Offering Classroom-Based, Hybrid And

Since 1985 • Vol. 27, No. 2 • Fall 2012

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Presented by Owned & Produced by APRIL 22–27, 2013 FDIC.com Indiana Convention Center Lucas Oil Stadium | Indianapolis, IN CONTENTS

Hazmat Command and Control 38 Is Your Department Ready John Bierling for a Hazmat Incident? 7 Responding to the Call... Glenn Clapp For Change 40 The Round Rubber Hazmat — Glenn L. Hamm, II Tire Fires 10 Educating Tomorrow’s David Greene Offi cer — The Promised Land 46 Christopher M. Haley Hazmat Teams from Across North Carolina Compete at Riding the Roller Coaster 47 Annual Hazmat Challenge 14 Joe Palmer Glenn Clapp Returning to the Foundations: Fire Alarm Systems 58 Volunteer Department Mike Coffey Can There Be Too Much Training? 16 Extrication Education Ron Cheves Heavy Vehicle Rescue 24 David Pease Features STRUCTURAL TOWER MANAGEMENT 42 The Abilene Paradox 18 EMS 2012 Jonah Smith Rehab and Medical Monitoring ... Are We Rescue A-Z The Station House Pipes and Drums of the Doing It Right? 29 Structural Tower Management 42 Construction Prices and Fire Service: By the Center, Franklin H. Russell and Adam Snyder Public Safety Facilities 52 Quick March 20 Keith Armfi eld Ken Newell Adam Snyder The Homefront Design Build Approach for What a Difference a Opinion Forum Thinking About Starting Facility Renovation and Minute Can Make 22 The ‘Cycle of Mediocrity’ A Business? 48 Construction 54 Douglas Cline Its Destructive Effect on Angel Marvin Jeff Barnes and John Kelley Firefi ghters Attend ‘Know Emergency Services 35 Brotherhood — Baptized Fire Station Construction Your Smoke’ Training 25 Lee Sudia in Fire 49 on a Limited Budget 55 Terri Byers Willie Wimmer Fire Pre-Planning Joe Starnes and Perry Davis 2012 S.C. Firefi ghters Lessons Learned as the Electronic Pre-Plans and Challenge: The Toughest 3 Signifi cant Other of a Firefi ghter 50 All About Trucks Emergency Preparedness Minutes in Sports Today 28 Dedra Cline for Schools 36 Your Final Inspection 59 Mike Coffey Dennis Amodio Willie Wimmer Common Sense Supervision 33 Health and Fitness Economics Should not Dave Murphy Tools of the Trade The Importance of EKG Dictate Safety of Your What are Your Options in Make Smart Purchases Monitored Graded Exercise Equipment 63 These Tough Times? 34 to Fit Your Budget 41 Stress Testing 51 Willie Wimmer Mark D. Reese David Pease Charles F. Turner, R.N. Fire Station Profi le Thomasville Fire Dept. 60 Chief Martin S. Dailey

Ask Ernie 62 Answered by Tony Bulygo, EVT Techtalk

Industry News 56

Family Fun 64

New Deliveries 68

Advertiser Index 70

SCRAP AND SHREDDED TIRE FIRES 10 you gotta know what they're breathing, before they ever take a breath.

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Staff Publisher R.B. Knight from the editor [email protected] Editor Sherry Brooks [email protected] Many of you had Assistant Editor Gwen Shuford poignant comments on gwen.shuford@carolinafi rejournal.com our summer cover “The Brotherhood,” and we en- Associate Editor Stephen Murphy stephen.murphy@carolinafi rejournal.com joyed hearing the different stories. In this issue, Graphic Designer Stacy Anton Moore Sherry Brooks Willie Wimmer shares his advertising@carolinafi rejournal.com thoughts on the subject Advertising Department with his article, “Brotherhood — Baptized in Dick Murphy, Kim Thomas Fire.” Business Manager Lisa Homesley All of us enjoyed meeting those of you [email protected] who visited our booth at the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo in August. The Expo gets Editorial Board bigger and better every year. I think every- Anthony Bulygo one would agree that the North Carolina Jason Lowrance was the lucky winner of our pedal EVT TechTalk State Firefi ghters Association makes this fi re truck giveaway at the South Atlantic Fire Res- Ron Cheves event special for attendees and vendors. cue Expo in Raleigh. He is with the Claremont Fire Retired Chief - Idlewild VFD This issue’s focus is hazmat. Glenn Clapp Department. Dan Cimini asks a good question: Is your department Retired Assistant Chief - Myrtle Beach FD ready for a hazmat incident? His article on “Rehab and Medical Monitoring.” They walks you step-by-step through prepar- give ideas and solutions for setting up your Glenn Clapp ing your team for that incident you hope rehab station site and how elaborate it NC HazMat Association will never happen. David Greene fi ghts the needs to be. Mike Coffey “round rubber hazmat” in his article on tire Dennis Amodio fi nishes his three-part Training Offi cer - High Point FD fi res. series on fi re pre-planning by discussing Ken Farmer We’re excited to introduce a new section: “Emergency Preparedness for Schools.” Do Section Chief National Firefi ghter Academy The Homefront, created by assistant editor the schools in your area need a more rigor- David Greene Gwen Shuford. In this section, girlfriends, ous plan? What are the benefi ts and costs? Chief, Colleton County children, etc. will share their experiences in How do you convince them to adopt elec- Ed Henry the day-to-day life of a fi refi ghter family. With tronic pre-planning? Charleston Fire Department this issue, Dedra Cline gives us her “lessons We all enjoyed the melancholy music at learned” as the signifi cant other of a fi re- the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo, and Dave Murphy fi ghter. Join Dedra each issue as she relates Adam Snyder gives us a history lesson on UNCC-Instructor her personal experiences as a girlfriend and the pipe and drum bands and how they Ken Newell then wife of a chief fi refi ghter. We welcome fi rst connected with fi re departments. Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects your thoughts and ideas of other articles Take a look at our Family Fun section, Joe Palmer you’d like to see in this section. If you would pages 64-65, for discounts on travel and Director SC State Firefi ghters Association like to contribute, please contact Gwen at camping. Amar Patel gwen.shuford@carolinafi rejournal.com. Our mission is to give you training and WakeMed Health’s Hospitals Ron Cheves asks if we are losing volun- ideas through our articles and special sec- David Pease teer fi refi ghters due to the amount of train- tions, and to give you the products and R.E.D.S. ing demanded. Is this something you’re ex- services you need through qualifi ed and periencing in your department? carefully selected advertisers. All feedback Dale Wade Franklin Russell and Keith Armfi eld write is welcome. Let us hear from you. Retired USFS Fire Research Project Leader Willie Wimmer the QUALITY of your equipment Firefi ghter/OBX Fire Tech Owner determines the SAFETY of your firemen. Contributing Photographers Terri Byers, Glenn Clapp, David Greene, The EVOLUTION Family of TIC’s 5200HD, 5200, 5600 and 5800 Franklin Russell, Adam Snyder, Joe Starnes, The most successful, durable and fi refi ghter friendly camera. Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects, Thomasville Fire Dept. Station #2

www.facebook.com/ www.twitter.com/ carolinafi rejournal carolinafi re 5200 5600 5200HD Published by Knight Communications, Inc. 5800 10150 Mallard Creek Rd. • Suite 201 Charlotte, North Carolina 28262 866-761-1247 | 704-568-7804 Vol. 27.2 • FALL 2012 Since 1985 TOUGHEST OF ALL! Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal MSA’s ALTAIR® 4X provides information and product/service advertisements for the Multigas general interest of our readership. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and content. Editorial opinions and products advertised do Detector not refl ect the views and opinions of the publisher. ©2012 1-800-672-5918 www.newtonsÀ re.com ON THE COVER: Photo courtesy Barry McRory, 2724 Swepsonville-Saxapahaw Rd. • Swepsonville, NC 27359 info@newtonsÀ re.com Colleton Fire and Rescue. Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 7 SIXTY ONE DELTA ONE When possibilities become realities: Is your department ready for a hazmat incident?

By Glenn Clapp CHMM, CFPS

Many emergency responders responders as a prerequisite for grant funding streams and proac- materials operations plus, the fensive actions in the “hot zone,” believe that a large-scale hazard- certifi cation as a fi refi ghter. Just tive thinking, many fi re depart- certifi cation is awarded by the such as plugging, patching, or ous materials incident (or even a what does such a level of train- ments that operate at the opera- employer and allows an opera- otherwise controlling leaks and hazmat incident of any sizeable ing allow us to do? In a nutshell, tions level of hazmat response tions level responder that has releases. The progression from nature) will never occur in their personnel trained to the opera- now have single sensor or even received the training outlined operations level responder to jurisdiction. For those person- tions level of hazmat certifi cation four-gas air monitors to assist in in 13 North Carolina Adminis- hazmat technician is the largest nel that do not have an inter- as stipulated in the 2008 Edition the detection of such atmospher- trative Code 07F .0103 to plug, jump in knowledge, competen- est in becoming a “glow bug” of NFPA 472 can perform defen- ic contaminants. Departments patch, or otherwise mitigate a cies and capabilities in the entire (otherwise known as a member sive actions such as damming conducting air monitoring of leak emanating from a fuel tank spectrum of hazmat certifi cation. of a hazmat team), this thought and diking ahead of the actual the aforementioned type should of a hydrocarbon fuel that pow- In North Carolina, certifi cation is often a strong hope that such product so that the responder is — at a minimum — ensure that ers the vehicle the tank is affi xed as a hazmat technician requires an incident will never occur on not exposed to the product and personnel are adequately trained to. This level of certifi cation arose the applicant to be certifi ed to their watch and in their territory. remains outside of the “hot zone.” in the use of the appropriate air from the realization that techni- the operations level, have suc- As emergency responders, how- Operations level responders can monitoring equipment and the cian level hazmat teams were cessfully completed a prescribed ever, we should be introspective also perform the usual actions personal protective equipment often being dispatched to fuel hazmat technician class, have suc- by asking ourselves if our depart- of identifying the product with that is utilized. An even bet- leaks that could be safely and cessfully completed a chemistry ment is truly ready for the signifi - the use of the DOT Emergency ter approach is to train person- successfully controlled by opera- of hazardous materials class, have cant hazmat incident that often Response Guidebook, shipping nel that will be performing air tions level personnel who have completed 12 hours of incident looms just over the horizon. papers, or other information; and monitoring to the Air Monitoring received the aforementioned ad- command system training, be a applying sound protective action and Sampling Operations Level ditional training. member of a hazmat team, and Hazmat Training measures for the public. Mission Specifi c Competency to participate in a medical monitor- While such a defi nition may ensure an adequate level of famil- ing program. Let us fi rst take a look at seem cut and dried, there have iarity with the performance of air Hazmat Technician hazmat training, namely what been several “gray areas” that monitoring functions. In terms of training, we now level of training is needed and have cropped up in the recent In North Carolina, a level of come to what we hazmat afi - Hazmat Readiness what recurrent or refresher past. One such gray area is that certifi cation exists that bridges cionados regard as the truly We next need to examine one training is required. In my home of air monitoring at the scenes of a specifi c gap between the op- “fun” arena of hazmat training of the most important facets of state of North Carolina, fi re ser- natural and LP gas leaks, as well erations and technician levels of — hazmat technician. Technician hazmat training, which is the vice personnel are required to as at suspected carbon monox- emergency responder hazmat level certifi cation allows emer- be certifi ed as operations level ide exposures. Thanks to various certifi cation. Termed hazardous gency responders to perform of- See ARE YOU READY? page 8

What happens when there’s the design, and made the nothing else you can put on whole thing seriously tough with the body of your apparatus 36,000 psi galvanized steel. The to make it stronger? You look we added thick rubber isolation underneath it. Case in point: the blocks, spring-loaded supports GS-36 Substructure. and a dissimilar-metal isolating We started with the idea of polypropylene material to create isolating the body from the the ultimate substructure. The frame to prevent undue stress, end result? A tougher, longer- incorporated the tank cradle lasting apparatus. and ultra strong tow eye into This is how we build respect.

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Are You Ready? In a practical sense, the OSHA cause we have knowledge of the as many EMAs have conducted osition, not only in the direct pur- requirements for refresher train- fi re protection systems, building commodity fl ow studies pin- chase price but also in terms of Cont’d from page 7 ing do not specify a particular construction features and hazards pointing major hazmat transpor- the costs of equipment sustain- duration for the training to span, of the structure. tation routes and giving respond- ment (such as meter sensors, cali- need for recurrent or refresher but more importantly specify Pre-planning for a hazmat re- ers a snapshot of the materials bration gas, replacement reagents training. The ability of a depart- that emergency responders are sponse is just as imperative. As transported. In terms of the trans- in classifi cation kits, etc.). These ment to competently respond required to receive hazmat re- competent hazmat responders, portation of hazardous materi- purchase and recurring costs are to a hazmat incident is directly fresher training on an annual we should regularly and with related to the adequate provision als by rail, emergency response especially weighty during these basis to their highest level of proper permission enter such fa- or lack thereof of such training. agencies can contact the railroad tough economic times that have certifi cation and that the train- cilities for the purposes of famil- In my home state of North or railroads within their jurisdic- been compounded by dwindling ing content is relevant to the iarizing ourselves with the “en- Carolina, emergency respond- tion for such information. grant funds, forcing us to “choose response actions conducted. In emy” — the hazards posed by the ers no longer are required to In the case of both fi xed facil- wisely” in terms of equipment North Carolina, most annual op- hazardous materials in particular recertify their hazardous materi- ity and transportation pre-plan- purchases. erations level refresher training and the structure in general. ning, additional benefi ts are real- Methods by which we can als certifi cations on a recurring is eight hours in length as an “in- ized in addition to information maintain our operational readi- basis through the Offi ce of the dustry standard” and many AHJ’s Pre-Planning regarding the hazardous materi- ness in the equipment arena in- State Fire Marshal. In lieu of such set the requirement for techni- As mentioned above, an addi- als themselves. One such benefi t clude partnering or developing recertifi cation at the state level, cian level recurrent training at 24 tional area in which we can con- is the development of a relation- relationships with other nearby emergency responders now are hours per year. duct pre-planning efforts focuses required to meet the recurrent Another key element in de- ship with facility representatives hazmat teams that may possess on our transportation corridors. hazmat training requirements set termining the readiness of our prior to the occurrence of an specialized equipment items, by their authority having juris- department in terms of hazard- It behooves us to familiarize incident. It is far better to be- developing a knowledge of the diction (AHJ). Additional recur- ous materials response is a sound ourselves with the types of haz- come acquainted and develop an equipment that private sector rent training requirements are program of pre-planning our ardous materials that are being understanding of the capabilities facilities may have on hand for detailed in OSHA’s Hazardous hazardous materials fi xed facili- transported through our jurisdic- of facility personnel in a low- incidents at their facility, and by Waste Operations and Emer- ties and transportation routes. As tion, the amounts transported, stress environment so that when utilizing sound resource man- gency Response (HAZWOPER) fi refi ghters, we spend (or should and the routes such shipments an incident occurs, you can “put agement processes by knowing Standard as promulgated in 29 spend) a considerable amount traverse — highway, rail, etc. You names with the faces” and com- what is present in surrounding CFR 1910.120. As specifi ed in 29 of our time “out in the territo- may then ask “How in the world municate effectively with facility areas in both public and private CFR 1910.120 (q); emergency ry” getting acquainted with the do we conduct a pre-plan on a personnel. Another benefi t is the sector equipment caches for pos- responders shall “receive annual structures in our response area. transportation artery?” ability to apply the knowledge sible use. refresher training of suffi cient By devoting a portion of our The answer is not as compli- gained in practical areas. Historically, facilities that pos- content and duration to maintain time prior to the occurrence of cated as one would think. Your For instance, if we know sess or utilize chemicals that their competencies, or shall dem- a structure fi re to such pursuits, local Emergency Management the nature of the major hazard- present specifi c hazards have onstrate competency in those we can more effectively combat Agency (EMA) can be an excel- ous threats in our jurisdiction, sometimes eased the burden on areas at least yearly.” a fi re when the alarm sounds be- lent source for such information, we can generate informational local responders by either pur- packets on each major threat de- chasing or assisting with the pur- noting the physical and chemi- chase of specialized equipment. cal properties of the products, We can now come “full circle” the type of personal protective in our discussion by relating back equipment (PPE) needed and the to the comments on pre-plan- compatibility of same; and other ning. If we know the hazards pre- response considerations in a pro- sented by the chemicals present active manner prior to the occur- in or being transported through rence of an incident. our jurisdictions, we can then tailor our specialized hazmat re- Equipment sponse equipment to the threats The readiness of a response presented. We know that if we agency in regard to hazardous have a railroad traversing our materials response capabili- jurisdiction that transports chlo- ties also greatly hinges on the rine, our technician level hazmat equipment the agency has or team should have and be able to has access to. As many hazardous competently use a Chlorine C-Kit, materials responders know, the or if we have DOT 407 highway acquisition of hazmat response tank trailers prevalent in our equipment is an expensive prop- jurisdictions with a high rate of roll-overs, we should possess a product recovery valve. With the aforementioned being said, how about facilities that may have specialized fi ttings in their process lines or similar “challenges” that may be presented to us? Pre-planning and the development of relationships with these facilities are also imperative in this area. A successful example of the above that I have encountered was during a site visit to a facility utilizing anhy- drous ammonia, in which local response personnel noticed the use of a specialized wrench for process line valves and fi ttings. All it took was the mere mention by response personnel that such specialized wrenches would be useful on the hazmat unit, and facility personnel then promptly SAFE provided a couple of the wrenches for departmental use. The technique of applying pre- INDUSTRIES planning information to response equipment selection is also imperative in the selection of PPE, enabling response personnel to select items that are compatible with the chemical hazards and

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By David Greene

This issue we will be exam- been fully overcome. run-off oil for every million tires ining scrap and shredded tire Rubber tires are composed burned. By comparison, it is es- fi res by using the United States of several very combustible timated that one passenger car Fire Administration’s (USFA) compounds such as carbon, oil, tire can produce a little more Technical Report Series # 093, benzene, toluene, rubber and than two gallons of oil. More- published in December 1998. sulfur. As a result, tires have a over, there are at least 32 toxic The United States disposes of higher per-pound heat output gases produced by tire fi res. approximately 240 million tires than most coal. Tires are also The ability to control a large annually. Seventy-fi ve percent designed to absorb friction-gen- tire pile fi re is extremely time Handheld CWA, TICs/TIMs of these are added to existing erated heat from road contact. sensitive. This makes the re- Chemical detection stockpiled tire dumps or dis- However, once ignition oc- sponse and initial operations carded in landfi lls. Burying tires curs, this same property serves time compressed. From ignition LQFRQðGHQFH in landfi lls has become the least to absorb the heat of the fi re. to the fi rst fi ve minutes after desirable option as the casings This is apparent to anyone who ignition, extinguishment may trap air and buried tires often has knocked down the fl ames be possible if the fi re is small move. This interferes with re- of a tire fi re only to fi nd it has enough for available water sup- claiming future landfi lls. There reignited shortly after moving plies. However, after the fi rst have been attempts at recycling the fi re stream away. Tires also few minutes, fi re will spread ap- tires for use as retreads, crash give off fl ammable vapors at approximately two square feet ev- barriers, artifi cial reefs, road re- proximately 1000 degrees Fahr- ery fi ve minutes. After the fi rst surfacing and fuel. However, the enheit. According to the USFA, 30 minutes, the top layers of the technological problems with there is also approximately burning pile will begin to col- recycling tires have not yet 55,000 gallons of unburned lapse to the interior. Much like a

