Back in the Saddle

This cycle was a little different for me than the usual. Day one I rode the engine most of the day then switched to the ARFF crew due to the Haz Mat call on I-81. Middle day I rode the Engine the whole day, first twelve as officer and second half as driver. Third day, today, I split the day on the ambulance riding the first twelve and riding on ARFF the second half.

But that is just the explanation of where I was riding and when. The interesting part is coming up.

Last day on the engine we ran a code (cardiac arrest) and unfortunately the patient did not have a positive outcome. This being the first code I had run in about a year. That was one of two or three calls we ran. I hadn't even been in the hospital in probably over a year.

Then today on the medic unit we had another code. But this one did have a positive outcome and when we left the hospital the patient was on the way to the cath lab.

It is always fun getting some time on the engine, or medic truck for that matter. Of course most of my coworkers reading this out there probably think I must be crazy to say that I enjoyed the medic truck. I actually took a patient in the back. It was a BLS call so I said what the hell. The last time I took a patient in the back of an ambulance was years ago. It is hard to keep your skills up. You would think I would check myself for a pulse most days I am on ARFF. Ha.

Now that I have been re acquainted with the EMS side of things, I sure could go for a fire. The last fire I was in was an apartment fire at Ferncliff Apartments. That was over two years ago. Throw me a freakin bone.

I guess the good news is that I will be paroled soon when my two years is up on the ARFF crew. Yeah I know wish in one hand...but I am optimistic.

Across the pond

I have often wondered why the International Association of Fire Fighters isn't completely international. Actually to my knowledge the IAFF encompasses the United States and Canada, there being a visible difference in the two divisions. If the IAFF is for the U.S. and Canada then who looks after the best interests of the other paid firefighters around the World. Today that question was answered in part.

The IAFF has been in talks with other Fire Unions about a Global Alliance. I don't think there will be any mergers or take-overs, rather a United Nations for the Fire Service. The other Unions in the talks are the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Association (NZPFA), and the United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFUA).

Are there other Unions of the sort out there? If you know, let me know.

Random Fire Video

This is hilarious. The video was apparently filmed in 1976. It is in German, so I cannot understand it, other than the chorus having something to do with calling the firefighters, or that they are the firefighters. Anyways, it is hilarious I thought. I wonder if this was a legitimate fire prevention video or a spoof or what.

Tractor Trailer Fire

Tanker Fire 2
Originally uploaded by firefleitz.

Here is a picture of the tractor trailer fire on Interstate 81 yesterday. The picture was taken by FF Travis Collins who responded with Roanoke City's Hazardous Materials Team. The fire was in Roanoke County on I81 Northbound between I581 and Hollins.

Local 995 Member Bernard E. Emerson Passes Away

From the IAFF:

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Lieutenant Bernard E. Emerson, Jr. of IAFF Local 995 - Richmond, Virginia. Brother Emerson, 44, died on Thursday, July 27, 2006 of cancer. The visitation will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, July 30, 2006 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee Davis Road, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111, (804) 746-8665. The funeral will be held on Monday, July 31, 2006 at 12 noon at the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1603 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23220.

I signed up for the IAFF LODD email list (you have to have an IAFF number to sign up for it) at the beginning of this year. It has amazed me at how many firefighters die of cancer. The thing is that the LODD list is only the ones that are considered a "Line of Duty Death". I hear of many others through Firehouse.com, and individual websites.

In researching the history of the Roanoke Firefighters, I can tell you that Roanoke has lost its fair share of firefighters to cancer. Luckily for the firefighters of today we have Presumptive Laws for Cancer, Lung Disease, Heart Disease, and Infectious Diseases due to our increased chances of suffering from these ailments. Unfortunately for us, and everyone else, there isn't a cure for Cancer.

A Tractor trailer catches fire on I-81

A truck carrying a chemical called Sodium Hydrosulfite is burning on I-81 tonight. The fire is causing a backup for miles as both Northbound lanes are shut down. The Roanoke City Haz Mat crew is on scene with Roanoke County units. The firefighters are having a problem putting the fire out because Sodium Hydrosulfite reacts to water.

