) 4BULLEX. Enter 460 at fireeng.hotims.com

144 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_144 144

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:38:57 PM

product showcase Kochek Company’s new HYDRANT HAMMER can be personalized with an individual’s or fire company name. The lightweight, compact hammer is easy to carry and perfect for hydrant bag or personal use. The rubber head is easy on fittings and is ideal for loosening and tightening long-handled swivels. With comfortable grips, a compact 9½-inch closed length, the 2½-pound hammer fits ¾-inch to six-inch rocker or pin lug fittings. www.kochek.com. (800) 420-4673. Enter 461 at fireeng.hotims.com

Sperian’s ULTRAMOTION™ is ergonomically engineered to meet the rigors of today’s firefighting professional. More complex fires and increased multidisciplinary tasks require protective clothing that adapts by offering a full range of motion to all areas of the body. It is not only a question of comfort, but one of saving precious seconds in the life and death situations that are part of the everyday world for firefighters. www.sperianprotection. com. (800) 343-3411. Enter 462 at fireeng.hotims.com

5.11 Tactical® redefines the cargo pant with its advanced new EMS PANTS – which are offered in separate men’s and women’s versions for enhanced fit. The pants are built from strong, fade-resistant 7.25-oz. polycotton twill treated with Teflon® for stain, soil, and liquid resisNew! Super Vac’s VARIABLE SPEED VR2 turns on GFCI with no problems. It also has no CO problems and works with tance. They use double-seat-and-knee construction, a heavy-duty Prym® snap, 15-amp circuit breakers. This VR2 provides precise control genuine YKK® zippers, and a double-layer of the air movement and up to 30 percent more airflow than “tough-cuff” hem for durability. Features other single-speed electric blower. The new VR2 from Super include a shirt-gripper waistband with a Vac model sizes are 16-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch. www. raised back, self-adjusting tunnel waist, supervac.com. (800) 525-5224. and 5.11’s Double-Time™ belt loops. Enter 463 at fireeng.hotims.com www.511tactical.com. (866) 451-1726. Enter 464 at fireeng.hotims.com

The innovative construction of the W.L. Gore’s CROSSTECH® THREELAYER MOISTURE BARRIER makes it the right choice for today’s firefighter. This fabric endures the most challenging conditions, providing longer protection with the best combination of durability, heat stress reduction, and thermal protection. Now available in certified turnout gear from leading garment manufacturers, CROSSTECH® Three-Layer Moisture Barrier directly addresses the increased emphasis NFPA 1851 places on the durability of turnout gear. www.crosstech.com. (800) 431-GORE (4673). Enter 465 at fireeng.hotims.com

Hale Products Inc. has released the strongest gearbox in the industry— THE K GEARBOX. Designed and built for high usage requirements, the K Gearbox is perfect for large cities and industries such as reﬁneries and petrochemical, with high horsepower requirements and high road mileage. At 18,500 pound-feet of drive torque, the K gearbox is ideal for high-powered engines. The K Gearbox is an option on Hale’s popular Qmax and Qtwo muscle pumps. It is rated for up to 550-hp engines. Optional anticrash gearbox design prevents shifting while in drive. www.haleproducts. com. (610) 825-6300. Enter 466 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_145 145

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 145

9/24/08 5:38:59 PM

product showcase The new HAIX® FIRE HUNTER® XTREME, designed to meet the specific demands of today’s firefighter, features expanded pull-on loops for easier donning and doffing, a profiled rubber toe cap for added abrasion resistance, and a revolutionary new shin guard that provides the best protection in the industry. With its built-in Ankle Flex System, the Fire Hunter® Xtreme offers today’s firefighter the best foot and ankle support on the market today. Certified NFPA 1971, 2007, and CAN/CSA Z195-2002. www.haix.com.

The Innotex PROXIMITY GEAR™ offers the same quality, durability, and design features found in the INNO5000™ and INNO6000™ Turnout Gear Series. The INNOPROX™ Gear is available in several composites and a wide selection of options. Innotex Inc. is a leader in the development, the manufacturing and distribution of high-quality turnout gear and accessories. www. innotex.ca. (888) 821-3121. Enter 468 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Enter 467 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Halcyon Products’ newly developed FIREGROUND COMPASS is an affordable and easy-to-use firefighting tool. This potentially lifesaving tool allows firefighters to quickly and easily orient themselves, reducing the possibility of becoming lost or trapped. Product features include a button-operated LED light and high performance and durable heatresistant plastic material that is sized perfectly for easy use when operating with gloved hands. FireGround Compass… first responders’ sixth sense. www.halcyonproducts.com. (440) 543-1518.

For decades, Hannay Reels has set the standard of quality and reliability for hose reels in the firefighting industry. Through research and development, Hannay F SERIES FIREFIGHTING REELS continue to meet the specific needs of fire departments with internationally recognized standard models and custom one-of-a-kind applications. The standard F Series reel is a dependable, rugged reel designed for booster hose. Its strong, heavy-duty steel construction allows for efficient handling of longer lengths of hose. http://go.hannay.com/PR. (518) 797-3791. Enter 470 at fireeng.hotims.com

Enter 469 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Grace Industries’ SUPERPASS™ 3 is the ONLY stand-alone personal alert safety system designed and tested to meet the life safety needs of firefighters. It is certified complaint to the new NFPA 1982 Standard on PASS, 2007 Edition, intrinsically safe to ANSI/ UL 913; Class 1, Groups C and D; and Class II, Groups E, F, and G; Division 1 hazardous locations, CSA Compliant: CSA C22.2 No. 157; and rated equivalent to IP67 (dust tight, effects of immersion). www.graceindustries.com. (800) 969-6933.

Groves Incorporated’s READY RACK® open-air storage systems are the original turnout gear and personal protective equipment organizational solutions designed to maximize ﬁre station storage space. The Ready Rack family includes innovative gear storage systems including hose drying racks, hose winders, hose drying racks, backboard racks, SCBA storage systems, and surplus gear racks. www.readyrack.com. (800) 991-2120. Enter 472 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Enter 471 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

146 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_146 146

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:39:00 PM

product showcase The CVD640LCD mobile safety display is Intec’s 6.4-inch LCD screen which provides better contrast and a clearer image. Easily ﬂush mountable and available in module form for custom and OEM installations. With integrated radar display capabilities and an IP68 waterproof rating, the CVD640LCD was designed to meet all the requirements of a demanding vehicle environment. www. intecvideo.com. (800) 468-3254. Enter 473 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Toyne introduces the “reverse” TOP MOUNT DESIGN concept for your apparatus. It gives you the advantages looked for in a top mount while using more of the body for storage. With cofﬁns on top, a stokes storage area on top, oil dry on each side, a transverse roll-out tray in the forward compartment, and a Toyne hydraulic ladder rack, this design maximizes the space used for a top mount. www.toyne.com. (712) 673-2328. Enter 475 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

BW Technologies by Honeywell announces the arrival of the GASALERTMAX XT multidetector for H2O, CO, O2, and combustible gases. Simplify remote sampling in confined spaces with the GasAlertMax XT’s nonintrusive integrated sampling pump and SmartSample diaphragm pump technology. With true one-button technology and flexible user options, the GasAlertMax XT provides easy use and simple compliance to industry standards. www. gasmonitors.com. (888) 749-8878. Enter 474 at fireeng.hotims.com

The Spartan Chassis FURION offers purpose-built value unattainable on commercial chassis. The Furion is constructed with a chassis designed for maximum maneuverability and unsurpassed performance, along with a durable four-door tilt cab that provides superior, unobstructed visibility and Spartan’s signature roominess. Securely transports up to six crew members and equipment in the corrosion-protected 94-inch steel cab. www.spartanchassis.com. (877) 743-4539. Enter 476 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

The FireStore.com’s new HIGH CONTRAST PUBLIC SAFETY VESTS meet and exceed all ANSI 207-2006 requirements. Features include five-point breakaway construction to reduce snag-and-drag dangers, badge tabs, and a radio pocket. Constructed of FR-treated solid polyester material and trimmed with full horizontal and vertical two-inch silver retro-reflective tape centered on a bright, contrasting orange background stripe. The combination provides maximum visibility against all backgrounds and in all lighting and weather conditions. www.TheFireStore.com. (800) 852-6088. Enter 477 at fireeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_147 147

Go from CAF to H20 with a click of the tip. Elkhart’s new FLEX ATTACK®, a CAF Nozzle, quickly switches between wet foam, dry foam, and water without shutting down. Click up for a huge unobstructed waterway to produce shaving-cream dry foam. Click down for a hard hitting 15/16-inch smooth bore. The Flex Attack® is durable, dependable, and best of all, simple to use. www. elkhartbrass.com. (800) 346-0250. Enter 478 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 147

9/24/08 5:39:02 PM

product showcase When you have to lug everything up stairs, down a ravine, or over a hill, you need True North’s TRAUMA BAG with a stowable hip belt and shoulder harness that can be worn as a back pack or carried by hand. Main compartments and five external pockets keep large amounts of BLS and ALS equipment well organized for quick access. Main pocket has fully-adjustable dividers for custom configuration and can accommodate oxygen cylinders, ambulance bags, and defibrillators. www.truenorthgear.com. (800) 873-5725. Enter 479 at fireeng.hotims.com

The TOP MOUNT PUC – the Pierce Ultimate Configuration, an industry-changing multipurpose response vehicle, is now available in a top-mount configuration. The Top Mount PUC places the pump operator off the street and in an elevated position for better safety and visibility, while still reducing the wheelbase three to four feet and maintaining all the PUC features. The Top Mount PUC also offers increased safety with enclosed access steps, lowered crosslays, and easy use with true pump-and-roll capabilities. www.piercemfg.com. Enter 480 at fireeng.hotims.com

Akron Brass introduces its new STYLE 3406 ELECTRIC RISER, for use with their impressive DeckMaster™ monitor. Using an innovative three-piece design, this new Electric Riser is extremely compact when nested such that it ﬁts well within today’s crowded pump module areas. The Electric Riser provides an additional 12 inches of elevation to the 26 inches of the DeckMaster, making for a combined 38 inches of deployed extension. www.akronbrass.com. (800) 228-1161. Enter 481 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

From turnout gear and hoods to USAR and wildland gear, PBI fabrics have set the bar, combining unmatched heat and flame protection with unsurpassed strength and durability. GOLD® BLENDED GLOVES, made with high-strength aramid fibers, offer superior flame protection, enhanced grip, and durable water and oil resistance. The unique 3-D fabric design provides the dexterity, cut resistance, and overall protection that firefighters require for any situation. The bar has been raised. Specify gloves made with PBI Gold fabric and get the upper hand. www.pbigold.com. (800) 858-2467. Enter 483 at fireeng.hotims.com

Howell Rescue Systems’ HELICOPTER LANDING ZONE KIT is a must for every urban, suburban, or rural fire department. Whether you cover a busy highway or country road, be prepared for an airlift emergency with this inexpensive, reliable, and durable kit. It includes four e-flare units (amber, red, or white); one Blue unit; five rubber bases; storage bag; and a laminated instruction card. www.rescuetoolman.com. (800) 228-7612. Enter 482 at fireeng.hotims.com

“Made in USA” is a protected statement reserved for products that comply with strict U.S. federal manufacturing guidelines. It is intended to provide confidence to consumers seeking to buy Americanmade products without concern about the origin of the product’s materials or manufacturing process. Scott Health and Safety is proud to offer a free MADE IN USA REFERENCE GUIDE that defines what Made in USA means for first responders, employees, and our nation. www.scotthealthsafety.com. (800) 247-7257. Enter 484 at fireeng.hotims.com

148 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_148 148

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:39:03 PM

product showcase

R&R Fire Truck Repair in Northville, Michigan sold this CUSTOM PUMPER designed by Marion Body Works, Inc. to the Alcona Township (MI) Fire Department. Features include a 1,500-gpm ﬁre pump, foam system plumbed to two speedlays, deck gun, and roadside rear discharge, 1,000-gallon water tank, roll-up doors, LED warning lights, 15-kw hydraulic generator, and a Spartan chassis with a Cummins 400-hp engine and an Allison transmission. www.marionbody.com. (715) 754-5261.