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PROENGIN, inc. 140 S. University Drive, Suite F Plantation, FL 33324 USA Phone: 954.760.9990 [email protected] www.proenginusa.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 11 coal pile, visible fl aming will be in the pile which makes oxy- reduced. The fi re will then be gen exclusion on the surface deep seated and covered by a of the pile ineffective. Addition- clay-like ash crust. After approx- ally, the cooling properties of imately an hour of burning, the Class B foams cannot reach the crust will be capable of pro- seat of the fi re which is located tecting the burning core from beneath both the top layer water stream penetration. The crust and the exterior fuels. continuing downward pressure Second, surface extinguishment will cause run-off oil fl ow to in- with water was not achievable crease dramatically. in any of the cases reviewed. Operationally, a fi re in a Third, the bulk of the facilities large tire pile can be extin- at which these fi res occurred guished if the fi rst-in engine lacked pre-incident surveys. arrives within a few minutes of Finally, while the Maryland fi re ignition and has an adequate was extinguished in 12 hours, water supply to cover the area the Washington state fi re began involved. Class A foam can be on February 16, 1996 and was used to aid with these smaller not fully extinguished until the fi res. After the fi rst few minutes, last week of June 1996 (fi ve the only option is to attempt months later). This is a prime to separate the unburned tires example of the resource com- from the fi re. This is diffi cult mitment necessary based on and many may fi nd is also not a the fuel load present. rapid option. After the fi rst 30 minutes, fuel separation may See TIRE FIRE page 12 be the only option. It is also important to contain run-off from this point forward. Large caliber streams will only add to the run off problem. After an hour of burning, the only way to reach the seat of the fi re is to break All-American Hose Answering through the top layer crust using heavy equipment. It is important to note that the crust the Call of America’s Bravest. may very well adhere to the heavy equipment. This is also a crossroads between emergency responders and industrial workers. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may be required during the heavy equipment operation. The Incident Commander may be forced to quickly educate fi refi ghters in the use of heavy equipment or industrial workers in the use of PPE and SCBA. Keep in mind that much of the heavy equipment necessary for sustained operations requires skilled operators. The USFA examined seven case studies from Garfi eld County, Washington; Washing- ton, Pennsylvania; Cearfoss, Maryland; Chautaugua County, New York; Frankfort, Kentucky; District of Columbia; and Gila River Indian Reservation, Ari- “Decade of Service Guarantee” zona. Each case study reviewed ,I\RXDUHQRWFRPSOHWHO\VDWLVÀHGZLWKRXUSURGXFWGXULQJLWV fi res involving bulk storage of tires. 10 year lifespan, Return it. For Any Reason. No Questions Asked. The Washington State case “We pledge our product will serve beyond it’s call of duty” resulted in $3 million in clean up costs. The Pennsylvania case involved 1.7 million tires aahose.com/decadeguarantee stacked 50 feet high. The fi re burned for 14 days, required the evacuation of 500 residents, and closed two schools. Most of these case studies had several At All-American Hose, we’re dedicated to embody the heritage and tradition of the fi re service and all the markets commonalities aside from the extended operations required we serve. Our unparalleled commitment to safety, reliability and value combined with a complete line of legendary for mitigation and excessive products…all proudly made and tested in U.S.A....defi nes All-American Hose as an American Original. costs for recovery. First, the bulk of the departments handling these emergencies found the use of Class B foams ineffective. Class B foam cannot create the fi lm that separates the fuel from the oxygen. Air 217 TITUSVILLE ROAD UNION CITY, PA 16438 814.438.7616 ALL-AMERICANHOSE.COM entrainment can typically be achieved from under and with- 12 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal

lanes for access, proper clear- ances from exposures, and a 60 foot wide separation between piles or an earthen berm one and one-half times the height of the pile. Additionally, the maximum pile size cannot be greater than 20 feet in height and 250 feet in length and width. Eliminating natural ground fuels in the vicinity is also important. The pre-incident survey should also contain contact numbers for heavy equipment operators who can assist in fuel isolation and separation. Operationally, there are not many options when dealing with a large tire pile fi re. The fi rst option is non-interven- tion or simply to let the fi re burn. Keep in mind that large amounts of water applied to tire fi res can accelerate the rate at which run-off oil contami- nates the surrounding environment. Allowing the fi re to burn can also reduce the impact on air pollution. Once the fi re reaches the equilibrium and pyrolysis stage (after approximately one hour), most of the fuel will be consumed and the toxic products of combustion will be decreased. These products include benzene, toluene, Tire Fires chrysene, zinc oxide, titanium Cont’d from page 11 dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen As in most things we do, sulfi de. Fixed air monitoring proper planning is necessary around the property will be a for these types of incidents. necessary activity throughout This should include identifying the course of the incident, but and completing pre-incident particularly when non-interven- surveys on any bulk storage tion is selected as the operat- facilities in our jurisdictions. If ing mode. If it is small enough, personnel report that someone it may be possible to bury the is storing large numbers of tires fi re using dirt. Remember that at a facility, being prepared is dirt is the best extinguishing essential. It may also give us agent in the world (and is read- an opportunity to reduce the ily available). It’s just a shame chances of an incident through it doesn’t stick to anything. In code enforcement. NFPA 231D every case, water and Class B “Standard for Storage of Rub- foams were ineffective. Keep ber Tires” can be used for code in mind that the oil produced enforcement purposes. Specifi - during burning may be a Class cally, Appendix C requires fi re B fuel but tires themselves are 19911991 PPierceierce LLanceance HHeavyeavy RRescueescue

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rubber, a Class A fuel. There is an incident command team some debate if Class A foams that can effectively manage a are effective but in any case are fi re for fi ve months, 24 hours a only appropriate for smaller day. The Operations Section will sized fi res. Again, if extinguish- be busy with public protective ment is selected as a tactic, you actions (i.e. evacuations), fi re should plan for extensive over- suppression, hazardous materi- haul utilizing heavy equipment. als confi nement, air monitoring Hand lines may be needed to and personnel accountability. protect heavy equipment dur- The Logistics Section will have ing overhaul. Controlling run their hands full with resource off is paramount at any incident support. Planning will be over- such as this but is particularly whelmed by site safety plans, important if water streams are long term cleanup strategies, being utilized incident documentation and In Winchester, Virginia, a the eventual demobilization of nine million-tire fi re produced the incident resources. Finance approximately 500,000 gal- will also be inundated with pro- lons of run-off oil, only half of curement of contractors and which was recovered. Dikes, special equipment, coordina- dams, and retention ponds may tion of local, state, and federal be necessary during extended expenses, incident accounting operations. Class B foams may and cost recoupment efforts. be necessary for any burning Bulk tire storage facilities are run-off oil. Finally, someone being seen everywhere. It is needs to fi nd the checkbook. diffi cult to know if and where Operations of this type have an these types of hazards exist average cost of $45,000 per day. within your jurisdiction. Given Reimbursement from the prop- the amount of time, resources erty owner may not be possible and money involved, it is es- and typically maximum federal sential to identify and plan on reimbursements for hazardous responses to these incidents. materials incidents will only Code enforcement should be cover the costs of about one- used to minimize the chances half of a day. of an incident occurring. Code Don’t forget that this inci- enforcement can also limit the dent will require a massive size of incidents such as these, amount of command and con- should they occur. We should trol. The IC will need to be sup- also be adding heavy equip- ported by a highly skilled and ment and mutual aid agencies effective command staff. The to our resource lists for these Safety Offi cer will have their types of incidents. Remember, hands full making sure every- no single agency can effectively one is properly protected and manage a major hazardous ma- the heavy equipment doesn’t terials incident. When pulling become part of the fi re. The up to a large tire pile fi re, you Liaison offi cer is critical to in- should be phoning your friends teract with the multiple mutual for help and planning for an ex- aid, state and federal agencies tended stay. that may be involved. There Be safe and do good. should also be a highly skilled David Greene has over 20 years Public Information Offi cer. This experience in the fi re service and individual may have to explain is currently the Assistant Chief with to the public via the media why Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue. the fi re department thinks not He is currently working on his PhD putting water on the fi re is the through Oklahoma State Univer- best course of action. Given the sity. He is a certifi ed Executive Fire time span involved, the incident Offi cer through the National Fire may require multiple redun- Academy, holds the Chief Fire Of- dancies of each position. The fi cer Designation and is an adjunct Washington state fi re spanned instructor for the South Carolina over 300 operational periods. Fire Academy. He can be reached at There is certainly no IC or even [email protected]. 14 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal Hazmat teams from across North Carolina compete at Annual Hazmat Challenge

By Glenn Clapp of ICS Forms Comprising CHMM, CFPS the IAP North Carolina Association of 4. Navigation to Second Con- Hazardous Materials Responders ference Room, Where a On Saturday, August 11, Medical Emergency Was 2012, eight hazardous materials Declared and Handled teams from across the state met 5. Division of Four-Person in Raleigh for fun, fellowship, Team Into Two-Person Ele- and competition in the Hazmat ments, Then Completion Challenge. The Hazmat Chal- of Timed Written Hazmat lenge is an annual event spon- Knowledge Test sored by the North Carolina 6. Navigation Back to Starting Association of Hazardous Ma- Point to Commence Practi- terials Responders (NCAHMR), cal Section held at the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association Confer- Practical Section ence/South Atlantic Fire Rescue 1. Application of Dome Expo. The 2012 challenge was Clamp to DOT-406 Tank unlike any previous iteration of Trailer Simulator the event, as the challenge was 2. Application of Betts Prod- comprised not only of a practi- uct Recovery Valve to DOT- cal “hands on” section, but also 407 Tank Trailer Simulator an academic section. This year’s 3. Drilling a Simulated DOT- challenge also featured unprec- 406 Tank Trailer edented sponsor involvement 4. Replacement of Rupture and prizes for the top fi nishing Disc in a Midland Pressure teams. Relief Vent The challenge — which is Each four-person team was Whatever It Takes We Respond to Your needs. open to hazardous materials re- divided into two-person ele- sponse organizations operating ments for the practical section. within the state — consisted of • 24 Hour Emergency Response The time started when the fi rst four-person teams competing two-person element crossed • Hazardous/Non-Hazardous Waste in a series of timed and evaluat- the starting line. Evolutions 1 ed evolutions, with penalties in- Transportation and Disposal and 2 were then performed, curred for incorrect techniques. with the second two-person • Chemical Spill Cleanup The evolutions for the 2012 element entering the course challenge were as follows: when “tagged in” by the fi rst el- • OSHA Haz Mat, ConÄ ned Space/High Angle Training Academic Section ement. The second two-person EEM personnel are fully trained and are highly element then completed Evo- 1. Fifteen Minute Viewing lutions 3 and 4, with the time experienced in handling releases and spills of of Incident Action Plan ending when the second two- varying magnitudes. Detailing Evolutions and person element crossed the fi n- Instructions ish line. 2. Navigation to Vendor The fi nal standings of all EEM Emergency Response Services are available Booth to Obtain Team competing teams were as fol- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Packet lows: 3. Navigation to Conference 1. Greensboro Eastern Environmental Management, LLC Room, Then Completion 2. Raleigh 866-443-2225 • 252-443-2224 www.eastern-environmental.com

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3. Monroe lenge was a true training op- car Specialist School at TTCI, North Carolina Association of formation sharing, networking, 4. High Point portunity, NCEM ensured that Pueblo, Colorado; which was Hazardous Materials Respond- and serving as the collective 5. Fayetteville participating teams were reim- awarded to a lucky competitor ers. Both Team and Associate voice of hazardous materials re- 6. Wilmington bursed for their meals and lodg- selected during a drawing. Spe- (Individual) Memberships are sponders in policy issues. 7. Williamston ing through grant funding. cial thanks also go to the Ra- available. The NCAHMR meets Visit our website at www. 8. Asheville Other sponsors included leigh Fire Department for their quarterly and serves as the fo- nchazmat.com for further infor- Participating teams received Norfolk Southern and CSX provision and set up of course cal point for hazardous mate- mation. Also feel free to attend prize packages donated by our Transportation (overall spon- equipment. The 2012 challenge rials response professionals any of the NCAHMR Quarterly generous sponsors. The ﬁ rst sors); RAE Systems (breakfast would not have been possible within the state in terms of in- Meetings as a visitor. place team (Greensboro) will and prizes), Smiths Detection without the hard work of the have their team name engraved (lunch and prizes), Safeware Hazmat Challenge Committee on the Hazmat Challenge (prizes), Wake County Emergen- (comprised of Ian Toms, Joel Plaque, and in addition received cy Management (logistical sup- Wood and Abby Moore) and the prize packages for each team port), and Environmental Prod- countless others who assisted member and a four gas monitor ucts and Services of Vermont in ensuring that the 2012 chal- for the team. A previous part- (sponsor of the “night out” for lenge went smoothly. nership with North Carolina competitors on Friday, Aug. If you have an interest in Emergency Management was 10). CSX Transportation also hazardous materials response, renewed. Since the 2012 chal- provided a scholarship to Rail- please consider joining the

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800-672-0069 • www.coopertrucks.com • [email protected] 16 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal THE VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT Can there be too much training?

By Ron Cheves

Are we losing volunteer tainly needed, but how much quires we have Traffi c Person- many new challenges that we ing, education and prevention fi refi ghters because we are de- is too much? I will agree that nel on the roster, how much face on a daily routine. must continue to be the core manding too much training? the 36-hour minimum required fi re and EMS training do those We should remember that of what we are all about. One If you talk to 20 different fi re by the state of North Carolina members need? over 70 percent of all fi re de- concern is that we could be go- departments, you will hear 20 will not even start to make you The Volunteer and Combi- partments in this country are ing overboard with those codes different requirements for train- a fi refi ghter. We are not talk- nation Section (VCOS) of the fully volunteer, and over 90 per- and training hour minimums. ing and 20 different number ing about new recruit fi refi ght- International Association of Fire cent still rely on some volun- Sometime in August the West of hours required to meet the ers — the issue is retaining the Chiefs (IAFC) had a National teer members, and the overall Virginia Fire Commission pro- minimum set by the individual members we have now and Summit in Washington, DC last number of fi ghters has declined posed changes to adopt over department. keeping them on the roster as March to support the future by more than 10 percent since 90 NFPA standards to all fi re Training hours are so very an active member of the fi re of volunteerism in the fi re and the 1980s according to the departments and it seems to be important, but should we be department. Not all members EMS services. This project was United States Fire Administra- safety driven. How safe would thinking more about the con- have to be fi refi ghters. Many designed to develop the blue- tion (USFA).We need to con- it be to reduce your staff in ef- tent and the type of training we departments have support print for fi re service leaders to tinue to recruit and more im- forts to comply? I don’t think are suggesting to our members? members that do several differ- help guarantee the long stand- portantly, retain the members these people are looking at the To offer more training hours on ent things other than interior ing history of the volunteer we have now due to the fact it whole picture, as every action top of what is required is cer- fi refi ghting. Again, the state refi refi ghter and to examine the takes much time and money to causes some reaction, and that train a fi refi ghter to the level of most of us will agree on the FFI and FFII, and to be aware of concept of better codes are the the fact that most new mem- direction we all want to stride Contact Us for Your Testing Needs bers today only stay members for, maybe we should be taking an average of four to fi ve years. baby steps. We could all eat an • Fire Truck Testing “Volunteering with your lo- elephant if we take little bites • Ground Ladder Testing cal fi re department is a long- one at a time. standing tradition that makes The concern is that most of We provide annual and fi ve year NDT our country truly great,” says the volunteer fi re departments inspections. Chief Tim Wall, Chairman of the and some of the career will not be able to meet these standards. Our services meet or exceed the current VCOS. “But today that tradition The fear of losing members on NFPA 1911/1914 and 1932 guidelines on is at risk as communities grow the volunteer side could mean testing Aerial Ladders, Aerial Platforms, larger and the citizens demand the departments will have to Water Towers and Ground Ladders. additional services. The individuals who volunteer struggle to close, and the cost associated AMERICAN TEST CENTER manage their time while keep- with the increasing staff and equipment to meet the code TEST & INSPECTION NATIONWIDE ing a reasonable balance with all the other factors that make will mean less money spent in [email protected] • 800-451-9087 • www.atctest.com up their daily lives.” other areas. During the summit in Wash- One chief in the county said, ington there were nine major “If they want to eliminate vol- challenges that were brought to unteer fi re departments, why the group; among those were don’t they just do it instead of Capabilities and Competencies. bleeding us to death?” He said This was to develop a national he believes the Fire Commis- modular credentialing system sion is “living in an alternate to include training, certifi ca- universe.” tion, and recertifi cation that is If we continue to demand scalable and reciprocal among more and better training for our the U.S. and will be recognized members, especially the new by all stakeholder entities. Four ones, we need to make certain major areas are: that the requirements are at- • Incremental approach to tainable. Training Think just a minute about • National Reciprocity what you might be asking your • Modular Leadership Train- volunteers to do. How many ing members do you have that are • Computer based self-paced over 60 years old, and what training delivery methods jobs they are currently engaged in? If you have drivers only on To learn more about this im- your department, do you think portant initiative visit the VCOS they need training on Hazmat, website at www.vcos.org/ Water-Rescue, Structural Fire- training/vcos-summit. fi ghting, Special Ops, or any We must be able to adapt to other training that will never be the new challenges that the fi re involved with the job descrip- service is faced with when it tion? Train them on being the comes to training and the need best driver they can be and be for standards or code changes done. that will ultimately produce a Don’t think that I am sug- safer and more functional fi re gesting dumbing down the fi re service. We need not forget service; these are real issues the fi res are getting hotter and that I hear over and over in more dangerous, do your risk my travels while delivering the analysis. Remember Life Safety educational courses with the is THE most important func- VCOS/IAFC. We know the 80-20 tion of our jobs and good train- rule still exist in most depart- Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 17 ments. That is 20 percent of the not reciprocal and it forces ing several years ago discuss- members will do 80 percent of fi refi ghters to start completely ing new guidelines for our new Hero Rush the training and respond to 80 over when they move from EMT’s. One offi cer with less percent of the calls. Don’t stop state to state. than fi ve years of service and a them from doing all they want, Today’s younger members fairly new EMT suggested our The Hero Rush, will be held Saturday Oct. 20 at the zMAX and continue to have plenty are asking more questions and new EMTs go through an ad- Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway of good training available to want to know why certain deci- ditional six month training “our South. the ones that want it. way” before they could Race through a 5k+ course of heroic (and unique!) obstacles The balance is to fi nd run EMS calls on their — slide, climb, get wet, get lost, get WETTER, make some saves what works for you own. Understand these and a ton more. We’ll surround you with our Inferno Midway and your department. new EMTs had been with even more themed challenges, a great adventure (and ed- Make certain you are certifi ed by the state of ucational) course for kids, awesome “experience” components still meeting your core North Carolina and this — and all the food, drink and entertainment you love! mission and you are new offi cer was suggest- Do you have what it takes to be a Hero? doing it in a safe and ing we need to train Hero Rush gives you the chance to put your mettle to the productive manner. them “our way “ before test. You’ll run an intense 5k+ race with multiple fi re-related obstacles. Climb ladders and slide down poles, crawl through If you have 100-hour we turn them loose on windows and break down doors, scramble through HAZMAT training standards and their own. It is this type slime and locate trapped victims — but be careful — you you are not losing of arrogance and ego volunteers, you are might get the fi re hoses turned on you! Don’t just play in the that has caused many mud — be a Hero! making all your calls, problems in too many and you continue to Once you’ve done the Rush, spend the day on the Inferno departments across the Midway with your friends and family, where everyone can recruit new members, country. Holding mem- practice their fi refi ghter skills on more obstacles and themed then don’t change a bers back can only hurt challenges! Cool music, a great kid’s course, food and drinks thing — in fact call the department. No and lots to see and do — get the full Hero Experience! me, I need to see how one knows when they Visit www.herorush.com/about-the-rush/ for more informa- you are doing it. graduate the academy tion and to register for the event. We should not or complete the require- make training diffi cult ments to become certi- for the members to fi ed where their career achieve. Remember will take them, some eating that elephant— become offi cers and it is much easier to do if we sions are made and most of the +DQGKHOG5DGLDWLRQ$OHUW some leave, which is what we take little bites. We all want to time we tell them that is the ,RQL]LQJ5DGLDWLRQ'HWHFWRU are faced with. have the best trained fi refi ght- way it is in the fi re service — ers, but making it too diffi cult we are a paramilitary organiza- Ron Cheves has 39 plus years as a 7KH,QVSHFWRULVDVPDOO volunteer in the fi re and emergency for them will probably result in tion and you should do what KDQGKHOGPLFURSURFHVVRU serices rising to the position of chief. you are told. But, does it make EDVHGLQVWUXPHQWZKLFKRIIHUVIIHUV burnout. Consider the creden- He retired as chief of the Idlewild tialing system and what the sense that a fi refi ghter that is Volunteer Fire Department in Mat- H[FHOOHQWVHQVLWLYLW\WRORZ member is bringing to your trained as a FFII in North Caro- thews, N.C. Cheves served Idlewild OHYHOVRIDOSKDEHWDJDPPDPD department. Take in account lina is not a fi refi ghter in most Volunteer Fire Department for over DQG[UD\V7KHGLJLWDO where the member has come other states and the process has 27 years where he held every rank UHDGRXWLVGLVSOD\HGZLWK from and perform a type of to be started from the begin- from fi refi ghter to chief of the depart- DUHGFRXQWOLJKWDQGD competencies evaluation. Most ning. ment. Cheves can be reached at 704- EHHSHUVRXQGVZLWKHDFK states training standards are I was in an offi cers meet- 557-5781. FRXQWGHWHFWHG2WKHU IHDWXUHVLQFOXGHDQ + + DGMXVWDEOHWLPHUH[WHUQDO FDOLEUDWLRQFRQWUROVDQG Builders of the Finest Stainless DGMXVWDEOHDOHUW Fire Apparatus Steel Fire Apparatus