Links

WSLS coverage
WDBJ coverage

What happens when the kittens escape their box

This article is a must read for Firefighters and Officers. Just read it and follow the link to the rest of the article. Or follow this link and read the whole thing on the FireRescue.com.

By Chase N. Sargent

Company Officer Development: Kitty Litter

What happens when the kittens escape their box

"Morale is one of the most elusive concepts a leader has to deal with, and it is one that can easily lead a leader astray. It is usually mixed up with the debate as to the better way to run a company … as a 'taut ship' or as a 'happy ship.' My experience and observation tell me that a taut ship, with high standards, fairly administered, is always the happiest."
— Louis B. Lundborg

"A commander must train his subordinate commanders, and his own staff, to work on a set of verbal orders. Those who cannot be trusted to act on clear and concise verbal orders, but want everything in writing, are useless."
— Viscount Montgomery of Alamein

The story you are about to read describes an incident in which company officers from my department failed to "keep the kittens in the box." What does that mean? Keeping the kittens in the box takes many forms. First, it’s about making sure people understand what’s acceptable and what isn’t acceptable as a supervisor. Second, it’s about understanding, and maybe even agreeing with someone’s position, but being wise enough in the ways and protocols of the organization to stop your subordinates from hurting themselves. Finally, it’s about using a mistake as a learning tool. The company officers involved in this story failed to do these things, and as a result, cost one firefighter his acting assignment, created discontent among members of the organization, raised questions without answers and created a gap between the ranks. There are lots of lessons to learn here, so pay attention, young Jedi.

First, let me acknowledge that I don’t know every detail of the event, because it involved a personnel issue that occurred just as I was retiring. But in talking to many of the parties involved, I’ve pieced together enough information to determine that company officers failed to keep the kittens in the box on more than one occasion — and the cascading effects ultimately cost someone their job. (Note: I’ve changed the names of those involved to protect both the innocent and the guilty.)

GOING AWOL
Our story begins with the annual EMT recertification process. As the department had done for almost 18 years, it issued notices through the chain of command and directly to individual firefighters about the required EMT two-day refresher course. As fate would have it, five of our intrepid members did not show up for the training. In essence, they were not at their assigned work location when they were supposed to be, and were, for all intents and purposes, absent without leave (AWOL). One of the requirements of the job: Show up at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform. It’s really not that hard. (Read the rest of the article)

Link Dump 4

This blog tops the Roanoke Times Community Blog Roll
Roanoke gets its own Craigslist
Pearl home escape ladder wins Fire Safety Award winner
More 9/11 victims - responders fall prey to lung diseases after working at Ground Zero
Davidson County North Carolina gets new uniforms - bright flourescent yellow shirts
Definitions clash in annual LODD reports by NFPA, USFA
5000' of 3" fire hose for sale $50
More fire crews needed to battle California wildfires
National Interagency Fire Center

Apparatus Innovations - Feuerwehr

Here is a tour of a Rescue Company in Denmark I believe. One common feature among fire apparatus outside of the U.S. is that most everything is inside of roll up doors including the pump. While more and more American apparatus is being built with roll up doors instead of regular ones, the pump has held out as a mainstay decoration on the outside of the rig. Only occasionally do I see a picture of an engine or quint with the pump housed behind a roll up door. Thanks to Feuerwehr Weblog for the video.

Firefighter oral board questions

Thanks to Firefighters Blog for this link. The Don McNea Fire School's website offers an in depth look at oral board questions for firefighters. I remember some of these questions from different interview processes including Roanoke's. I also remember some of these questions from the promotional process interview. Take a minute to look through the website and see what types of questions there are.

The website claims that there are only about 30 questions which might be asked several different ways. Basically you have to dissect the question down to the main point and view what exactly they are asking you. Otherwise you might get trapped by answering the question wrong.

You can view the website here. I think it is worth your time whether you are an aspiring firefighter or a firefighter seeking promotion.

Marci Stone Leaves Roanoke Fire-EMS

Captain Marci Stone has decided to leave the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department after 9 years. Marci was hired on April 21, 1997 and was the first woman to attain the rank of Captain in the department. Marci and other female firefighters in Roanoke recently had a newspaper article written about them. The article received State and National attention and was featured on Firehouse.com. The article can be viewed here. Marci just recently returned to work from maternity leave with her first child. Marci is married to Todd Stone, also a Captain with the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department.

