Staffing - Let's Go To Work!

Staffing is when a firefighter works a shift, having the appropriate number of firefighters to work an engine company during a 12-24 hour shift and spends the shift at the station. Depending on your department you may begin your shift in the morning or evening. Our shifts start at 18:00 and 06:00.

I was a little nervous to staff my first time since I would be staffing the station overnight and then going to my deskjob the next day.

Here are some quick questions I needed answers to before I staffed for the first time:

1. What do firefighters wear to bed at night?

It seems that most firefighters wear gym shorts and a t-shirt. I prefer to sleep in the clothes I'm going to respond in so I'll be wearing my uniform t-shirt and my crew pants.

2. What do firefighters who wear corrective lenses do when staffing overnight?

From my internet research, asking other brothers in my department, checking SOGs, and just going with my gut here is what I found:

• Just wear your glasses until you need to mask up then take them off. This won't work for me because I am nearly blind without corrective lenses. I have also not requested to have the lens inserts added to my mask. Though it may be impossible to see in most fires anyway, I would still prefer to have any vision available to me at any time.
• Sleep with your contacts in. This is my short term answer. I plan to get some lenses that are "breathable" in order to diminish the damage to my eyes.
• Get LASIK surgery. There are many firefighters who have had this surgery done and some insurance plans cover the cost. Some providers also offer a discount to military and para-military occupations.

3. What time do I need to be there?

First, know when your shift is. Many departments start at different times and you should ensure that you are ready and available for that time. My department starts the evening shift at 18:00 and 06:00 for the part-time crew and 19:00 and 07:00 for the full-time crew.

Second, be there 15-30 minutes early - every shift. This serves several real purposes beyond just dedication and impressing the Lieutenant. You may be relieving another firefighter coming off shift and the gentleman's agreement is to take that last call of his shift so that he doesn't have to work late if the call goes long. You need to check your truck and equipment on every shift because they are your responsibility and your life-line. You need to be mentally prepared to begin your shift no matter what challenge is in-store for you.

4. What do I bring with me?

1. A Pen. Never get caught without a pen. Your job is to learn everything you can so be prepared to write down any information given to you. You will also need it for your reports and when the Chief or Lieutenant yells at your for something.
2. A Pocket Knife. Trust me, you will need it. Try to get one with a window punch. You'll inevitably need it. By the way, you only need to bring one knife. If you have more than one knife then you will be laughed at.
3. A Pen-Light. If you don't have one, get one. A flashlight is just as handy as your knife.
4. A Bed Roll.  Pack your favorite pillow and blanket and roll it up for easy transport.
5. Food. Pack a light dinner that you can easily clean up and requires little food preparation. However, if you have the opportunity to plan a meal and eat with the rest of the crew then do it. It will increase camaraderie and morale as well as help you familiarize yourself with the interests of the crew.
1. Keep a $20 bill in your wallet. If you eat out with the crew you don't want the embarrassment of credit/debit issues.
6. Change of Clothes.  This requires good packing skills and you will need 3 changes of clothes: 1. Workout clothes (pants/shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes). 2. Replacement uniform (in case your uniform gets soiled/soaked). 3. Work clothes for the next day. I work in a business casual office during the day so I needed to change into khakis, dress shirt, and a tie - don't forget your dress shoes!.
7. Hygiene Items. Toothbrush, toothpaste, contact solution, glasses, glasses case, shaving cream, razor, soap and/or 3-1 Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash, deodorant, towel, comb/hairbrush. Other options may include: muscle cream, ibuprofen, mouthwash, floss, foot/body powder (I use "Anti-Monkey-Butt"), finger nail clippers.
8. Study Material. This could be your EMS or Fire Training manual. Every shift should include study time. This will be just as important as your hands-on training. I read somewhere that 10% of your staffing time should be spent hands-on training. I agree and would add that another 10% should be spent studying to reinforce your hands-on experience with knowledge. It will make the application of your studies much easier.
9. Identification. Make sure you have your station ID at all times. It may also double as your entry card. Make sure you have it on you at all times - preferably on a retractable tag-line. Don't forget it when you take the garbage out and lock yourself outside of the station, that's embarrassing. You'll also need your civilian ID/License for driving, identification, and paperwork.

I'm sure that I'm missing a few things that all firefighters should know in order to be prepared for their shift. What can you think of that I've missed?

K-Tools, Halligans, and Axes! Fun with Forcible Entry

There is a lot of bookwork and information review in Fire Academy. So we naturally got bored, fast. Inevitably the question arose, "When do we get to break down a door with an axe?"

Everyone who has ever watched a Hollywood production of firefighting will inevitably see a scene where the heroic firefighter jumps off of the truck bumper while it speeds to the hydrant, running past the distraught neighbors and into the burning house, his coat swaying in the summer breeze. He grabs an axe and races to the front porch and leans back on his haunches lashing out with his leg to smash the door open as it shatters off its hinges!

As we all stood around before class you could see the collective thought in our minds, "That's cool! When do we get to do that?!"

Probably never.

We sat in class reviewing another, ahem, "interesting" presentation on Forcible Entry. It was our job that night to learn the tools of the trade:

 

The K-Tool is a great way to pop a door open. Check out this video to see how it works.

The K-Tool

The Halligan

The Halligan has many uses. Check out this informational video.





And last but not least, everyone's favorite firefighter tool - the AXE! You will never look cooler than when you are running with an axe. Amiright, Rescue 1?!