U.S. Foam Technologies’ alcoholresistant three- to six-percent ATC/ AFFF is designed for use on Class B flammable liquids, including ethanol and ethanol blends. This product is an economical solution for departments preparing to face new ethanol-type fuel hazards. Three- to six-percent ATC/AFFF creates a vapor-blanketing foam for extinguishment and securing. U.S. Foam’s alcohol-resistant foams contain specialized polymers which allow the foam solution to protect the foam blanket and suppress the extremely volatile vapors exuded by flammable liquids. www.usfoam.com. (800) 595-FOAM. Enter 486 at fireeng.hotims.com

Enter 485 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

Hurst Jaws of Life® is proud to introduce the new STREAMLINETECHNOLOGY® HIGH PRESSURE line of rescue tools. This new line of product comes standard with the Streamline Coupling which can be connected and disconnected under pressure. With up to 10 percent more cutting power than previous models, the new Hurst High Pressure rescue tools are sure to have the power to assist in all your rescue needs! www.jawsoﬂife.com. (800) 537-2659. Enter 487 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

In ARMOR 7.0™, Safety Components brings together trusted names in personal protection to offer a cost effective solution in an outer shell fabric. Armor 7.0 combines ballistic-grade, 400-denier filament DuPont™ KEVLAR®, solution-dyed DuPont™ Nomex®, and DuPont™ KEVLAR® fibers to form a powerful shield of protection that provides added thermal protection, excellent tear resistance, and greater fabric strength, uniquely blended into a lighter weight, seven-ounce twill weave fabric for improved comfort and maximum mobility. And we top it off with our patented DuPont™ Teflon® F-PPE water repellent finish, the world’s best at shedding water and improving abrasion resistance. Armor 7.0™, another innovative outer shell development from the technology leader in firefighting fabrics…Safety Components. (800) 896-6926, ext. 28. Enter 488 at fireeng.hotims.com

Introducing Paul Conway Shields’ complete SHIELD BUILDER SUITE. Now you can design, save, and e-mail your shield specs on your own desktop without having to use the internet. Just contact Paul Conway Shields customer service and ask for your electronic copy today. The Shield Builder Suite contains all shield styles, a comprehensive list of which shields ﬁt which helmets, and the different ornament types and decals available from Paul Conway Shields. www.paulconwayshields.com. (800) 955-8489. Enter 489 at ﬁreeng.hotims.com

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_149 149

TRUCK COMPANY OPERATIONS by John Mittendorf. Published by Fire Engineering. This book begins with an overview of fireground operations, including apparatus placement, building construction, and response. It then goes into the specifics of truck company responsibilities—forcible entry, search and rescue, ladder placement, inside operations, overhaul, salvage, and more. A must for any department that performs “truck” functions on the fireground. (800) 752-9764. Enter 490 at fireeng.hotims.com

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 149

9/24/08 5:39:05 PM

COMING EVENTS FIRE ENGINEERING WEEKENDS Fort Worth, Texas: October 25-26 The new Fire Engineering Weekends offer firefighters and training officers an opportunity to get a world-class education and make personal connections with America’s best instructors. Participants get two solid, intense days of worldclass education; each day ends with “Kitchen Table Talk” in which the instructors, along with Bobby Halton, discuss the content of the day along with other issues in an unscripted, open format involving audience participation. It’s a weekend of learning, sharing, community, and inspiration. For more information, visit www.fireengineering.com, and click on the “Events Calendar” tab at the top of home page.

CONFERENCES/EXHIBITIONS OCTOBER 27-31, FDSOA Annual Safety Forum. Orlando, Florida. Sponsor: Fire Department Safety Officers Association. Contact: (508) 881-3114. Fax: (508) 881-1128. E-mail: membership@fdsoa.org. Web site: www.fdsoa.org. OCTOBER 29-31, 10th Annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition 2008. Chicago, Illinois. Sponsors: U.S. Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Defense. Contact: Web site: www. ctc.org. NOVEMBER 3-7, Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Annual Conference. Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Sponsor: Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association. Contact: Guy J. Santelli II, (262) 653-4110. Fax: (262) 653-4107. NOVEMBER 4-6, Investigation of Electrical and Appliance Related Fires: A Technical/Scientific Approach. Nashville, Tennessee. Sponsor: International Association of Arson Investigators, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Contact: (410) 451-3472. Fax: (410) 451-9049. E-mail: Pam Eckler, Pam.Eckler@firearson.com. NOVEMBER 6-9, Colorado State EMS Conference. Keystone, Colorado. Sponsor: Emergency Medicine Service Association Center. Contact: (800) 889-5690. Web site: emsac. info. NOVEMBER 11-12, Prehospital Pediatric Education Symposium. Orlando, Florida. Sponsor: Emergency Medicine Learning & Resource Center. Contact: (800) 766-6335. Fax: (407) 281-4407. Web site: www.emlrc.org. DECEMBER 1-3, AAA Convention and Trade Show. Las Vegas, Nevada. Sponsor: American Ambulance Association. Contact: (703) 610-9018, (800) 523-4447. Fax: (703) 610-9005. Web site: www.the-aaa.org. JANUARY 18-21, 2009, FDSOA Apparatus Specification/ Maintenance Symposium. Orlando, Florida. Sponsor: Fire Department Safety Officers Association. Contact: Mary McCormack, (508) 881-3114. Web site: www.fdsoa.org. JANUARY 22-24, 2009, NAEMSP Annual Meeting. Jacksonville, Florida. Sponsor: National Association of EMS Physicians. Contact: (800) 228-3677. Web site: www.naemsp.org. 150 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_150 150

JANUARY 28-31, 2009, Fire Rescue East. Sponsor: Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. Contact: (386) 676-2744. Fax: (386) 676-5490. Web site: www.ffca.org. FEBRUARY 19-22, 2009, 30th Annual International Disaster Management Conference. Orlando, Florida. Sponsor: Emergency Medicine Learning & Resource Center. Contact: (800) 766-6335. Fax: (407) 281-4407. Web site: www.emlrc.org.

COURSES/SEMINARS OCTOBER 21-24, Mastering The Fire Service Assessment Center Workshop. Monterey, California. Sponsor: Firefighter Inspiration and Readiness. Contact: Web site: www.Trainfirefighters.com. OCTOBER 27-31, Highway Emergency Response Specialist. Pueblo, Colorado. Sponsor: Emergency Response Training Center. Contact: (719) 584-0584, (800) 933-4882. Fax: 719-584-0790. E-mail: hazmat_services@aar.com. Web site: www.hazmattraining.com. OCTOBER 28, Response to Railroad Tank Car Emergencies. Glenview, Illinois. Sponsor: Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy. Contact: (847) 998-8090. Fax: (847) 998-8091. Web site: www.nipsta.org. NOVEMBER 3-5, Basic Evidence Photography for the Incident Scene. Glenview, Illinois. Sponsor: Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy. Contact: (847) 998-8090. Fax: (847) 998-8091. Web site: www.nipsta.org. NOVEMBER 4-7, Industrial Fire Brigade Leader. Carlin, Nevada. Sponsor: University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy. Contact: (775) 754-6003, (866) 914-0015. Web site: www.fireacademy.unr.edu. NOVEMBER 4-7, Investigation of Gas and Electric Appliance Fires. Benton Harbor, Michigan. Sponsor: Fire Findings Laboratories. Contact: (269) 925-2200. Web site: www. firefindings.com. NOVEMBER 10-14, Highway Emergency Response Specialist. Pueblo, Colorado. Sponsor: Emergency Response Training Center. Contact: (719) 584-0584, (800) 933-4882. Fax: 719-584-0790. E-mail: hazmat_services@aar.com. Web site: www.hazmattraining.com. NOVEMBER 12-13, Residential Electricity for Fire Investigators. Benton Harbor, Michigan. Sponsor: Fire Findings Laboratories. Contact: (269) 925-2200. Web site: www. firefindings.com. NOVEMBER 17-21, Incident Commander. Pueblo, Colorado. Sponsor: Emergency Response Training Center. Contact: (719) 584-0584, (800) 933-4882. Fax: 719-584-0790. E-mail: hazmat_services@aar.com. Web site: www.hazmattraining.com. DECEMBER 2-5, Mastering The Fire Service Assessment Center Workshop. Anaheim, California. Sponsor: Firefighter Inspiration and Readiness. Contact: Web site: www.Trainfirefighters.com. www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:39:09 PM

COMPANY/ASSOCIATION NEWS >> The STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA passed legislation that will require all cigarettes sold in Pennsylvania to be “fire safe.” Once signed into law, House Bill 1612 will adopt a fire safety standard for cigarettes, requiring all cigarettes sold in Pennsylvania to be low-ignition strength, making them less likely to cause fires if left unattended. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States. The Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes reports that 14 states and the District of Columbia have implemented fire-safe cigarette laws, and 22 states have passed such legislation. www.firesafecigarettes.org. >> Four students won scholarships from the NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) Fire Safety Education Memorial Fund based on their academic achievements, leadership abilities, fire safety activity contributions, and pursuit of fire safety careers. Glen Savell of Columbia Southern University received the George D. Miller Scholarship. Three University of Maryland students received the other three scholarships: Alyson Blair was awarded the Arthur E. Cote Scholarship; Lei Wang received the David B. Gratz Scholarship; and Haiwen “Heaven” Ding received the John L. Jablonsky Scholarship. www.nfpa.org. >> Joseph Wayne Pavlisko was this year’s $10,000 winner in the NATIONAL BURGLAR & FIRE ALARM ASSOCIATION (NBFAA) Youth Scholarship Program, which provides $21,000 in scholarships annually to children of firefighters and police officers. Pavlisko won the Ohio Burglar & Fire Alarm Association Youth Scholarship Program and then competed with other state winners from around the country for the national prize. The second place winner, Mallory Horner of Asheboro, North Carolina, will receive a $7,500 scholarship from NBFAA. Emilee Geedey of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, took third place and was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Alyssa Rosson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was chosen as the nonparticipating-state nominee and was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. www.alarm.org. (888) 447-1689. >> ABINGTON (PA) TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT (ATFD) recently graduated its first Firefighter I class from its newly enhanced training facility. The enhancements expand the scope of training evolutions that take place at the facility, as well as allow multiple training evolutions to occur within the building. Originally constructed in 1957, the facility added new drill tower sections, including an 18- × 45-foot, one-story burn room; expanded area for search practices; new maze configurations; a cold smoke distribution system; and door sweeps for hose advancement. The upgrades allow the department to host nationally certified training sessions for its new and existing members. (267) 536-1055. www.abingtonfd.org. >> DUPONT ADVANCED FIBER SYSTEMS announces a 10 percent average global price increase for DuPont™ Kevlar® and Nomex® products. The increase applies across multiple markets and applications and is in response to extreme volatility in costs for raw materials, energy, transportation, and logistics, which cannot be totally offset by aggressive productivity and cost reduction measures. In addition, DuPont is investing in Kevlar® and Nomex® to support the increasing global demand for these products. www.dupont.com. (800) 441-7515. >> SMITHS DETECTION announces AMTRAK’s purchase of additional SABRE 4000 advanced explosives detection systems to expand its capability for screening of passengers, trains, and stations. Using ion mobility spectrometry, the handheld system quickly detects and identifies explosives as www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_151 151

well as narcotics, chemical warfare agents, and toxic industrial chemicals. AMTRAK will use only the explosives detection capabilities. The SABRE 4000 can detect explosives in 10 seconds, with a full analysis in 20 seconds, completing the entire process in under a minute. www.smithsdetection.com >> PELICAN™ PRODUCTS, INC. has launched its Advanced Area Lighting Group (AALG), a new division focused on bringing to market environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient, and light emitting diode (LED) lighting products. The division combines Pelican’s lighting technology with the expertise and products of the newly-acquired Blue i UK Ltd., a European developer of remote-area lighting technology. The new area lighting systems being designed and built by Pelican use LED technology, presenting new commercial applications beyond the company’s handheld flashlights. www.pelican.com/aalg. >> KOCHEK COMPANY has updated and expanded its Web site to improve customer communication and support. The new site offers greater functionality to create a more useful customer tool. It is a comprehensive source of application information, product descriptions, part numbers, and current pricing. Customers can now visit the Kochek site to view the latest products, custom options, and contact information. (800) 420-4673. www.kochek.com. >> LION APPAREL has developed the first technical rescue garment to comply with EN469 Performance Level 1 based on a design specification led by Strathclyde (Scotland) Fire and Rescue. The new, one-piece coverall is being issued to all of Strathclyde’s 3,200 firefighters, making Strathclyde the first fire and rescue service in the UK to issue a garment that is an alternative to the traditional fire kit for all appropriate nonstructural or compartmental fire and rescue requirements, subject to an appropriate dynamic risk assessment. www. lionapparel.com.

NAMES IN THE NEWS >> The INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS (IAFC) has named Larry J. Grorud its president. Grorud will lead an 18-member IAFC board of directors and will serve as IAFC’s primary spokesperson on national and international matters. He will testify at House and Senate hearings and will represent the IAFC at all major political and international functions. Grorud began his firefighting career in 1974 and has served as chief of the Janesville (WI) Fire Department since 1989. He joined the IAFC in 1987, serving on its board as the Great Lakes Division director. He also chaired the IAFC Constitution, Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee. >> Hundreds of Idaho-region firefighters attended the unveiling of the IDAHO FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL, dedicated to the structural, career, and volunteer Idaho firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Located in Boise’s Riverside Park, the monument, a 10-year project, was funded by the Idaho Fallen Firefighter Memorial Foundation. The memorial incorporates the Maltese cross and a bronze statue, designed by Rusty Talbot, that depicts two firefighters assisting a third as the centerpiece. Granite plates on each side of the statue display the Firemen’s Prayer and The Last Alarm. At the back of the plaza stands a granite wall with the names of 14 Idaho firefighters who died in the line of duty. FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 151

9/24/08 5:39:10 PM

CLASSIFIEDS

For advertising information: (800) 237-9851 •

COLLECTIBLES

C O M M U N I CAT I O N S

fire@rja-ads.com

OUR designs, Inc. ™

“The Public Safety Specialists” 1211 Cox Ave • Erlanger, KY 41018

Free 96-page catalog filled with gift ideas for your favorite Firefighter, EMT or Paramedic. We offer a large assortment of training aids, badges, embroidered clothing, uniform accessories, awareness builders and fine collectibles.

(800) 382-5252 Fax: (800) 347-3367 www.ourdesigns.com E D U CAT I O N / T R A I N I N G

FIRE EQUIPMENT

PNWFIRENEWS.COM News/information/training paul@pnwfirenews.com

FIRE EQUIPMENT “The Original Heavyweight Fleece Mask Bag, and Still The Best”

The Mask Bag™ I, II, III & IV, $14.00 and up Plus shipping, Canvas bags, fleece bags, hybrids, Red, Blue, Black, Yellow Yellow, custom. Blue

The Blackout Cover™

• On and off in seconds! • Models for most masks! • Train in seconds anywhere!

