Tactics for Extrications Involving Advanced Steel In Cars

Many new cars are manufactured with advanced steel to increase the protection of the occupants inside of the car.  However, they pose challenges for firefighters if occupants are trapped inside.  Click on the link below to read the article on how firefighters use alternative tactics to solve this problem.

http://www.firefighternation.com/article/extrication/tactics-extrications-involving-advanced-steel

Fire Rescue Techniques

The following link is a youtube video on different techniques to drag an injured or a down firefighter out from a burning building.  Click on the link below to view the youtube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oTNoMa2XpI

"Bionic" Mask?

CNN covered a story on a "bionic" mask for firefighters.  The advancement of technology is helping firefighters in numerous ways and this is another example.  A "bionic" masks gives readings, on your oxygen level, the room temperature, and even lets you know where your fellow firefighters are.  To view this story, click on the youtube video link below.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHIynl9W3GM

Warning Signs of Suicide In Firefighters

Mental health is important to our American society and inparticular promoting suicide awareness amongst firefighters.  This story is personal to me because I lost a fellow firefighter from suicide.  Firefighter Behavior Health Alliance was created to help firefighters deal will stress, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, addiction, suicides, and anxiety.  You can view this non-profit organization on Facebook.  Click on the bottom link to view the article on how fire department chiefs can prevent suicides.

http://firechief.com/suicide/qa-how-chiefs-can-recognize-warning-signs-prevent-suicide

Awnings

Awnings are business signs that are placed in

front of a store with the store's name on it.

They are great for businesses attracting

customers and easy for firefighters to identify the name of the business if an incident occurs.  However, they are a nightmare for firefighters.  Firefighters cannot place ladders on awnings because theladders are not stable and they have to be removed if conducting an operation, which takes precious time.  Click on the youtube video link below to hear Chief John Riker of the Newark Fire Department explain more on awnings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuGs0pwe5ik

Introduction

Hello, my name is Frank Fochesato.  I am a volunteer firefighter for Engine Company #3 for four years in Nutley, New Jersey.  I created this blog for my fellow firefighters to give them information on tactics, equipment, training, and other useful information.  I hope you enjoy my blogs and please feel free to post any comments.