Marci was the acting Battalion Chief of Training prior to going on maternity leave. When she returned she was assigned to the ARFF crew at Station #10 on A-Shift. Her last day is tomorrow.

We wish Marci the best in her new position as the Emergency Medical Coordinator with Lewis Gale Hospital.

The number of female firefighters in Roanoke City are now down to 7 as Marci makes the 5th woman to leave the department in the past 5 years.

Roanoke Fire Department - Badges

Did you know that firefighters badges used to be numbered? That is right, Chief W.M. Mullins sent a bulletin to all the Captains on April 4th, 1930 explaining the new program of numbering all the firefighters badges.

The bulletin read:

Roanoke, Va.
April 4th. 1930

Bulletin to Captains:

We are to-day providing each member of the Department with a badge, numbers to begin with 15, The number has nothing to do with seniority or length of service but is a means of recognition at fires and other places.

Captains and Engineers whose badges are not numbered, when entering a place where the badge must be shown will state that he is a Fire Dept. Captain or Engineer of the Company to which he belongs.

Members must not loan or borrow badges, and in the event a badge is lost, it must be reported to this office immediately, violators of this ruling will be subject to heavy punishment, since the City has furnished these badges for the best interest of the Department, the members should show their appreciation by properly using them.

Yours truly,
W.M. Mullins (signed)
Chief Fire Department.

I am not sure of the date in which we stopped numbering our badges. Currently everyone's badges look the same.

Explosion at Roanoke Industrial Center

Late last night around midnight there was an explosion and subsequent fire at the Roanoke Industrial Center in Southeast Roanoke. The Roanoke Times has a short article online.

The explosion and fire occurred at the Virginia Distillery Recovery Center according to WSLS. They have a short article online as well. The fire was knocked down quickly and the Haz Mat crews are working on it now.

The Transportation Museum Saga Continues

You know all this mess with the Transportation Museum and the roof flying off in the storm the other day? Well here is the deal. I have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting for a freaking year to get into the museum and see the pictures that they have of Roanoke Firefighting. Meanwhile as I waited, I was able to speak with the guy who was working on the vehicles at the museum and get some pictures of the old Cadillac ARFF vehicle they have. However that wasn't any help with the photos and he doesn't work there anymore. Then after so many months of waiting for that phone call I stopped back by. The guy at the front desk remembered me, but the lady who was in charge (of what I do not know) was new. So I told her my story and that I wanted to see the pictures. She explained to me that it would take a couple of weeks to get to them, but that she would call. No phone call ever happened. Imagine that. Fast forward a couple of months to about two months ago. I placed a phone call again to speak to someone about the pictures. This time on the phone I was told that everyone was new, so I told the story again...yada yada yada. Nothing. So last week I stopped in to see about the pictures and the titles. Guess what? Everyone was out, except for the guy at the front desk who still remembers me...by name. The bonus news was that the museum just hired an archivist. This is great news for me, someone who can help me with the pictures. Then guess what. The freaking roof blows off, and the museum closes for a while, and the deadline for the book gets closer and closer, and now they found asbestos on the roof, so they will have to clean that up, and I probably will not get my hands on the photos. But wait, it gets better. Now there is a huge investigation going on in regards to the Museum Director Bob Dills and his use of funds. You can see a video of the ordeal on WDBJ 7.

I know that these guys are busy at the museum. They are probably underpaid and overworked. The thing about it is that all the pictures at the museum that are fire related belong to someone else. Several firefighters, mostly retired, let the museum borrow them for their exhibit that they still have up. The museum used the pictures they wanted and stored the rest.

So the book will move forward without the pictures which are being held at the Museum.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Storms Cause Damage in Roanoke

Heavy storms ravaged parts of Roanoke today. The Virginia Museum of Transportation lost part of its roof during the storm. The debris from the roof fell right next to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial which is located in front of the museum. Click here for a picture of Ladder 7's crew.

The Roanoke Times: Weather Journal:

It was probably a wet microburst that caused high winds in downtown Roanoke that caused extensive roof damage to the Virginia Museum of Transportation, meteorologist Jan Jackson at the National Weather Service in Blacksburg said.