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By Jonah Smith

Recently, I was reviewing opinions may be. We all know only to fi nd out fi ve minutes ing to far fewer fi res than we did Commander (IC) saw the need some fi re service materials from there are times that the above later my partner was thinking 20 years ago. We are fi ghting fi res from the outside of the struc- a self-survival class, and read mentioned statements could get the same thing. What does this like we did 20 years ago, yet the ture to conduct vertical ventila- about a management challenge you a ribbing around the fi re- say about us as a fi re service? We structural makeup and furnish- tion. Soon after they cut the roof, known as the Abilene Paradox. house, but better to take that rib- continuously tell recruits in the ings are producing quicker and the smoke lifted, and the attack The author described how it bing than ironing up the Class A academy, or in their basic train- more violent fl ashovers during team on the fi rst fl oor got the could affect fi refi ghting deci- for a funeral. ing, “If you ever see a safety issue, interior operations. Not only fi re knocked down and we saved sions, and how the challenges Since your attention is waning, you can stop the dangerous ac- have our fuel loads and compart- most on the house. It also helped that this situation presents could I’ll give you the cliff notes version tion.” But really, how often does ments changed, we are working that the downstairs hose team prove tragic on the fi re scene. — it is where everyone agrees to that happen? I don’t think very under a compressed time line. located the seat of the fi re. I think The Abilene Paradox is a les- do something out of fear of being many of us say anything to draw With all of that going on, we also everyone that was there knows son in management that every- different even though no one in attention to ourselves when we have the introduction of scien- that this incident could have one in the fi re service should pay the group agrees with it. To put it are new, so we learn a macho tifi c studies and their informa- gone a lot differently. The rea- attention to. The lessons from in fi refi ghter terms, it is the point culture of type A personalities tion into our trade, all while a son why we were so hot on the understanding this paradox can where you assume everyone that at times participate in some new generation of fi refi ghters are second fl oor was that the fl oor directly infl uence life and death wants to do something, but in re- very unsafe acts. I am not saying learning the trade and being led decking had burned out in the decisions made by fi refi ghters ality no one wants any part of it, we need to be overly concerned by the example of senior mem- room we were attempting to en- on emergency scenes. Leaders but for whatever reason everyone with safety but I think we are at a bers and offi cers. Many of those ter — directly over the fi re. There and offi cers must step up when agrees to do it. When I read this, crossroads in the fi re service. senior members and offi cers feel are pictures of this fi re that show the time presents itself to speak I thought about the many times We are at a time when line as though science has no place the smoke was thick and turbu- up against unsafe acts, no mat- I was at a fi re and found myself of duty deaths are still hovering in our trade and that many of the lent, and there was high heat on ter what they may think others’ thinking, “Why are we in here?” around 100, yet we are respond- studies being conducted aren’t the interior, most notably on the practical. second fl oor. When the rookie Many of the veterans in our and I got out, he told me he was departments are telling us we miserable up there too and when Your One Stop Rescue Shop! are too scared now, but science we all saw the smoke outside we and experience are telling us we knew it was the right decision. Specializing in Products to Enhance Fire & Rescue Situations are not safe enough. The ques- Call it what you will, I called it a tion is then presented: So where good decision then and I contin- should an aggressive fi reman go? ue to now. Many fi refi ghters who In my opinion, we stay aggres- were not there asked why we sive, but begin to side on the had retreated, but those that were safety of our members just a bit there knew exactly why. more. I hate to be the one on the My point of this whole thing is, fi re ground who has to call out we need experiences like this to the punt team and go defensive, check us up, to realize we might Blue Ridge Rescue Suppliers but sometimes there is no reason be too aggressive sometimes. Se- to risk our members’ lives. With 1273 Colonial Fort Dr. • Montvale, VA 24122 nior fi refi ghters with experience all of that said, our fi rst instinct and offi cers have to step up and 866-411-9745 • fax: 540-947-5700 should not be to stand outside say, “Wait a second folks this is www.brrs.net • [email protected] and hit the fi re from the safety not a place we need to be!” We of the sidewalk. We all took an need the older folks to speak up oath when we became members and say get in there or get out of of the fi re department, whether there to the new recruits, so they formally or just by accepting can be leaders when their time that pager and gear, to serve and comes. We are not invincible so protect the public all the while let’s not act like we are. knowing that what we will do It is the responsibility of the Get a degree is inherently dangerous. We are offi cer and the senior fi refi ghters fi ghting a force of nature after all, to step up and give guidance and that works. and sometimes we actually win. direction. These individuals must Of course manpower, staffi ng, be the ones who tell people to and departmental makeup play Bachelor of check up for a second to make a into tactics everyday in locations smoother advance with the hose Applied Studies all throughout the Carolinas. We line. They must also be those fi re- don’t have an FDNY station in fi ghters who lead others into an Fire & Emergency the Carolinas so we shouldn’t aggressive, sensible attack, all the Response be trying to emulate them on while monitoring conditions and fi re scenes in rural counties, and Management maintaining awareness of their even most urban environments surroundings the entire time. that we all see. Offi cers need to be offi cers 100 Online, Accelerated, I have experienced this para- percent of the time, and fi refi ght- dox many times, but I can re- Flexible, Affordable. ers need to be fi refi ghters 100 member one specifi c instance percent of the time, otherwise when I actually bucked it and neither job gets done, and the threw in the towel. I was operat- scene becomes a free for all. Sure, ing on the second division of a sometimes this works out, but it working house fi re with a depart- can contribute to a tragedy on ment that I have belonged to. I the fi re ground. was backing up a rookie on the nozzle and could feel we weren’t Jonah Smith is a Relief Captain with making any headway, and in fact the Charlotte Fire Department. Smith is things were getting worse. When also a member of the Adjunct Faculty we starting breathing hot air in of Rowan Cabarrus Community College CENTER FOR NEW LEARNING our masks, I tapped him and said, and Fayetteville State University. He “Hey let’s get out of here and currently serves as the Health and Safe- make sure they are cutting the ty Committee Chair for the Charlotte (800) INFO-UWO roof for us.” Firefi ghters Association. He currently is www.uwosh.edu/cnl/ferm When we walked outside we assigned to Ladder 32/Haz-Mat 3 and saw that this fi re was nearing the volunteers with the Pleasant Valley, S.C. point of fl ashover. The Incident Fire Department.

20 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal Pipes and Drums of the Fire Service By the center, quick march

By Adam Snyder

The fi ve words in the title of those who have heard them and discrimination led them trol and crime was at its highest. across the country as the en- this article empower a huge tra- more than once know this is to limited opportunities. Irish These fi res that were burning tire country wept with tears as dition in the fi re service. These the sound of many traditions. immigrants started working in out of control along with limit- fi refi ghters and police offi cers words which are spoken with Pipe and drum bands in the public service as fi refi ghters or ed use of water, lack of Personal were laid to rest. Burials were distinction, pride and a voice fi re service have a long his- police offi cers. These jobs were Protective Equipment (PPE) and being conducted on a daily ba- of signifi cant authority are the tory that dates back to 1962 dangerous, dirty and sometimes the lack of training led to many sis for months after 9/11 and beginning of a sound that one though the bagpipes in the fi re crooked. These were the jobs fi refi ghter deaths. A lot of these the pipes and drums could be cannot mistake. This sound can service go back to the 1800s. no one else wanted but the deaths were from Irish descen- heard at every one of them. Fire be heard from great distances Irish immigrants have played Irish did not care. All they want- dants. departments across the coun- echoing through the open air a large role in major US city ed to do is work and make a The Irish are very tradi- try realized the signifi cance of or in between buildings. The fi re departments to include better life for their families and tional in their ways to include the pipes and drums at these sound that is produced from Boston, Chicago and New themselves. As you can imagine funerals. Bagpipes were be- funerals. Departments wanted three drones and a chanter are York. When the Irish came to these professions during the ing played at all the funerals of to make sure when the time eerie to someone who is listen- America looking for a better late 1800s were very dangerous. Irish fi refi ghters. The sounds of comes when they had a line of ing for the fi rst time; But for future the availability of work Fires were burning out of con- the bagpipes at these funer- duty death that they can bury als were haunting and gave a them with the same respect and sense of weeping. Anyone who honor. In the State of North Car- has attended a funeral with the olina alone there are several fi re bagpipes being played cannot departments or public safety verbally explain the sadness and pipe and drum bands that have bone chilling feelings of this in- been organized since the events strument. of 9/11. Eastern Carolina Fire- Pipe and drum bands derived fi ghters Pipes and Drums, Char- in the fi re service through fi re- lotte Fire Department Pipes and fi ghter Emerald Societies. These Drums, Morrisville Fire Depart- societies were created as orga- ment Pipes and Drums, Gren- nizations within the fi re service ville Fire Department Pipes and for members of Irish descent. Drums and Wake and District The fi rst fi re department pipe Public Safety Pipes and Drums and drum band in the United to name a few. All these bands States was organized in 1962 through their music represent by the City of New York fi re de- the ultimate sacrifi ce of our partment. This year will be the brother and sisters who have band’s 50th anniversary. Other perished in the line of duty. Emerald Societies later followed These bands are made up of in New York’s foot steps in cre- fi refi ghters from those individu- ating their own pipe and drum al departments. bands. These bands played at Fire departments that sup- fallen fi refi ghter funerals, wed- port pipe and drum bands dings of fi refi ghters, fi re depart- have taken on a diffi cult and ment functions and parades for an expensive service. On aver- St. Patrick’s Day. The big turning age the cost to outfi t one piper point for fi re department pipe with a set of pipes and uni- and drum bands was the event form is $2,500 per person. The of 9/11 — a tragic and weep- process of learning the pipes ing day for fi rst responders. is also very time consuming. A This horrifi c event opened the new piper would not be ready eyes of many fi re departments to perform with the band for at least one year as this is a very diffi cult instrument to learn. It NEW for 2012- W-Tool “QC” takes several years for a new organized band to increase with Quick-Change Heads membership and to be able to play in unison; but once it all comes together it is something that is indescribable. The brotherhood in itself is remark- able. One of the most awarding things in my fi re service career have been being a member of a fi re department pipe and drum band. To dedicate your life to a Door Breaching and More in fi re department pipe and drum band means spending many an Easy to Use 1-Person Tool hours practicing and traveling • One-Person Operation- No Hoses or Cords to perform at different events representing the fi re service. • 8 Quick-Change Heads Now Provide Door To dedicate this time, your love Breaching, Battering Ram and Multiple Rescue for the fi re service and what it and Stabilization Applications represents is unquestionable by anyone. • Fast and Simple Head Changes- Even with a In 2011 two fi re department Gloved Hand pipe and drum bands in North Carolina formed together to play at the 2011 South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo (SAFRE). The two bands performed several times during this three-day Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 21 Bagpipes were being played at all the funerals of Irish fi refi ghters [in the 1800s]. The sounds of the bagpipes at these funerals were haunting and gave a sense of weeping. Anyone who has attended a funeral with the bagpipes being played cannot verbally explain the sadness and bone chilling feelings of this instrument. event and it was very success- drum bands throughout the ticbeach-nc.com. We would love gas. Snyder is also the founding mem- and Drums Band. He can be reached ful. As these two bands played state. It still amazes me how for you to join the brotherhood ber of and serves as the Pipe Major for at fi [email protected] and formed an unforgettable this all came together and there of the fi re service. the Eastern Carolina Firefi ghters Pipes bond they became as one un- is only one answer — Brother- Adam Snyder has served over 18 der the new name NC Broth- hood. years in emergency services. He is cur- erhood Pipes and Drums. This If you would like more in- rently the Fire/Rescue/ EMS Chief for the Others will tell you... collaboration of these two formation or to participate as Town of Atlantic Beach Fire Department bands represented the true fi re- a member of the NC Brother- in N.C. Snyder is a Fire and Rescue We are your RESOURCE fi ghting brotherhood in North hood Pipes and Drums during Instructor. He holds a degree in Fire Carolina. In 2012 the NC broth- the 2013 South Atlantic Fire Protection Technology and Emergency for High-Tech Emergency Vehicles. erhood grew to include several Expo please contact Pipe Major Medical Science. He is also a live fi re in- members from other pipe and Adam Snyder at fi rechief@atlan structor for acquired structures and LP

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866.640.2028 1250 Industrial Parkway • West Jefferson, NC 28694 www.edgecombe.edu [email protected] eccpublicsafety www.ssvsales.com 22 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal What a difference a minute can make

By Douglas Cline

Have you ever recognized Some individuals would look erything in a progressive, proac- can make it something else. goes will have a big infl uence what a difference a single at a pile of rubble and say “what tive philosophy by saying “look These are truly hectic times we on critical moments in your life. minute in your life can make? a mess,” while others will look at that opportunity.” He under- live in, times that can challenge Make sure that the place your Most of us only count down at the same pile and say “what stood that every minute made even the strongest of seasoned mind is visiting is worth being the minutes at the end of the an opportunity.” At this mo- a difference and he understood leaders or fi refi ghters. there! day near quitting time, or when ment there is a critical decision these critical moments and the Regularly ask yourself three 3. What am I passionate we are waiting for a big event. going on. Which one of these importance of a positive atti- questions… about? individuals would you want tude even when the chips were We never really recognize just 1.Who and what is infl u- Another way to say this is to down and things were not go- how important every minute is leading the fi re department in encing me? ing as he may have hoped or ask your self, what do I really because every minute makes a your community? Most would There are many individuals wanted. What is even bigger like in life? Often times when real difference. It is important say the one who has a vision of and things that can infl uence is that I can see his leadership we get to this level of soul to remember that for every- what that “mess” could be. you. Subsequently you must and infl uence still impacting searching we can see that we thing there is a season, a time I recently had the opportu- ask yourself if these infl uences nity to spend some time in the the fi re service throughout the have things a lot better than for every activity. are positive or negative. Many great state of Vermont train- state of Vermont as his philoso- others. Often times it is a big times your infl uences can be ing with a group of outstand- phies and passion lives on in reality check that we realize Be Aware of Critical strong positive ones while ing emergency services the people we are not following or doing Moments other times they can be the professionals in Addison he mentored. our passions. It is important to negative ones that you fall vic- A critical moment is when County. What a breath of So we could make sure that your passion is tim too. It is important to have you make a decision that has fresh air. The amount of say each of not a negatively impacting one strong positive infl uences in a critical impact on your life. energy that was delivered his minutes as well. Remember everything our lives. Remember ever time These can include fi re ground to my starving body was counted. is infl uenced by our attitudes; you choose to follow an infl u- decisions, career decisions, at- incredible from spending As individu- you should always be remind- ence it is a critical decision and titude decisions or decisions just 48 hours with such als and leading yourself that your attitude is becomes a critical moment in on choice of words. These may great fi re service leaders. ers of the fi re like a disease and is yours truly your life. last only a few minutes, hours I was able to refl ect upon service we worth catching. “Choose wisely Grasshop- or days. Sometimes these deci- 50 plus years of lead- must look at The late Ralph Jack- per.” Don’t Miss Opportune sions may have impacts that ership legacy that was man was fi re chief for opportunities last a lifetime. Most of our deci- still going strong. That’s 50 years. with vision. We 2. Where does my mind Moments sions are made in a rapid-fi re right — the fi re chief of must be able naturally go? We should all be reminded mode and are impacted by atti- Vergennes Fire Department, the to decode the “mess” into “op- What are you thinking about just how brief our time being tude. It is important to remem- late Ralph Jackman, had been portunity.” It is paramount that when you have free time or alive really is. None of us will ber that attitudes are choices or the chief for 50 plus years. The we focus on the concepts that where does your mind drift off decisions we make. best part was he looked at ev- it shouldn’t be this way, but we frequently? Where your mind See SLOW DOWN page 66