Kurt Russell - Backdraft © Imagine Films Entertainment

If you haven't seen "Backdraft" please watch it. Then realize that it is the most fictitious firefighting movie available. If our Chief saw us show up to a fire, let alone try to run into a structure fire like Kurt Russell does, then the Chief would blow a gasket! Kurt Russel's helmet isn't strapped on, he's not wearing an SCBA or a facepiece, his jacket is open, and he is freelancing! Those are the things that get firefighters hurt or killed. Sorry to be a buzzkill.

Anyway, back to Forcible Entry. During our hands on training that night we were commanded to roll out a huge and expensive manufactured steel door on wheels from behind the truck. The Chief showed us all the proper technique for forcing entry through that big steel door.

His steely eyes glanced around at our motley crew and said, "Who's up?"

Another recruit I'll call "Shrub" was standing next to me. We glanced at each other and Chief said, "Let's go guys!"

I was kind of nervous because I wanted to look good and I didn't want to wear myself out hammering on this door. Chief handed Shrub the Halligan and gave me the axe.

"You ready?" Shrub asks me.

"Uh, sure..." I said with the utmost confidence.

Shrub turned and planted his feet a little more than shoulder width apart in front of the door. His broad shoulders spun back toward me then he twisted his core and jammed the Halligan straight into the space between the door and the frame just above the lock. He stood to the side of the Halligan just like he was supposed to and looked back at me, nodding his head, and looking back to the door.

"Go!" he shouted.

From my kneeling position I twisted my trunk back and then swung the axe forward as hard as I could while keeping my eyes focused on the wedge or adz end of the Halligan. The axe slammed into the Halligan and the entire door banged with a huge echo off of the bay walls.

With each command from Shrub I hammered the Halligan as hard as I could to help him jam the claw end into the door frame. I could barely see the door and frame begin to twist away from each other as the pressure and claw separated and pushed the hinges.

I began to get very tired and stopped focusing on my breathing. My shoulders and chest got tight as my body heated up inside my coat. Sweat began running down my back. I twisted to deliver another blow and felt my weakness as I swung the axe forward.

I knew the next blow would be weak. What I didn't know was that I was also slightly left of center on the claw which caused the axe to glance off the end and smack right across Shrub's knuckles.

To Shrub's credit he didn't even shout in anger or pain. He quickly looked back at me with confusion. Almost as if to say, "What did you do that for?!"

"Are you okay?" I asked with true horror in my voice. I hoped I hadn't broken his knuckles. At the very least I was sure he was going to have a bruised hand.

Chief looked around the door as I hesitated. "What's going on?" he grumbled.

"Just go!" shouted Shrub. He was determined to keep his composure and get the job done.

I took a deep breath and hammered the axe to the Halligan again and again. I couldn't even count how many times I kept hitting that thing hoping for the door to finally give.

Chief finally exclaimed, "Good! Now push!"

Thankfully Shrub had gotten the Halligan into the right space between the door and the frame and he shoved that door wide open. Boom!

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What is your favorite fireground tool? How do you keep in shape to meet the demands of the job? How do you keep yourself and your fingers safe during Forcible Entry?

The Flames are Getting Higher! - Extrication and High Angle Rescue

Extrication

It was a cold and overcast day in October when we assembled at the station to learn about Extrication. Extrication is a fascinating and intricate skill. As we filed into the classroom and cracked open our "Essentials of Firefighting and Fire Department Operations" books, we studied vehicle construction including standard combustible fuel engines, diesel, and even the newer hybrid electric/fuel, electric, and hydrogen fueled engines.

© Essentials of Firefighting and Fire Department Operations

It is important for first responders to understand what hazards they are facing on scene. For this reason we must learn to stabilize the scene before we attempt rescue in order to keep ourselves and our victims safe.

I learned how to chock the wheels and frame of a vehicle, remove the paneling/framing of a vehicle to access emergency safety systems such as airbags and seatbelt safety systems.

© Essentials of Firefighting and Fire Department Operations

We also learned to use extrication tools such as the hydraulic spreaders, shears, and extension rams.

This was a very tough day for me. I wasn't feeling well at all but I still had to work through it. My helmet was crushing my head and mind since I had a splitting headache and was a little dehydrated. As I slipped my safety goggles into my Nomex hood and behind my ears I felt the overwhelming pressure on my dry sinuses.

The sound of the generators for the hydraulic power tools kicked on and I immediately felt nauseous from the fumes and the general pain I was going through.

All of this made it difficult to focus and learn but I had to cut through the fog and concentrate on the task at hand.

I opened the hydraulic spreaders between the rear door and the C-post of the vehicle we were tearing apart.

It was amazing how heavy those tools are! It took all of my strength to hold the tool in place.

I spread the door apart and struggled with all of my might to keep the tool in the proper position as it tore the door open from the lock.

High Angle Rescue

West Des Moines Fire Department Training Tower

I was excited about our next class - High Angle Rescue! I felt confident as we marched out to the "Cliff McFarland" training grounds which feature a 5 story tower from which we were about to rappel.

My confidence in this activity came from a rock climbing and rappeling class that my daughter and I took at a local sports center. It was a fascinating and inspiring experience that we both enjoyed immensely.

During that course we trained with a 45' rock wall, harnesses, and an auto-belay system. I discovered and strengthened muscles in my forearms, legs and core that I had not previously known.