Observing from the Roanoke Times pedestrian bridge over Second Street, I would estimate the winds as gusting to as high as 65 mph, not an uncommonly high speed in a microburst. The bridge was shaking in the wind. There was also some small hail. (Read More)

Technorati tags: Roanoke, wet microburst

Arlington County Fire Department Video

Here is another video, this time from Arlington County Fire Department via the Firefighter Blog.

Aerial Ladder on Firetruck built too small

Picture of article as seen on NBC

Apparently when this truck was designed, they accidentally made a huge mistake. I find it hard to believe that this actually happened. However, it was in the newspaper. You judge for yourself. This clip is from the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I still have yet to find any truth to this article, if you have anything like the newspaper it came from please let me know.

"Town Angered by Ladder Swap" "Fire engine ladder is 7.5 feet, not 75 feet as originally promised."

Carbon Monoxide - What you need to know - From Roanoke Fire-EMS

Roanoke Fire-EMS and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to help you keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. Many homes have common sources of carbon monoxide
including:

malfunctioning furnaces
water heaters
ovens
stoves
gas-fired dryers
clogged chimneys
corroded flue pipes
un-vented supplemental heaters

Below is a list of frequently asked questions:
1. What is carbon monoxide (CO) and how is it produced in the home? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquified petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal, or wood may produce CO. Burning charcoal produces CO. Running cars produce CO. How many people are unintentionally poisoned by CO? Every year, over 200 people in the United States die from CO produced by fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters). Others die from CO produced while burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent. Still others die from CO produced by cars left running in attached garages. Several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment for CO poisoning.

2. What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include: Headache Fatigue Shortness of breath Nausea Dizziness Many people with CO poisoning mistake their symptoms for the flu or are misdiagnosed by physicians, which sometimes results in tragic deaths.

3. What should you do to prevent CO poisoning?
Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals. Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections. Install a CO detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard. A carbon monoxide detector/alarm can provide added protection, but is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO. Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the detector cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies. Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent. Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent. Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open. Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools. Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning appliances. Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home. Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors or windows or in any room where people are sleeping. Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors. If use is unavoidable, ensure that adequate ventilation is available and whenever possible place engine unit to exhaust outdoors.

4. What CO level is dangerous to your health?
The health effects of CO depend on the level of CO and length of exposure, as well as each individual's health condition. The concentration of CO is measured in parts per million (ppm). Health effects from exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm are uncertain, but most people will not experience any symptoms. Some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms may become more noticeable (headache, fatigue, nausea). As CO levels increase above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.

5. What should you do if you are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning? If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave the house. Call your fire department and report your symptoms. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning when you are operating fuel-burning appliances. Before turning your fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure a qualified serviceperson checks them for malfunction.

6. What has changed in CO detectors/alarms recently?
CO detectors/alarms always have been and still are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of CO are reached. The UL standard 2034 (1998 revision) has stricter requirements that the detector/alarm must meet before it can sound. As a result, the possibility of nuisance alarms is decreased.

7. How should I install a CO Alarm?
CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. CPSC recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall because CO from any source will be well-mixed with the air in the house. Make sure furniture or draperies cannot cover up the alarm.

8. What should you do when the CO detector/alarm sounds?
Never ignore an alarming CO detector/alarm. If the detector/alarm
sounds: Operate the reset button. Call your emergency services (fire department or 911). Immediately move to fresh air -- outdoors or by an open door/window.

9. How should a consumer test a CO detector/alarm to make sure it is working? Consumers should follow the manufacturer's instructions. Using a test button, some detectors/alarms test whether the circuitry as well as the sensor which senses CO is working, while the test button on other detectors only tests whether the circuitry is working. For those units which test the circuitry only, some manufacturers sell separate test kits to help the consumer test the CO sensor inside the alarm.

10. What is the role of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) in preventing CO poisoning?
CPSC worked closely with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to help develop the safety standard (UL 2034) for CO detectors/alarms. CPSC helps promote carbon monoxide safety awareness to raise awareness of CO hazards and the need for regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances. CPSC recommends that every home have a CO detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the most recent UL standard 2034 or the IAS 6-96 standard in the hallway near every separate sleeping area. CPSC also works with industry to develop voluntary and mandatory standards for fuel-burning appliances.