24 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal EXTRICATION EDUCATION

Heavy vehicle rescue

By David Pease The Reds Team

As we move into the fall, the lion trucks and buses on the non-fatal crashes. Focusing on crashes, there were 24,000 per- the specialty trucks which are weather will be cooling down highway. This is almost four per- the drivers of these trucks, sons injured or killed. designed for a specifi c purpose. and it will be much better for cent of all vehicles on the road. the statistics show that only So if we look at the above Some examples of these types training. As I write this, we are These fi gures do not take into three percent of these drivers facts, trucks are involved in ap- of trucks would be concrete remembering the 11th anni- consideration the vehicles that were considered intoxicated, proximately one in every eight trucks, dump trucks, wreckers, versary of 9/11, an event that are not registered or are illegal. as compared to a much greater vehicle crashes. When looking and fi re apparatus. will live forever. We should al- This gives you a pretty good percentage involving passenger at these large vehicle crashes, The next type truck we have ways remember the sacrifi ces idea of just how many large ve- vehicles. Eighty-two percent of we will fi nd that 60 percent of is the truck/semi-trailer com- that the fi re, rescue, and police hicles are driving up and down these drivers involved in fatal them occur on major inter- bination. They are compiled made in giving their lives in the roads every day. crashes were also wearing seat- states, 25 percent will occur of a truck, also called a trac- order to save others. We should The other thing to take into belts, compared to a lower per- on major highways and thor- tor, and one or more trailers also remember the civilian lives consideration is that trucks and centage in passenger vehicles. oughfares, and 10 percent on pulled by the truck. The trac- lost as well. It is a sacrifi ce that buses spend more time on the In the fatal crashes involv- secondary roads, typically the tors are either two or three we all are willing to make to do highway than the average pas- ing large trucks, 34 percent of routes trucks will use to make axles and may weigh up to what we do. senger vehicle. This increases these were directly related to their deliveries. Now, we know 18,000 pounds. The entire trac- This issue we are going to the probability that these larger driver related issues. Five of that most fi re departments and tor trailer rig may weigh up to discuss heavy vehicle rescue vehicles will be involved in a the top reasons for driver rerescue squads have one, if not 140,000 pounds. The trailers from the basics to the more motor vehicle crash. lated fatal crashes were speed- all of these types of roads and also come in a variety of types advance techniques that can Looking at miles traveled ing in some way, inattention or highways running through including a fl atbed for hauling be used. We will cover different by all vehicles, large trucks ac- distraction, failure to remain their response districts. For this building materials, a closed box types of trucks, truck construc- counted for 10 percent of the in the proper lane, blocked or reason, there is a need for most trailer for general cargo, tankers tion, characteristics of large ve- miles traveled in 2010. Trucks obscured vision, and the always departments to get some level for hauling fuels, chemicals, and hicles, and lifting and stabilizing were involved in eight percent familiar failure to yield right of heavy vehicle rescue. grain and vehicle transports. Re- these vehicles. of all fatal crashes and two per- of way. As always, the largest Trucks are put into two member that some trucks will There are approximately cent of all other injury crashes. contributor to vehicle crashes basic categories — medium display placards for hazardous 270 million vehicles on the Now looking at the types of is driver error. Most crashes and heavy. Medium trucks are materials and some may not. highways in the United States, trucks involved in fatal crashes, could be prevented if the driv- put into a class 3, 4, or 5, and Trucks can haul 440 pounds of of these almost 18 million are we fi nd that 62 percent were ers were more attentive to their have a gross vehicle weight hazardous materials without a trucks. Now let us add almost tractors pulling semi-trailers. driving. Adding in bus crashes rating (GVWR) of between placard. one million buses to this equa- These same semi-trucks were we are looking at 11,000 that 10,000 pounds and 19,499 Next issue we will discuss tion, giving us a total of 19 mil- involved in 48 percent of all occurred in 2008. Within these pounds. Heavy trucks are put the types of trucks and look into classes 6, 7 and 8. Class at their unique construction. 6 is trucks that have a GVWR When we look at heavy vehicle of 19,500 pounds to 29,000 rescue, we need to have a good pounds. Class 7 trucks have a basic knowledge of the vehi- GVWR of 29,100 pounds to cles we are working with and 33,000 pounds, and class 8 the characteristics they present. are those 33,001 and greater. With the weather getting cool- Trucks come in several types er, train all you can before the of designs. The fi rst and most colder weather sets in and we common is the straight truck. take a break over the holidays. These are built on a solid frame Train hard, stay safe, and be the and not designed to pull a trail- best you can. Now offering a state of the er. Most of these trucks have If you have any questions or art, one of a kind confined two to three axles and have comments e-mail David Pease at a GVWR of 10,000 pounds to [email protected] and visit the team space simulator. 40,000 pounds. Next we have website at www.RedsTeam.com.

Scenarios can be simple to complex, full lock out/tag out, with five different vessels to be entered.

Full closed circuit video monitoring. Training for as close to the real thing as you can get. THE REDS TEAM 919-772-0483 Office 919-291-6201 Cell [email protected] WWW. .COM Savingi LivesLi andd TrainingT i i OthersOth tot DoD theth SameS Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 25 Firefighters attend ‘Know Your Smoke’ training

By Terri Byers focused on myths and misun- derstandings of smoke, and We have all heard the say- atmospheric monitoring. Fire- ing “where there is smoke fi ghters were also given ideas there is fi re,” but have you re- on air management and sur- ally thought about what is in vival. smoke and what it does to you? The “Know Your Smoke” On July 20-21, the Fire Smoke training covered invaluable Coalition presented two days education about the danger- of training to North and South ous chronic and acute effects Carolina fi refi ghters at Cataw- of smoke exposure. During ba Valley Community College the training session fi refi ghters in Hickory. Instructors of the were instructed on the com- seminar were: plexities of the combustion • Battalion Chief Jason Krus- process during which numer- en with Columbia Fire De- ous gases and toxicants are pro- partment, SC duced, most especially Hydro- • Paramedic/ Training Of- gen Cyanide (HCN) and Carbon fi cer Robert Marschall Monoxide (CO); how to pre- from Hillsborough County, vent smoke exposure and how Florida pre-hospital treatment of the • Captain Todd Shoebridge smoke inhalation victim must with the City of Hickory include the consideration for Fire Department cyanide exposure or poisoning. • RAE Systems Inc., a lead- Firefi ghters were given valu- ing provider of toxic gas able education and materials to monitoring systems, com- take back to their departments bined with the Fire Smoke to save their own and those in Coalition to deliver the their communities. symposium for emergency responders – including Smoke-related Injuries fi refi ghters, EMTs and para- Increase medics In the United States, residen- Thirty-eight fi refi ghters attended the training, which See KNOW YOUR SMOKE page 26

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ping dead from heart attacks and cancers in large part due to the toxicants and soot inhaled from fi re smoke throughout their careers,” said Shawn Lon- gerich, executive director of the Fire Smoke Coalition. “For civilians it’s even worse and statistics substantiate that fact. We know all smoke inhalation victims cannot be saved. But we also know that if cyanide is not considered as a toxicant in the face of smoke inhalation, and the appropriate cyanide an- tidote administered, we’ll never know whether that patient could have survived. “This free training helped equip North Carolina fi refi ghters and fi rst responders with the safety and medical information they need to safely work tactical fi re ground operations for self-protection and as important, how to appropriately treat smoke inhalation victims in their communities,” added Longerich. Barry McLamb, Battalion Chief with Chapel Hill Fire Dept. said, “The training was a good idea and I learned new ideas for decontamination. I am Know Your Smoke tually increasing. For example, or death within minutes. In a “More education is needed taking the information back to in 2009, 1,348,500 fi res were review of major fi res over a 19- regarding the dangers of smoke my chief to be considered for Cont’d from page 25 attended by public fi re depart- year period, cyanide was found inhalation and most important policies to make our personnel tial fi res are the third leading ments, a decrease of 7.1 per- at toxic-to-lethal levels in the — how to treat it as a signifi - safer.” cause of fatal injury and the cent from the year before; how- blood of approximately 33 per- cant illness. Throughout this “I loved it and it was great. fi fth most common cause of un- ever, 3,010 civilian fi re deaths cent to 87 percent of fatalities. country fi refi ghters are drop- Looking after ourselves is some- intentional injury death, yet the occurred, which is an increase thing fi refi ghters are not good majority of fi re-related fatalities of 9.3 percent. at and this class reminds us are not caused by burns, but by In fi re smoke, hydrogen to do so,” said Michael Bartch smoke inhalation. Despite the cyanide can be up to 35 times Captain with Fayetteville Fire amount of fi res in the U.S. de- more toxic than carbon monox- Department. creasing each year, the amount ide, an underappreciated risk Lieutenant Chris Moyer from of civilians dying in fi res is ac- that can cause severe injury Burton Fire Department said, “We are bringing this program to Beaufort, S.C. Instructors Jason Krusen, Todd Shoebri- dge and Robert Marschall did a wonderful job sharing their expertise on this issue.” Deputy Chief George Byers of the Hickory Fire Department received the door prize of a meter provided by the Rae Corpo- ration, which in turn was given to Captain Todd Shoebridge to use in his future fi refi ghter safety programs. Terri Byers is the Fire Education Coordinator for the city of Hickory, N.C. She can be reached at 828-323- Instructor Robert Marschall demonstrating Hydroxocobalamin. 7521 or [email protected]. Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 27

Learn More, See More • Watch a short video to learn more about the Fire Smoke Symposium (http://www.fi resmokevss.org/) About Fire Smoke Coalition The Fire Smoke Coalition is comprised of leaders in the fi re service. The mission of the Fire Smoke Coalition is to focus the required attention and resources on the deadly and life-long consequences of breathing fi re smoke by teaching fi refi ghters and fi rst responders how to Prevent, Protect, Detect, Di- agnose, and appropriately treat the exposure if it occurs. Learn more at www.fi resmoke.org.

Deputy Chief George Byers of the Hickory Fire Dept. (pictured center) received the door prize of a meter provided by the RAE Corporation, which in turn was given to Captain Todd Shoebridge (pictured left) to use in his future fi refi ghter safety programs. Pictured right is David Saladin.

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By Mike Coffey pack, upon arriving at the top their hands to stop the time. Davis, Ben Mosely and Dusty • Tandem team winner with Special to Carolina Fire of the platform, lay the pack Matt Paparella, representing Bussart a time of 1:27.29 — Horry down and begin hoisting a roll the Horry County Fire Explorer • 2nd Place — Marlboro County Fire Team #2 On June 8, 2012, in conjunc- of two and one-half inch hose group with his last year of eligi- County Explorers • 2nd Place – Myrtle Beach tion with the South Carolina to the top of the tower con- bility, explained that he became • 3rd Place — Reidville Ex- Fire Firefi ghters Exposition in Myr- nected by a rope, descend the interested in the fi re service as plorers • 3rd Place – Horry County tle Beach, South Carolina, the stairs and stepping on each a way to go “behind the scenes” • The Fastest Female awarded Fire Team #1 4th Annual South Carolina Fire- individual step, proceed to a (so to speak) to see the fi re- to Morgan Davis from Cam- fi ghter’s Challenge took place • Relay team winner with a Kaiser weight-driving sled and fi ghters as they spray water at den with a time of 65.5 sec- with agencies represented from time of 1:19.50 – Horry drive the weight to the end fi res and subsequently joined as onds Columbia to Jasper County as County Fire of the sled using a rubberized, a junior fi refi ghter. Paparella has • The Fastest Male awarded to well as the home teams of Hor- • 2nd Place – Myrtle Beach weighted hammer, zigzagging participated with the team for Tyler Cox of Camden with a ry County and Myrtle Beach. Fire through a cone course, drag- two years under the guidance time of 46.78 seconds Sixty-fi ve adult competitors ging a charged one and three- of Chief Kenneth Beans, Cap- • 3rd Place – Jasper County In the Hose Deploy event and approximately 30 explor- quarter inch hose line 75 feet tain Billy Strickland and Kathy (SC) Fire Team #1 with a winning time of 1:42 er youths demonstrated their and fi nishing by dragging a Nieuwenhuis, the Public Educa- • The All-Female Team from • Seneca (SC) Fire with team skills in front of crowds of fam- rescue mannequin 100 feet to tion Liaison Offi cer for Horry Colombia Fire recognized for members Michael Shedd, Jar- ily and interested patrons in the the fi nish line. This feat could County Fire and Rescue. The their appearance, along with ed Livingstone, Attacus Hol- parking lot of one of the event be demonstrated individually, as Horry County Explorer pro- the Female Best and Over 40 brooks and Stephen McCoy sponsors — Broadway at the a tandem with each competitor gram is a two-year high school Best Beach complex. taking on half of the course or educational program, working • 2nd Place – Sumter (SC) The concept came from as a relay group with an individ- in conjunction with the South Fire Explorers Overall Team Placement the mind of Kevin Montgom- ual completing a section of the Carolina Fire Academy to gain • 3rd Place – Camden Fire • 1st Place – Horry County Fire ery representing Union Coun- course. state certifi cation in Firefi ght- Explorers with team members Michael ty (SC) Fire and Rescue as an The explorer competition er I and II. Paparella stated his Firefi ghter Challenge Mabe, Aaron Windsor, Ken event at the Union County involved a personal protective favorite part of the curriculum Norton, Shaun Simpson, Da- Fairgrounds. According to equipment event where the in- is live burns and was addicted Winners vid Powell and Mike Me- Montgomery, average times for dividual competitor must don after participating in his fi rst • Individual winner with a time deiros completing the event range their gear and breathing from burn. He has applications in of 1:58.43 - Michael Mabe • 2nd Place – Myrtle Beach from two and one-half to three a self-contained breathing ap- and looking to turn this into a representing Horry County Fire minutes. This year’s winning paratus in a certain time, then a full-time career. Fire Team #2 • 3rd Place – Jasper County individual time took 1:58.43 to group timed event dealing with • 2nd Place — Mike Me- Fire complete the course with the connecting hose to a pumper, Explorer winning teams deiros representing Horry winning team time in 1:19.50. a gated wye and deploying In the PPE event with a win- County Fire Congratulations to all the The adult competition be- dry one and three-quarter inch ning time of 68.32 seconds • 3rd place — Tad Reuben event participants and hope gins with ascending six fl ights line to a fi nish line where the • Camden (SC) Fire with team representing Myrtle Beach to relive the competition next of stairs carrying a high-rise whole crew meets and raises members Tyler Cox, Morgan Fire year. Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 29 EMS 2012 Rehab and medical monitoring... Are we doing it right?

Franklin H. Russell Keith Armfield

How many times over the and a working structure fi re in on the bumper of an engine. sitting in rehab looking at their tor should allow responders to past few years have you heard front of them, how many fi re- Having rehab set up too close co-workers advancing lines or take their mind off of the scene the term rehab or medical fi ghters can that Incident Com- to the active incident does not ventilating a roof, their mind for a few minutes, lower their monitoring? These terms are mander (IC) commit to rehab allow for mental rest and re- is going to be on getting back anxiety level which will lower some of the latest buzzwords in at one time and still accomplish covery. If your responders are to the fi ght. Your rehab sec- See REHAB page 30 the emergency services realm. the task at hand? If there are With that being said, how many fi refi ghters that come through people truly understand what it rehab and are sidelined due to means to establish and main- various reasons what has that tain a rehab sector? In many sit- done for manpower numbers? uations people think of rehab The third obstacle is having as a bottle of water and medical well-trained personnel assigned Budget Cuts? We can help. monitoring as a blood pressure to rehab that truly understand check. The process is much what the position involves. more involved and technical There are several issues to than that. Some situations only address when the decision is require company level rehab made to set up a formal rehab. Your Bariatric Conversionersion HeadquartersHeadquarters such as a single family dwelling Your rehab sector should allow fi re or a motor vehicle crash for: • Our warranties equal or with a pin in. Other situations • Mental rest and recovery surpass the manufacturers’ require a formal technical re- for your responders hab sector being established. • A place for them to shed • Over 500 years of combined Rehab has been around for their PPE craftsmen experience years in one form or another • Enough room for the an- • Certi½ ed factory trained but never standardized. In re- ticipated number of per- remount specialists cent years people have been sonnel taking a different approach to • Fluid replacement • PPG Deltran polyurethane paint rehab and putting more valid- • Shelter from the elements • Media blast booth on premises ity behind the process. NFPA • Shelter from the prying 1584 states that rehab is now eyes of the public and • Service and parts a standard rather than sugges- media Consider the bene½ ts of remounting before your • Collision repair tion. Rehab and medical moni- • Accountability next vehicle purchase and learn how you can save • Custom cabinet modi½ cation toring should be put in place • Cooling or warming de- anytime that an operation is pending on weather $20,000-30,000 over the cost of a new vehicle. • Lighting upgrades and changes expected to stress responders • Room for medical moni- The nation’s largest remounter with • Certi½ ed refurbished pre-owned and subject them to mental and toring the largest chassis inventory in the U.S. ambulances with warranties physical strain. Structure fi res are the most common place to Selecting a Rehab Site fi nd rehab operations, how- It is important to select a 800.553.7724 ever, there are plenty of other Peach State site that is appropriate and safe. www.peachstateambulance.com • [email protected] scenarios that warrant rehab Many times rehab is established Ambulance 130 Peach State Court • Tyrone, GA 30290 and medical monitoring, such about 150 feet from the front as extended or complex rescue of the structure under a tree or operations, wild land fi refi ghting, land-based search and rescue, extended law enforcement operations and so on. The ability to practice proper rehab has been plagued by several different factors. The fi rst is reluctance of the responders to actually report for rehab. Some fi rst responders are still in the mindset that “nothing bad can happen to me” or “I’m too tough to need this.” Everyone needs to realize that bad things do happen and they can happen to anyone at any time. Let’s take a second to highlight some of the “bad things” that we encounter on a daily basis running calls. We have environmental conditions to deal with, strenuous work in bulky PPE, physical and mental demands, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and traumatic injuries just to name a few. The second obstacle facing us is manpower at the scene. If we are dealing with a rural district that has a minimal amount of fi refi ghters on scene 30 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal

