Monday, December 22, 2008  But a 4 STORY OFFICE BUILDING?!?
.....Ya Ready??
Contributed by Lt. Randall Hannifan
 
Attached is a PDF/PowerPoint with the photos and an explanation. I have added links to videos and websites that explain the process and characteristics of the construction as well.
 

Monday, December 15, 2008   IF THE FIRE IS BELOW YOU...then WHAT is supporting you on that floor?
Take a few minutes to watch the below video (click on the below sign) to further understand WHY...

 the BUILDING IS OUR ENEMY! 
 
 
 

Sunday, December 14, 2008  Firefighters Cyanide Antidote Kit Info
 
 
As of 12/12/08 the Charlottesville Albemarle (Virginia) Rescue Squad (C.A.R.S.) now has in-service two cyanide antidote kits - "Cyan-o-kit" is the trade name.  The two kits are located in the C.A.R.S. Duty Officer's response vehicle (in this vehicle only at this time).  Each kit contains a 5 gram dose of the antidote.  The 5 gram dose is split between two vials (2.5 grams each).  The vials contain the powdered concentrate (red in color) which is made into solution by adding 100 cc's of IV fluid (supplied in their carrying case).  Attached is the guideline for administration - drafted in conjunction with C.A.R.S. OMD, C.A.R.S. staff, and Blue Ridge Poison Control toxicologists. 
 
** Note in the guideline that Blue Ridge Poison Control serves as primary medical command for the administration.** 
 
Patients are screened in the field (as described in the guideline) for possible treatment - while the antidote (unlike its predecessors) has next to no known harmful side effects - the main side effect is a marked reddening of the skin (looks like a bad sunburn, goes away in a week or two). 
 
In a nut shell, the antidote converts the harmful cyanide into vitamin B12, which is then excreted in the urine (turns that red as well).  The kits are in excess of $800/ea at this time.   
 
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO SUPPRESSION STAFF?
 
Cyanide is one of a host of potentially harmful/lethal gases found in fire smoke.  In more "modern" construction, and with more "modern furnishings" (synthetic materials) - higher cyanide concentrations are more prevalent.  The attached guideline outlines some common signs and symptoms - but there is no good way to definitively know if/how high the concentrations are and which if any fire victims may have been dosed.  Observational findings with the patients (as described in the guideline) and presumptive indicators on scene (type of materials involved in the fire) are what we have to go on. 
 
So, PLEASE LET COMMAND/RESCUE PERSONNEL ON SCENE KNOW WHEN YOU SUSPECT -
 
- the victims of smoke inhalation were found in/removed from/self evacuated from a confined smoke filled area (house, trailer, business, etc.), where the victims were exposed to and inhaled smoke from a fire involving burning/smoldering suspect materials (plastics, rubber compounds, foam, silks, chemicals, etc.) 
 
The kits are not intended for every inhalation injury patient, so your input on the suspected contents of the fire and potential for exposure are invaluable in determining the need for administration.  Also don't forget about the antidote kit if one of our members should go down and be removed without functioning respiratory protection in place.
 
** Keep in mind there are also pure cyanide sources in the community as well.  Not too many years back someone on campus intentionally drank a cyanide slurry, committing suicide.  Be on the look for exposures to various chemicals by all routes both on campus and in the community at large.**
 
*** It could happen anywhere City or County, but when you are out in the County especially Crozet/Scottsville area keep in mind if you suspect an exposure CARS is the only agency carrying the kit at this time.***  Of course UVA hospital has a fair number of the kits in-house, so make sure you still voice your suspicions to the transporting agency.  
 
Also attached is a decision tree that goes with the Carbon Monoxide oximeter (there are two of these meters in the field - (1) on E7, and (1) in the C.A.R.S. Duty Officer's vehicle) - during the winter months/heating season it tends to prove useful in ruling out CO exposure in those folks feeling "flu-like" but whom may have been exposed to CO - each engine should be able to meter for indoor concentrations with your three gas meter if you suspect exposure - and the two CO oximeter units are available if needed as well.  Also good for evaluating members in rehab as well.  The chart is also useful for triaging multiple patients with exposure - built with START triage colors.
 

Sunday, September 14, 2008  If we are to conduct good company briefings, and we know we should, it must be quick. Good briefings help to raise the SA (situational awareness) of all personnel, which reduces stress, which allows for better decision making, which ultimately leads to the proper amount of risk being taken.
 
A quick and simple briefing cannot cover everything, the key is to use a format that becomes second nature and use it at every opportunity. When all members use a standardized briefing format the critical information stands an improved chance of being passed on and understood by others. This helps to manage risk by recognizing hazards and then placing mitigation measures into effect.
 
A 5-step briefing format is used. Remember it is just the critical information you are conveying. If practiced and used on all incidents and trainings, officers and firefighters should be able to touch on the five highlights in as little as 30 seconds. This is a skill that must be mastered by all firefighters regardless of rank. If more time is available, it can be used to facilitate a more thorough briefing.
 
This is taken from a workshop designed to manage risk created by Quinn MacLeod titled “Risk Management at the Company Level”. Any comments would be appreciated. Reference: Integrated Fire Solutions: Home of "Risk Management at the Company Level"
 
5-Step Briefing Format - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT!

 

Tuesday, August 12, 2008  We have implemented a SOP that requires the Company Officer to state, for all vehicle movements, "all buckled".  This is stated over the air and of course if tapped.  Since we've implemented this SOP two other surrounding depts. have also implemented such a SOP. 
 
When responding to an incident the Officer states "Control, 811 is responding to 123 Steve Street, par 4 and everyone is buckled"  

Sunday, July 13, 2008  Thanks to Capt. Jim Vuona Shrewsbury, MA Fire Dept. for sharing this excellent PowerPoint Program on FD Customer Service with us.  

Monday, July 7, 2008  Nothing to "clown" around about...... Submitted to FireFighterCloseCalls.com by Al Mullins  

Monday, July 7, 2008  by Dave Dodson for FireFighterCloseCalls.com  

Tuesday, February 26, 2008  I read a FFCC about working on a icy/snowy roof. A couple years ago my department purchased a Snow removal rake. It comes with 15 ft of handle and a 6in x 18in "rake" --basic idea to rake off snow prior to putting a roof ladder on. Here in the northeast, 18 inches of snow can be a common occurance, and I know I want to make sure the dawgs are locked to the peak before I get on a snowy roof. Stay Safe  

Monday, December 17, 2007  While it took them 16 hours to do it, the Otisville, NY FD will now be much safer on the highways! Good Job Guys!  

Monday, December 17, 2007  Thanks to Fire Chief Jerry Holt of the Urbandale, IA FD for sharing the "SAFETY THOUGHTS" that he put together! These make great training items to post in your bathrooms, remember, EVERYONE "has to go" sometime!  

Tuesday, August 28, 2007  Attached is a Case Study of a Firefighters Trapped Close Call! Stay Safe!  

Monday, August 27, 2007  See Attached  

Tuesday, April 3, 2007  This is a new rolldown door forcible entry simulator built by Southwest United Fire District in IL.