Although tool operations are indeed a skill, much can be said there is an “art” to creating or making space. So how do we cross the line from simple tool application to true spacemaking? We know we need to provide a safe and rapid pathway to disentangle our patient. Many times our pathway for access becomes our same pathway to extricate, as well. But with the changes in vehicles today, is this still appropriate? Maybe cutting isn’t as effective as pushing components apart? Is that pathway staring at us and we just haven’t realized it? Many of you will encounter vehicles that might bewilder or downright frustrate you. Much has changed, but there is a common thread through out these times--we need to provide access and a disentanglement pathway for the patients in the vehicle.

In this educational program, we would like to like to put forth some changes in our current mindset in what we do on scene, the tools we choose and use, how we prepare for the incidents we respond to and even some of our education and training.

Course Exam Available for FREE Use Promotion Code: HOLMATRO when purchasing this course. Be sure to apply promotion code when added to your selection cart. Promotion expires 08/31/2013

We need to instill the safety culture in the current and the future generation of firefighters. Here are some tools and tips for getting the safety message to hit home in your department.

Course Exam Available for FREE Use Promotion Code: PRCETRUCK when purchasing this course. Be sure to apply promotion code when added to your selection cart. Promotion expires 08/31/2013.

Using fans to bring a fire under control is effective and safe when employed correctly in structures that lend themselves to such a tactic. Learn when, where, and how to deploy a positive-pressure attack.

The educational objectives are as follows:
1. Understand the difference between positive-pressure attack (PPA) and positive-pressure ventilation (PPV).
2. Know the conditions in which fans should not be used.
3. Know when the Diagnostic Barometer of Interior Conditions indicates that the fire situation is conducive to PPA.
4. Know to what the three “E”s in the “Big Threee” refer.

Course Exam Available for FREE Use Promotion Code: TMPSTBIG3 when purchasing this course. Be sure to apply promotion code when added to your selection cart. Promotion expires 08/31/2013.

Two houses that sit side-by-side and look alike from the outside are dramatically different under fire because of the differences on the interior. In many cities, legacy construction prevails in many neighborhoods. Newer buildings are constructed in these neighborhoods to look aesthetically similar to the vintage of buildings they reside around. This can confuse firefighters as conventional operations in these newer buildings can be hazardous. Knowing the differences between older and newly-constructed occupancies is crucial, and this course will describe the differences and how to operate on the fireground accordingly. 

There are several characteristics associated with basement fires such as obvious smoke conditions with no visible fire. Although these conditions may indicate a basement fire, there are other considerations to take into account. Basement fires can challenge the most well-prepared and well-trained fire departments. This course will outline the operational and tactical considerations for fighting basement fires. 

The equation EP = NP + FL + APP + ELEV is the basic equation every pump operator needs to calculate when operating the fire pump. In this course, learn how to develop a proper fire stream, define friction loss and explain two ways water flows through hoses, and discover how elevation must be calculated into fire stream calculations.

It's becoming more evident that the fire service needs to conduct its business more efficiently. In this course, students will determine how a management team must be assembled, describe the four common components of management, and learn methods of leading through interaction and intrinsic and extrinsic management.

A cavalier approach to structural firefighting shows a gross misunderstanding of risk management and usually leads to needless injuries and deaths on the fireground. Your job is to keep personnel from developing such an old-school attitude.

The information provided in this course/article comes from lessons learned and skills handed down by very experienced firefighters and officers of the Chicago Fire Department. At the end of this course you will better understand effective ways to stretch a hose line, the roles of each member of the hose team, the do’s and don’ts of hose line management, and how to properly operate the pipe (nozzle). Also, this course will encourage self evaluation of one’s skill level as well as the skill level of your engine company as a whole.

 This course describes and examines 16 qualities effective incident commanders should possess. These principles apply no only to managment of wildland and structural fires, but to every aspect of good fire service management. Students will learn to apply these 16 qualities by using the L.E.C.E. and L.O.D.A.N.C.E acronymns to prevent fireground and firehouse mistakes.

One of the most important responsibilities a chief officer has is ensuring their personnel are properly trained for any type of emergency they may be faced with. Because of reduced staffing and budgets, a chief officer cannot rely on the administrative training division staff to be able to provide all of the necessary training for their personnel. Thus, it is critical for a chief officer to find the time to provide quality training to their company officers and their personnel, while being creative and thorough in the process.This course provides chief officers with sound drill topics to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of their training.

 First responders will be faced with myriad challenges when responding to IED/HME incidents. August Vernon discusses how to identify IEDs and HMEs and their principle hazards, as well as how to guard against intitial and secondary attacks. This course provides the first responder with the means to respond, identify, safeguard and mitigate IED/HME incidents.

Computer simulations can help incident commanders to make life-and-death decisions rapidly on the fireground, regardless of real-world experience.

Teaching personnel to maintain their situational awareness will give them a better chance of avoiding disorientation at a fire, a risk factor that can lead to firefighter fatalities. Realistic, challenging, scenario-based training is key. This course will discuss the link between situational awareness and disorientation.