$9.00 ea. Plus Shipping S.M. Smith Co., Iron Mountain, MI 49801 906-774-8258 or 1-888-292-bags (2247) Fax: 906-774-9966 • www.smsmithco.com All products made in the USA.

152 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_152 152

For classified advertising information, Email: fire@rja-ads.com www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:39:10 PM

For advertising information: (800) 237-9851 •

CLASSIFIEDS

fire@rja-ads.com

FIRE EQUIPMENT

first response 545 31 ROAD GRAND JCT. CO 81504 www.mitico.com PHONE (866) 545-6484 FAX (970) 243-9200 services@mitico.com

Fire Engineering is America’s

premier fire service publication reaching a qualified circulation that is 100% paid and 100% requested. Gain a competitive edge and align your company with an industry leader that has been a trusted source of information and product delivery for 131 years.

Allow us to assist you with your advertising needs. Contact:

Fire Engineering Classifieds Telephone: (800) 237-7891 Fax: (727) 445-9380 Email: fire@rja-ads.com

Fire Engineering Classifieds Telephone: (800) 237-9851 Email: fire@rja-ads.com

WHERE TO FIND IT Introducing a new, high-impact, cost-effective opportunity to reach a customer base who values the critical information, products and services that only Fire Engineering can deliver! The Where to Find It Directory is published in each issue, allowing you year-round delivery of your products and services. Reserve your spot to ensure your company name is Top-of-mind when purchasing decisions are being made! Contact: Fire Engineering Classifieds (800) 237-9851 or email fire@rja-ads.com to place your listing.

AIR COMPRESSOR SYSTEMS

SCBA & CASCADE REFILL SYSTEMS 5,000 psi & 6,000 psi Serving the industry for 16 years. We manufacture stationary, mobile and custom high pressure breathing air compressors, air management panels, containment fill stations, cascade systems, free consultations. Made in TEXAS USA 2807 Peddler Lane, Kerrville TX 78028 Phone: 830-257-5006; Fax: 830-257-3720 E-mail: sales@max-air.com Website: www.max-air.com

ALTERNATORS

APPARATUS SALES

C.E. NIEHOFF & CO.

Focusing on bringing you the best seller and buyer experience from a broker. Both parties gain more by being part of our experience. So, whether you’re selling or buying try us first!

C. E. Niehoff manufactures brushless alternators made specifically for the severest applications. Its models are designed with a wide range of output capabilities and a variety of market specific features. 2021 Lee Street Evanston, IL 60202 Phone: 800-643-4633; Fax: 847-492-1242 E-mail: sales@ceniehoff.com Website: www.ceniehoff.com

• Professional Sales and Services • Lower Commissions • Better Products Toolmounting.com is the ONLY company offering truly custom mounting and mounting products. We want to show you what makes us better today and everyday.

So visit us online today! www.ambulancebroker.com • www.firetruckbroker.com www.toolmounting.com • www.evsales.net Brought to you by Emergency Vehicle Sales Inc.

Phone: (717) 431-3077. Fax: (717) 431-3052 E-mail: bechrist@evsales.net

Visit us online at www.rja-ads.com/fire to place your ad, or contact us at: (800) 237-9851 • Email: fire@rja-ads.com www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_153 153

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 153

9/24/08 5:39:12 PM

APPAREL

DECALS

FIRE EQUIPMENT

FirehouseDecalsAndMore.com

Automatic Snow Chains RUD’s automatic snow chain system, ROTOGRIP® has a universal mounting system that is quick and easy to install and is designed to work in forward and reverse. The ROTOGRIP® system provides excellent traction at low speeds due to the adjustable mounting system and unique chain wheel types. With replaceable contact rings, easy installation, and superior design the ROTOGRIP® system is an ideal choice for travel in winter conditions.

www.FiremansChore.com

Denim JOB JACKETS FIREMANS CHORE

FIREMANS CHORE, INC. Denim Job Coats Located in Indianapolis, Indiana offering the Original Firefighters Denim and Diamond Quilted Job Jackets. Our company also offers embroidery and other options to make us your “One Stop Shop” for a “Truly American Firefighters Jacket”. Made in the USA and Firefighter Owned. 409 Southwood Court, Indianapolis, IN 46217 Phone: 317-627-5142

E-mail: scott@firemanschore.com Website: www.firemanschore.com

RESCUE EQUIPMENT

For all your rescue needs!™ For over 27 years, RescueTECH has designed, manufactured and distributed the finest selection of technical rescue equipment in the world. Our extensive product line, excellent quality, superior customer support and competitive prices have made us the rescue company of choice for rescuers worldwide. We have what you need for your next Technical Rescue.

251 Beulah Church Rd., Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: 770-832-9694; Fax: 770-832-1676 E-mail: info@rescuetech1.com Website: www.rescuetech1.com

RUD

Started in 2001, FirehouseDecalsAndMore.com has become the leader in in the the production production of of custom custom and and stock stock decals decals (helmet, (helmet, window, window, vehicle, vehicle, & & apparatus), apparatus), emblems, emblems, lapel lapel pins, pins, bar/counter bar/counter stools, stools, neon neon clocks, clocks, challenge coins, mouse pads, shift calendars, and imprinted apparel challenge coins, mouse pads, shift calendars, and imprinted apparel (T-shirts, Sweat Shirts and Baseball Caps). Additionally, our on-site art (T-shirts, Sweat Shirts and Baseball Caps). Additionally, our on-site art department can design company, station, and department logos. department department “If WE can’t can takedesign of yourcompany, request, itstation, can’t beand done”. Contactlogos. us by “If WE can’t take yourbefore request, can’t your be done”. Contact us by telephone or of email youitmake next purchase. telephone or email before you make your next purchase. Be sure to stop by Booth #1209 at FRI - Denver, CO

Toll Toll Free: Free: 888-771-3124; 888-771-3124; Fax: Fax: 513 513 677-3624 677-3624 E-mail: E-mail: sales@firehousedecalsandmore.com sales@firehousedecalsandmore.com Website: www.firehousedecalsandmore.com Website: www.firehousedecalsandmore.com

RESCUE EQUIPMENT

ROCK-N-RESCUE

Rock-N-Rescue is a manufacturer and distributor of the finest and highest quality technical rescue equipment available. Representing the best manufacturers and working with them to develop new innovative equipment. We take pride in our customer service and will do what we can to assist you in all your rescue needs. P.O. Box 213 Valencia, PA 16059-0213 Phone: 800-346-7673; Fax: 724-898-3139 E-mail: info@rocknrescue.com Website: www.RocknRescue.com

P.O. Box 367, Hiawatha, IA 52233 Phone: 800-553-7993; Fax: 319-294-0003 E-mail: sales@rudchain.com Website: www.rudchain.com

TRAINING GUIDES

COMMAND TRAINING RESOURCES

NIMS City™ - ICS Command Training Center Tabletop system. Tabletop training aids are designed to support the new DHS version 2.0 /April 2008 ICS 100-400 courses including Fire operations, Disaster exercises, WMD - HazMAT, MCI exercises, Special Events Planning and most importantly "Company Officer and crew training." Designed, and produced by Tom Schwartz, Captain, Fairfax County, VA FRD, retired. 19062 Airport Dr., Melfa, VA 23410. Phone: 757-302-0399.

E-mail: info@ics-toolbox.com

Free training scenario’s and instructor information on web site: ICS-toolbox.com.

TRAINING GUIDES

VEHICLE EXHAUST CAPTURE SYSTEMS AirMation--The Performance You Can Trust

The World Leader in Vehicle Exhaust Capture Systems is 100% Compliant with NIOSH, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, USFA, and others, meeting or exceeding standards relating to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, carcinogens, and soot in a firehouse or EMS facility, Grant Compliant, free grant application assistance, Automatic hands-free, No building or vehicle modifications, No hanging hoses, reliable and dependable, quiet 24/7 operation, Total Air Quality Control, Breathe Clean Air.

337 High St., Burlington, NJ 08016 Phone: 800-743-3323; Fax: 609-232-0712 E-mail: Air@pureair.com Website: www.airtechnologysolutions.com

154 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_154 154

Fire Engineering has a total qualified circulation of over 54,000 which is 100% paid and 100% requested. Your advertisement will be seen by subscribers who value the critical information. Fire Engineering delivers! Don’t miss your opportunity to reach this responsive audience. Next available issue is July, closing date, May 29th. For assistance, please contact: (800) 237-9851 • (727) 443-7667 Email: fire@rja-ads.com www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:39:13 PM

Advertising Sales Offices EXECUTIVE OFFICE / PUBLISHER Eric Schlett 21-00 Route 208 South Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-2602 Tel. (973) 251-5055 Fax (973) 251-5065 E-mail: erics@pennwell.com

NORTHEAST / MID ATLANTIC EASTERN CANADA Joseph T. Porter, National Sales Manager Tel. (215) 230-1950, 800-572-1863 Fax (215) 230-1951 E-mail: joep@pennwell.com

MIDWEST David Kathe, Regional Sales Manager Tel. (630) 513-1724 Fax (630) 513-1781 E-mail: davek@pennwell.com

SOUTHEAST Tim Tolton, Regional Sales Manager Tel. (770) 457-5462 Fax (770) 457-5463 E-mail: timt@pennwell.com

SOUTHWEST / WEST / WESTERN CANADA Ted Billick, Regional Sales Manager Tel. (801) 262-1871 Fax (801) 262-3077 E-mail: tedb@pennwell.com

CLASSIFIEDS Russell Johns Associates, LLC Tel. (727) 443-7666, 800-237-9851 Fax (727) 445-9380 E-mail: fire@rja-ads.com

FIRE ENGINEERING® (ISSN 0015-2587) is published monthly by PennWell Corporation, 1421 S. Sheridan, Tulsa, OK 74112. October 2008 issue, Volume 161, Number 10. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa and additional mailing offices. Executive, editorial, and advertising offices at 21-00 Route 208 South, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-2602. Copyright 2008 by PennWell Corporation. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Fire Engineering is a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe call 800-582-6949 or visit our website at www.fe-subscribe.com. 1-year rate for USA and possessions $29.95, Canada $42.75, International $64.95. Call for single copy and digital site license pricing. All subscription correspondence should be addressed to Fire Engineering, PO Box 3498, Northbrook, IL 60065. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PO Box 122, Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada L2E 6S4.

GST No. 126813153 Printed in the USA Publications Mail Agreement No. 40052420

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fire Engineering, Box 3498, Northbrook, IL 60065. Ride-A-Long enclosed.

www.FireEngineering.com

0810FE_155 155

Advertisers Index 5.11 Tactical Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 A A.H Stock Mfg. Corporation . . . . . . . . 111 Air Vacuum Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Akron Brass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 All A Board, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Amdor, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 American Rescue Technology, Inc. . . . . 100 American Trade Mark Company. . . . . . 117 B BW Technologies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Basofil Fibers, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 BullEx Digital Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 C CET Fire Pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Champion Rescue Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Circle D Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Classified Advertising . . . . . . 152, 153, 154 Columbia Southern University. . . . . . 16, 93 Con-Space Communications. . . . . . . . . . . 7 Courage & Valor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132-133 Crimson Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Cummins, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 E E-ONE, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Elkhart Brass Mfg. Company, Inc. . . . . . . . .17 Extendo Bed Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 F FDIC 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 FEB&V.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109, 114, 130 Ferrara Fire Apparatus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Fire Engineering E-newsletter . . . . . . . 116 Fire Engineering Editorial Archive . . . . 112 Fire Engineering Subscriptions . . . . . . . . 82 Firecom Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 85 FirePrograms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 G GEARMASTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 101 George D. Post Instructor Award. . . . . . 90 Globe Manufacturing Company . . . . . . . 2-3 Grace Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Groves, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 H HAIX North America, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 HME Incorporated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Halcyon Products, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Hale Products / Class 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Hannay Reels, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Harrington, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 High Voltage Software.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Holmatro, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Howell Rescue Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hurst Jaws of Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Husky Portable Containment. . . . . . . . 117 Hydraulics International, Inc. . . . . . . . . 116 I Innotex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Intec Video Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

K Kidde Fire Fighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Knox Box Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Kochek Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 95, 115 Kussmaul Electronics Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . 24 L Liberty Art Works, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Lion Apparel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 M MagneGrip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Marion Body Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 O On Scene Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 OnSpot of North America. . . . . . . . . . . . 58 P PBI Performance Product, Inc. . . . . . . . . 51 PETZL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Paratech Incorporated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Paul Conway Shields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 PhosChek / ICL Performance Products. 131 Physio-Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 13 PlymoVent Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Q Quala-Tel Communications. . . . . . . . . . 128 R Res-Q-Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Rescue 42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Ricochet Mfg. Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 36 Robotronics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 RollNRack, LLC.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Rosenbauer America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 S Safety Components, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Salsbury Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Scott Health & Safety . . . . . . . . Back Cover Sigtronics Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Smiths Detection. . . . . . .Inside Back Cover Southern Mills, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Spartan Chassis, Inc . .Inside Front Cover-1 Sperian Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 37 Super Vacuum Mfg. Company, Inc. . . . . 72 Sutphen Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 T Tele-Lite, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Toyne Fire Apparatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Toyota / Lexus Hybrid Emergency. . . . . . . Response Guides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 True North Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 U U.S. Foam Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 United Plastic Fabricating, Inc.. . . . . . . . 88 W W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 9 W.S. Darley & Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 WHP Training Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Ward Diesel Filter Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . 11

This index is provided as a service. The publisher does not assume any liability for errors or omissions.