I had hoped this would be a similar experience.

"I don't like this…" mumbled Buffalo. "I don't like heights."

The look on his face confirmed this apprehension. He began to look a little pale as we stepped into our harnesses. He peered up at the top of the tower and saw how far the ropes reached to the ground.

"Let's go!" I exclaimed, running into the tower. My heart was racing as we climbed the stairs. When we reached the top floor we climbed the ladder through the ceiling to the roof and out into the sky on that bright and brisk November morning.

We met several training instructors from local stations who were dedicated to this particular expertise. The repeated disclaimer was, "No one has ever died. Except for that time that the rookie was running the line. Who's running the line today?"

"The rookie." Said the rookie on the line.

We all chuckled mildly, except for Buffalo. We both peered over the edge of the wall to the ground below and I am pretty sure I saw him physically shiver. Perhaps it was the cold wind or the sheer terror, I don't know.

Buffalo ran the line through the rig on his harness as the instructor said, "Alright, go ahead and climb up on the edge of the wall."

"Are you sure about this?" questioned Buffalo as he struggled to get up on the ledge.

The instructor said, "Sure, just swing one leg up there. Oh, we should probably get the rope through your clip…"

Buffalo looked at me with true fear in his eyes. It took everything in me not to laugh out loud as they finished running the line through the harness and clip.

The instructor gave a few quick instructions,"Okay, you guys are going to lean back off the ledge and drop about 5 feet before the rope catches. Put your feet straight out and walk yourself down the wall from a seated "L" position with your body. For an extra challenge, stop halfway and hang upside down. That's something you can be proud of when you go home today."

Buffalo swung his other leg over and climbed off the ledge but refused to let go of the wall. All I could see were his gloved fingers with a death grip on the ledge and two ropes loosely hanging over the wall.

I leaned over to look at his pale face and ask, "It's alright man, put your feet out and drop into the slack. The harness will catch you."

The instructor looked over the edge and said, "Grab that rope and let yourself down."

Buffalo quickly grabbed the rope, one hand at a time, and dropped a couple of feet. I laughed out loud at the look of mortal fear washed over his face.

"Where is the photographer?! Somebody's gotta take a picture of this!" I yelled, looking around for the photographer.

It seemed she was not there that day so I halted my search for her and went back to the ledge. Buffalo was still in the same spot as when I walked away.

I looked over and asked, "Are you going to hang upside down when you get half-way?"

"%$&* no!" he replied.

Double-D and I laughed as I was getting prepared in my harness.

Buffalo finished walking down the rest of the wall and it was now my turn. The instructor finished running the line through my harness. "Are you going to hang upside down?" he asked.

"Sure." I heard myself saying. I wasn't really sure that was a good idea, but I wanted to go home feeling proud, knowing that I had tried something new today.

I climbed onto the ledge, kicked my leg over, and dropped into the slack while I kicked my feet out.

The wind whipped past my ears, reminding me of how high in the air I actually was. I thought for a second that I shouldn't look down, that I should just get through this. I wasn't really afraid of the height, just the sudden stop at the end of the fall. But, I couldn't help but look down.

I swiveled my head around the rope and looked to the ground. 50 feet sure looks a lot like 100 feet when you are up in the air.

I looked back at the wall and began to walk down. I was starting to rethink agreeing to hang upside down on the wall. After all, I wasn't even sure how the rope and harness worked! But I couldn't back out now!

I reached the halfway point and heard the instructor shout, "Okay, lean back and hang upside down!"

As I looked at my feet, I took a deep breath and leaned back. All I could see as I arched my head toward the ground was sky. I leaned further and the horizon of the trees, dirt, gravel, fences and the hard concrete streamed into view. I leaned a little further until I could see the vertical face of the building above my head - or was it technically below me?

I was still gripping the rope tightly as it ran up the building. Although I could not see him above me, I heard the instructor yell, "Don't cheat yourself out of this experience! Let go of the rope!"

"Are you kidding?!" I yelled.

"Trust me! The harness is what is keeping you secure, not the rope! Let go and reach your hands above your head!" he yelled with confidence.

I decided to give it a try despite my survival instincts to scream against it. I let go of the rope with both hands and reached above my head.

As I hung upside-down from that tower I thought about the prospect of being involved in high angle rescue operations and decided that I would need much more training before I could forget my own fears enough to rescue someone else. I decided that in the future I would be doing some more rock climbing, rappelling, and high angle rescue training.

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Have you ever been a part of high angle rescue operations? How do you keep your cool during extrication and rescues? Have you overcome your fears to help someone in need?

The Heat is on! - Smoke Trailer Part Deux

© Dick Kramer - View his incredible artwork here!

The Heat is on!

As Fire Academy continued, the pressure and the stress began to boil down to physical exhaustion and mental fatigue. I realized that I was going to need to find ways to relieve stress, however, that is difficult with a 16-22 hour commitment on top of your regular 40 hour work week! I was missing out on my kids' school and extra curricular activities as well as time with my friends and extended family. That is very difficult since I am a very social individual.

I was also missing out on my spiritual commitment. Fire Academy nights were Tuesday, Thursday and from 8-4 on Saturday. Since I am a Seventh-day Adventist, (we go to church on Saturday, like the Jews) it was now impossible for me to worship at church even though there are 2 churches in the area. One holds a morning service and the other an afternoon service. This was very difficult for me as worship is a way for me to keep myself spiritually, emotionally, and mentally focused.

