Training, training, training. This cannot be stressed enough. What is amazing to me is realizing how many departments don't train. It is not easy to schedule around for everyone else, but not even planning a drill? That scares me. Practice like you play. If you don't practice, what happens at game time? Will you be combat ready?
Now, training does not always have to be complex. At the root of it all, firefighting can be pretty basic. And even when you consider the complexities and specializations, those are built UP from the basics. It's a foundation. Considering the puzzle that is firefighting, the basics are the end pieces. You have to have that in place before you can build into anything else.
Today, I am going to discuss truck operations basics. Whether you are a truckie or an engine guy, these are all skills that the combat ready firefighter needs to be aware of. Understanding and being competent in these skills is important because it allows the firefighter to have a more developed situational awareness, which can result in improved safety.
Enough about that. Let's talk about the truckie's job and skills.
I got the idea for this piece from this article. First, if you click on the link, please note that the website is called firefighting BASICS. Take away the basics and what do you have? You don't have much. Can you be too prepared for a fire? I don't think so. Preparation covers your bases; hoping for the best but expecting the worst. By having equipment available, you are "combat ready." You are considering your safety and the safety of your crews. So why does Boston throw so many ladders? Because it is a basic skill that provides a safety net and can make a significant difference if that ladder is needed. I know that on RIT calls, one of the first things to consider should be ladder placement because that determines location of egress. It's funny because engine and truck guys like to get on each other's nerves sometimes, but these practices allow for the engine company is alter their operations knowing that they have that egress option in place. This article is really good, I'll just sum it up with two quick quotes before moving on: "The best RIT crew is the one you never need," and "So the bottom line is the same for everything else on the fire ground; call for the equipment, put it in place, if you don't need it you can put it away. I'd rather have it and not need it." Firefighting can be complex, but sometimes the answers are just as basic as throwing a ladder.
So lets talk about ladders. I like this because, just like anything else, you have to be familiar and comfortable with it in order to correctly utilize it in the fire ground. Now, the purpose of the ladder is pretty obvious: a tool to get from Point A to Point B. One of the most important aspects of ladders is knowing them. Train with them. Get comfortable with them. Know your limits. I have experienced this before. I am not the strongest. Ladders definitely forced me to look at this aspect. So, I recognized my weaknesses and got my ass to the gym. Another interesting aspect is that while there are some safety concerns with ladders, it's common sense that can prevent that-foot that ladder. Consider the angles you are placing the ladder at and how that can affect the base and where the tip is placed-this affects the egress techniques as well. Practices throwing ladders can be a simple drill to throw together-you just need a building. If you have a chance to go somewhere else other than your station house, go for it. But even with your station, you can practice different angles. Practicing throwing ladders is kind of like practicing the 60 second SCBA donning drill-the more you practice, the more it becomes second nature.
This article is a great resource about common tools used for truck operations and their roles. This also offers a great perspective: "The tools we live with are basically the same; its the mindset that's different." That is an excellent point. We know what tools we need to complete these tasks, but for different situations. And all of these tools can be used in different ways. How effectively and the variety of ways it can be used depends on your personal skills. It goes back to the Halligan Bar post awhile back; you can use both ends of a Halligan for forcible entry, one side just tends to get used more often than others. Training leads to improvisation opportunities. This article also offers different training suggestions. Training doesn't have to be expensive. Get some plywood. I think I might be the in the minority on this one, but one way that I learn is by taking the tools in my hand. We preplan, don't we? Why not consider the different or off the wall situations we might have to use a tool in? Improvise, overcome and adapt.
Do routine maintenance on your equipment. Make sure it is in good condition. The tool is only as good as the person using it. Make sure you know it.
These post covered a lot of different things. I hope that the articles linked offer more insight as well. The point I was trying to make here is that the basics are more important than we sometimes give them credit for, and it also plays a role in our situational awareness while on scene.
Practice like you play. Everyone go home. Stay safe!
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