FIRE ENGINEERING October 2008 155

9/24/08 5:39:17 PM

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Going to School for 50 Years BY ALAN BRUNACINI

OR THE PAST COUPLE OF COLumns, I have written about some of my early fireground bosses. The “left turn/right turn” battalion chiefs I wrote about provided a comparison in how they performed as fireground commanders. That comparison created a reference I have used throughout my career. As I see/hear/think/ talk about tactical and command stuff, I think back to those two characters as early and profound examples of calm/excited, well organized/not organized at all, under control/out of control, and safe/unsafe. Both chiefs were role models: one positive, the other negative. They both taught me a lot. Little did I know that observing them at that early age was the beginning of a 50-year project to try to understand and simplify tactics and command! Happily, seeking understanding and simplification continues. The following are some random 50-year observations. • The fire officers called on to command fires in 1958 did not have the benefit of being able to operate in any kind of organizational incident command system and, essentially, never received any related command training. They were either the beneficiaries (BC2) of a set of very positive innate personality traits that enabled them to naturally be effective in managing firefighting operations, or they were victimized (BC1) by a set of almost opposite dysfunctional traits. It was almost impossible for them to come out of a command experience with any more (personal capability) than they had going in. • In fairness to their generation of fire officers, the real challenge was not so much their personal traits as much as a lack of organizational preparation and support for what they were expected to do as a commander under the most difficult fireground conditions you could imagine. When I look back at the two old bosses, even though they were quite different, they were both smart, experienced, basically capable officers during routine times. The difference was the way they were originally wired at the factory. One was suited based on his basic personality (very calm, well 156 October 2008 FIRE ENGINEERING

0810FE_156 156

organized, strong communicator) for the fireground management job and did it very well naturally. The other had a set of natural personal traits (autocrat, micromanager, poor listener) that quickly emerged under difficult incident conditions and created huge safety and effectiveness problems. Little did I know that 15 years later I would become the boss of the battalion chiefs and it would be my job to import and implement a command system and a related training program. Very early ICS development was just beginning to occur in the mid1970s, and we converted that basic (largerscale) ICS structure into a set of very locally oriented command functions designed to be applied to managing regular day-to-day tactical activity. They were produced in the form of written departmental SOPs and were packaged in an operations manual. The SOPs became the basic curriculum for a training program used to teach department members. The command system was (and still is) closely connected to the manual labor (i.e., firefighting), so we also developed a set of tactical guidelines (more SOPs) that describe the details of how firefighting operations are conducted. In later years, we extended those command SOPs to manage the all-risk services we developed in the ’70s and ’80s. The close connection between command and tactics has been a very practical and effective part of the local service delivery system, because it required the command part to always focus on and facilitate “putting water on the fire.” On the local level, Mrs. Smith calls us because her kitchen is on fire. She could care less that we have a team of command geniuses operating in a gigantic polished aluminum, air-conditioned, computer-driven, Space Age command tank. If the command system does not help make the fire go away, we simply don’t really know what business we are in. As we plugged our battalion chiefs into the SOPs and the training, we started to see improvement in everyone but particularly in some of those whom the organization had given up on because of their poor command performance. Devel-

oping procedures that describe standard organizational performance, then patiently training the players in those procedures, and letting them practice in a supportive and coached environment (what a shock!) improves their performance. As the process continued, actual street incident command became adequate and a lot more uniform, no matter who the IC was. The difference between the superstars and the “regulars” became less and less. As we continued to use the five-step model, we began to see three distinct operational and command layers emerge. The task, tactical, and strategic levels became a major way the organization began to address the tactical needs of the incident and to more effectively arrange and support itself. Task-level work is done by fire companies who use water to murder the fire and tools to manipulate the building and to move stuff. Tactical-level bosses serve as geographic and functional (sector/division/group) middle managers. They provide a critical connection between the IC and the troops. The IC serves as the overall command boss who determines the overall offensive/defensive incident strategy, keeps that strategy current, allocates resources, and manages the initial and ongoing deployment process. It was really difficult for us to conduct any real level of strategic command until the tactical and task functions were clearly identified and how those levels must operate together was refined. Before those levels were developed, the IC did not have a regular “place” to delegate tactical and task operational and command details. It did not take long at a significant event for the inability to manage all those details to quickly become “tactical quicksand” that suffocated the IC. It was an interesting experience to see the system change in such a positive way so that it no longer made any difference if you turned left or right. ● ● Retired Chief ALAN BRUNACINI is a fire service author and speaker. He and his sons own the fire service Web site bshifter.com.

www.FireEngineering.com

9/24/08 5:39:19 PM

response moving forward NEW - HazMatID Ranger™ Handheld FT-IR solid and liquid identiﬁer

Touch-sample technology designed for handheld, backpack or robot portability and ease of use in protective gear. Quickly and accurately identiﬁes over 32,000 substances including:

Enter 193 at fireeng.hotims.com

0810FE_C3 C3

www.smithsdetection.com

EP Ho A tZo Re n gi e, on Bo III oth ,B 5 V oo 03 isit th — u 30 O s a 6 ct. t: — 1 Oc 6-1 t. 9, 26 H -2 ou 9, st Ri on ch , T m X on d, VA

For more information on the range of emergency response solutions: call toll-free 1 888 473 6747 call 1 203 207 9700 email danbury@smithsdetection.com

9/24/08 5:01:10 PM

FOR THE WORLD YOU OPERATE IN

HEAD TO TOE IN AUTHENTIC 5.11 TACTICAL SERIES GEAR

NO SETUP CHARGES

ON EMBROIDERY OR SCREEN PRINTING

JOB SHIRTS PAGES 20-21

see page 19 for information

5.11 STATION-WEAR fade and stain resistant

FOOTWEAR PAGES 30-33

WORLD’S BEST EMS PANT

revolutionary new pants from 5.11 YOUR LOGO

TURNOUT BAGS & MORE great new gear from 5.11

T-SHIRTS

PAGES 14-15

FREE

5.11 HAT (see back cover)

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM // 877.544.FIRE

WELCOME

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP NO SETUP FEES ON SCREEN PRINTING & NO DIGITIZING FEES ON EMBROIDERY* We’re here to help you look neat, clean, and professional everyday. To that end we’re pleased to bring you fade-resistant pants, job shirts, t-shirts and more apparel items, plus footwear, outerwear and a whole line of Fire/EMS specific bags. We’ve also included some of our apparel items that you’ll love wearing everyday, on or off duty. 5.11 offers full embellishment services including embroidery, heat press and screen printing through the 5.11 Custom Shop. Every 5.11 Custom Shop order is unique, contact an Authorized 5.11 Dealer for a quote or to ask any questions. Look for this icon (*) in the product descriptions to learn what embellishment options are recommended for each item. * On all embellishment orders of 24 or more items we offer NO SETUP FEES on screen printing and NO DIGITIZATION FEES on embroidery. See pages 18-19 for more information.

Table of Contents

Pants . . . . . . . 3, 4, 6, 10, 12 Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 6 Uniform Shirts . . . . . . . . 5 Eyewear . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Polos . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 5.11 Tactical Shirts . . . . . 11 5.11 TDU™s . . . . . . . . . 12 T-Shirts . . . . . . . . . . 14-16 5.11 Undergear™ . . . . . . 16 Size Charts . . . . . . . . . . 17 Embellishments . . . . . 18-19 Job Shirts . . . . . . . . 20-21 Station Outerwear . . . . . 23 Sweatshirts . . . . . . . . . 24 Duty Outerwear . . . 22, 25-29 Footwear . . . . . . . . .30-32 Flashlight . . . . . . . . . 34-35 Bags . . . . . . . . . . . 36-39

POLOS

PAGES 8-11

YOUR LOGO

T-SHIRTS

PAGES 14-15

BOOTS

PAGES 30-33

JOB SHIRTS PAGES 20-21

OUTERWEAR PAGES 22-29

BAGS

PAGES 36-39

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

EMS PANTS

THE WORLD’S BEST EMS PANT WOMEN’S

MEN’S

DOUBLE-TIME BELT LOOPS

EMS SPECIFIC POCKETS

LEG POCKETS

EMS SPECIFIC POCKETS

NEW LOW RISE WOMEN’S FIT

TOUGH CUFFS

EMS Pants

Built of rugged, fade-resistant poly-cotton twill and loaded with user-driven features, our EMS pants have everything you’re looking for in an EMS pant. Available in men’s and a new 5.11 women’s fit. Imported. • Free neoprene kneepads included with purchase. • 7.25 oz poly-cotton twill is treated with Teflon® for stain, soil and liquid stain resistance. • Comfortable, self-adjusting tunnel waistband that moves with you and a gusseted crotch that allows freedom of movement and virtually eliminates seam failure. The inside of the waistband features our gripper material to help keep your shirt tucked in. • Prym® snap and YKK® zipper for proven durability. • Pants are designed with a higher rise in the back to help you maintain a professional appearance. • 5.11 Double-Time™ belt loops feature an extra-wide belt loop with a thinner 3/8” loop on top of that for you to attach your radio strap or other accessory. • Pants are made with two layers of fabric in the seat and knees for durability.

• Full-size cargo pockets with internal dividers and external EMS-specific pockets. Cordura® nylon lined scissor/shears pocket. Utility pockets are located at the calf. • Front pockets are extra deep and feature our coin-keeper construction plus reinforced bottom edges to protect from wear. Rear pockets feature 5.11’s trademark slash pockets and utility strap, plus welted wallet pockets. • Pants feature our double-thick “tough-cuff” hem. 74310 Men’s EMS Pants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 28-44, even inseams 30-36 or unhemmed in waist sizes 46-54 ($54.99), Dark Navy 724 64301 Women’s EMS Pants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 2-16, regular or long length, Dark Navy 724 Gusseted Crotch: A diamond-shaped piece of fabric stitched into the crotch rather than a traditional seamed construction. Eliminates center-seam blow-outs and allows a greater range of motion.

STATION PANTS

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM Station Pants

DOUBLETIME BELT LOOPS

Rugged, fade-resistant 100% cotton twill and functional innovation make our Station Pants an unbeatable value. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes and with or without cargo pockets. • Station Pants (74302 & 64302) feature a flat front with permanent creases and hidden side pockets along the thigh seam.

DOUBLETIME BELT LOOPS

REINFORCED POCKET EDGES

• Station Cargo Pants (74311 & 64303) feature full-size cargo pockets with internal dividers and double-thick knees that come with our neoprene kneepads for free, a $13 value.

HIDDEN SIDE POCKETS

DOUBLE CARGO POCKETS

• 9-oz. 100% cotton twill is fade, shrink and wrinkle resistant and is treated with 5.11’s stain resistance. • Prym® snap and YKK® zipper for proven durability. • Features our double-thick “tough-cuff” hem.

DOUBLE CARGO POCKETS

• Comfortable, self-adjusting tunnel waistband that moves with you and a gusseted crotch that allows freedom of movement and virtually eliminates seam failure. The inside of the waistband features our gripper material to help keep your shirt tucked in. • 5.11 Double-Time™ belt loops feature an extra-wide 1-1/2” belt loop with a thinner 3/8” loop on top of that for you to attach your radio strap or other accessory. • Front pockets are extra deep and feature our coin-keeper construction plus reinforced bottom edges to protect from wear. The rear has traditional welted back pockets plus deep welted pockets with internal Velcro® break-through dividers that allow you to carry long items (like a full sized flashlight or radio) or short items (like your cell phone or multi-tool.)

TOUGH CUFFS

74302 Men’s Station Pants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 28-44, even inseams 30-36 or unhemmed in waist sizes 46-54 ($54.99), Fire Navy 720

74311 Men’s Station Cargo Pants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 28-44, even inseams 30-36 or unhemmed in waist sizes 46-54 ($54.99), Fire Navy 720

64302 Women’s Station Pants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 2-16, regular or long length, Fire Navy 720

64303 Women’s Station Cargo Pants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 2-16, regular or long length, Fire Navy 720

59503 1-1/2” Basketweave Leather Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $43.99), Black 019

59501 1-1/2” Plain Leather Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $43.99), Black 019 , Classic Brown 109 (brass buckle)

59419 1-3/4” Basketweave Leather Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $43.99), Black 019

59418 1-3/4” Plain Leather Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $43.99), Black 019 59420 Brass Buckle (for 1-3/4” belts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.99

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

uniform shirts

REINFORCED COLLARS

YOUR LOGO

HIDDEN DOCUMENT POCKETS

ZIPPER FRONT PLACKET

5.11 Response Uniform Shirt

This 100% cotton shirt is wrinkle, shrink and fade-resistant so you’ll always look professional. Bi-swing shoulders provide a full range of motion and the zipper front placket makes the shirt easy to put on. The collar stays, four-button adjustable cuffs and durable melamine buttons help you maintain your neat, clean appearance. The shirt also has mic-clip pockets at the shoulders, pleated chest pockets and hidden document pockets ideal for a field guide, map, gloves or other essentials. Available in long and short-sleeves in sizes S-3XL. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. 46113 Men’s S/S Uniform Shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.99 S-3XL (3XL $49.99), Fire Navy 720, White 010, Fire Med Blue 696 46115 Men’s L/S Uniform Shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 S-3XL (3XL $54.99), Fire Navy 720, White 010, Fire Med Blue 696 36101 Women’s S/S Uniform Shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.99 S-XL, Fire Navy 720, White 010, Fire Med Blue 696 36102 Women’s L/S Uniform Shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 S-XL, Fire Navy 720, White 010, Fire Med Blue 696

5.11 tactical pant

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

The Authentic 5.11 Tactical Pant & Shorts • 8.5-oz., 100% cotton canvas for breathable comfort and durability. Double-stitched throughout and bartacked at all stress points. • Elastic comfort waist moves with you. 100% COTTON CANVAS