Rehab half of it off you’re not allowing responders are kept for adequate cooling of core out of sight of the Cont’d from page 29 body temperatures. We will dis- general public and heart rates and blood pressures cuss body core temperatures the media. People and allow them to rehydrate so in depth later in this article. wandering around they are ready to get back to You should also have enough your rehab sector or work upon being released from room to comfortably handle the cameras and report- rehab. Another issue with estab- maximum anticipated number ers coming in and lishing rehab too close to the of responders at any given time. out fi lming are going active scene is smoke and toxic If you have established rehab to increase stress and fumes. You could very well have in the back of an ambulance, anxiety levels. a rehab sector with elevated which can handle one compa- levels of CO due to the fi re or ny, and then all of the sudden Use a Tracking engine exhaust from your appa- have three companies report to System ratus. A good practice is to have rehab at the same time, there is Accountability is some form of air monitoring ca- an issue. You should establish another important pability in your rehab sector to an area that could accommo- facet to rehab. You insure a safe environment. date half of the personnel on should have a track- It is important to clearly scene at one time. ing system in place. defi ne an area inside of rehab Rehab should offer shel- The best thing to where responders can shed ter from the elements. Dur- use is a simple pa- their PPE. Most fi refi ghters ing extreme cold weather an per form. You should gladly take their pack and coat Your rehab sector should allow responders to take their mind off of the scene for a enclosed area that could be be able to document off upon reporting to rehab but few minutes, lower their anxiety level which will lower heart rates and blood pres- heated would be ideal, how- name, unit assign- are sometimes hesitant to come sures and allow them to rehydrate so they are ready to get back to work upon being ever, that is not always an op- ment, time-in, initial out of their bunker pants. You released from rehab. tion. If you do not have access and repeat vital signs, should insure that all respond- your bunker gear is going to with shade can lower the am- to an enclosed area you should time out and if the responder ers in rehab come out of their get wet and so are the clothes bient temperature by up to at least shield responders form was sent to treatment or trans- bunker gear. If you only take that you have underneath. Wet the wind. Keep in mind that 15 degrees. If misting fans are ported to the hospital. The clothing and cold wind will not available an electric smoke forms need to be kept simple greatly increase heat loss and ejector works well. to eliminate a backlog in fl ow. can result in hypothermia. Dur- A rehab sector should be Establishing controlled entry ing extreme heat we need to NOW HIRING clearly defi ned and have con- and exit points allows rehab offer shade and attempt to cool trolled entry and exit points. personnel to maintain account- the area to the best of our abil- Not only should we keep re- ability and safety for all re- PARAMEDICS! ity. Great tools for hot weather sponders out of sight of the sponders in the sector. It is vital operations are cool mist fans. Leading Private Provider of Emergency event while they are in rehab, that you do not have personnel Mist fans used in conjunction and Non-Emergency Transport but we need to insure that the wandering in and out of rehab without proper documentation and check in. Rehydration In order to provide much Serving all of NC and needed rehydration in rehab, fl uids must be readily avail- surrounding states. We able. The kind of fl uid has been are the largest privately up for debate for some time. owned ambulance service Even though most people providing ambulance and enjoy the taste of a cold soft drink when they are hot and wheelchair transportation. sweaty you should steer clear of this option. Soft drinks can act as diuretics and actually Bene¿ ts Package include: cause your kidneys to remove • $5,000 Sign On Bonus more fl uid from your body so • 2 Year Commitment water is a good choice if activity has lasted less than an hour. • Minimum Pay $45K+ If your activity has lasted for Based on Experience more than an hour you should be looking at offering a sports drink. After an hour of activity we need to offer something that has sodium and carbohydrates. Although water alone will satisfy your body’s thirst mechanism you could walk away dehydrated and depleted of electrolytes. There have also been numerous discussions on diluting sports drinks for rehab. Sports drinks are formulated Serving the Industry for Over 35 Years for maximum absorption and taste. If you change the con- centration you will actually alter the effectiveness of the drink itself. A good sports drink contains four to eight percent carbohydrates and 0.5-0.7g of sodium per liter. Your personnel should have an intake of two to four ounces per 20 minutes of Corporate Of¿ ces: work. Once assigned to rehab, 888-505-5911 fl uid intake should be 12 to 32 www.jas-online.org ounces during a 20-minute rest period. Fluid intake should be Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 31 increased during temperature A well-trained EMT-B is just as tain and give us good informa- ing temperatures would be the thermometers can be 2.5 de- extremes. Too much fl uid taken capable of managing a medi- tion. We should be assessing limitations of the equipment grees lower than actual body too quickly can cause abdomi- cal monitoring operation as a pulse rates using the NFPA 85 we are using. Oral thermom- core temperature. After you nal discomfort and lead to nau- paramedic. The fi rst thing that percent of maximum predicted eters are one option, however, come out of your gear in rehab sea and vomiting. You should you should be evaluating is the heart rate model. If you have oral temperature readings are your body core temperature also encourage your crews to responder’s level of conscious- someone that has a heart rate altered when you drink fl uids. continues to rise for approxi- consume 12 to 32 ounces of ness and mentation. Simply above 85 percent of their pre- Everyone in rehab should be mately fi ve minutes. During fl uid during the fi rst two hours looking at them can do this. Are dicted maximum heart rate af- drinking fl uid so that option is those fi rst fi ve minutes when post incident. they making eye contact with ter 10 minutes of rest they need out. The next option would be your core temperature is con- you when you speak to them? further evaluation. tempanic thermometers. Tem- tinuing to rise, tempanic read- Cooling/Heating Methods Are they having diffi culty ambu- Temperature measurement is panic thermometers are easy ings are beginning to fall. You lating? Do they look confused? might have a tempanic temp When operating in high tem- another vital sign that we could to use and quick to obtain. The If they appear to have a change perature extremes we need to look at. The one issue with tak- problem with this is tempanic See REHAB page 32 in LOC this makes them a prior- be offering a method of cooling ity for further evaluation. for our responders. There are When your crews begin ar- several different variations of riving in rehab resist the urge cooling at our disposal. Some to immediately attack them EMERGENCY options are cool towels to place with a blood pressure cuff. around the neck, forearm im- Blood pressure readings are immersion cooling chairs and cool portant but this is not the most vests. Wet towels placed around MEDICAL important thing at this moment. the neck cool at a similar rate In addition to that, most medi- when compared to forearm im- cal monitoring places emphasis mersion chairs. Feedback from on the blood pressure, howev- SCIENCE responders indicated that there er, that is the least understood is an additional psychologi- reading that we could obtain. cal benefi t of the cool towels. Let’s think about the cardiovas- ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM This is from a sense of immedi- cular system for a second to ate relief from the towel being explain this. If you just spent placed on their skin. Forearm 20 minutes dressed in full PPE immersion chairs are nice, how- s State and National Paramedics earn up to 42 credits inside of a burning structure ever, they take up much more engaged in strenuous activity toward an Emergency Medical Science Degree for room on an apparatus com- how would your cardiovascu- pared to a cooler and a stack your current certification. lar system respond? Your heart of towels. Most vehicles have rate should be greatly elevated enough room to add a cooler s due to the anxiety and physi- Degree classes for and towels so you don’t have cal stress of the event and a to wait for a specialized rehab certified paramedics decrease in the amount of vehicle to arrive to begin cool- circulating fl uid secondary to totally online, no ing measures. It is as simple as dehydration. Your heart rate placing an additional cooler on onsite requirements. is a component of your blood your unit, fi lling it a quarter of pressure so we should see an Registration and the way with ice, another quar- increase in blood pressure read- ter with water and then having administration completed ings. If we take a blood pres- a stack of towels that you place sure and pulse rate as soon as by phone, fax or email. in the cooler if the need arises. you shed your PPE are we get- During extreme cold weather ting a true representation of you need to ensure some way s Degree program is your status? You should wait at of warming and maintaining least 10 minutes before taking designed for demanding core temperatures. You bunker your fi rst vital sign measure- gear and clothes are going to EMS work schedules. ment. Secondly, what does a be wet due to sweat and wa- blood pressure reading do for Complete the degree at ter fl ow. Hypothermia is a real us in this situation? concern in these situations. In your own pace. If we use a blood pressure these cases we need to attempt reading alone to evaluate the to secure an enclosed area that need for further evaluation or can be heated for rehab. Also, treatment we are going to miss PARAMEDIC as we discussed earlier shield- things. If you had the time to ing rehab from the wind will take pre-entry vital signs you CERTIFICATION help prevent heat loss. During now have something to com- ONLINE (HYBRID PROGRAM) cold weather it is a good idea to pare to. If a responder comes keep a change or clothing with through rehab with a blood you in case you need it. s This Hybrid Program is pressure of 118/74 we might offered to individuals Medical Monitoring say that is a good blood pressure and everything is well. without any EMS Medical monitoring and What if that same person had rehab go hand in hand, how- a baseline blood pressure of training. Also available ever, they are not the same 168/94 prior to going into that for current basic or thing. Medical monitoring is fi re? He is now hypotensive and not the same as medical treat- could be exhibiting signs of the advanced EMTs seeking ment. Medical monitoring is same. We still have criteria to Paramedic certification. a short assessment to evalu- say that a systolic B/P >200 or ate a responder’s well being diastolic B/P of >110 after 10 Contact a program specialist at and determine if they need minutes of rest needs further s Program offered through further evaluation, treatment evaluation. Pre-entry vitals are 1-800-848-5497, Lenoir Community College or are fi t to return to duty. As I a good practice, however, how ext. 117, 113 or 114 mentioned earlier, most people often do we have time to take Continuing Education think of medical monitoring as blood pressures on our crew Department. Only four a simple blood pressure check. prior to advancing that hand Let’s break down the process line through the front door? onsite visits for skills and discuss it further. One way that we could work training and evaluations. Trained medical personnel, to remedy this would be taking of course, should perform medi- 15 minutes at the beginning of All classwork done online. cal monitoring, but that does your shift to take and record Tuition is only $525. not mean wait for an ALS unit blood pressures on each other. www.lenoircc.edu to arrive before you initiate it. Pulse rates are quick to ob- 32 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal

Rehab atic responders. On large-scale toring program in place and a paramedic with Guilford County croft Sedgefi eld Fire Department in incidents, medical personnel execute it we can help to en- EMS. Russell served as the team lead- Greensboro. He most recently served Cont’d from page 31 might elect to go ahead and sure everyone goes home at the er of the Medical Assistance Strike with the Stokesdale Fire Department of 99.5 degrees, which sounds establish a treatment area. This end of the shift. We can’t help Team and State Medical Assistance in Guilford County as well as an EMT good but the actual core temp area should be an extension of others if we become patients Team for Guilford County as well as instructor with Guilford Technical could be 102 degrees. The only medical monitoring but should ourselves. Hazmat Technician with the Guilford Community College. He is current- way to easily obtain a true core be isolated from the rest of re- Franklin Russell is currently County Hazmat Team. He was also a ly employed with Guilford County temperature is to measure it hab. In the event of an injury or a Critical Care Paramedic with fi refi ghter with the Horneytown Fire emergency services as a senior para- rectally. I am fairly confi dent illness you do not want treat- WakeMed Mobile Critical Care Ser- Department in Forsyth County. medic, also serving on the state med- that no one wants to get that ment taking place in plain view vices and an EMS instructor with Keith Armfi eld began his career ical assistance team as well as being up close and personal on a fi re of the rest of the responders. Guilford Technical Community Col- in emergency services in 1982 as a trained as an advanced hazmat life- scene. If you have to perform medi- lege. He previously spent 13 years as volunteer fi refi ghter with the Pine- support paramedic. The best thing to access cal treatment on a fi refi ghter during those fi rst 10 minutes you do not want his co-workers or so in rehab is the person’s sitting in rehab watching. The overall level of consciousness individual in need of treatment and addressing any physical is one of their own and if they complaints that they have. You are seeing oxygen fl owing and should always be vigilante and IVs being started, their mind looking for warning signs of is going to be on their buddy heat stress, heat exhaustion, not their own well being. You heat stroke, dehydration and should also be concerned for toxic inhalation injury. the privacy of the injured person. Medical Treatment In conclusion, rehab and You must also take into ac- medical monitoring are an count the possible need for important part of emergency medical treatment and trans- operations. If you have an effec- port of injured or symptom- tive rehab and medical moni-

On large-scale incidents, medical personnel might elect to go ahead and establish a treatment area. This area should be an extension of medical monitoring but should be isolated from the rest of rehab.

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By Dave Murphy

“Nothing astonishes men so sonal mission will closely align pervisor will not miss the op- points and will include you in hand in hand. This type of su- much as common sense and with departmental goals. A goal portunity to provide positive matters where your expertise pervisor will usually make the plain dealing.” setting supervisor increases reinforcement when the oppor- will make a difference. right call. Ralph Waldo Emerson, U.S. their own personal worth and tunity arises. 7. Is honest — 100 percent 10. Is decisive — will make a essayist and poet (1883-1882) the abilities of those entrusted 4. Is knowledgeable — ex- of the time. The honesty and timely decision based on avail- The role of a fi re service of- to him or her, while promoting hibits a mastery of the profes- integrity of this supervisor is able information and stand by fi cer is very complex. The typi- the overall mission of the de- sion. Is confi dent — but not never questioned. There is no it. Fire offi cers do not usually cal fi re department workplace partment. arrogant. Enlightened people doubt how this offi cer will an- have the luxury of extended is unlike any other. While we 2. Is fair — will treat every tend to listen when a knowl- swer the question — regardless time in the decision making are assigned a designated duty one in the same manner. A fair edgeable supervisor speaks. of the situation. process. Excellent fi re offi cers station, we may be called to ac- supervisor may not be the most 5. Respects subordinates — 8. Sets the example — others will initiate an immediate plan tion at anytime and anywhere. liked, but they will be among he or she can remember how wish to emulate this type of a of action, and are willing to The fi re service deals with the most respected. This type it is at the bottom of the food supervisor. This offi cer may not change it if necessary. many different types of people of supervisor most likely pre- chain. The respectful supervisor be liked by everyone, but they 11. Is a teacher — always and situations. The potential for scribes to the golden rule of makes an effort to know you are usually admired by friend strives to convey knowledge “people” problems is ever-pres- “do unto others” and will not by name, and will acknowledge and foe alike. They are often and become an enabler to ent. It is valid to say that the tolerate unfairness in their com- you on or off the job. known as an offi cer’s offi cer. those around them. A wise of- demands of a fi re service super- mand. 6. Is interested in subordi- 9. Has common sense — fi cer will always strive to teach visor are far greater than those 3. Gives positive reinforce- nates — this type of supervisor makes sound decisions based insight that will translate into of the average supervisor. Un- ment — will provide con- displays a genuine concern of on knowledge and previous the overall mission and effi cien- like most professions, many fi re stant encouragement to those those entrusted to him or her. experience. Common sense service supervisors (offi cers) around them. This type of su- They tend to know your strong and the excellent fi re offi cer go See COMMON SENSE page 45 are housed directly with or otherwise share a much closer association with those whom they supervise. In addition to normal supervisory problems, AFFORDABLE AMBULANCE IS DETAIL-DRIVEN situations “not covered by the book” can and do routinely present in the course of a tour of duty. These situations can tax the expertise of even the most seasoned supervisor. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States (1809-1865) Most fi re departments are regulated by written policies that specify general actions as dictated by standard operating guidelines. While these policies may offer some direction, it is the actions of supervisory personnel that actually enforce policy. Fire offi cers are often “on their own” as they learn to adapt, while relying on upper management to back them. In addition to constant management support, supervisors must have the adequate tools and training to perform their job. “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” Alexander Graham Bell, US inventor (1847 -1922) At the very least, every fi re department should provide minimal supervisory training that integrates departmental policy with the following list. In his book Common Sense Super- For more information contact: vision, Roger V. Fulton identifi es the following 25 traits of excel- James Olson at Affordable Ambulance, LCC lent supervisors. I will attempt Phone: 404-840-7410 to align these traits with the Email: [email protected] complexity associated with the Call 1-800-553-7724 American fi re service. A training or go to www.affordableambulance.com program that incorporates the following 25 traits of desirable supervision would be a good beginning in the quest of supervisor preparation. An excellent fi re service supervisor: 1. Has set goals — their per- 34 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal What are your options in these tough times?

By Mark D. Reese

We all know that times are now?” If they don’t, rewrite Preparation Tip # 2: Preparation Tip # 3: (ICS). This is your best oppor- tough everywhere right now. them, or make an addendum to Strengthening Your Ranks Exercise and Practice tunity to think about worst- Public Safety agencies in ev- match reality. The public real- case scenarios that your agency ery region of the country are izes that you have had to make If you are an agency that After you have looked at could face and how you will having to trim their budgets cut backs. had many full time staff, FTEs, your policies and procedures manage the incident with the and tighten the Ol’ agency belt Be open about what you are before the economic turn, and (and capabilities) after the blended manpower now. loops to make everything bal- doing to ensure that the public you had to lay folks off to meet “crunch,” and reorganized the ance. This has meant laying off trust is intact. If you haven’t the new reality of the cur- organization to fi t the new Tip # 4: Thinking about the personnel and delaying pur- communicated to them what rent FY budget, now may be “normal,” now comes the time Future chases of needed replacement you are changing, they will ex- the time to strengthen your to practice and prepare with apparatus and rescue equip- pect the same level of service ranks with trained volunteers. the whole group. Roles, assign- The rocky road that your ment too. It may be a few more as before. This also may be a solution to ments and responsibilities have agency is facing right now will years until things get better, but Look at your equipment and meeting your community fi re now changed. not last forever. The road will be the next disaster really doesn’t apparatus. Ask some internal protection needs. It may also Looking at your organization smooth again. By showing your care. It has you on the radar no questions. You wanted to re- allow your response objectives now, you may have new volun- community that you are willing matter what. place that engine that has been and ISO rating to not falter and teer personnel in your ranks to be creative and involve them on the road for the last two de- change dramatically. that have just fi nished their in the solution (by utilizing Tip # 1: Preparedness cades with a bright and shiny In emergent events, people volunteer recruit academy; you more citizen volunteers) will Begins by Conducting new one, but can you get a few want to help one another. It is may have new EMTs and fi rst pay dividends in the future. more years out of that truck? our nature to help one anoth- responders who just passed You may also fi nd that when an Inventory Can we put a reserve engine er in times of crisis. However, their practical exams. You may you are up to your neck in al- Instead of focusing on what or rescue back on the front sometimes the best intentions have existing personnel who ligators at a major incident, you you have lost, take a good look line with a little elbow grease can be problematic for an Inci- are wearing more than one will have lots of trained help at what you haven’t lost as well and some tune-up parts? Can dent Commander to deal with hat in your department now that can integrate seamlessly as what you are capable of do- we still do vehicle extrications and manage effectively. These because of the budget changes into your operation. Increase ing now. Doing “more with less” with that tool? If I rebuild that folks are called Emergent Vol- too. Everyone needs to get com- your odds for success. It’s time should inspire you now to get pump, will it work for a couple unteers. fortable working together and to be creative. Look at what as- everyone to the table to look more years? What can we use To harness this resources understanding their roles with- sets you have on hand. Look at at your policies and proce- to get the job done until things desire (and energy) before the in the organization and within your policies and procedures dures too. Ask yourself “do my get better without compromis- emergency, consider the ben- the NIMS and Incident Com- again. Think about your person- policies on paper match reality ing safety? efi ts of recruiting and training mand System too. This is where nel options to include using them to help respond along- practice and exercise hones the more resources like volunteers. side you. Develop a volun- skills towards good outcomes These are tough times, but teer fi refi ghter academy; or during a crisis. thinking outside the box will bolster your EMS capabilities Focus your weekly drills on help you prepare to respond ef- Fight the Fire, by training more citizens to primary skills and activities like fectively to the next big event. be fi rst responders or EMTs. fi refi ghting and EMS. This will Additional Resources: www. Not the Technology FEMA also has a great program get your newly acquired vol- fema.gov. called Community Emergency unteers involved with opera- Mark D. Reese is a retired Sgt. Response Teams (CERT) that tional and tactical skills. It will from the Lane County Sheriff’s Of- trains citizens to help their also increase their confi dence fi ce in Eugene, Oregon. He was also community during a disaster. and provide for good interac- a volunteer fi refi ghter and EMT with CERT also reinforces individual tion between crews and paid McKenzie Fire and Rescue in Walter- preparedness and resiliency. staff. Remember, you don’t care ville, Oregon. Reese has a BA in Man- By doing this, you are engaging who comes to the call as long agement and he has graduated from your community in the solu- as they are capable of contrib- numerous Emergency Management tion. These citizens not only uting to the solution and not courses as well as the FEMA Profes- get a better understanding of creating more problems. sional Development Series, PDS. He is what you do every day as a Use tabletop exercises to currently an Emergency Management fi rst responder, but these folks practice command and control graduate student at American Mili- become your trained “force techniques as well as getting tary University. multipliers.” It’s a win-win for comfortable with the NIMS everyone. and Incident Command System

