Emergency Response

While there is no one personality type that seems to create the “perfect” Incident Commander, there are some common characteristics that are desirable. An effective IC should: Think and act strategically.  Be objective driven.  Have strong communication skills.  Be able to delegate authority.  Facilitate a collaborative atmosphere.  Be trustworthy.  Be adaptive.  Be a multitasker.  Be…...

The REVISED 2013 standard NFPA 1981 – Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Emergency Services was officially changed in 12/2012.  Manuafctuer’s are now making SCBA’s that will meet the new NFPA requirements for Open-Circuit SCBA’s.  The new standard contains some significant chnages that will certainly aid the user of open-circuit SCBA’s.  Those changes include:…...

Last week I wrote about SCBA’s being stored and used in low temperature environments and the special instructions that many manufacturers have developed (and require) the user to follow for such use.  As usual, my article generated a lot of questions regarding SCBA’s that are intended for “emergency use”.  So I thought it would be…...

The Incident Commander is the only position in the Incident Command System that is always filled regardless of the size or complexity of an incident. The IC has the responsibility for the overall management of the incident. Whatever functions or responsibilities that are not delegated to others remain the responsibility of the IC. … Membership Required...

Have you ever worn an SCBA in temperatures below freezing?  Are any of your SCBA’s (or any SARs) stored outside in freezing temperatures? If you answered YES to either of these questions and you have never heard the phrase “Low Temperature Operation Instructions”, you may want to sit down before reading further.  You will not…...

PHMSA’s Hazardous Materials Safety Assistance Team (HMSAT) will be conducting training presentations across the country to assist those million-plus firefighters who may be missing opportunities to receive training on the Emergency Response Guidebook.  Understanding that time and money are often deciding factors when seeking new/refresher training, we are eager to host these sessions to ensure…...

Some help from OSHA on what a HAZMAT Team member’s physical exam should look like.  It has been well established for years that a HAZMAT or Fire Brigade member must undergo a more EXTENSIVE physical than the traditional respirator physical.  In this LOI, OSHA explains the difference between the two:… Membership Required You must be...

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Transport Canada (TC) publish the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), which provides valuable information to first responders during the initial phase of a dangerous goods/hazardous materials transportation incident. A new edition of this guidebook is published every four years, the most recent edition being published in 2012. There are…...

An excellent look at fire safety in nightclubs from a REAL FIRE SAFETY PRO, Ray O’Brocki of Baltimore FD!  He makes a lot of sense… COMPLIANCE with existing fire codes is KEY!… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

Not that many of you will be attending any nightclubs (LOL) but many have kids in college that go to these establishments; this video is for them.  EXCELLENT piece from NFPA!   NFPA safety tips for public assemblies:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in...

WARNING!  This video will be upsetting to most who watch it, but it is a video that MUST BE SHOWN.  When you enter any public forum, be aware of your EXITS and any over crowding.  You do not have to be a fire marshal to recognize overcrowding – go with your gut instinct!  If you…...

A couple of CRITICAL points to make: 1) Personnel are way too close, 2) POOR scene security!  Not sure of the situation, but there were at least two (2) professionals on the scene, and neither appeared to be clearing the area!; 3) this propane cylinder is the SAME ONE we have in our gas grills;…...