• Prym® snap and YKK® zipper for proven robustness. • Oversized keystone belt loops accept 1-3/4” belts and are heavily bartacked at the corners. • 5.11’s patented strap over the right rear pocket provides a platform to hang gloves or other gear. • 5.11’s trademark slash pockets offer plenty of storage. Bottom edges are covered with Cordura to prevent fraying from clip-on tools like a knife or flashlight. • Double-layered seat and knees. Knees can carry neoprene kneepads, available separately. 74251 Men’s Cotton Tactical Pant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 28-44 waist, even inseams 30-36 (28-44 unhemmed in khaki, select colors available in sizes 46-54 $54.99 unhemmed for $59.99), Khaki 055, Coyote 120, Walnut 105, Tundra 192, OD Green 182, Sage 833, Grey 029, Charcoal 018, Fire Navy 720, Black 019 64355 Women’s Cotton Tactical Pant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 2-16 (unhemmed available in khaki only $59.99), Khaki 055, OD Green 182, Charcoal 018, Brown 108, Fire Navy 720, Black 019 73285 Men’s Cotton Tactical Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.99 28-54 (46+ $49.99), 8.5-oz cotton canvas, 9” inseam, Fire Navy 720, Black 019, Khaki 055, OD Green 182, Coyote 120, Tundra 192 63060 Women’s Cotton Tactical Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 2-16, 8.5-oz cotton canvas, 8” inseam, Black 019, Khaki 055, OD Green 182, Fire Navy 720 73312 Men’s Cotton Academy Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.99 28-54 (46+ $43.99), 8.5-oz cotton canvas, 6.5” inseam, Black 019, Khaki 055, OD Green 182 59008 Neoprene Knee Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.99

Khaki 055

Coyote 120

Walnut 105

Tundra 192

OD Green 182

Sage 833

Grey 029

Charcoal 018

Fire Navy 720

Black 019

59502 Stitched Leather Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $43.99), Classic Brown with brass finish buckle 109, Black with nickel finish buckle 019 59502-019

59502-109

59502-909

59502-970

59502-919

59502 Contrast Stitched Leather Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $43.99), Classic Brown with Medium Brown Stitches and brass finish buckle 909, Buckskin Tan with Light Tan Stitches and brass finish buckle 970, Black with Charcoal Stitches and nickel finish buckle 919

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

“GRIP STICK”

Above: Lex Worthy (left), Tom Lazzara (center) and Dan Costa (right) discuss product development. Right: front row, left to right: Captain Lex Worthy, Honorary Chief Dan Costa, Fire Chief Mark Burdick, and Captain Tom Lazzara.

Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center (GRPSTC - “Grip Stick”) Located west of Phoenix, Arizona, GRPSTC provides the highest levels of initial and continued training for fire and law enforcement agencies and personnel. Created through the partnership of four cities and our community college district we are able to offer the latest training with the most state-of-the-art equipment in the country.

Partner Agencies:

City of Glendale Fire and Police Department City of Peoria Fire Department City of Surprise Fire Department City of Avondale Fire Department Maricopa County Community College Disctrict

Facility Highlights:

50 acres dedicated to training 8 classrooms, 3 conference rooms, lecture hall Full gym and physical fitness facilities 1000 foot driver’s training course with wet skid pad 5 story burn tower, residential and confined spaces Multiple natural gas training props For information about GRPSTC, please call 623.772.7700.

“I knew about the durability, quality and value of 5.11’s gear from my experience as a Tactical Medic with the Glendale Police SWAT team. A fellow Tactical Medic (Captain Lex Worthy) and I were talking about using tactical apparel for our everyday station wear. So we talked to 5.11 about the idea and they expressed interest. Then we started wearing the 5.11 Tactical pant for our uniform pant. As far as I know, we were the first ever. That was about two years ago and since then we’ve had multiple development meetings with 5.11’s product designers and CEO Dan Costa to help 5.11 create a line of station wear that’s built just for Fire and EMS professionals. 5.11 is the only manufacturer who really listened to us when it came to our needs for durable and functional station wear. Before now there has not been any real change to our ‘simple’ station wear uniform in more than 20 years. We’re really excited about 5.11’s station wear, it feels like it belongs to us!” Tom Lazzara

Fire Captain Glendale Fire Department

professional polos

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

NO DIGITIZING FEES ON EMBROIDERY*

WOMEN’S FIT AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE WITH OR WITHOUT CHEST POCKET

Professional Polo

A longtime staple of the 5.11 product line, our Professional Polo is essential wear for a neat, clean and professional appearance. 6.8-oz. wrinkle, shrink and fade-resistant cotton pique feels great, wears long and features our no-roll collar. Looks great with embroidery! Imported. * Suitable for embroidery, heat press and select screen printing.

42056 Professional Polo, Long Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 XS-3XL (3XL $44.99), White 010, Heather 016, Black 019, Silver Tan 160, Range Red 477, Academy Blue 692, Dark Navy 724, LE Green 860

41060 Professional Polo, Short Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.99 XS-3XL (3XL $35.99), White 010, Heather 016, Black 019, Silver Tan 160, Range Red 477, Academy Blue 692, Dark Navy 724, LE Green 860 41060P Professional Polo w/ Pocket, Short Sleeve . . . . . . $29.99 XS-3XL (3XL $35.99), Dark Navy 724 41060T Professional Polo, Short Sleeve, TALL . . . . . . . . . . . $35.99 L-5XL TALL, Heather 016, Black 019, Silver Tan 160, Dark Navy 724

42056T Professional Polo, Long Sleeve, TALL . . . . . . . . . . $44.99 L-5XL TALL, Heather 016, Black 019, Silver Tan 160, Dark Navy 724

31140 Women’s Professional Polo, Short Sleeve . . . . . . . . $29.99 S-XL, Dark Navy 724, White 010, Black 019, Silver Tan 160

White 010

Heather 016

Black 019

Silver Tan 160

Range Red 477

Academy Blue 692

Dark Navy 724

LE Green 860

* On all embellishment orders of 24 or more items we offer NO SETUP FEES on screen printing and NO DIGITIZATION FEES on embroidery. See pages 18-19.

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

responder polo Tactical Polo

YOUR LOGO

Our smooth Tactical Polo is made from a high-quality 6.4-oz., 100% cotton interlock knit that feels great and has moisture-wicking performance built in. The cotton features a proprietary finish that keeps it from shrinking, wrinkling or fading and our no-roll collars keep you looking neat, clean and professional. A loop at the center placket, micclip pockets at the shoulders and pen pockets on the left sleeve give you plenty of options for hanging your radio mic or sunglasses. Imported. * Suitable for embroidery, heat press, screen print.

71048 Tactical Polo, Short Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.99 S-3XL (3XL $35.99), White 010, Black 019, Silver Tan 160, Dark Navy 724 72048 Tactical Polo, Long Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 S-3XL (3XL $44.99), White 010, Black 019, Silver Tan 160, Dark Navy 724 61156 Women’s Tactical Polo, Short Sleeve . . . . . . . . . $29.99 S-XL, White 010, Black 019, Silver Tan 160, Dark Navy 724

White 010

Black 019

Silver Tan 160

Dark Navy 724

52303 Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.99 Clear lens 52308 Eagle Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69.99 Smoke, Amber, Clear lenses

52208 Harrier Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69.99 Smoke, Amber, Clear lenses 52203 Harrier +P+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79.99 Polarized lens

52101 Falcon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.99 Smoke lens 52102 Falcon +P+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79.99 Polarized lens 52001 Hawk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.99 Smoke lens 52002 Hawk +P+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79.99 Polarized lens

5.11 Eye Protection

Offering full-view ballistic and impact protection with ANSI Z87.1-2003 standards. 5.11 Eye Protection is the choice for EMS professionals who require wraparound protection and visibility. 2.2mm polycarbonate UV A/B lenses. Includes accessory kit valued at $15. Imported.

APPAREL

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

Responder Polo

Our new Responder Polo is made from 4.7-oz Mercerized cotton jersey knit for a top-notch appearance and fantastic comfort. Mercerized cotton is more durable, shrink-resistant and has a more satin look and feel than normal cotton fiber. Plus it is much more fade resistant than most cotton fibers. The Responder Polo features a center-placket mic loop and a pen pocket on the left sleeve. Imported.

100% MERCERIZED COTTON

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press, screen print.

71304 Responder Polo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 XS-3XL (3XL $44.99), Fire Navy 720

BELTS, PAGE 5

TacLite™ PRO Pant • 6.14-oz. poly-cotton ripstop is lightweight and non-fading and is treated with Teflon® for stain, soil and liquid stain resistance. • A crotch gusset promotes greater range of movement and prevents seam blow-outs. • 5.11’s patented strap over the right rear pocket provides a platform to attach carabiners or other gear. • The elastic comfort-waist moves with you. • Prym® snap and YKK® zipper for proven durability. • Double-layered seat and knees. 74273 Taclite Pro Pant . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 28-44 waist, even inseams 30-36, Black 019, Coyote 120, TDU Green 190, Tundra 192, TDU Khaki 162, Dark Navy 724 TDU Khaki 162

Coyote TDU Green 120 190

Tundra 192

Dark Navy 724

Black 019

BUCKLE TESTED TO 6000 POUNDS

59409 1-1/2” Trainer Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $37.99), Coyote 120, Black 019, TDU Green 190

59551 TDU 1.5 Belt (non metallic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $16.49), Coyote 120, Black 019, TDU Green 190

59405 1-3/4” Operator Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $37.99), Coyote 120, Black 019, TDU Green 190

59552 TDU 1.75 Belt (non metallic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.99 S-4XL (2XL+ $16.49), Coyote 120, Black 019, TDU Green 190

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

APPAREL

Performance Polo

Velcro® is no match for 5.11’s new snag-free Performance Polo. We’ve engineered a new performance fabric that won’t snag or pill and have built the first snag-free, synthetic polo. The Performance Polo is also antimicrobial: it prevents odor-causing bacteria, constantly wicks away moisture and dries fast to keep you comfortable. Mic-clip pockets are conveniently located on each shoulder, and a mic-clip loop is found at the bottom of the placket. In addition, the Performance Polo’s gusseted sleeves offer you complete range of motion. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press, screen print. 71049 Performance Polo Short Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 XS-3XL (3XL $44.99), Dark Navy 724, Black 019, Silver Tan 160, Traffic Yellow 325, White 010, Range Red 477, LE Green 860 72049 Performance Polo Long Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . $44.99 XS-3XL (3XL $49.99), Dark Navy 724, Black 019, Silver Tan 160

Dark Navy 724

Black 019

Traffic Yellow 325 White 010

Silver Tan 160

Range Red 477

LE Green 860

5.11 Tactical Shirt

Utilitarian and practical, the 5.11 Tactical Shirt features our patented hidden document pockets, pen pockets and a cape-back with moisture-wicking mesh. You’ll find the document pockets fantastic for travel and everyday wear. Choose from short sleeve or long sleeve shirts in regular or tall sizes. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. 72157 Cotton Tactical Shirt Long Sleeve . . . . . . . . . $49.99 XS-3XL (3XL $53.99), Black 019, Grey 029, Khaki 055, OD Green 182, Fire Navy 720, Sage 833, Charcoal 018, Coyote 120, Tundra 192

SLEEVE KEEPERS

HIDDEN DOCUMENT POCKETS

72157T Cotton Tactical Shirt Long Sleeve TALL . . $59.99 L-5XL Tall, Black 019, Khaki 055, Fire Navy 720, Coyote 120, OD Green 182, Tundra 192 71152 Cotton Tactical Shirt Short Sleeve . . . . . . . . $49.99 XS-3XL (3XL $51.99), Black 019, Grey 029, Khaki 055, OD Green 182, Sage 833, Charcoal 018, Fire Navy 720, Coyote 120, Tundra 192 71152T Cotton Tactical Shirt Short Sleeve TALL . . $51.99 L-5XL Tall, Black 019, Khaki 055, Fire Navy 720, Coyote 120, OD Green 182, Tundra 192

Fire Navy 720

Black 019

Grey 029

Khaki 055

Sage 833

Charcoal 018

Coyote 120

Tundra 192

OD Green 182

5.11 TDUs

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

HIDDEN DOCUMENT POCKETS

COMFORT WAIST AND BACK-UP BELT SYSTEM

HIDDEN DOCUMENT POCKETS AND ADJUSTABLE WAIST

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM TDU Shirt

Designed with 5.11’s patented hidden document pockets and biswing shoulders for a full range of motion. Treated with Teflon® fabric protector. Triple-stitched and bartacked in all stress areas. Available in 6.14-oz., 65% polyester/35% cotton ripstop or 5.78-oz. twill, long sleeve or short sleeve, and now in tall sizes (ripstop only). Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press.