11. Do some cities require that CO detectors/alarms be installed? On September 15, 1993, Chicago, Illinois became one of the first cities in the nation to adopt an ordinance requiring, effective October 1, 1994, the installation of CO detectors/alarms in all new single-family homes and in existing single-family residences that have new oil or gas furnaces. Several other cities also require CO detectors/alarms in apartment buildings and single-family dwellings.

12. Should CO detectors/alarms be used in motor homes and other recreational vehicles? CO detectors/alarms are available for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires CO detectors/alarms in motor homes and in towable recreational vehicles that have a generator or are prepped for a generator.

Roanoke Fire-EMS encourages all Roanoke residents to practice fire safety steps every day. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility and fire prevention precautions DO make a difference! The Fire Prevention Division of the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department offers fireplace safety and/ or home fire safety inspections at no cost. Citizens can call 853-2795 to set up an appointment. Citizens in need can also receive a smoke detector at no cost from Roanoke Fire-EMS Administration, 541 Luck Avenue, Suite 120, Roanoke, VA 24016 or call 853-2327. Visit our website at www.roanokegov.com/fire-ems.

Powered Parachutes

A while back, while I was on vacation in Charleston, I asked the readers to provide me subjects they wanted to hear about. I got one response. I will finally make good on it and provide you with as much information as I could find in about 15 minutes on...wait for it...Powered Parachutes. That is right. You all asked, so I will deliver. You can probably imagine who asked. I only know of two powered parachute pilots in the department, Jerry Franks and John Dubose.

Powered Parachutes -

You could start here, for general information and probably the second best domain name. The best domain name for this topic being poweredparachute.com (no link to save you time) is not online, apparently someone is missing out on a very marketable domain name. Buckeye Aviation is a decent site and I believe that is where Jerry and John bought there chutes. Of course you can always rely on the good ole Wikipedia for online information. The wikipedia has plenty of information on Powered Parachutes aka paraplane:

On 1 October 1964, Jalbert applied for patent for his new "Multi-Cell Wing" named "Parafoil", which was a new parachute design. His ideas finally were registered as US-patent 3,285,546 on 11.15.1966. However a first motorized version by Nicolaides had already flown in 1964.

Finally in March 1981, the P-1 was created by Steve Snyder, Adrian Vandenberg and Daniel Thompson. The flight lasted 25-30 seconds and the paraglider suffered from torque problems. It took 2 years for them to fix these problems, and in 1983 they formed the ParaPlane corporation to produce first commercial paragliders.

In 2004 Don Shaw mounted a standard motor scooter with a parafoil and propeller. The combination can both fly and continue to drive on the road as a ground vehicle. A conversion kit is now commercially available.

This is where it gets interesting though. Some of you might not realize the Jerry Franks started a blog. Jerry's blog Tree Top Flyers of VA has been online for several months now. I have offered him some assistance in his design, and will be helping him soon. But hey, everyone has to start somewhere. I remember when I began this blog I didn't have a clue.

Jerry has incorporated pictures of his new baby. Congratulations to you and your wife on your new arrival.

"Jerry, you sure this thing can handle me?"
"Well John, there is only one sure way to find out!"

"Bad Speed" as seen on the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue - Blog

This is a well written story by Jose A. Nochea on the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Blog. It isn't every day that we get to see the perspective of another firefighters feelings and experiences written after the incident.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue - Blog:

Rescue 37, Engine 37 respond on a 29 Delta - 4, vehicle versus house and light pole, person trapped. As I made my way into the truck, I had a bad feeling about this one for some reason, and as we turned East into Coral Way from SW 137 avenue, I confirmed my feelings as I could see from the cab of my Quantum engine a mangled sports car that had absorbed most of the impact from the light pole through the passenger door where a 17 Y/O boy sat badly trapped. After conducting my size-up, taking command, and requesting additional required units including TRT, I assigned R37 as medical group, and my three firefighters to set up the jaws and pull and charge the 100’ bumper jumpline. (Read More)