I missed concerts, plays, football games, wrestling meets, dinners, family gatherings, hanging out with friends, and so much more.

Sleep and prayer became my only sources of rest and revitalization. The company and the academy became my outlet for socialization.

Though I didn't see it at the time, this stress brought me back to where I needed to be - mentally, physically, and spiritually. It helped me focus and concentrate on what is necessary.

This focus helped me make one very quick decision that kept me from landing on my head - literally!

Smoke Trailer Part Deux

The second night we went through the smoke trailer I was settling into my role as a firefighter and a member of our company while managing the mental stress of claustrophobia in order to concentrate on the goal - finding the "victim".

This time we were split into teams of two. I was preparing my mind for the task as Wash-Out and Buffalo climbed out of the door, smoke pouring from the trailer. They had found the victim.

Our Instructor opened the door for Double-D and me and said, "Find the victim and get out. Anyway you can." I couldn't help but feel as though that was a hint to the test ahead of us.

Double-D said, "Take the lead. I'll concentrate on the path." So I took the lead and climbed into the dark.

The path was similar as it was previously but there seemed to be a couple of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. Thankfully we did not have to crawl under another obstruction either! At one point I felt an opening to my left and forward and we chose the forward path.

The pain in my knees was telling me that I had bruised and scraped them as sweat and dirt ground in. I was feeling confused and hoping that I could remember the way back. I remembered what my wife had said about acting as if I were looking for my children. I said a silent prayer for strength, courage, and situational awareness as I tried to slow my breathing.

As we scrambled down another hallway I felt an opening ahead and barreled forward shouting to Double-D, "Straight ahea---

My words were cut short as my right arm went straight through the floor. In the moment, I instinctively stretched my left arm out straight and caught my entire body weight - with the addition of 70 pounds of gear - with the back of my left arm. It was an excruciating pain that ran through my entire core as I held all of my weight and scrambled to bring myself up out of the hole. I could feel my partner pushing me forward as I yelled back to Double-D, "Stop! Stop! There's a hole in the floor!"

I pushed back with all my might and came to a crouching position at the edge of the hole.

The bruise from catching myself. (This is a mirror image.)

"Feet first, Glenn!" yelled Double-D. So I looked into the blackness around and below me and as I watched a whisp of smoke drift past my face piece I began to second guess how I had gotten here. Not a question of why I was sitting above a hole in a dark smoke-filled trailer, but how I had mustered the courage to even get into Fire Academy and put myself through this.

In the back of my mind I felt an urge to know and understand my limits. As my arm ached from the painful full-body catch and my body-heat baked my skin in the PPE I knew this was the first time I had reached one of my mental limits. Would I be stronger than this limitation? I was about to find out.

I shuffled my legs into the hole, hoping to feel for the floor and felt nothing. I slowly lowered myself into the hole, dipping below my waste and trunk, still hoping for the floor.

"Let's go Glenn!" shouted Double-D. As I dropped down into the abyss below me I hoped there even was a floor to land on. In my surprise it was right there below me. I felt a little ashamed to be so scared as I shuffled into what felt like a corner of a small room.

I looked up as I saw the lights from Double-D's HUD shining off his face. He kicked his feet into the opening as I yelled, "Watch the drop! It's not too far down here!"

He dropped right in front of me and we both began to feel around the room we were in. "Glenn we need to move forward!"

Double-D was now barreling into the dark ahead of me as I grasped his pant-leg. I began to try to remember which direction we were going so we could get back to the hole we had dropped through. I remembered almost nothing after that point. The anxiety of being responsible for remembering which way we were going overwhelmed me. I think we a took a couple of lefts and a right and I heard Double-D shout, "I've got the victim!"

Just as I breathed a sigh of relief that we had found the victim and would now be on our way out, my low air-alarm went off.

Double-D looked me in the eyes and said, "Let's go Glenn!"

I turned around and we crawled back to the hole. I stood up and felt for the opening, grabbing the edge and jumping up into the tunnel. I felt Double-D push as I jumped, effectively throwing me into the roof of the tunnel.

After I had bounced back to the floor I turned around and reached for the "victim". I tucked the doll next to me and then reached for Double-D. As he jumped I pulled him up through the hole. I had to quickly shuffle into the tunnel to make room for him. He looked at me and shouted, "Take the lead! Let's go!"

This was as far of the path we had taken that I could remember. I was now leading us out without a clue on which way to go. I was desperately flailing my arms along the walls feeling for a direction out. I came to a junction with a 45 degree turn and a 90 degree turn and could not remember which way we had come.

© Capt. Schmoe: Check out his blog here!

"Double-D I feel 2 turns!" I shouted, hoping he would tell me which way we were going. I couldn't really hear him shouting to me over the clang of my low-air alarm. In my rush to get out I made the decision to take the 45 degree turn, heading slightly back in the opposite direction. I tucked the "victim" in my arm and hustled forward into a wall. A dead end!

I felt overwhelmed as my low-air alarm began to vibrate against my face. My mind was screaming at me to run as my teeth were buzzing. I clenched my jaw hard and grasped at the walls for an exit. "There's no way out! We're at a dead-end!" I yelled to Double-D. I thought perhaps the instructors had moved the maze to test us and the memory of the instructor who opened the door to the trailer for us flew to the forefront of my mind.