EDGED TOOLS Edged Tools

5.11 Tactical knives have been designed by subject matter expert Steve Tarani, a foremost authority on the use of edged tools for public safety. Few moving parts, oversized blade thicknesses, friction-ramps, top-quality blade steel and affordable prices set the 5.11 Tarani Knife Series apart from the competition. 51000

72002 Ripstop TDU Shirt Long Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 S-4XL (3XL-4XL $54.99), Black 019, Brown 108, TDU Khaki 162, Digi Woodland 175, TDU Green 190, Dark Navy 724

51001

72002T Ripstop TDU Shirt Long Sleeve TALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . $54.99 L-5XL Tall, Black 019, Dark Navy 724 71001 Ripstop TDU Shirt Short Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 S-4XL (3XL-4XL $54.99), Black 019, Brown 108, TDU Khaki 162, TDU Green 190, Dark Navy 724 72003 Twill TDU Shirt Long Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 S-4XL (3XL-4XL $54.99), Black 019, TDU Green 190, Dark Navy 724 71002 Twill TDU Shirt Short Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 S-4XL (3XL-4XL $54.99), Black 019, Dark Navy 724

TDU Pant

Features a self-adjusting waist for added comfort and easy fit. The cargo pockets feature divided interior compartments and a loopsided fabric to attach more gear. Teflon® finish for stain, liquid and dirt-resistance and includes removable neoprene kneepads (a $13 value). Triple-stitched and bartacked in all stress areas. Available in a 65% polyester/35% cotton 7.5-oz. ripstop or 7.25-oz. twill in short, regular and long lengths. Imported. 74003 Ripstop TDU Pant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 XS-4XL (Short/Reg/Long) (3XL-4XL $54.99), Black 019, Brown 108, TDU Khaki 162, Digi Woodland 175, TDU Green 190, Dark Navy 724 74004 Twill TDU Pant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 XS-4XL (Short/Reg/Long) (3XL-4XL $54.99), Black 019, Dark Navy 724 Short inseam is 29-1/2”, Regular is 32-1/2”, Long is 35-1/2”.

Jumpsuits

Our jumpsuit shares the design features of our TDUs, including versatile cargo pockets, hook-and-loop closures on wrist and leg openings, hidden document pockets and even removable knee and elbow pads. Triple-stitching and bartacks are also used extensively throughout. The jumpsuit has an adjustable waist with built-in belt keepers and a two-way mandarin collar. Available in 5.78-oz. poly/cotton twill with Teflon® finish or 5.7-oz 51% S.P.™ cotton/49% FR-x3™ modacrylic fire-retardant twill. Imported. Order by chest measurement. 75004 TDU Jumpsuit (poly/cotton) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129.99 34-60 (Short/Regular/Long) (46-54 $139.99, 56+ $149.99), Black 019, Dark Navy 724, TDU Green 190 75005 FLASH Jumpsuit (cotton/modacrylic) . . . . . . . . . . . $199.99 34-60 (Short/Regular/Long) (46-54 $219.99, 56+ $229.99), Black 019, OD Green 182, Dark Navy 724

First Responder

• U.S.-made S30V Crucible blade steel • 5.4” closed, 8.9” open, 3.5” blade • 4mm blade thickness, flat ground • G10 scales (.08” thick) • Frame lock • Heavy duty 3/32” steel liners • Strike plate • 4-way ambidextrous clip options 51000 Spear Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129.99 51001 Tanto Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129.99 51002

51003

Ten Eight

• U.S.-made 154CM Crucible blade steel • 4.9” closed, 8.3” open, 3.375” blade • 1/8” blade thickness, flat ground • G10 scales (.08” thick) • Liner lock • Full .04” steel liners • 4-way ambidextrous clip options 51002 Spear Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $89.99 51003 Tanto Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $89.99 51004

51005

Investigator

• U.S.-made 154CM Crucible blade steel • 4.8” closed, 8” open, 3” blade, back lock • 1/8” blade thickness, flat ground • G10 scales (.125” thick) • Full .04” steel liners • 4-way ambidextrous clip options 51004 Spear Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79.99 51005 Tanto Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79.99

T-shirts

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM 40052

40050

YOUR LOGO

Station Wear Ts

5.11 Station Wear Ts feature a 6-oz jersey knit and a longer cut so they’ll stay tucked in easier. Collar is spandex rib for durability and rugged stitching. Imported.

* Suitable for heat press, screen print, embroidery. 40016

40046

40050 Station Wear Short Sleeve T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.99 S-3XL (3XL $11.99), Fire Navy 720 40052 Station Wear Long Sleeve T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.99 S-3XL (3XL $14.99), Fire Navy 720

YOUR LOGO

Utili-Ts

5.11 Utili-T™ undershirts are value priced in short sleeve 3-packs or long sleeve 2-packs. Utili-Ts feature moisture-wicking performance, 4.5-oz. jersey knit and are made with a longer cut. Imported. * Suitable for heat press, screen print. 40016 Utili-T Short Sleeve T (3-Pack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19.99 S-3XL (3XL $24.99), White 010, ACU Tan 165, Dark Navy 724, Black 019

40046 Utili-T Long Sleeve T (2-Pack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19.99 XS-3XL (3XL $24.99), Dark Navy 724

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM 71307

WITH CHEST POCKET

T-shirts 71309

72318

SHORT SLEEVE

72319

LONG SLEEVE MOCK

LONG SLEEVE

YOUR LOGO

NO SETUP FEES on screen printing* Professional Ts

Our best T-shirts! 5.11 Professional Ts feature our Fade-Resistant 6-oz ring-spun knit, moisture-wicking performance, a longer cut and are wrinkle-resistant. Select from a long-sleeve mock (72319), a long sleeve T with a pen pocket on the left sleeve (72318), a T with a chest pocket (71307) and a short sleeve T with a pen pocket on the left sleeve (71309) , Imported.

* Suitable for heat press, screen print, embroidery.

71307 Professional Pocketed T (with chest pocket) . . . . . . . . . $14.99 XS-3XL (3XL $19.99), Fire Navy 720 71309 Professional Short Sleeve T (with sleeve pocket) . . . . . $14.99 XS-3XL (3XL $19.99), Fire Navy 720 72318 Professional Long Sleeve T (with sleeve pocket) . . . . . $19.99 XS-3XL (3XL $24.99), Fire Navy 720 72319 Professional Mock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19.99 XS-3XL (3XL $24.99), Fire Navy 720

NO SETUP FEES ON SCREEN PRINTING ORDERS OF 24 ITEMS OR MORE. * On all embellishment orders of 24 or more items we offer NO SETUP FEES on screen printing and NO DIGITIZATION FEES on embroidery. See pages 18-19 for more information.

5.11 Undergear™

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM Muscle Mapping Shirt

The Muscle Mapping™ shirt features three distinct zones of compression that allow for greater range of motion, while adding support and comfort throughout the day. Saddle-shoulder construction and flat-lock seams make this shirt irritation-free. Moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties help keep you comfortable. 88% Tactel nylon/7% nylon/5% spandex. Imported. 40001 Muscle Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $54.99 M-2XL, White 010, Black 019

Tight Fit 5.11 Undergear™

• Tight, compression fit. • Saddle-shoulder construction for greater range of motion. • Underarm mesh panel that allows moisture to vent and evaporate easily. • Flat-lock seams to reduce friction and prevent chafing. • Moisture wicking and anti-bacterial, imported.

40005 Tight Crew Short Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . $24.99 S-2XL, White 010, Black 019 40006 Tight Crew Long Sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . $32.99 S-2XL, White 010, Black 019

Loose Fit 5.11 Undergear™

• Loose, generous fit 40007 Loose Fit Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24.99 • Saddle-shoulder construction for greater S-3XL (3XL+ $26.99), White 010, Black 019, Tan 170, range of motion. (White in XS-5XL) • Underarm mesh panel that allows moisture to vent and evaporate easily. 40014 Loose Fit V-neck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.99 • Flat-lock seams to reduce friction and S-3XL (3XL $26.99), White 010, Black 019 prevent chafing. • Moisture wicking and anti-bacterial, 40012 Winter Mock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$49.99 imported. S-3XL (3XL $54.99), White 010, Black 019, Midnight 750, (Black in XS-3XL)

Uniform Hats YOUR LOGO

Our Uniform Hats are made from fade-resistant poly-cotton twill and are ideal for embroidery. Select from elastic self-adjusting or adjustable Velcro® styles. Teflon® finish for stain, soil and liquid protection. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. 89259 Uniform Hat, Self Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.99 M, L, XL, Dark Navy 724 89260 Uniform Hat, Adjustable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.99 One size fits most, Dark Navy 724, Black 019

89259 Self adjusting

89260 adjustable

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

SIZE CHARTS

Questions about sizing or fit? Call Customer Service toll free at 877.544.FIRE (3473). NECK

Men’s Shirt Sizing

CHEST

Alpha Size Neck Size Chest Size Sleeve Length

S 14” 36” 33.5”

M 15” 40” 34.5”

L 16” 44” 35.5”

XL 17” 48” 36.5”

2XL 18” 52” 37.5”

3XL 19” 56” 38.5”

4XL 20” 60” 38.5”

5XL 21” 64” 38.5”

6XL 22” 68” 38.5”

WAIST

“Tall” sizes add 2 inches length to arms and body of shirt.

Women’s Pant sizing Numeric Size Waist Hip Regular Inseam Long Inseam

2 25.5” 35.5” 30.25” 34.25”

4 26” 36.5” 30.5” 34.5”

6 27” 37.5” 30.75” 34.75”

8 28” 38.5” 31” 35”

10 29” 39.5” 31.25” 35.25”

12 30.5” 41” 31.5” 35.5”

14 32” 42.5” 31.75” 35.75”

S 34.5-35.5”

SLEEVE

INSEAM

Men’s Belt Sizing

Women’s Shirt Sizing Alpha Size Chest/Bust Size

16 34” 44.5” 32” 36”

M 36.5-37.5”

L 38.5-40”

XL 41.5-43”

S 28-30”

M 32-34”

L 36-38”

XL 48” 39.5-43”

2XL 52” 43.5-47”

XL 40-42”

2XL 44-46”

3XL 48-50”

4XL 52-54”

TDU Shirt & Pant Sizing Alpha Size XS S Chest Size 36” Waist Size 23.5-27” 27.5-31” Short inseam is 29.5, regular is 32.5, long is 35.5.

M 40” 31.5-35”

L 44” 35.5-39”

3XL 56” 47.5-51”

4XL 60” 51.5-55”

5XL 64” 55.5-59”

6XL 68” 59.5-63”

Uniform Hat Sizing

Jumpsuit Sizing Order by Chest Size and Inseam (Short inseam is 29.5, regular is 32.5, long is 35.5.) Chest Size 34” 36” 40” 44” 48” 52” 56”

60”

M 7 - 7 1/8 21 7/8 - 22 1/4”

L 7 1/4 - 7 3/8 22 5/8 - 23”

XL 7 1/2 - 7 5/8 23 1/2 - 23 7/8

Footwear Sizing US Size 4 5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 UK Size 4.5 5.5 6 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 EU Size 37.5 38.5 39 40 40.5 41 42 42.5 43 44 44.5 Wides available in US Sizes 7-12, 13. For US Women’s size, add 1.5 to the men’s size. Eg: Men’s 6 = Women’s 7.5. Teflon is a registered trademark of DuPont used under license by 5.11 Tactical Series . ®

30-DAY UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE ON ALL 5.11 BOOTS* We are so confident that you will fall in love with our boots that if there is anything that you are not satisfied with, simply return them within 30 days of purchase and we will give you a full refund! MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY 5.11 Tactical warranties all of our products against defects in materials or workmanship.

11 10 45

11.5 10.5 45.5

12 11 46

13 11.5 47.5

14 13 48.5

15 14 49.5

PRODUCT DETAILS, PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

EMBELLISHMENT WARRANTY 5.11 Tactical stands behind the workmanship on our embellished goods. If your final product differs considerably from your approved proof then you may return for a full refund within 10 days of receiv-ing your order. Please acquire an RA# before returning goods according to our return policy.

Excluded from coverage under this warranty are the following: 1. Customer induced damage caused by improper laundering or misuse of the product. 2. Typical damage resulting from extended wear and tear. 3. Damage as the result of a customer requested alteration or embellishment. 4. Damage resulting from a customer modification to the product. 5. Damage resulting from exposure to a caustic substance.

5.11 CUSTOM SHOP

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

YOUR ONE-STOP CUSTOM SHOP

All authorized 5.11 Dealers have full access to the 5.11 Custom Shop’s services to include: • screen printing • embroidery • heat transfer ...so call your favorite dealer to learn more and to obtain a quote on your next order today.

STOCK FIRE/EMS ARTWORK

MALTESE7

MALTESE4

EMS2

EMS3

MALTESE5

EMS1

FLAGS

MALTESE3

AFLCIO1

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

FREE SETUP ON SCREEN PRINTING ORDERS OF 24 ITEMS OR MORE.

5.11 CUSTOM SHOP

FREE DIGITIZING ON EMBROIDERY ORDERS OF 24 ITEMS OR MORE.

Select your 5.11 products, sizes, colors and styles.

Choose your logo placement and we will help you decide what kind of embellishment is right, then en review and approve your proof. of.

Customize one of our stock logos or provide your own production-ready artwork.

Most 5.11 Custom Shop orders ship in 3 weeks or less after approval of proof.

EPS files are best, but JPG, TIF, PDF, BMP or PNG files may work as well.

EVERY 5.11 CUSTOM SHOP ORDER IS UNIQUE, CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED 5.11 DEALER FOR A QUOTE OR TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS. 19

job shirts

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

72301 Job Shirt with denim accents

72321 Job Shirt with CANVAS accents

BREAKTHROUGH CHEST POCKET

YOUR LOGO

FREE DIGITIZING on DENIM OR CANVAS DETAILS

ANYTO W

Our Job Shirts are built to help you maintain a neat, clean and professional appearance. 5.11’s Job Shirt fabric goes through a proprietary finishing process that results in a wrinkle, shrink, fade and stain resistant product. Note how much a job shirt without our finishing process fades and shrinks after 20 washes.

Neat, Clean & Professional

D E PT

NO DIGITIZING FEES ON EMBROIDERY ORDERS OF 24 ITEMS OR MORE.

* On all embellishment orders of 24 or more items we offer NO SETUP FEES on screen printing and NO DIGITIZATION FEES on embroidery. See pages 18-19 for more information.