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800-228-9015 elecominc.com [email protected] Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 35 OPINION FORUM The ‘Cycle of Mediocrity’ Its destructive effect on emergency services

By Lee Sudia of time for practical training the level of excellence in the is no room for their career de- or for sympathetic or political “We Have Met the Enemy suffi cient to adequately cover service reduced. velopment, because they have reasons is allowed to enter mid- and it is Us.” No truer statement all aspects of the classroom Notice I didn’t say thrive, be- achieved to the top level they level or upper level manage- is applicable to emergency ser- study covered between practi- cause these people must work are capable of. This problem ment of a facet of that organi- vices in the United States and cal sessions. And there is very constantly just to maintain is compounded if this person particularly in North Carolina little repetition time or repeti- baseline qualifi cations. There somehow achieves to the point See MEDIOCRITY page 41 than this. We in emergency tive, skills building time. services are losing our edge of Secondly, this type of class excellence due to an insidious puts the burden of bringing the attack of a cancer-like disease student up to speed on basic which has infected our profes- function back on the depart- sion. It is destroying the very ment the student functions Savings kept simple. foundation that our lifestyles with. This is not cost-effective ™ are based upon. This disease is for career departments and is The Now Network known in classes that I teach as too time consuming for vol- the “Cycle of Mediocrity.” The unteer departments, most of Save on great Unlimited Cycle of Mediocrity involves which spend the majority of the “dummying” down of our their planning time trying to plans from Sprint with whole system through improp- secure the necessary funding to er training and lack of opera- continue service. discount for Fire & EMS tional standards. These attitudes This places an unnecessary by politicians and certain emer- burden on departments who employees. gency services administrators expect students returning from have sold the integrity and level one of these classes to be ready of excellence of our lifestyle to function at a qualifi ed level. along with their souls to the If the student is not, then the highest bidders in an attempt time invested in the certifi ca- to maintain or increase their tion program was basically own position in their specifi c “wasted.” However the failure areas. of these programs is not en- From the training standpoint, tirely the fault of the business the increasing trend to utilize that functions as an institu- media and online based train- tion of higher learning. Much To receive your discount, please submit a Discount Request Form. Include ing programs in place of hands- of the failure is due in part to on training to increase the the quality of the student that your FireRescue membership number and Corporate ID: HCANT_FRG_ZZZ. number of “certifi ed” personnel departments are sending to the Find this form at any retail store or online at sprint.com/verify. in the fi eld — while effective classes. Not everyone is cut out in numbers — has not neces- to be in emergency services. Sign up at www.Į rerescue-gpo.com or call 877-329-8847. sarily increased the number of Those who can’t think in an “qualifi ed” people in the fi eld. analytical fashion, can’t read Membership is FREE! So called “hybrid” courses de- or write, or who function at a signed to incorporate hands-on substandard educational level, training with classroom train- should not be dumped into ing, fail to provide the amount emergency services and then

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By Dennis Amodio

(This is part three of a three-part practiced and working proce- gations by having written docu- and if it’s done right, should be to utilize the technological ad- series on pre-planning.) dure for fi rst responders getting mentation of fl oor plans, emer- handled by those who are con- vancements available to them More often than not, schools into the building. gency management plans and sidered experts in their respec- — specifi cally, electronic pre- have standard procedures for A fi re department entering safety drills. In most cases, and tive fi elds. plans. Like many fi re depart- responding to an incident or a building through a window, in my experience, schools only This doesn’t mean that ments, schools still have their emergency that aren’t as effec- especially one of the second meet the minimum require- school districts don’t take the pre-plans on paper, and come tive or effi cient as they can be. I fl oors, is a less effi cient way to ments they are forced to; no steps necessary to make their up against all the challenges know one high school that has mitigate an emergency than other action is taken in order school buildings a safe envi- that paper pre-plans present. their town’s fi re department entering through a main or sec- to provide an enhanced level ronment for their students. But Having electronic pre-plans enter the building through the ondary entrance point. of safety. Some schools out- schools can only do so much for a school — or entire district second fl oor window. The fi re The State of Pre-Planning source the compliance work to rigorous pre-planning on their — has numerous advantages. department actually uses a lad- have their plans reviewed and own. They must gain the sup- Firstly, by being in a digital for- der to get into the building in Schools have gap analyses completed, port of community resources mat, plans can be updated and rather than walking through When it comes to schools and therefor go above and be- like fi rst responders and emer- saved faster and easier. The bar- the door. This happens because and how they pre-plan, there yond state mandates, but most gency managers and use this rier to going above and beyond the department doesn’t have are many factors involved. schools are content with only support to procure their school state-mandated requirements access to the school’s keys, and All schools, no matter what meeting the mandates. district the best possible pre- for pre-plans becomes easier the school hasn’t taken the state they’re in, have to abide Most schools continue do- planning solutions. Schools to pass when compiling more steps to provide the depart- by and fulfi ll state regulations ing things in this same fashion do the best they can when it complete pre-plans that are sim- ment with the correct situ- and mandates. Some mandates year after year, only making comes to utilizing the resources pler and less time consuming. ational awareness. A solution are funded, but some are not. sure their mandates have been most readily available to them. Components of pre-plans may to this problem is simple: the For example, New York state met, rather than going beyond Only through education about change frequently, and having department and the school dis- schools must be in compliance state compliances and making and ease of access to new pre- a secure way to compile, store, trict should both know where with Project SAVE, an unfunded changes that strengthen and planning tools and methods and view the information will the master keys for the building mandate that requires schools enhance those mandates. But can we as fi rst responders help ensure the relevance and cor- are, and should have in place a to meet safety and security obli- the process of pre-planning is schools create safer spaces for rectness of things like contact multi-faceted, with multiple their students and staff. names and numbers. components that deserve multi- Benefi ts of Rigorous Of course the school isn’t ple parties to provide different the only agency that benefi ts areas of expertise. The differ- Pre-Planning for Schools from electronic pre-plans. First ent components of this plan- It is important for schools responders like local fi re and ning for schools include things to not only complete their police would not only have like drills, fl oor plans, building pre-plans to the best of their the opportunity to see a digital inspections, code of conduct, abilities and meet their state- fl oor plan to better understand and emergency management, mandated requirements, but where they are responding, but Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 37 they can see these documents when natural and man-made more rigorous pre-planning. pre-planning electronically Trade Center bombing and the Sep. sooner and faster. Digital pre- disasters occur, multiple things Although meeting state require- may not have been available 11, 2001 World Trade Center rescue plans can be shared within sec- can go wrong, multiple people ments is necessary, strength- a decade ago, but today these operations. He has taught classes in onds and dispersed to depart- must be contacted, and infor- ening and surpassing them is resources and tools are within Truck Tactics, Engine Operations, ments with disparate dispatch mation must be easily accessi- not. As fi rst responders adopt reach and out there waiting for Team Search, Heavy Rescue, Collapse systems — something that is ble in its most up-to-date form. electronic pre-planning, schools you Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, and impossible to do with paper There’s a very good chance should be encouraged to do the Thermal Imaging with American and pre-plans. that a school district with elec- same for their internal respons- Dennis Amodio is a retired fi re- foreign fi refi ghters. Amodio works to In addition to fi rst respond- tronic pre-plans may end up es and emergency preparedness fi ghter with the City of New York Fire train fi re departments nationally and ers gaining a better sense of saving money in the long run. requirements. The initial cost of Departmen t, assigned to Rescue internationally in effective fi refi ght- situational awareness from elec- They decrease the risk of an implementation is small com- Company 1 (Special Operations). He ing and rescue techniques. Currently, tronic pre-plans, teachers and incident happening in their dis- pared to the resources, time, has extensive experience with engine he is the Safety Division Director of students would have the tools trict or building, and have plans and lives that can be saved with and truck work, Collapse Rescue GEOcommand, Inc. at the Morrelly to better learn what situational in place to mitigate the damage electronic pre-plans in place. Operations, and High Rise Opera- Homeland Security Center in Beth- awareness is and how impor- caused by the incidents that do The resources or support for tions. He worked the 1993 World page, NY. tant it can be in the time of an happen. Additionally, if an inci- emergency. Many electronic dent were to occur, the district pre-plans come with quick ref- that has opted for the electron- erence cards that provide a bul- ic pre-planning process will be leted list for the steps to take able to react more quickly and when responding to an inci- effi ciently than those who did dent; this new information can not opt to go electronic. go a long way when practiced The time it takes to complete drills are supplemented with it. the pre-planning process will An incident commander know- vary from building to building. ing what his or her role during A good indicator of how long an incident can save them time; a building may take to pre-plan electronic pre-plans allow them is the quantity of critical in- to access and review drills and frastructure that exists within procedures when they need to that building. An elementary be accessed most. These types school takes less time than a of pre-plans are groundbreaking high school, not only because in the fact that this is the fi rst of things like square footage time that building offi cials like or number of students, but superintendents have access to because grade schools have a the same information that fi rst smaller amount of critical infra- responders do. structure than high schools. The home economics rooms, locker But at What Cost? rooms, chemistry labs, athletic When implementing a more fi elds, art room kilns, etc., all rigorous emergency prepared- contribute to a longer pre-plan- ness plan, a schools’ greatest ning process for high schools. concern is cost, and time. How Initially, the work that is long will it take, and how much done may seem like a lot. But will we have to pay out of the truth is, once the plans pocket? are converted to digital and Being that electronic pre- electronic; they will be able planning services do cost to thrive forever — only with money, there may be some re- yearly updates. sistance from the school when Closing the Gap considering the purchase of a Vancouver Seattle Ventura County system like this. In this situa- When it comes to schools, Charlotte tion, it is important to look at many variables will impact the the cost versus the benefi t. Im- process and execution of pre- Richmond Austin plementing electronic pre-plans planning. While all schools have Ogden City Chattanooga may cost more than doing the different needs and require- state-mandated minimum, but ments, all can benefi t from Hamilton Palm Beach Salt Lake City Spokane FDM Business Intelligence SacramentoS 3eople +elping 3eople PrinceiG George Ottawa HHalifaxlif Victoria Build a Safer World™

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By John Bierling

Is Command Failure ICS our fi rst priority is to another article about com- all our emergency responses our resources into divisions or An Acceptable Incident be sure everyone goes mand and control? The answer can be handled with a few re- groups and then into branches; home at the end of the is quite simple, we still haven’t sources and a small command if we don’t have the experience Outcome? day; fully grasped and often fail to organization. We, particularly in of building the incident orga- One of the very hot top- 3. As an Incident Com- implement the Incident Com- the fi re service, establish com- nization from the small to the ics of this century, so far, is the mander or a Section Chief, mand System as it’s supposed mand at every incident, regard- large; then we will most likely National Incident Management you have a sacred stumble when we System (NIMS) and Incident responsibility to face that critical Command System (ICS) part of build a command junction in the NIMS. We discuss them, write structure that will ICS road where about them, train and practice provide the utmost the lives of our re- and hopefully use the NIMS level of safety for all sponders depend and ICS doctrine. the emergency re- on our incident Let’s establish a baseline sponders. command exper- from which all other principles, NIMS and ICS tise. policies, and behaviors must We remember from the Experience, ex- fl ow. IC 700 training that the perience, experi- Safety: two are different. NIMS ence — it’s about 1. Our personal responsibil- has six components of having enough ex- ity is to behave, in all mat- which ICS is the larg- perience to com- ters, in such a way that we est and most signifi cant fortably put the provide the highest level part. Effective Command parts and pieces of safety for our fellow and Control equals ef- of the ICS together emergency responders and fective Incident Command. to be done. Hold up on the less of size and complexity, and under pressure, ourselves; If we — the emergency re- indignant emails for a moment assign our resources to various with bad stuff happening, and 2. If we are responsible for sponse community — have in- and let’s explore this further. tasks. In the process we build make the smooth transition other people or have any vested so much time with this Experience and analysis tells a small command organiza- into a larger command struc- supervisor position in the topic, why then do we need us that 95 percent or more of tion. The Incident Commander ture. establishes the objectives and When we read the literature the resources (task folks) do of our industry and when we stuff to accomplish the objec- tell the stories of our incidents, tives. This is exactly how it’s there is always one constant supposed to work — well done that runs through every event. and good job! You may now When we do incident com- remove your fi ngers from the mand well we nearly always keyboard and delete that email. have a positive outcome for the Here’s the problem. If only incident. When the outcome fi ve percent (or less) of our in- is not positive or less than cidents require more resources we hoped for, or when bad and a larger incident organi- things happen to our people, zation; if we only rarely form it’s nearly always because we

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Corbin, Kentucky 800.639.4966 www.wynnfi re.com info@wynnfi re.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 39 failed to have a strong, effective ready established command. It’s system of Incident Command. OK, she’ll transfer command to Study and analyze the incident you if that’s appropriate. after-action reports in a non- How about this? You respond emotional way and you’ll fi nd to a chlorine leak at the water that this pattern holds true. OK, treatment plant and on arrival now hit the send button on the the water treatment supervisor email. has established command. Or In conclusion, we have a lot you have a major snow storm of opportunity for classroom and the Public Works Direc- training. Take every class you tor is the Incident Commander can and build the foundation. for the community wide snow We have an occasional oppor- event. tunity for experience training, OK, you get the picture. The this is really important; grab ev- really good news is that every ery opportunity that’s available. discipline, public and private, Sometimes, we get to work an is studying incident com- incident where we build out mand and practicing ICS skills the ICS, do this as often and and will use the ICS when an as best you can — remember incident occurs in their area incidents and events. It’s the of responsibility. I am really experience that helps us to be impressed at how the public excellent in every position in health departments through- the incident command struc- out our nation have taken to ture. We owe our people noth- ICS and are using it on a regular ing less. basis. Also, let’s not forget our outstanding EMS professionals Who Owns the Incident in every community. When we Command System? have a mass casualty incident or an incident where the primary What a silly question to ask activity is EMS, then the appro- as the topic for an article. If you priate, ICS trained EMS person are one of my sisters or broth- should command the incident. ers in the fi re service you think Where does that leave the this is going to be a short story. fi re service? It, quite frankly The answer, of course, is that leaves us in a very enviable the Incident Command System position. There are still plenty is owned by the fi re service. of opportunities for us to use We invented it, we use it most incident command. Better yet often, we’re the most profi cient, it appears that we now have a and well, it just belongs to us — lot of well-trained help when a end of discussion. large, complex incident occurs. Now wait just a doggone When it’s time to build our inci- minute — what about sharing? dent organization there are lots What happened to the part of of folks who can fi ll the com- NIMS that states that ICS is for mand staff and the planning, all hazards, all agencies, and all logistics, fi nance/admin section jurisdictions? chiefs. The very good news Let’s imagine the following from the NIMS initiative is that scenario: The 911 dispatch cen- we are no longer alone in ICS ter dispatches your department, land and there are lots of folks a fi rst alarm structure assign- in our communities who want ment, to a report of smoke in to be our partners in incident a structure at 110 Main St. Two command. minutes after the initial dis- Who are your response part- patch the radio opens and we ners? They are nearly every receive the following transmis- other governmental organiza- sion, “PD Unit 46-12 is on location in your community; many tion at 110 Main Street. Two non-governmental not for profi t story single family dwelling organizations, and many of your with smoke showing from the local businesses. Please invite second fl oor, 46-12 is establish- these folks to ICS meetings, ing Main Street Command.” invite them to your training. OOPS, how did that happen? You’re using ICS there also, yes? When we all took the ICS class- Work with them on commu- es did we fail to inform the po- nity events and be sure they are lice that we own the Incident dispatched to incidents where Command System? Then you appropriate. remember the instructor telling We’re all partners in this ICS the class that the fi rst person in process and that’s a good thing. authority on the scene should provide a situation report and Fire Chief (retired) John Bierling establish command. Well, I has been in the emergency services guess that PD 46-12 was listen- for more than 45 years including 17 ing and did a good job. years as a Chief Fire Offi cer. Chief Battalion Chief 2 arrives, Bierling is the CEO of The Incident receives a briefi ng from the Management Team, a consulting Incident Commander, and com- company that teaches incident man- mand is transferred to BC 2. agement and facilitates the OurTown Better yet, you arrive fi rst Diorama Incident Command Train- due at the hospital after being ing Programs throughout the nation dispatched to an odor of smoke to emergency responders, health in the Emergency Department departments, hospitals, airports, pri- (ED) and on arrival you are met vate industry, and local government. by the Charge Nurse from the He can be reached at John@inci ED who is wearing an “Incident dentmt.com and his website is www. Commander” vest and has al- IncidentMT.com. 40 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal Responding to the call ... for change

By Glenn L. Hamm, II

Change — “Make or become change is coming and we need proach each need individually. The more insight you can give the road. If you try to make a 90 different.” — Merriam Webster to be prepared for it. If you Finally, once the previous steps your team as to the processes degree or 180 degree turn at 75 Although not noted by Mer- haven’t dealt with change or have been completed, sound and the reasoning behind it, the miles per hour, your rig is going riam Webster, this remains one you haven’t been satisfi ed with the call for change. better their understanding and to overturn. Even the best laid of the most feared and loathed the change process in your acceptance will be. out plan will fail if you do not words in the fi re service. department, now is the time Setting Off the Tones Note: The old “This is the way observe the speed limitations of Change will make the stron- to prepare. To do so, we must for Change it is!” and “Because I said so!” your team. Therefore, be sure to utilize our discretionary time to gest and toughest fi refi ghters in mentality should generally be take the turns slowly and stay identify and defi ne the needs Once you have identifi ed your department tremble with avoided at all cost. Your person- in your lane. Getting the team of our department for today, the need for change you must fear and prove itself as one nel outnumber you and they on-scene is your priority as the tomorrow and years down the then dispatch your personnel of the most challenging tasks can make your life miserable. leader. road. New standards, updates in to respond. This part remains placed upon you as a leader in So, take the time and be as in- science and technology, govern- crucial to the entire change formative as possible when in- Arriving On-Scene the fi re service. However, like process. During this time you ment mandates, and specifi c de- troducing the need for change Even though we all made it any incident we are called to must clearly identify the Who, partmental needs will present to your department. This will to the scene together, the call is respond to, change is manage- What, When, Where and Why of themselves throughout your help ease the process of getting not over. In fact, when respond- able and there is a proper way the upcoming changes. If the tenure as a leader. your personnel on board. ing to change, the response to respond to it. By associat- members of the department To best adapt to these needs, never ends. As a leader within ing yourself with the culture don’t know the location and you must fi rst assemble the Getting on the Rig and the fi re service you must con- change process you will be nature of the call, they will nev- leaders within your depart- Responding tinue to oversee and direct the better prepared to successfully er make it to the scene. Addi- ment and identify the changes personnel throughout their as- implement the needed changes tionally, this will help the much Before you can go En-Route, that are needed. Then, break signed tasks. There will be those within your department. needed “buy-in” of your subor- you have to have your person- the needed changes down into that try to freelance and those dinates and help to institute the nel on board. This is the buy-in three categories: Immediate that avoid the accountability Preplan Needs, Short Term Needs and change. Generally, you will get process. As a fi refi ghter, you system. However, it is now your As leaders within the fi re Long Term Needs. Once the very little resistance at the un- know that you must have your task as a leader to evaluate the service, we must recognize needs are identifi ed and sorted, veiling of the new plan. During personnel in a rig before it can situation as it unfolds in real life the fact that change is inevi- you and your leadership team this time the personnel are still respond. During this period and continually direct your per- table. Much like the next call, must then identify how to ap- processing what you have said. you will see a variety of mixed feelings. However, remaining sonnel to the common goal. focused and keeping the team Hamm currently serves the fi re on track is crucial to the entire and rescue service as an Assistant change process. As you check Chief at Station 17, Newberry County GREGG GESKE - PRODUCT MANAGER – FOAM & CAFS / FIREFIGHTER - CHANHASSEN, MN en-route remember that the call Emergency Services and Dive Team for change varies with the situ- Leader for Newberry County Emer- ation and depending on the cir- gency Services. Hamm also services cumstances it may be an emer- the needs of the fi re service as owner gent or non-emergent response. of Poseidon Fire Rescue Equipment Regardless, when respond- (www.POSEIDONRESCUE.com). ing to the call for change, you Hamm may be contacted via email must remain mindful how you at [email protected] or by navigate the twists and turns in phone at 803-924-7146.

