Category Archives: Uncategorized
Coast Knife Review
I had one of our firefighters use the Coast Knife DX330 during some extrication training. My own use of the knife was excellent in functionality. It was sharp, felt good in my hand and was durable. The only negative I would say is that the locking mechanism did not always lock the blade. This could […]
Not All Things Change
I read a lot of books. Some fire service related and others aren’t. I typically prefer historical or biographies of influential characters of our history. I also really enjoy the fire service books that share stories and experiences that are easy to relate to. Relativity is a good thing! While teaching some of my classes […]
Buddy Breathing Hose Practice
Just a quick tip for practicing with your Buddy Breathing Hose. In our classes one of the skills that we notice to be week is the ability of firefighters to manage their Buddy Breathing Hose with gloves on. Although Buddy Breathing is not in the current SCBA standard, it is in the upcoming 2013 standard. […]
Behind the Back and Thru the Legs
When we get to an advanced level of skill sets, it typically comes from past experiences and hours upon hours of training. With that training and experience also comes the ability to recognize situations that are not typical. These non-typical situations will require us, if trained appropriately, to make the best possible decision for the best possible outcome. The mantra of always use two hands to pass and catch the ball with thumbs turned down may not work or be appropriate in a certain situation because the desired outcome is not going to be achieved.
The Long Stretch and Push
When looking at this type of building we need to consider the construction type, occupancy, access and egress points and any special hazards. What are our initial resources and what should we have coming on the way? This building is four stories and is a dormartory at a college. The corridor length is 225 from stairwell to stairwell. As you look at the building in the picture, the stairwell on the right is more remote from a parking surface than the one on the left.
Jason Hoevelmann
Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal with the Sullivan Fire Protection District, a combination department, and a career firefighter/paramedic with the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District in North St. Louis County.