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

job shirts

72314 1/4 ZIP Job Shirt

PEN POCKET ON SLEEVE

EMBROIDERY* NO-ROLL COLLAR & LOCKER-LOOP

BREAK-THROUGH™ CHEST POCKET

Job Shirts

5.11 Tactical products have been built with the direct involvement of operators since the beginning. When we decided to introduce a full line of products for Fire and EMS professionals it was only natural to begin product development with our end users. As part of that process we’ve developed these great job shirts all with 5.11’s functional innovation built right in. Choose from three styles; a traditional design with denim collar and elbows or an updated traditional design with canvas collar and elbows or a more contemporary ¼ zip front. Also available in tall sizes. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press, screen print. • 11.6-oz fade-resistant cotton-poly fleece fabric with 5.11’s stain resistant treatment • Fabric accents (denim/canvas) are also fade-resistant • Chest Breakthrough™ pocket with Velcro® divider allows you to carry a full-sized radio or a smaller object without it dropping to the bottom of the pocket

72301 Job Shirt with Denim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.99 XS-3XL (3XL $64.99), Fire Navy 720 72301T Job Shirt with Denim, TALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $64.99 L-5XL TALL, Fire Navy 720 72321 Job Shirt with Canvas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.99 XS-3XL (3XL $64.99), Fire Navy 720 72321T Job Shirt with Canvas, TALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $64.99 L-5XL TALL, Fire Navy 720 72314 ¼ Zip Job Shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.99 XS-3XL (3XL $64.99), Fire Navy 720 72314T ¼ Zip Job Shirt, TALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $64.99 L-5XL TALL, Fire Navy 720

• Hand-warmer pockets on both sides • Mic pockets at both shoulders and pen pockets on the left sleeve

UNIFORM jackets

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM Lined Duty Jacket

Our Lined Duty Jacket has a traditional duty appearance and is built from a durable, seam-sealed waterproof nylon shell with a fleece lining and an interior nylon liner. Bi-swing shoulders add performance and YKK® zippers are built to last. Front patch pockets with bellows, a sleeve pocket and hidden handwarmer pockets add utility. The Lined Duty Jacket features a free ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 traffic vest. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. 48040 Men’s Lined Duty Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $119.99 Men’s XS-4XL (3XL+ $129.99), Black 019, Dark Navy 724, 38040 Women’s Lined Duty Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . $119.99 Women’s S-XL, Black 019, Dark Navy 724

Precinct Jacket

The traditionally styled Precinct is built with our High Performance waterproof/breathable materials and features storm flaps, Velcro®-closed cuffs, and a removable quilted liner that can be worn separately. Includes our ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 traffic vest that packs into its own pouch and stows in the lumbar pocket. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. INCLUDES QUILTED LINER

48025 Precinct Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $169.99 S-6XL (3XL+ $179.99), Black 019, Dark Navy 724, Dark Brown 112 (avail Dec.), Sheriff Green 890

4-in-1 Patrol Jacket

The 4-in-1 Patrol features high-performance Dupont® Active Layer waterproof/breathable construction and bloodborne pathogen resistance, a double-storm flap and a removable rain hood. The jacket includes a removable fleece jacket that can be worn separately, as well as badge tabs, patch pockets with handwarmer pockets underneath and a small pocket on the left sleeve. Removable ID panel on back. Sidezippers and Velcro®-closed cuffs. Includes our ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 traffic vest. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. INCLUDES FLEECE JACKET

48027 4-in-1 Patrol Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $259.99 S-6XL (3XL+ $279.99), Black 019, Dark Navy 724, Dark Brown 112 (avail Dec.), Sheriff Green 890 Shorts and Longs available in Black and Dark Navy only

Specialist Jacket

INCLUDES FLEECE JACKET

The pinnacle of duty outerwear, the Specialist Jacket offers triple-layered, laminated micro-polyester fabric is durable, waterproof/breathable and windproof. This material is welded and seam-sealed and offers our most waterproof construction ever. Traditional duty features like epaulets, a badge tab, waist-length cut, side zippers and front patch pockets make the Specialist an extraordinary duty jacket. Features a removable, wind-resistant fleece liner with nylon panels. Both the shell and the fleece include sleeve pockets.Removable ID panel on back. The Specialist Jacket comes with an ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 traffic vest that can be stored in the rear pocket. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press.

48041 Specialist Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $299.99), Black 019, Dark Navy 724

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

STATION JACKET

HIDDEN CHEST POCKETS

NOTEBOOK POCKET

Station Jacket

The Station Jacket brings 5.11 functionality to a traditional garage jacket. Made from our 7.25-oz poly-cotton twill, the Station Jacket won’t fade and its Teflon® finish repels stains, soils and liquids. The front of the jacket features 5.11’s hidden document pockets. The lower left sleeve has a notebook pocket and pen slots and five pockets on the inside. YKK® zippers are used as well as reinforcing bartacks for long-term durability. Waist and cuffs have elastic. Imported.

SPANDEX NECK, CUFFS, WAISBAND

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. YOUR LOGO

WIND RESISTANT

48300 Station Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $79.99), Dark Navy 724

Station Windbreaker

Lightweight and functional, our Station Windbreaker offers wind and rain resistant performance paired with a Teflon® finish for stain, soil and fluid resistance. The Windbreaker features a running underarm gusset for full range of movement and pen pockets on the left sleeve and hand pockets on each side. Made from soft and lightweight peached microfiber with Spandex rib neckline, cuff and waistband. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press, screen print. 72304 Station Windbreaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 XS-3XL (3XL $44.99), Fire Navy 720

SWEATSHIRTS

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

YOUR LOGO

FREE DIGITIZING on EMBROIDERY*

Station Sweatshirts

Our Station Sweatshirts are built from 10-oz cotton-poly fleece with heavy-duty spandex cuffs, hem and collar. Both a normal crew neck style and hoodie style are available. The Station Hoodie features a full hood with a drawstring and kangaroo pocket. Both sweatshirts feature pen pockets on the left sleeve. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press, screen print. 72308 Station Sweatshirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19.99 XS-3XL (3XL $24.99), Fire Navy 720 72303 Station Hoodie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.99 XS-3XL (3XL $29.99), Fire Navy 720

* On all embellishment orders of 24 or more items we offer NO SETUP FEES on screen printing and NO DIGITIZATION FEES on embroidery. See pages 18-19.

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

OUTERWEAR

YOUR LOGO

Response Jacket

Great for ever-changing spring weather, the Response Jacket has a windproof microfiber shell and removable ID panels that may be imprinted. Works great for everyday wear or for duty-wear with ID panels exposed. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. 48016 Response Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $64.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $69.99), Dark Navy 724, Black 019, Coyote 120, Sheriff Green 890 48017BF Blank Back Velcro ID Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.99 48017FF Blank Front Velcro ID Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.99

Big Horn Jacket

This medium-weight fleece lined jacket offers wind and water protection. Its microfiber shell has a great feel to it and won’t pill up. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. 48026 Big Horn Jacket . . . . . . . . . . $74.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $84.99) Black 019, Dark Navy 724

LIGHTLY INSULATED

outerwear

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

3-in-1 Parka

YOUR LOGO

The 3-in-1 Parka delivers exceptional warmth and waterproof-breathable versatility. This parka-length coat falls over your hips and offers additional protection from weather. The removable fleece jacket can be worn separately or zipped in for added warmth. The 3-in-1 includes a free traffic vest that meets ANSI/ISEA 207-2006. ID panels on the front and back can be imprinted. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press.

Includes color-matched fleece 48001 3-in-1 Parka . . . . . . . . . . . . $259.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $279.99), Black 019, Range Red 477, Dark Navy 724

5-in-1 Jacket

The 5-in-1 Jacket offers our High Performance waterproof-breathable construction and includes a free traffic vest that meets ANSI/ISEA 207-2006., plus the removable fleece jacket has zip-off sleeves so you can wear the fleece as a vest, zip the vest into the shell, or zip the complete fleece into the shell. Removable ID panels on front and back. Imported.

* Suitable for embroiYOUR LOGO

dery, heat press.

Includes color-matched fleece 48017 5-in-1 Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . $259.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $279.99), Black 019, Dark Navy 724, Dark Brown 112 (December), Forest Green 878

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

outerwear

3-in-1 Reversible High-Vis Parka

Meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 standards and reverses to an all-black appearance. High-vis yellow and 3M Scotchlite™ tape ensure you can be seen. Waterproof/breathable construction. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. 48033 3-in-1 Reversible High-Vis Parka (includes fleece) . . . $259.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $279.99)

YOUR LOGO

48014 Reversible High-Vis Parka (without fleece) . . . . . . . . . $169.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $179.99)

Reversible High-Vis Jacket

Meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 standards and reverses to an all-black appearance. High-vis yellow and 3M Scotchlite™ tape ensure you can be seen. Waterproof/breathable, insulated construction. Imported.

Reversible high-vis PARKA

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press. 48037 Reversible High-Vis Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $149.99) YOUR LOGO

Traffic Vest

Meets ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 and is sized to fit over outerwear. It rolls up into its own pocket and can be stored in the lumbar compartment of most 5.11 outerwear. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press, screen print. IN AILABLE ALSO AV T ORANGE CEN FLUORES

49001 Traffic Vest . . . . . . . . . $39.99 Reg, 2XL+, High-Vis Yellow 320, Fluorescent Orange 400

Reversible high-vis jacket

outerwear

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

Sabre Jacket

YOUR LOGO

The Sabre features a laminated, 3-layer micropolyester shell that is lightweight, durable, windproof, waterproof and breathable – plus it feels great. Welded seams and watertight YKK® zippers (with zipper garages) make this one of our most waterproof jackets ever. A removable hood snaps on the collar and can be stowed in the rear pocket. Underarm zippers can be opened for more ventilation. ID panels on the front and back of the jacket can be imprinted or removed altogether. A total of 6 external pockets make it easy to stow small items like sunglasses, keys, etc. Imported. * Suitable for embroidery, heat press.

48036 Sabre Jacket . . . . . . . . . $199.99 XS-4XL (3XL-4XL $219.99) Black 019, Coyote 120, Dark Navy 724

Aggressor Parka

Great gear for everyday winter wear, the Aggressor features 5.11’s High Performance waterproof and breathable system in a parka-length coat. Its removable fleece liner is color-matched to the shell and also looks great on its own. This 3-in-1 systemcompatible jacket offers comfort and waterproof protection in a wide range of temperatures. Imported. * Suitable for embroidery, heat press.

48032 Aggressor Parka . . . . . .$259.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $279.99), Tundra 192, Dark Grey 028 (December), Coyote 120

Includes color-matched fleece

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

outerwear

YOUR LOGO

Tactical Fleece

An attractive, wind-resistant fleece jacket with an abrasion resistant collar, shoulders and elbows, the Tactical Fleece has zippered exterior handwarmer pockets and interior pockets. Side zippers offer additional ventilation. The Tactical Fleece looks great with embroidery. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery. 48038 Tactical Fleece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $109.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $119.99), Dark Brown 112, Sheriff Green 890, Black 019, Dark Navy 724.

Watch Cap

Polyester fleece is warm when wet, won’t absorb water and doesn’t pill up. The Watch Cap can be reversed to show or conceal the 5.11 logo. Imported. * Suitable for embroidery. 89250 Watch Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.99 S/M, L/XL, Black 019, Coyote 120, OD Green 182

Packable Jacket

A handy, lightweight wind and water resistant jacket that packs into its own convenient pouch, the Packable Jacket features mic loops, a vertical chest pocket and hand pockets. Once packed, the jacket is compact enough to carry with you just about everywhere. Imported.

* Suitable for embroidery, heat press, screen print. 48035 Packable Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.99 XS-4XL (3XL+ $29.99), Black 019, Dark Navy 724, Sheriff Green 890

FOOTwear

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

A critical component of every pair of 5.11 boots, the ™ Shock Mitigation System provides the support of a traditional duty boot, the comfort and durability of a cross trainer and the performance of a running shoe.