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By David Pease The Reds Team

As we move into the sec- a detachable jack that allows always on the lookout for a your collection. reinforced Kevlar. ond half of the year, we can for lifting of a vehicle, but can good pair of rope gloves. I The main part of the glove The cuffs on the gloves use only look back at things that also be removed and used on have found over the years that is silicone coated Kevlar that Velcro so the wrist can be have happened and look for- another strut. The problem that most gloves are either a bit stiff gives the needed protection adjusted and tightened. The ward to things that will. As our sometimes occurs is the handle and lack the dexterity I need while offering the fl exibility gloves could be used for extri- budgets get tighter, we have to will be inhibited by part of the for the rope you need for handling rope cation, but you would not want look closer at our needs and vehicle. This in turn will not al- work we do, and tying knots. to use them for rope after uti- the equipment that may best fi t low for the lift as you will not or the palms The palm side lizing them in any extrication those needs. We have to now be able to turn the jack handle. get really hot has reinforced work. I have found they work become thriftier with our dol- Hence comes the “FlipJack.” when doing rap- areas on the fi n- quite well for rope work and lars in every purchase we make This detachable jack can be pels, especially ger tips, fi nger will continue to use them as — always looking for more used in two positions, one with teaching tacti- base and palm my rope and rappelling glove. bang for the buck. the handle up and one with the cal rappelling to that use a level For information on the Boss I had the opportunity to use handle down. By using differ- the SRT and SWAT three coated and glove or any of the Tech Trade the new fl ip jacks by Rescue ent end attachments, the “Flip- teams. Both of these cut resistant Kevlar. fi re and extrication gloves you Jack and the new rope gloves Jack” can be used on either the issues have proven This reinforcing can visit their website at www. by Tech Trade. Both proved steel X-strut or the aluminum frustrating over the is also found on techtradellc.com to be worthy pieces of equip- X-strut. This jack also carries years. Over the past the inner side Next issue we’ll look at some ment or PPE. The Rescue Jacks the 6000 pound lift capabil- two years and with of the fore fi n- more equipment worth adding have been around for some ity as the other jacks and can several changes in ger and thumb. This to your cache. Be sure to do time now and have proven to have added end fi ttings to be design, the new gives the rappeller a your research before buying. be one of the best stabilization used for spreading. Stay tuned Tech trade better grip and Until next time, train hard, be struts on the market. They are for the new Super X-strut to be rope glove, protection as safe, and know your equipment. one of the companies that con- discussed in a later issue. For WPT8 Boss, the rope pass- tinues to improve and add to more information on the jacks, has prov- es through If you have questions or com- what they have on the market. visit their website at www.res- en to be a their hand. The ments e-mail David Pease at Both, the newer steel X-strut q-jack.com. worthwhile fi nger tips are [email protected] and visit the team and the aluminum X-strut have As a rope instructor I am addition to also silicone coated web site at www.RedsTeam.com.

Mediocrity to apply the proper corrective house and reaffi rm the stan- foundation of our service. hours of undergraduate study in Fire action resulting in death, injury, dards of excellence that have Administration and Fire Prevention. Cont’d from page 35 Lee Sudia is in his 38th year in the or more property damage in been destroyed by this malig- fi re service, both career and volun- He is attending Oklahoma State Uni- zation. We deal with people’s the situation than should have nancy. We must give our own a teer. He holds a B.S. in Sociology from versity to receive his Master’s in Fire lives and there is nothing more taken place? Mediocrity or do- dose of educational, operational Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C. and Emergency Management. Sudia critical as a service than that ing “just enough” has no place and integral chemotherapy to and attended Florida International can be reached at frankiesdad2003@ mandate. There are other areas in emergency services or the stop the spread of this malig- University and the University of Cin- yahoo.com. that these people could be di- funding and training of emer- nancy before it destroys the cinnati, receiving an additional 60 rected to so they could serve gency services today, when we and thrive and be a useful part have to wage war on a domes- of the medical profession and tic level when the rules and the make an excellent living. This enemies are constantly chang- type of promotional process ing. In order for us to change plagues small towns across the the views towards emergency state and nation, just as school services by the politicians and systems were in the 60s, 70s the general public as a whole, and 80s when people were pro- we must fi rst address our own moted just to get them through views — which through time the system. Some of these have weakened our services to Today there is increased awareness Fire Fighting Medium people now, unfortunately, are what they have evolved to pres- and concern regarding the environ- The ¿ rst “true” multi-purpose in positions of administrative ently. We must clean our own mental footprint ¿ re ¿ ghting foams ¿ re ¿ ghting foam agent with a and political power, lacking the create. UL Dual Listing necessary skills to make truly FireAde® 2000 is the most environ- Cooling Medium informed decisions. mentally friendly and cost effective Superior cooling properties that Here again, we are “dummy- ¿ re ¿ ghting foam agent in the world. extinguishes ¿ re from the source ing” down the system and do- SAFE ing it systemically, as the cancer • All work at ground level. • Non-toxic Vapor Control grows and becomes increas- • Completely powered: up • Non-hazardous A tight and thick foam blanket and down. ingly malignant. Many of my • Non-corrosive that enables extinguishment EFFICIENT when others fail more vocal critics say that I • One person can do the work of two or • Fully biodegradable take an “elitist” attitude toward three — and in less time. Toxic Smoke Scrubber emergency services person- • Takes up less than a single parking Up to 98% elimination of toxic nel. To those critics I pose this space smoke and increased visibility question to ponder — Who do ATTRACTIVE you want coming to take care • Free standing — no external brace Hazardous Spill Control Medium of your fi re, medical or res- or guy wires. Creates a safer environment cue emergency? Do you want • Your choice of galvanized or custom when applied to hazardous spills painted to complement your station. someone who is trained to the highest level of the service, able VERSATILE to change with the fl uid nature • Easy to relocate. • Use to dry salvage covers, hose bed of events commonly seen in covers, etc. SAFE emergency situations, analyze • Mount fl ood lights and radio antennae those changes correctly and re- at the top. INDUSTRIES spond with the proper correc- 877.997.7233 • www.safeindustries.com tive actions, or someone who P.O. Box 60213 • Bakersfi eld, CA 93386 800-524-3481 • fax: 661-871-9666 Manufactured by Fire Service Plus, Inc. fails to have the skills necessary 180 Etowah Trace Fayetteville, GA 30214 • 770-460-7793 • info@À reade.com to analyze the changes and fails www.tigerhosetower.com 42 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal RESCUE A-Z Structural tower management

By Adam Snyder

(This is part two of a three part series.) Last issue we discussed the importance of structural tower awareness to include construction characteristics, structural tower access and some associated structural tower hazards. This issue we will be focusing on the fi rst part of structural tower management to include tower related emergencies and medical considerations. We will also be discussing the preparation for climbing and associated fall protection. Let’s fi rst look at what type of emergencies you could pos- sibly be dispatched to in a structural tower emergency. The victim may be injured or not. The victim could have been a child that climbed the tower as a dare but once he got to a certain height became scared and is unable to get down by him/herself. The victim might have had some type of medical emergency such as cardiac compromise or heat related ill- Advanced placed fall protection using one-half inch life safety rope. ness while working on the tow- Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 43 er. The victim could be suicidal other incident we respond to which will cause a high risk to in the fi re service we must fi rst the rescuers. The victim could conduct a scene size-up and have sustained a fall with inju- perform initial patient assess- ries and is suspended by some ment. The size-up on a structur- type of fall restraint device. The al tower rescue is very diffi cult victim could have sustained as this is a true specialty type of some type of weather related rescue and information pertain- injury or structural entrap- ing to the tower will not always ment. The victim could have be known right away. We must sustained injuries from utilities consider the hazards and the running up the tower. safety of all personnel involved All of these situations pose during our scene size-up. By a high degree of risk to the gathering as much information rescuer so a thorough tower as possible during the scene rescue plan needs to be estab- size-up such as patient location, lished and the safety of all those patient status, hazards and ac- involved be the top priority. cess we can ensure a smooth You as a structural tower res- operation. Here is a list of items cuer will be confronted with that should be considered dur- several possible victim condi- ing the size-up of a tower res- A stokes basket for victim is used for removal from tower. tions. The conditions are: cue: • Deceased: From traumatic • Determine the safety of the injuries from a fall or medi- tower cal condition causing car- • Determine number of vic- diac arrest. tims • Injured: From a fall or inju- • Determine the location of ry sustained by work being the victim conducted on the tower. • Determine medical consid- • Ill: From environmental ex- erations posure or to a true medical • Determine type of rescue emergency. and equipment needed • Uninjured: From a suicidal • Determine if you have victim or an unauthorized enough resources individual climbing the • Develop a rescue plan tower. • Select rescuers Now let’s look at some medi- • Determine climbing system cal considerations in which • Consider weather condi- the rescuer must know how tions to stabilize the victim. Like any See TOWER page 44 44 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal

Tower tower causing a crush injury. ed height. Some of the spinal climb to the Once locating the victim, the immobilization devices that location before Cont’d from page 43 rescuer will need to use some could be used include: patient pack- • Consider time of day type of patient capturing de- • Stokes Basket aging can be • Develop back-up plan vice to secure the victim to the • LSP halfback done. Prepara- • SKED Initial patient assessment will tower and prevent any further tions for climb- be done by gathering informa- injury. This could be done with Follow local protocols re- ing are essential tion from possible workers at a webbing strap or fall restraint garding the procedures for spi- to any rescuer the tower site which were on device. Once the victim is se- nal immobilization. If you use a or rescue team. scene at the time of the inci- cured we must conduct the ba- stokes basket or SKED and the Safety of course dent or by sending a rescuer up sics of evaluating their A-Airway, victim has signifi cant trauma, is paramount. the tower to conduct initial pa- B-Breathing and C-Circulation. the victim should be lowered in The fi rst part of tient assessment to determine Once this is conducted we the horizontal position. At times the preparations the extent of the injuries or ill- can now determine the ex- you will have a victim that is is to conduct a ness. Like a motor vehicle acci- tent of injuries or illness and suspended in his/her own har- tail gate meet- dent we must determine what determine the equipment and ness with limited injuries or ing with the the mechanism of injury (MOI) method of removal. The patient illness in which you could use tower owner was in a traumatic emergency. could have sustained a spinal their existing system to assist in or responsible The MOI could be a fall from injury in which spinal immobi- their removal. party to ensure a great distance or failure of a lization is going to be essential With any tower rescue it that all utility structural component of the and diffi cult to do at an elevat- is imperative that the rescuer hazards are secured and assist with the rescue operations as a liaison. Example of double lanyard fall protection. The Incident Commander rest system comprised of large or operations chief must then scaffold hooks on twin lanyards determine the number of res- attached to a shock absorber. cuer’s needed on the tower to This system is attached to the perform the rescue once a size- rescuers harness and the hooks up has been completed. Is the are advanced while the rescuer rescue a single rescuer based or is climbing. team based approach? The advanced placed fall The determination of loca- protection is utilized when tion and method of climbing more than one rescuer needs will be decided based upon the to climb the tower with the ab- tower size-up and any exist- sence of pre-existing fall protec- ing ladder system. I have listed tion. The fi rst rescuer can climb a few most common climb- the tower utilizing the double ing systems that you will most lanyard fall system and trails up likely see when responding to a a safety line. Once the rescuer tower rescue. reaches the point above the victim the rescuer can secure the Towers with fall protection safety line to the tower. The sec- • Commercial wire cable fall ond and third rescuer, if need protection be, can attach an accent device • Third rail fall protection to the rope and climb freely. Lead climbing is a technique Towers with no fall utilized if a tower does not protection have a ladder system and the Not for the Weak • Double lanyard fall rescuer must climb the lattice. protection This technique is an advanced • Advanced placed fall climbing technique in which protection only experienced climbers • Lead Climbing fall should attempt. It is equipment protection extensive and very complicat- In any of these listed fall ed. The concept of lead climb- protection systems, rescuers ing allows the rescuer to climb should conduct training on the tower trailing up a dynamic this type of climbing prior to rope attached to a belay device. an actual incident. When the The rescuer climbing attaches rescuer is utilizing existing fall tower lanyards around the lat- protection on a tower, such as tice every three feet and the wire cable or third rail fall pro- safety rope is placed through tection, they must utilize the the carabiner. If the rescuer appropriate commercial cam happens to fall, the fall will be that was designed for that sys- limited to the last tower lanyard tem. If the existing fall protec- position. tion is questionable the rescuer Adam Snyder has served over 18 shall supply his/her own. As years in emergency services. He is cur- mentioned before some towers rently the Fire/Rescue/ EMS Chief for the may not have pre-existing fall Town of Atlantic Beach Fire Department protection and the rescuer may in N.C. Snyder is a Fire and Rescue have to use their own. The fall Instructor. He holds a degree in Fire protection utilized will be de- Protection Technology and Emergency DragonDragon Fire GlGloves termined by if the tower has a Medical Science. He is also a live fi re in- 800-975-7059800-975-705 ladder system or just lattice. The structor for acquired structures and LP www.DragonFireGloves.comwww.Dra rescuer may have to choose the gas. Snyder is also the founding mem- use of a double lanyard which ber of and serves as the Pipe Major for could be utilized on a ladder the Eastern Carolina Firefi ghters Pipes system or narrow lattice tower. and Drums Band. He can be reached The double lanyard is a fall ar- at fi [email protected] Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 45

Common Sense speaks and writes clearly and and that total employee involve- do so. A fi re offi cer’s ability to a task, gets out of the way, but effectively. It does not matter ment is key to the success of manage an emergency scene remains available for assistance Cont’d from page 33 what you know if you cannot any organization. is an absolute must in the fi re if needed. cy of the fi re department. communicate it. An excellent 21. Takes command — will service. “Cultivate only the habits 12. Supports subordinates’ fi re offi cer communicates well assume command as needed 22. Doesn’t hold grudges — that you are willing should mas- decisions — openly demon- and often with those in their and will relin- allows bygones to be bygones, ter you”. strates faith in those around command. ququishish it coconductsnducts bbusinessusine as it should Elbert Hubbard, (1856–1915) him or her. Subordinates take 18. Is responsibleonsible for ttheirheir whwhenen it is bbee conducted. TThish offi cer comfort in knowing this type own actions — take resrespon-pon- pproperroper to qquicklyuickly shelves ppersonal differ- In summary, a profi cient fi re of supervisor “has their back,” sibility for personalrsonal mistakes eencesnces and moves on offi cer wears many hats and realizing that unintentional and the directedted mmistakesistakes of foforr the good of must develop, maintain and mistakes are made from time others as theyy are seself and the de- exhibit many of the preceding to time. made. A respon-n- papartment. traits in order to be effective. 13. Is a good listener — lis- sible offi cer 223. Shows en- Many fi re departments do pro- tens to the problems of others will also realizeze ththusiasm for vide some form of offi cer de- and offers sound advice when this is the timee their work — velopment training. This is not it is requested. An offi cer with to correct it shows in always the case, in many cases good listening skills will be “in obvious their daily involving promotion; you are the know” and can defuse many personal actions, on simply “knighted” with the gold problems before they escalate or system the job and badge and issued your new as- to the next level. fl aws. off. They ar- signment. The next year or so 14. Delegates work — realiz- 19. Is con- rive at work is very educational as you take es he or she cannot do it alone sistent — with notice- your “licks” and develop that and allows others to contribute. treatment of able energy, thick leather skin. There has to The delegating offi cer actually subordinates ready to meet be a better way to graduate to a permits learning to take place. is not affect- ththe tasks at hand. supervisory position. There is a They are not threatened by ed by person- 24. Gives con- better way – prepare them for teaching others needed future al problems orr ststructiver feed- the challenges that are sure to skills. moods. A consis-sis- baback — offers come! 15. Doesn’t “Monday morn- tent offi cer main-ain- aadviced in a non- ing quarterback” — does not tains the “big ppic-ic- ththreatening man- Dave Murphy retired as Assis- publicly criticize actions of ture” and remainsains nener. This offi cer tant Chief of the Richmond (KY) fi re another. Does not elaborate on focused, resultingting hahas a knack for department. He currently serves as issues of which they have little in a more effi ccientient ggivingiv subtle ad- an Associate Professor in the Fire or no knowledge. workplace. vviceic and letting and Safety Engineering Technology 16. Is available — has a true 20. Is willingng to otothersh fi gure out program at The University of North open door policy and wel- help — will doo prproblemsoblems on ttheirh own. Carolina at Charlotte. He is a Certi- comes the input of others. An their fair share,e, 25. Doesn’t ooverv manage — fi ed Fire Protection Specialist and a available offi cer will seek you does not run ffromrom resists tthehe ururgege tot microman- principal member on NFPA commit- out, not make you fi nd them. obligations. Theyhey realize that age, susupportspports ththee efforts of oth- tee 610, which deals with Safety at 17. Communicates well — “many hands mmakeake small workwork”” ers. This ttypeype of ooffi cer assigns Motorsports Venues.