I acted instinctively and threw my shoulder against the wall and felt it give. It was nothing more than a panel fitted into a track along the wall. I grabbed the edges and mightily pushed it loose from the track! I was going to get out and be free!

A bright light shone just beyond the wall I had just removed and I felt a rush of cool wind blow directly toward me. As I reached for the light I heard, "What are you doing?! Did you just blow out my wall?! Go back the way you came!" The instructor snatched the panels from my hands and slammed the door in my face.

Somehow, over my anger and shame and vibrating low-air alarm I could hear Double-D laughing. "Let's go! This way!" He laughed as he turned around.

I grabbed his pant-leg and took a right turn and there was the exit door.

As we stepped into the cool night and took off our helmets and face-pieces the instructor snatched the "victim" from my hands saying, "I can't believe you blew out my wall! I told you go back the way you came!"

As funny as it was after the training, I realized that I had failed that test. I had panicked and may not have found the exit. However, that's why firefighters work together as a team. With the help of my partner I had handled the stress again and realized that I had the strength to make it through as long as I functioned as part of my company. I could do nothing alone, but together we would get through anything we faced.

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How do you handle stress on the fireground? How do you keep your focus on the job and off the job? Do you have a story to share about smoke trailer or confined space search and rescue?

Crawl Low Under Smoke - Education, the Smoke Trailer and Claustrophobia

I now understood that I was made for the Fire Service. I was going to be a firefighter because I chose to do so and I had the support of my family and friends. I was also beginning to see what the brotherhood was all about.

After my latest failure during PPE/SCBA drill I had decided I would practice on my own. However, it was good to know that I didn't need to practice alone. My brothers in Rescue 1 had offered to help me out during their Sunday meetings. I was also working with the Ladder 11 company. I had truly begun to understand the brotherhood.

When things get tough and someone needs help you come through for each other. I began to set my own sense of selfish pride and competition aside in order to help others and in turn I learned from them.

Education

Education is a major part of the Fire Service mission. In order to protect life and preserve property we are given the opportunity to serve the community through education. These educational opportunities may be station tours, school presentations, or doing private home surveys.

In any of these situations firefighters must be prepared to utilize their public speaking skills and vast knowledge to inform the public of ways they can avoid hazardous situations.

Everyone remembers, "Stop, Drop, and Roll." However, we learned in Fire Academy that the information you present must be tailored to the audience. High Schoolers don't care about this goofy information. Adults are worried about how to prepare their families or how their aging parents can help themselves in emergency situations.

I mentioned in a previous post that a local program called Safety Town was also one of my inspirations for becoming a firefighter. The education and information my children received was so well presented and gave me a first hand look at this amazing opportunity firefighters have to serve their community.

© Holly McQueen - The Des Moines Register

From a story by the Des Moines Register: "West Des Moines Fire Department driver/operator Paul O'Connell shows children a ladder truck and tools firefighters use for their job on a field trip to the West Des Moines Fire Station 17 during Safety Town West Des Moines June 21. West Des Moines Fire Department ladder 215's crew gave a tour of Fire Station 17. The educational program, offered by West Des Moines Community Education, meets at Phenix Elementary Early Childhood Center and covers a variety of situations and teaches skills for children entering kindergarten this fall. Topics covered at Safety Town are safety awareness around strangers, water, traffic, fire, buses and poison. Children had the opportunity to learn through experiences in the Safety Town village, a field trip to the West Des Moines Fire Station and West Des Moines Police Department and classroom activities."

One fascinating fact I learned is that Kindergartners were once taught to, "Crawl Low in Smoke!" However this isn't true. You must, "Crawl Low Under Smoke!" If there is a fire and smoke begins to fill the room you must get as low as possible so that you do not breathe any smoke. The smoke will most likely kill you before the fire does.


We were about to learn this first hand in the Smoke Trailer.

Claustrophobia

Our Fire Academy had a guest crew from the State Board of Training bring a Smoke Trailer. This trailer had a moveable maze designed for confined space search and rescue. This maze was filled with smoke to simulate a live fire situation.

© Johan Hammerby | Photojournalism BLOG

Each company entered the structure to search for a victim.

Engine 12 geared up in full PPE/SCBA and entered the trailer, crawling low into the dark tunnel. The "Wash-Out" was leading the way with "Buffalo" behind him. I was crawling in third with our Officer, "Double-D," behind me. We each crawled holding onto the pant leg of the firefighter ahead of us.

We made our way down a small corridor, not much wider than 3 feet by 3 feet, as I heard Wash-Out shout, "Stairs!" We came to a small set of stairs. These 5 stairs led up to a small opening in the ceiling above us. "Hole in the ceiling!" shouted Buffalo. We each crawled up through this hole.

As I squeezed my way up into the hole in the ceiling, sweat dripping from every pore as my body heat remained trapped within my PPE, I banged my helmet against the small opening. As I squeezed through I could feel my heart pounding in my ears as the dark smoke and the walls began to close in around my body and my mind.

I swallowed my fear and continued to crawl forward down a short hallway as the adrenaline began to kick in. I heard the shouts from Wash-Out and Buffalo ahead, "Left Turn!" As I rounded the corner I looked at the Heads Up Display within my facepiece. The two green lights that signaled my SCBA's full air pressure had now turned to a single green light, meaning I was quickly pulling air from my tank. I needed to slow my breathing and concentrate on the task. I shouted the directions to Double-D as we continued to quickly crawl.