ANTI MICROBIAL & ODOR CONTROL INSOLE PHYLON MIDSOLE FOR CUSHION AND SUPPORT RIGID LASTING BOARD COMPOSITE SHANK OIL AND SLIP RESISTANT OUTSOLE

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

footwear Company Boot • Slip-on upper with heavy duty elastic • Full grain leather upper with polishable toe • Sturdy stay-flat pull tabs and hidden pocket • Shock Mitigation System™ • Anti-Bacterial lining • Non-metallic construction • Composite shank • Oil & slip resistant outsole • 12207 Company CST boot features an ASTMF 2413.05 rated Composite Safety Toe 12206 Company Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $89.99 4, 5, 6-12, 13, 14, 15, Wide 7-12, 13 12207 Company CST Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99.99 ASTMF 2413.05 Composite Safety Toe 4, 5, 6-12, 13, 14, 15, Wide 7-12, 13

Station Composite Toe Boot • Full grain leather upper with polishable toe • ASTMF 2413.05 rated Composite Safety Toe • Hidden side pocket • Shock Mitigation System™ • Anti-Bacterial lining • Non-metallic construction • Composite shank • Oil and slip resistant non-marking outsole

12117 Station CT6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $119.99 ASTMF 2413.05 Composite Safety Toe 4, 5, 6-12, 13, 14, 15, Wide 7-12, 13

12118 Station CT8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139.99 ASTMF 2413.05 Composite Safety Toe 4, 5, 6-12, 13, 14, 15, Wide 7-12, 13

FOOTwear

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

ATAC: BOOTS FOR ALL TERRAIN ALL CONDITIONS

SLEET 6 12114

SLEET 8 12113

ATAC Storm 12004

ATAC 6 & ATAC 8

ATAC 8 12001

• Polishable leather toe • Full grain leather & nylon upper • Antibacterial and moisture-wicking lining • Hidden pocket and side zip (8” only)

ATAC 6 12002

ATAC Shield 12003

• Shock Mitigation System™ • Oil & slip resistant, quiet outsole • 4, 5, 6-12, 13, 14, 15, Wide 7-12, 13

12002 ATAC 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $94.99 12001 ATAC 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $109.99

Sleet 6 & SLEET 8 • 200G Thinsulate™ insulation • -25º F comfort rating • High Performance waterproof-breathable • Bloodborne pathogen resistant • Full-grain leather and 1200D nylon upper

• Hidden pocket and side zip (8” only) • Antibacterial and moisture-wicking • Shock Mitigation System™ • Oil & slip resistant, quiet outsole • 4, 5, 6-12, 13, 14, 15, Wide 7-12, 13

12114 ATAC Sleet 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $119.99 12113 ATAC Sleet 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139.99

ATAC Storm • High Performance waterproof-breathable • Bloodborne pathogen resistant • Full-grain leather and 1200D nylon upper • Hidden pocket and side zip

• Antibacterial and moisture-wicking • Shock Mitigation System™ • Oil & slip resistant, quiet outsole • 4, 5, 6-12, 13, 14, 15, Wide 7-12, 13

12004 ATAC Storm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129.99

ATAC Shield • High Performance waterproof-breathable • Bloodborne pathogen resistant • ASTMF 2413.05 composite safety toe • Full-grain leather upper, 8” height • Hidden pocket and side zip

• Antibacterial and moisture-wicking • Shock Mitigation System™ • Oil & slip resistant, quiet outsole • 4, 5, 6-12, 13, 14, 15, Wide 7-12, 13

12003 ATAC Shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $159.99

SEE THE FULL ASSORTMENT OF 5.11 BOOTS AT WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

SOCKS

Outstanding Socks

When you’re on your feet nonstop, your socks become just as important as your boots for all day comfort. Our Level I, Level II and Summer Socks have up to 12 different zones of cushioning and support. Level I socks offer good cushioning and are made with moisture wicking Coolmax®, Level II socks offer more cushioning and warmth and also feature moisture wicking Coolmax®. Our Summer Socks are lightweight dress socks with moisture-wicking fibers and enhanced breathability. 3-Pack Socks are a great sock at a great value and offer an engineered fit and support for only $14.99 a 3-pack.

12 Zones

Our Level I and Level II socks are built with a dozen zones of compression, cushioning and support.

Our socks are available in ankle height, 6” height (below the calf) and 9” height (above the calf).

9” Socks

(above calf) 59121 3-Pack 9” Sock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.99 A 3-pack of our basic sock, Black 019 59224 Summer 9” Sock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.99 Lightweight socks for dress or hot climates, Black 019 59048 Level I 9” Sock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.99 Our favorite sock with 12 zones of engineered comfort and support. White 010, Black 019, Coyote 120 Level II 9” Socks Level I 9” Socks 59227 Summer 9” Sock 59048 59224

3-Pack 9” Sock 59121

6” Socks

59227 Level II 9” Sock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.99 Our thicker sock with 12 zones of engineered comfort and support. White 010, Black 019

(below calf) 59289 Summer 6” Sock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.99 Lightweight socks for dress or hot climates, Black 019 59047 Level I 6” Sock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.99 Our favorite sock with 12 zones of engineered comfort and support. White 010, Black 019, Coyote 120

Summer 6” Sock 59289

Level I 6” Socks 59047

Level II 6” Socks 59226

59226 Level II 6” Sock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.99 Our thicker sock with 12 zones of engineered comfort and support. White 010, Black 019

Ankle Socks 59128 3-Pack Ankle Sock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.99 A 3-pack of our basic ankle sock, White 010, Black 019 59240 Level I Ankle Sock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.99 Our performance ankle sock with 12 zones of engineering. White 010, Black 019 3-Pack Ankle Socks 59128

Level I Ankle Socks 59240

5.11 light for life™

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

THE 5.11 LIGHT FOR LIFE™ LIGHTING THE WAY IN EARLY 2009 We are always looking for ways to make your job easier. Whether that’s the creation of an entirely new product - like our new Covert Dress Shirts - or the rejuvenation and revolution of an existing product on the marketplace - like our TDU replacing the old BDU, so when we hear about a genuine new concept that has this potential, we listen. Just a few months ago we were approached about a new idea that sounded entirely implausible – a rechargeable flashlight, with no batteries. Sounds unbelievable and that’s what we thought until we met with Dr. Alexander, a scientist from Flashpoint Technology™ who explained the technology and how their power management system could revolutionize flashlights for the public safety market. Dr. Alexander and his team have been working on this technology for more than ten years in the hybrid car market and been able to bring this breakthrough battery-free technology down into a handheld size. 5.11 Tactical® and Flashpoint Technology™ have entered into an exclusive partnership to bring this patented technology to you, and at a reasonable price. The new 5.11 Light For Life® flashlights have a dramatically higher return-on-investment vs. other rechargeable lights and outperform competitor lights across the board.

PREORDER YOURS

THROUGH YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORIZED 5.11 TACTICAL SERIES® DEALER. 53000 LIGHT FOR LIFE ™ UC3.400 . . . $169.99 4-Way Power: Standard (90 lumens), Peak (270 lumens), Strobe & Standby. Includes 12V DC car charger and mounting plate. 120V AC household adapter available separately.

SHOWN AT ACTUAL SIZE

The 5.11 Light For Life™ comes with a limited lifetime warranty and its internal components are rated for a life of over 50,000 cycles. (That adds up to more than 130 years if you use and recharge the light once a day!) The flashlight’s body is made from a state-of-the-art polymer that is impact, abrasion and water resistant to stand up to the intense duty we know you’ll put it through. Lights will be delivered on a first-come, first-served basis in early 2009. Preorder yours and learn more about the 5.11 Light For Life™ at www.511Tactical.com/lightforlife.

FASTEST RECHARGE FULL CHARGE IN 90 SECONDS

160 TIMES FASTER THAN NEAREST COMPETITOR

5.11 LFL™™ 90 seconds UC3.400 ®

COMPETITOR 1

4-5 hours

COMPETITOR 2

10 hours

COMPETITOR 3

12 hours RAPID RECHARGE AND POWER MANAGEMENT BY FLASHPOINT™ POWER TECHNOLOGY

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

5.11 light for life™

RECHARGES IN 90 SECONDS

COMPARE TO 4 HOURS BY THE CLOSEST COMPETITOR

A LIFETIME OF USE

WILL CHARGE, AND HOLD ITS CHARGE 50,000 TIMES

NO BATTERIES

HIGHEST R.O.I. AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

BACKPACKS

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

SEE THE FULL ASSORTMENT OF 5.11 POUCHES AT WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

Responder 24 (56871)

Main compartment: 20” H x 12” W x 7” D Side pockets are 13” H

Responder Backpacks

The Responder Backpack is available in two sizes, a one-day size (Responder 24, 56871) and a three-day size (Responder 72, 56876). Both backpacks feature 1050D DWR nylon (DWR: durable water-resistant), rugged self-healing YKK® zippers and a myriad of pockets throughout. Both backpacks have microfleece lined eyewear pockets, sternum straps, large front organizer panels, plus internal zipped pockets. The Responder 24 features microfleece lined accessory pockets, perfect for your iPod®, small camera or PDA and the Responder 72 features a padded waistbelt with built-in hip pads. Imported. * Suitable for embroidery.

Organizer Panel

Responder 24

Responder 72 (56876)

Main compartment: 23” H x 14” W x 8” D Side pockets are 15” H x 2” D 56871 Responder 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99.99 Fire Red 474, Also available in black or flat dark earth as the RUSH24 (58601). 56876 Responder 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139.99 Fire Red 474, Also available in black or flat dark earth as the RUSH72 (58602).

Responder 72

Organizer Panel

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

BAGS

Responder Daycase

A perfect briefcase for everyday use but big enough for a quick trip out of town. The Responder Daycase has a neutral-colored interior and the large double-zippered opening makes it easier to see inside. The bag is lightly padded throughout with pockets on either end that extend large enough to accommodate one-liter bottles. A large flat pocket on the reverse can hold your laptop or a whole stack of pages. The Responder Daycase is made from 1050 denier nylon and features a rain fly tucked away on the bottom of the bag. Imported. * Suitable for embroidery.

Dimensions

Main compartment: 16.5” x 12.5” x 5.5”, Exterior pockets: 7” x 10” x 2.5” (2 front pockets), 16.5” x 10.5” x 2” (back pocket)

HIDDEN RAIN FLY

EXPANDING POCKETS

WRITEBAR™

56870 Responder Daycase $79.99 Fire Red 474, also available in black as the Side Trip Briefcase (56003).

Turnout Pocket Organizers

Get organized with our fully adjustable Turnout Pocket Organizers. Choose from a 2/3 height version (56868 TPO I: 7.5” x 5.5 x .09”) or a fullsized version (56875 TPO II: 7.5” x 7” x 1.25”). The 2/3 height version has four adjustable padded dividers for smaller tools while the full sized version has three padded adjustable dividers for larger tools. TPO II 56875

Both Organizers feature cord anchors at the bottom and Velcro® so they can be secured in your turnout pockets. 56868 TPO I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.99 2/3 height, Fire Red 474 56875 TPO II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.99 Full height, Fire Red 474

TPO I 56868

Gear Kit

The Gear Kit is made from 1050 denier water resistant nylon and features the 5.11 LockJaw™ opening that makes it easy to stow your gear in the bag. Sized just right for a weeks worth of toiletry necessities or an extra set of essential handtools or just about anything you want to keep handy. • YKK® self-healing zippers with pulls • Clasp strap and D-ring at end • Reflective trim on bottom front • WriteBar™ on top 56864 Gear Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19.99 Fire Red 474, Black 019

BAGS

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

LOCKABLE YKK® ZIPPERS

5.11 WRITEBAR™ FOR EASY ID

The 5.11 LockJaw™ opening makes it easy to load your gear.

ZIPPER KEEPERS ON SIDE POCKETS

YOUR LOGO

56863 Squad 2400 Personal Bag . . . . $69.99 Main compartment: 20” x 11” x 11”, 2420 cubic inches. 2 Exterior pockets: 8.5” x 8.5” x 3”, 433 cubic inches. Fire Red 474

Turnout Bags

Our new turnout bags are available in three mission-specific sizes, the Squad 2400 is a personal sized bag for your personal clothing items, the Brush 5000 is sized just right for your Wildland gear and the Tanker 8200 is built to carry your bunker gear. All of our turnout bags are made from from 1050 denier DWR double-coated (durable water-resistant) nylon. Bags have the 5.11 LockJaw™ opening that makes it easy to stow your gear in the bag. A polyester liner bag is included that can be removed and washed when it gets dirty. Imported. * Suitable for embroidery.

56860 Tanker 8200 Turnout Bag . . . . . $99.99 Main compartment: 32” x 16” x 16”, 8192 cubic inches. 2 Exterior pockets: 13.5” x 13” x 3”, 1053 cubic in. Fire Red 474

All 5.11 Turnout Bags Feature: • YKK® self-healing zippers • Large oversized zipper pulls • Prym® snaps used throughout • Light colored interior • Removable, washable water resistant liner • Waterproof bottom • Side pockets with bungee zipper stays • Robust grab and haul handles • Leather accents • Flag holder, WriteBar™ and ID window • Reflective trim on bottom front • Interior hanging pocket • Non-slip padded shoulder strap

56874 Brush 5000 Wildland Bag . . . . $79.99 Main compartment: 26” x 14” x 14”, 5096 cubic inches. 2 Exterior pockets: 11.5 x 11” x 3”, 759 cubic inches. Fire Red 474

SQUAD 2400

11” 11”

20”

BRUSH 5000

14” 26”

14”

TANKER 8200

16” 32”

16”

MAIN COMPARTMENT DIMENSIONS NOTED. FRONT EXTERNAL POCKETS ADD 3” WIDTH.

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

BAGS

PUSH+R+ Pack

The PUSH+R+ is a medium-sized sling bag that can hold your everyday or emergency essentials. Made from durable 1050D nylon with YKK® zippers. Two side pockets expand to hold 1-liter water bottles or equivalent sized items and the adjustable shoulder strap has a removable pad. Back of bag has belt loop and keeper strap with clasp. Imported.

Dimensions

Main compartment: 8.5” x 8.5” x 4”

56872 PUSH+R+ Pack . . . . . . . . . $49.99 Fire Red 474, also available in black or flat dark earth as the PUSH (56037).

YOUR LOGO

56878 RED 8100 Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99 32” x 16” x 19”, 8192 cubic inches, Fire Red 474 56873 RED 6500 Utility Bag . . . . . . . . . . $39.99 23” x 15” x 19”, 6555 cubic inches, Fire Red 474 56877 RED 2400 Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.99 20” x 11” x 11”, 2420 cubic inches, Fire Red 474

RED Bags

Three great bags that offer great durability and functionality at a price that won’t make you feel guilty about throwing it on top of the truck. Responder’s EveryDay bags are made from 1050D nylon with a durable water-resistant coating and are available in three sizes. The RED 6500 Utility bag features a large main compartment plus a bottom compartment. The RED 2400 and RED 8100 feature one large compartment with a zippered opening through the center of the bag. Imported. * Suitable for embroidery.

• YKK® self-healing zippers with oversized pulls • Light colored interior makes it easier to see contents • Robust grab and haul handles • Interior hanging pocket • Flag holder, WriteBar™ and ID window