Crossword Puzzle

if it is sized properly and meets your expectations. Arranging a wear trial—often with the support of a manufacturer like Fire-Dex— will help you make the most informed choice. It is important to understand each element of a composite system when selecting and sizing turnout gear—working closely with a knowledgeable supplier can make it much easier to fit your crew, develop options for your specifications, incorporate feedback, prepare information for committee review, and secure approvals.

If you are sizing gear for other purposes such as for new training fatigues or to replace just a few garments, a direct head-to-head comparison of two or three sets of equipment from different manufacturers can produce a timely decision that pulls in fewer company resources compared to a formal wear trial. It is advisable, however, to still reach out to these manufacturers who can make sure you have everything needed to conduct a thorough evaluation.

Fire departments not in a position to commit time and personnel to a gear trial may endeavor to learn about recent evaluations conducted by other local departments. While every department differs in the services provided to the people who perform them, the data and insights surfaced by a comprehensive wear trial have the benefits departments with similar needs when it comes to protecting life and property. By leveraging comparable testing as a baseline for decision-making, departments can streamline the process and reduce administrative costs.

Bear in mind the prudent decision will be the result of many factors— departments that use similar tactics to respond to emergencies should be clear and candid in discussing their research and do so before any type of purchase commitment. Also do not hesitate to take your

questions or concerns directly to the manufacturers being evaluated.

Fire gear that fits properly is better able to protect the wearer as intended. When sizing your crew

Your gear supplier can help you ensure a quality fit; explain the latest technologies and answer questions your crew may have. for all-new equipment or simply outfitting your newest team member, be sure to measure accurately per the manufacturer’s specific instructions. And given the opportunity, it is wise to work with your gear supplier to arrange a wear trial that takes not just sizing but many other considerations into account. Doing so can directly benefit your crew’s safety and performance.

Find more sizing resources and useful information at FireDex.com.

Todd Herring began his journey at Fire-Dex in September 2015 as part of the acquisition of TECGEN. With over 20 years of experience in the protective textile industry, Todd was soon promoted to Director of Marketing and Product Development in August 2016. Gaining the title of Vice President of Product Innovation and Strategy in 2021, Todd currently leads the newly created Product Innovation and Strategy team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering from NC State University.

Crossword

PUZZLE

Caroline M. Schloss

ACROSS 2 Like other populations, First Responders are at risk for depression, substance use disorders, and

8 Gravity and Immobility is all that is required for Blood to occur

11 An route is “a preplanned area of sufficient size and suitable location that is expected to protect fire personnel from known hazards without using fire shelters” 12 The primary resource used in structure protection is engine and apparatus 13 Minimum Impact Suppression

Tactics (abbr) 14 The safe removal of a person or persons from a place of danger and injury/death to a place of safety, for the continued immediate administration of medical care and transport to appropriate advanced care

19 Looking at ventilation at its most basic level, the measurement of CFM (cubic feet per minute) can be used to approximate the amount of time it takes to effectively ventilate a 20 One of the most common problems in thermal imaging use in the fire service is the reading of the temperature 22 When the time arrives that a K9 is injured in the line of duty an established acronym to assist the responder through their assessment is M3-A-R-C-H2-P-A-W-S DOWN

1 Gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, diesel, alcohol, and varnish are examples of fuels

3 Incident Response Pocket Guide (abbr)

4 After a successful fall stop with a full-body harness another less known lethal danger must be responded to very quickly, and it is called Trauma

5 REL-Recommended Limit

6 When doing authorized interior structure preparations, close windows, and interior doors, turn off gas, fans, and coolers, but leave them turned on 7 A safety is a “preplanned area of sufficient size and suitable location that is expected to protect fire personnel from known hazards without using fire shelters”

9 has always been an on-the-job fact of life for firefighters and work-related deaths due to environmental exposure have been on the rise

10 National Association for Search and

Rescue (abbr)

13 First responders are paying more attention to mental wellness than ever before; one frequently encouraged method for improving mental wellness is

15 Calculations indicate that for most fires, zones must be wider than 164 feet to ensure firefighter survival

16 Best Available Control Measures (abbr)

17 Spray and spurt protection are assessed through a robust test method applied to a range of products categorized by their effective coverage area of the eyes, nose and

18 Personal Protective Equipment (abbr)

20 Dust, coal, wood, paper, cloth, leather, and hay are examples of fuels

21 Natural gas, propane, butane, hydrogen, acetylene, and carbon monoxide are examples of fuels

6

12 4 5

8 2 CarolinaFERJune22

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3

7

14 15 13 9 10

11

16 17 18

20 19

22 21

www.CrosswordWeaver.com Answers on page 49

ACROSS

3 Incident Response Pocket Guide (abbr) 4 After a successful fall stop with a full-body harness Caroline M. Schloss is a current member of the Knotts Island Volunteer Fire Dept., Currituck County Fire/ another less known lethal danger must be responded EMS, Virginia Beach CERT VA., Currituck County CERT, National Association of Search and Rescue, to Project Lifesaver VA. very quickly, and it is called Trauma 5 REL-Recommended Limit 6 When doing authorized interior structure preparations, close windows, and interior doors, turn off gas, fans, and coolers, but leave them turned on 7 A safety is a "preplanned area of sufficient size and suitable location that is expected to protect fire