"Low Tunnel!" screamed Buffalo as we scrambled down a small angled corridor. I felt him stop and turn over onto his back. I remembered the small tunnel I had to crawl through to pass the CPAT and thought this would be a simple dip in the ceiling. I reached into the dark with my hand to feel the low tunnel. As my gloves passed over the wall in front of me I realized this low tunnel was nothing more than a 1 foot tall by 3 foot wide gap in the wall!

I began to panic as I turned over on my back, my SCBA clanging on the floor as I reached my arms straight out. I reached through the gap as I laid my head on the floor, hoping to make myself as flat as possible to pull myself through. As I pulled myself forward, I looked up through the smoke to see the dim flashing lights from Buffalo's SCBA.

I pulled my own body weight along with the 70 pounds of gear under the small opening. My shoulder crashed into the opening as I realized that I couldn't fit through the opening. I gasped and fear began to set in. I thought to myself, "How am I going to get through this? How am I going to survive? Will I have to return through this way?" I remembered what my wife had told me just two nights before, "Think about those victims as if there were your children."

I thought about my kids being trapped, desperately hoping for rescue. I took a deep breath and yelled to Buffalo, "I'm taking my pack off, I can't fit through here!" I pushed myself back to begin turning over when Buffalo grabbed my hand and screamed, "Do NOT take off your pack! Pull yourself through one arm at a time!"

I threw one arm over head and left the other at my side. This made my shoulders just slim enough to slide through the gap. A feeling of exhilaration and pride washed over my worried mind as I peered up at the green glow from behind Buffalo's facepiece. I rolled back over and got on my hands and knees, yelling under the gap for Double-D to do the same as I had.

Once we were all through the gap we proceeded into the dark. The smoke whisping past my facepiece as the HUD changed to yellow, signifying that my air was at about 2200psi or half empty. Trust me, this was not a half-full moment for me. I knew any moment that my low-air alarm would begin. I was sucking too much air and we couldn't turn back.

Just as I finished that thought the alarm went off. In addition to the alarm a warning light on the SCBA began to flash and the HUD began to vibrate on my face. My mind was screaming to stand up and run but I knew I had a job to do and I was part of a team. "No one gets left behind and everyone goes home."

We crawled right, left, around a corner and I heard Wash-Out yell, "I've got a victim!"

"Pass the victim!" shouted Buffalo. He turned and passed me the "victim." It was an infant sized doll, heavier than I thought it would be and very awkward.

The group turned and I tucked the "victim" under my left arm. Double-D screamed, "Let's GO!" as he scrambled to lead us back the way we came.

I frantically passed him the doll under the wall. With each pass of my hand and feet across the floor I hoped that I had enough air to get out. I tried to focus on my breathing and slow down each exhale. Finally I heard Double-D exclaim, "Here's the hole in the floor! Go down feet first!" This meant we were near the exit. I excitedly dropped down the stairs and continue to rush toward the light at the end of that cramped, dark, smokey tunnel.

As I jumped out of the door the reality of what I had just done slammed into me like a freight train. It was almost unbelievable and I was almost overcome with the fear I had denied the entire time. My only defense was to erupt in a guttural exclamation, "Yeeeaaah!"

We all turned to make sure everyone had made it out and congratulated each other on our rescue.

This would not be the last time I had to face fear.


Check out this informative and funny video of what it is like to crawl through a smoke trailer.

In similar fashion to the video, I later heard that "Cap'n Brown" had not conquered his fear of confined spaces. It overwhelmed him so much that he stood up and jumped out of the trailer, crawling, climbing and running over his company and leaving them behind in the trailer.

I'm trying hard not to make fun of his struggle, but it is hilarious to hear Rescue 1 recount the story as they saw him bolt out of the trailer. Ha!
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What memories do you have of fire education? What things do you want to know about fire safety? Have you had to face danger and fear and still get the job done?

Join me for the next blog post about high angle rescue!

Flashover - "Do you have what it takes?"

Construction
Many times during the Fire Academy process I asked myself, "Do you have what it takes?"

If I was going to earn my badge and the brotherhood I was going to need more than ambition. I needed strength and courage.

While I was daily considering if I could make it through academy, we began learning in class about the construction of buildings and the materials that are used. These materials constitute their fire-resistance rating. There are 5 types of construction: Type 1 (Fire Resistive), Type 2 (Non-Combustible/Limited Combustible), Type 3 (Ordinary Construction), Type 4 (Heavy Timber/Mill), and Type 5 (Wood/Stick Frame).

This fire-resistance rating determines how a building and it's construction will hold up over time during a fire. It is important to note that nothing is "Fireproof." There are some buildings and materials that are fire resistant.

I knew nothing about construction, I'm a graphic designer, I draw pictures for a living. So I found it fascinating to learn that that Gypsum (Sheet Rock) is an inorganic plaster/wallboard that has a high water content which allows it to absorb high heat as the water evaporates. This is used to reduce the impact of heat against support structures to avoid collapse/failure.

Fire Resistant Gypsum © Gustafs

Not only do firefighters have to know what type of construction and building materials they are facing in a fire, they must be able to estimate the type of contents that could be on fire. This is called the fuel load.


Fuel Load - The total quantity of combustible contents of a building, space or fire area, including interior finish and trim, expressed in heat units of the equivalent weight in wood.

Think about your house or your work environment: How much stuff around you could catch fire? That is your fuel load.

I was about to find out what my personal metaphoric fuel load was.

Combustion
We were having a breakdown in our company. It is understandable to have different personality types disagree and we were all learning each others personalities. The four of us were unique individuals with different backgrounds and approaches to solving problems or viewing solutions.

Each week we were required by the Chief to meet as a company. During the Engine 12 meetings we were studying as a group. We would read the chapter and finish our written assignments together.

The problem was that our "Wash-Out" was making excuses and not showing up for study sessions, not having assignments complete, not reading the chapters, and having a general disregard for everyone else and their time.

I was not struggling with the book, the reading, the comprehension of the material, or the assignments. I needed to practice Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) donning. We are required to don (put on) our PPE and SCBA separately within 1 minute each or combined in 1 minute and 30 seconds. I needed to practice this and tying knots.

There were several nights that my entire company were not able to meet. I understood that "Buffalo" and "Double DD" (our officer) had EMT schedules that were difficult to work around. Wash-Out worked at a grocery store and worked until 9:00 so we did our best to meet when we could.

However, one night I asked for help and only Wash-Out and I could meet. It would have to be at 9:30 because he needed time to drive to the station where we would be practicing SCBA. I showed up at the station and texted him to confirm that we were meeting. He confirmed that he was on his way. As I waited I practiced knots, finished my assignment, and prepared my gear. I waited 30 minutes and he never showed and did not return my texts or phone calls.

I was burning mad.

This video shows the PPE/SCBA evolution. Now imagine doing this with your Chief and other firefighters screaming in your face. That will prepare you for what you read next.

The next night we reported to the bay in our companies awaiting the command to don our SCBA. "Alarm!" Chief shouted as we raced to put on our gear. I was nervous and fumbling with my belt and the zipper on my coat. As I placed my helmet on my head and pulled the strap tight Chief screamed in my face, "What are you doing Glenn?!! Why are you doing this different than everyone else?!"

I needed to take my helmet off, put my facepiece on, then don my SCBA in the next 30 seconds. The problem was that my helmet strap was stuck tight and I couldn't get it loose.

"C'mon Glenn, lets GO!!" I tried desperately and instinctively took my gloves off in order to be able to work it loose.

"You can't take off your gloves in a fire! What are you doing?! You fail! You all fail! Take it down and do it again!" He shouted with exasperation.

I failed. Therefore we all failed. We had to do the drill again and it was my fault. I was beginning to worry that I was not built for this, that I didn't have what it takes to be a firefighter.

"Alarm!" was shouted and we began again. This time as I raced through the drill I donned my boots, pulled my hood on, buckled my pants, threw my coat on and zipped it, pulled back my hood and donned the facepiece, threw my SCBA on my shoulders and buckled it, put my helmet on, attached the regulator, and then pulled my gloves on clapping my hands to signal that I was done.

It was time for inspection and as our company was inspected my helmet was lifted to find that I had forgotten to put my hood back on after I put my facepiece on.

"Another failure Glenn?!" Chief yelled in my face. "Everyone, 20 pushups thanks to Glenn! After that then you get to do this all over again!"

As I did those pushups and sweat stung my eyes, I was angry with myself for causing this pain and punishment for everyone else. Though it wasn't Wash-Outs fault I could not help but be angry with him for not assisting me the night before.

Flashover
We donned our SCBA again and this time we all did it right. We walked outside to the training grounds to see a Live Fire Training Trailer. A firefighter lit a living room set on fire and we learned as we watched the entire room quickly go up in flames.

© Middletown Township Fire Training Academy

We learned that materials themselves do not burn. It is the combustible fumes that catch on fire, producing heat and breaking down the materials to release more combustible fumes. It looks like this. At 0:38 seconds you can see the term "flashover" happen near the ceiling when the smoke catches fire.

As we watched the entire trailer fill with smoke and the thermal layers begin to lower to the floor the heat in the trailer become so intense that the heat caused the smoke to begin rolling like waves. As it intensified and the heat mixed with sufficient oxygen it exploded in fire.

As I stared at the fire raging from the room I reflected on my failures.

That night, standing in my kitchen, I broke down. I really wanted to be a firefighter and I knew it was going to be hard but I didn't realize how big of a responsibility it was. My emotions rolled over me just like the smoke in the trailer. Would I be strong enough to make it through this? Would I be brave enough to face the dangers? Would I be willing to lay down my life for a fellow firefighter? Would I be willing to study and train to make sure that I never caused the pain and punishment I had inflicted on everyone else that night?

My wife talked with me about the night. She comforted me through my apprehension and supported me with whatever decision I would make. I could work harder or I could hand in my papers. I could wash out.

As the combustion of my emotions subsided I realized that I did in fact have what it takes. I would not wash out. I would study and practice my skills on my own.

I was made for this.

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How did you resolve to work toward being a firefighter or complete your personal and professional goals? Did you ever have moments of doubt or struggles that punished others? How do you face responsibility?

Nicknames, Physical Training, and Water Rescue

Nicknames
I have yet to previously name any of my fellow recruits, and I will continue to keep their anonymity safe, but I will use their nicknames. Some of these nicknames have been earned in academy and others have been assigned by me. Generally nicknames are earned in life and in Fire Academy by performing a stupid action. Some of those stupid actions may be included in my stories.

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PHYSICAL TRAINING - CROSSFIT
As we began Fire Academy it was evident that training is the key to being a good firefighter. Continuing to train will make you a great firefighter.

Our first full day of academy we had Physical Training. Our Academy participates in Crossfit. Crossfit is a training method of mixed aerobic, anaerobic, strength and core conditioning workouts. If you want to know more, check it out here.

I also found this woman's success inspiring. Read her Imperfect Life blog.

These Crossfit workouts are the most grueling 10 minutes of my week. Our trainer is a brilliant man who works hard to get our firefighters in peak condition and able to face the rigorous challenges we'll face on the fireground. He is also very aware of our individual physical condition and ensures that we are not going to hurt ourselves.

CrossFit Trainer Certification © Cylon

[Disclaimer: I'm not a medical or physical fitness professional. Don't hurt yourself and try to sue me.]

I wish I had not waited until academy began to begin training. If you are a weight lifter, you might think about starting a running program. Can you run a 5k in your sleep? You're going to need to start building some muscle and balance. Yoga and calisthenics are great. This is a cardio-strength fitness program so work on both as soon as you pass CPAT.

Get ready for more squats than you ever want to think about. Learn how to do the exercises correctly or get used to hearing, "NO REP!" right in your ear.

Our first workout was a series of sprints, bear crawls, burpees, and sit-ups. I almost threw up but I knew better than to eat breakfast.

Here are my tips for surviving CrossFit:
• Stay hydrated - Drink water like it's your job, always carry a water bottle.
• Stay rested - 8-9 hours of sleep - mandatory.
• Stretch - Before and after.
• Take your warm-up seriously otherwise you'll hurt yourself.
• Breath! Learn to breath through every exercise.
• Push yourself. Don't quit, EVER!

I noticed that the class quickly separated into those of us who really needed some conditioning, those who could keep up, and those who were champions.

One brother who I'll call "Moustache," is a Crossfit champ. This guy is in great shape and really hammers through the work-outs. Needless to say he is at the top of our class chart and he's going to stay there. In comparison I have been hanging out somewhere between 13-15, in a class of 21, depending on the day and the workout.

To be honest, I'm not in great shape. I have spent almost 20 years being slightly out of shape and then obese. I have never played sports or been active and I did not eat a healthy diet. To make things worse I lived a sedentary life and work all day at a desk. I have changed that in the last 3-4 years but I have a lot of work to go. Though my scores may seem pathetic I have earned them. I worked hard during every workout and tried my best to give every rep all I could muster.

Cheater!
Here's my gripe in this post. If you know me, you know I'll work hard at anything I do. It is my nature to do my best. These work-outs are painful, stressful, difficult, and strenuous but I never cheat. I don't want to cheat myself out of making myself a stronger, better, and faster firefighter. In fact, I'm training to save lives, including my own. So why would you cheat during a workout?!

I won't lie. There have been times where no one was looking and I could have not done a full squat or skipped a few pushups/situps. I wanted to, really I did. But even if no one else knew, I would know that I cheated myself out of making myself stronger and ready for this job.

I know it shouldn't bug me but one recruit who I'll call "Cap'n Brown," constantly cheats by missing reps and recording scores that he did not earn. Sometimes that drops me a place on our chart. It bugs me because he hasn't earned his rank, his integrity is now in question (at least with me), and despite my best efforts, I can't workout harder than he lies.

What I'm trying to say here is, "Don't cheat yourself out of training or a good reputation."

Look for more Crossfit stories to come.

Integrity
Speaking of integrity and nicknames, here is how another brother earned his nickname of "Buffalo". One night after academy he joined his family for food and drinks at Buffalo Wild Wings. He neglected to change out of his "RECRUIT" uniform and was spotted by a member of the department.

The next night before we donned our PPE, Chief yelled, "I wanna know who was at Buffalo Wild Wings in their uniform."

As we stood in formation I looked around to see who would answer for their indiscretion. I saw my brother from my company step forward.

"You will all do 20 pushups. We succeed as a team and we screw up as a team. We all pay for it... as a team," yelled the Chief.

"Buffalo" as he is now called, was responsible for counting our reps that night. As he stood and watched us all pay for his mistake, I couldn't help but be thankful for his integrity. Had he not owned up to it we would have all paid a far worse price.

It was a lesson that we are accountable for our actions and representatives of our community and our brotherhood. Though it was a painful lesson, it was a successful lesson.


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WATER RESCUE
Our fire department has a specialized search and rescue team that trains specifically in regard to water rescue. As part of our Fire Academy we spent a day familiarizing ourselves with water rescue techniques, terms, and tools.

We drove out to a lake nearby and each company took turns jumping out of the boat and being hauled back in, hauling each other into the boat, throwing floating rope bags, and familiarizing ourselves with retrieval hooks.

An interesting thing I learned that day: Life jackets save lives. Don't make excuses - always wear a life jacket in the water.

The most interesting thing that happened that day was while several companies waited for their turn on the boat, two older ladies pulled up near the dock with a canoe sticking out of the back of their van. It was an amusing sight. Most of us stood around joking about the days events or talking about our studies. What happened next really opened my eyes as and reminded me why I was in fire academy.

Two recruits took it upon themselves to offer their help to these ladies and carried their canoe to shore for them.

Although it was not a death defying rescue nor heroic, it was impressive. Their action reminded me that I am training to serve my community. It is my honor and duty to help whenever and however I may.

I vowed from that day on that I would not pass any opportunity to serve my community, now matter how small the action is.

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How did you earn your nickname? What physical training do you do? Why have you chosen to serve your community?