INCREASED SALES

ery rarely are compliments given for a job well done. In this case, I “ personally make an exception. V Since I advertised in the Carolina Fire Journal, I have found a major increase in sales from the Carolinas and the entire south. My distributors in the area have increased their sales to no end. I just got off the phone with one

of my distributors in Georgia who told me about my ad in the Carolina Fire

Journal.JoJou He claims he gets constant calls about the products I advertise in your worthywowo publication. “ ThanksT again and may we increase our relationship in getting the word out onon the fi refi ghting tools I manufacture.

— Bob Farrell C.E.O., Fire Hooks Unlimited

Lieutenant Robert Farrell in Ladder Company 31, an American LaFrance tractor-drawn tiller, on We build relationships and trust as we partner with you to build your business in the Carolinas. Home Street and Prospect Avenue in the Bronx. Contact Sherry Brooks at 704-568-7804 or editing@carolinaﬁ rejournal.com. Photo shown courtesy of Richard Rewkowski (FDNY Retired). Estimated year 1970-71. www.carolinaﬁ rejournal.com 46 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal EDUCATING TOMORROW’S OFFICERS The Promised Land

By Christopher M. Haley

“Morale is the capacity of a to drive us. Leaders, particularly manage items. There is no more push them. You can quickly see the future. That is, if such plans group of people to pull together, those at the helm of the collec- effi cient and effective way in the signs of a stalled trained, one even exist and he is not trying persistently and consistently, in tive ship, must know how to managing your department to- in which all members have taken to direct an unscripted play. His pursuit of a common purpose.” maintain and encourage true mo- wards its goals, than by inspiring their seat, and how the pursuit of approach should be much sim- These words, spoken by Alexan- rale if they plan for success and your people to believe in those progress has grinded to a stop. pler and more effective — fi nd der Leighton, a sociologist and the continued or new found suc- goals, and wanting to achieve The functioning and success- out what his people value, what professor at Harvard University, cess of their department. them as both individuals and as ful organization is not one that drives them, and what it is that ring true today more than ever. Unfortunately, many times the collective group. It is hard for simply survives today. It is the will regain their support to begin Leighton spoke to the fact of morale is often misperceived someone at the grass roots level group, which accomplishes today once again pushing the train. This how morale is particularly im- as simple obedience to orders; to help push the train forward in hopes of building the foun- is how morale is both built and portant during times of stress a common misconception of when they don’t believe in the dation for tomorrow. Each day restored. and controversy. As we continue someone in a leadership position destination of the train nor its in the successful organization Without a belief that the cho- to work towards our goals these trying to apply management the- conductor. These individuals will is simply another act in a play sen path is the right one, the des- issues continue to wear away at ory to people instead of things. quickly stop pushing and simply scripted months or years prior tination is correct, and the leader that very morale which we look Remember, you lead people, you grab a seat, waiting for others to by a visionary author. Directors knows where he is going, the come and go, but still the script group will never accept that they remains the same. In essence, are on a quest for The Promised the costumes and delivery may Land. They will never climb out change, but still the play goes of their seats and help push the on, and the message remains the train. Sure, they may do enough same. Conversely, each day in to simply survive through each the “stalled train” organization day, but that is not effi cient, nor is fi lled with the ineffi ciency of effective. Getting people to buy writing the play as we go. Actors in and give their all in the most try to create lines and verses impacting way they can each in front of the crowd while on and every day is what drives an stage. The spectators, and more organization, and the only way to importantly the other actors see do that is to harness morale. After this ineffi ciency and quickly lose all, no athlete is going to give his hope that the production will full effort to a team that doesn’t ever reach Broadway. Even the most dedicated and passionate want to win championships. He performers will begin to question is going to rest on the bench to if they should remain or if they avoid injury hoping to be traded WHAT IS YOUR MISSION? should pack up and fi nd a differ- to a winning team. A general man- ent play. ager can draft the greatest ath- FIRE RESCUE DIVE PATROL The path of reaching your letes in the world to play for his goals will most certainly be team, but until the coach creates fi lled with obstacles, which a game plan that every player Lake Assault will collaborate with your team to design a boat meeting cause members to question the believes will win, all of these your specific mission requirements and budget. validity of the quest. But, it is athletes will just go through the Welded aluminum boats from 16’-36’ the members’ driving beliefs, in motions, never applying their full which they are working towards effort, nor achieving their full a greater good, that will keep potential. www.lakeassault.com them trekking on. This is the tru- In closing, I’ll turn to a Bruce [email protected] foo est form of “morale.” When faced Springsteen song to illustrate 612 849 6655 foo with adversity the group will dig the points that started off this Superior, WI. 54880 in its heels and continue to push article. The lyrics tell a story of forward because they believe struggle to fi nd belief in what that they are part of something, you do, much like a stalled train and are playing a vital role in the organization. “I’ve done my best success of the department. The to live the right way; I get up members need to feel important, every morning and go to work Do You Protect Your Fire¿ ghters? valued, included and appreciated. each day. But your eyes go blind, This is unfortunately where many and your blood runs cold, some- “leaders” go astray. For example, times I feel so weak I just want let’s look at a relationship. A wife to explode.” The narrator worked We Do. says to her husband that she is no hard each day trying to achieve longer happy with their marriage. but the lack of belief, or buy-in, She tells him that she no longer has worn him down to the point feels a connection or a partner- where he wants to stop push- ship throughout their everyday ing. Don’t let this happen to your life. The husband decides his best organization or your people. If course of action is to buy her a it does your path to success will new convertible. It should be fair- become one of slow progress NEW ly clear to many that the husband and countless obstacles. Instead certainly has missed the point inspire your people to believe PRODUCT and his relationship is most likely and to push the organization be- going to become a “stalled train.” cause the goal at the end of the Much like the unscripted play, track is of a greater good. And the husband chose to address is- by the way, the title of that song sues as they arose, as opposed to in case you’re wondering: “The looking for the foundation of the Promised Land.” problem and working towards a meaningful and satisfying solu- Chris Haley is a nine year veteran of PlymoVent® Source Capture Systems the fi re service in the volunteer and ca- certi¿ ed dealer for tion. The same can apply to your offers the most proven and time-tested fi re department. If a chief senses reer sectors. He has served as a Lt. and features of any system built today. general disapproval and lack of is a state of CT Fire Instructor. A gradu- morale, the answer is not “going ate of the National Fire Academy, Haley easy on the guys for a few days.” is a published author in the fi elds of 800.344.7751 • 919.255.9344 • www.plymoventexhaust.com The chief’s problems have not personnel development and manage- been solved, his people remain ment, as well as a member of ISFSI and © 2008 PlymoVent® and Grabber® are registered trademarks of PlymoVent. unmotivated, and they still have CFDIA. Haley can be reached at haley not bought in to his plans for [email protected]. Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 47 Riding the roller coaster

By Joe Palmer

After 28 years of travel- cliché, “big picture.” What we for the basic societal needs. If one which we must become conversation summed it up ing to fi re departments, a skill do is very important. But equal- we expect salary raises, can part of before we openly ex- well. The chief offered, that “for that you develop is the ability ly, if we wish to be perceived as we not balance the reality that press our misery or disregard many of us, the real test is the within fi ve to 10 minutes of the larger driving force in our the system also is absorbing a for our lot in life. Chief Jack control of our emotions and going in a fi re station door, to community, that often times health care coverage increase? Jansen (ret.) stopped in the passions.” I think Chief Jansen is be able to assess when the con- we think we are, how we func- A big concept I realize, but other day and in an ancillary See ROLLER COASTER page 56 versation with those that you tion as part of that community meet has come to an inevitable is also important. Do we know crossroads. You have extended our role in the growth and pleasantries; reestablished the progression of the community relationship; and then have a proper; and are we realizing choice of moving down a par- it, or simply fulfi lling our own ticular conversant pathway. goals established by our inner With pathway one you hear circle without regard to the talk of grants, trucks, programs, larger community needs. Let results, the latest call. Pathway the phone calls my way begin! two consists of morale, the Chief Alvin Payne in Myrtle “city” or “county” followed by Beach is a master at handling “has done” or “did,” and situa- this concept. I am thankful tion after situation containing that he and I have had con- pessimism and guile. Immedi- versations about this concept ately I recognize whether the frequently. Chief Payne will glass is half full or half empty. describe the situation as a give In pathway one you fi nd a lot and take. We should not make of personal pronouns like I or demands or have expectations we. The second pathway you that don’t fi t into the larger hear “them” and “they” used scheme of realizing the law of much too frequently. I can get conservation of energy. Hang a sense real fast as to how you on with me now, the physics perceive yourself and your or- law states (in Joe’s words) that ganization and where you are energy cannot be created or in the evolution of your service destroyed. It exists as a give and to the community. take. You may change its form, Sometimes I wonder if hav- but the total amount exists. ing separate fi re stations scat- Our fi re departments exist tered around town is all that within this same parameter in good an idea. With this diaspo- the monetary spectrum of our ra, we tend to become intro- communities. Can we purchase verts and lose our perspective ______(fi ll in the blank your- on our role in society. We lose selves to avoid controversy) the, and boy I dislike this tired while our community struggles 48 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal THE HOMEFRONT Thinking about starting a business?

By Angel Marvin, CPA, PFS highlighted below. It is impor- • Take an out-of-town class to Tax Incentives also need to register the busi- tant to consult with a tax ad- learn more about the business with the Secretary of State Thinking about starting a You may also qualify for tax visor early on in the business ness? at www.scsos.com and, if you new business? Maybe you have incentives for your new busi- start-up process and remember • Buy books and magazines have employees or are selling a developed an expertise that ness. Location of the business, to always keep good records. to fi nd information about product to customers, you will you think is marketable or you number of employees, and the business and/or its also need to register with the have an idea for a new business amount of capital investment Start-Up Costs market? South Carolina Department of venture. Or maybe you have a determine your eligibility for • Buy offi ce supplies to use Revenue at www.sctax.org. Fi- profi table hobby that you are What many entrepreneurs tax incentives. For more infor- in the business? nally, don’t forget to apply for a considering converting into a do not realize is the tax ben- mation, see the SC Department • Use your car to make pros- business license from your city, full-time business. Current busi- efi ts start the minute you think of Revenue’s publication South pecting and other calls town, and/or county. ness studies have shown that in about starting a new busi- Carolina Tax Incentives for Eco- before getting your license today’s economy more people ness. Start-up costs are the ex- nomic Development at www. or meeting other qualifi ca- Start-Up Resources than ever are considering start- penses you rack up before the sctax.org. For North Carolina tions necessary to enter For a checklist of the basic ing a new business. Whatever business even opens its doors. visit www.dornc.com. Also, the the business? steps to start a business, go to: your reasons, if Small Business Jobs Act passed •Make long- http://www.irs.gov/ you are starting last September and the Health distance tele- businesses/small.This website a new business Care Reform Act passed in phone calls to also includes links and informa- (or even thinking March offer hefty tax credits others to learn tion to assist in making basic about it), there are and deductions for small busi- more about the business decisions and federal many factors to nesses beginning in 2011. business? tax obligations. consider — from For a general tax guide for tax benefi ts and If you an- Business Formation starting a small business in incentives to the swered “yes” You must decide what form South Carolina, see: http:// form of business to any of the of business entity to establish, www.sctax.org. you plan to estab- above ques- which in turn determines the For a listing of grants and tax lish. tions, you kind of income tax return form incentive programs available to Investigating could have in- you will have to fi le. The most South Carolina businesses, see: the potential for a curred start-up common forms of business are http://sccommerce.com. new business and deductible ex- the sole proprietorship, part- getting the busi- penses. Start-up nership, corporation, S corpo- The Small Business Admin- ness started can be an expen- Money you spend to investi- expenses also include money ration, and Limited Liability istration (SBA), http://www. sive proposition. Proper plan- gate, consult, or create a busi- you spend for advertisements Company (LLC). There are legal sba.gov, and The Small Business ning from the beginning is of ness qualifi es for tax-favored for the opening of the business; and tax considerations to con- Development Center (SBDC), key importance. start-up treatment. The Internal salaries and wages for employ- sider when selecting a busi- http://www.uscbiz.net, provide While there are many fac- Revenue Service (IRS) consid- ees you train; travel and other ness structure. Before deciding resources to aid small start-up tors to consider, most people ers these thinking-about-it ex- necessary costs for securing which business form is best for companies including business are not familiar with the rules penses as “start-up” expenses distributors, suppliers, or cus- you, it is a good idea to consult loans and grants, counseling for deducting business start- that qualify for tax benefi ts. Ask tomers; and salaries and fees a tax advisor. and training, and tips for start- up costs. Also, many people do yourself some questions about paid for consultants or other Once you have selected the ing and managing a business. not realize it is not that diffi - your start-up expenses. professional services before the form for your business, you will Angel T. Marvin, CPA, PFS , joined cult to complete the necessary For example, did you: business actually opens. Be sure need to apply for an Employer Abacus Planning Group, Inc., in registrations to set up the busi- • Travel to meet with others that you know the rules for Identifi cation Number (EIN) 2007. She is a member of the Finan- ness before you begin opera- in the business? deducting start-up costs. Track with the IRS. You may apply cial Planning Team with a focus on tion. Many tools and resources • Entertain friends to fi nd all the business start-up costs for an EIN online at the IRS tax. Ms. Marvin is a Certifi ed Public are available to assist start-up out if they think you would and provide this information to link provided below. For South Accountant in both North and South companies, a few of which are be good at the business? your tax advisor. Carolina businesses, you will Carolina. Smart, Safe & EfÀ cient

262.363.2030 • fax: 262-363-2034 www.rollnrack.com • [email protected] Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 49 THE HOMEFRONT Brotherhood — baptized in fire

By Willie Wimmer

Well brothers and sisters of and from my department and the fi re service I am writing my brothers: condolences about the fi refi ghter of my life for your loss. To the Capitol for once and not the apparatus Area Fools you all know who side, so please keep reading. you are — thank you for the I recently attended the South brotherhood experience that Atlantic Expo in Raleigh and you share with us every year the Brotherhood was defi nite- and the hard work that is put ly felt. I have been in the fi re into it. I also want to share service for 16 years now and I a special thanks to the staff have slowly felt the bonds and and the board members of relationships as a fi reman slip the North Carolina State Fire- away, but after the Capitol Fools men’s Association for a job had the Brotherhood bash dur- well done on the Expo, as ing the Expo, I realized I was well as the brotherhood for wrong and that we all just need their fellow fi refi ghters donat- a little refreshing now and then. ing their time to attend legis- We have to remember that lation that will affect us in the we are a family outside of our fi re service. biological family and we have to take care of all of us. A wise Willie Wimmer (owner/head man once said it takes a village mechanic) started working for to raise a child. Well, for me and KME in 1996 while in school and a lot of you out, there it takes continued to work there until 2007 a fi rehouse to raise a child but when he relocated to the Outer sometimes we forget that. the line for his fellow brother vance up the chain you either erhood aspect and do it every Banks. He started with KME build- We have new young mem- and captain without thinking didn’t deserve it or you were day — not just when we feel it ing trucks, moved into repairs and bers that join every month and twice. Congratulations for an not ready for it. Don’t take it to be cool. fi nished by traveling across country we need to groom them into award well deserved. The night out on your fellow brothers Again, congratulations to Mr. repairing trucks, selling and training the people that most of us are. before this award was present- and sisters. We as fi refi ghters Bettencourt and the Asheville on the apparatus. He has been an ac- I remember when I joined my ed, the Capitol Area Fools gave need to get back in the broth- Fire Department for the award tive volunteer fi refi ghter since 1996. fi rst fi re department. I thought the Asheville Fire Department I was on top of the world and enough money to go to Em- after looking back I actually metsburg, Maryland to honor was. All of my fellow brothers their fallen brother. The guys and sisters in that fi rehouse from the Fools only knew them Join the Conversation took care of me and made me from the events that occurred into the man I am today. But I — there was no prior tie. These www.carolinafirejournal.com see day in and day out the rou- men and women worked hard tine of gathering at someone’s to raise money and to give it to Breaking Fire/EMS News - from the Carolinas and Beyond • Industry Conferences and Events house every month or just fellow brothers who would use New Deliveries • Latest Fire Fighting and Rescue Tools • Fire and Rescue Photos • Ask Ernie having a cookout is somewhat it for a good cause. This is what Training Opportunities • Technology and Communications • Health and Fitness • Municipal Financing gone. I know we are all busy brotherhood is about. but we go into some pretty se- The brotherhood has been rious situations with each other around for decades — as long and a little camaraderie and so- as the fi re service has been in cializing goes a long way. We go business and yet we sometimes to our family for Christmas and let it slip away and only fi nd it holidays but we probably actu- when it is convenient or when ally spend more time with the it is needed. Well, in my opin- fi re and rescue family than we ion it is needed everyday of do with our own. our lives, not just when some- Jay Bettencourt was the re- thing happens. We never know www.facebook.com/carolinafi rejournal www.carolinafi rejournal.com www.twitter.com/carolinafi re cipient of the Firefi ghter of the when that something may hap- Year award. While listening to pen and I myself do not want the story for the award I began it to be too late. Why is it that to feel the brotherhood that we have lost the brotherhood? Jay Bettencourt felt and that I myself do not know and I we should all feel. Jay Betten- am sure I’m not alone in this court is on the Asheville Fire thinking. But, we need to make Department and was on the job sure we fi nd it. Some of you are July 28, 2011 at 445 Biltmore probably getting ready to tell Ave where Captain Jeff Bowen the new recruit to go fi nd the lost his life. While performing a brotherhood on the truck and search, conditions deteriorated I would probably do the same and an exit needed to be found. thing to be honest. Mr. Bettencourt, even though We are all in this business for he was running low on air and the same job and we need to re- in danger, left his captain to member we are all brothers and fi nd an exit. The exit was found sisters baptized by fi re. We have and he had the chance to leave to look out for one another at that point. He returned to and take care of our own when his captain and pulled him to they are in need. We do not the stairway exit. He continued need to kick them when they to try to move his captain un- are down. I see people trying Limited advertising opportunities are now available. til Bettencourt collapsed from to stab others in the back for For information call Sherry Brooks at 704-568-7804. exhaustion. He put his life on advancement. If you don’t ad- 50 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal THE HOMEFRONT Lessons learned as the significant other of a firefighter

By Dedra Cline

Welcome to a new column will be additional questions and were just going as friends to people were for Carolina Fire Journal. This concerns. dinner with other department trapped. “Peo- column will be for the signifi - Do you remember the fi rst members. I quickly learned just ple trapped?” cant other. Signifi cant other time you met your signifi cant how much these department Really? I am being defi ned as a person, such other? How about when you members were like family to a woman and as a family member or close found out they were in emer- him. These were people that he we require friend, who is important or gency services? How about af- could discuss many issues with. additional infl uential in one’s life. Here ter being married for fi ve years What I think about the most is information. we will try to give support to your signifi cant other told you the fact that even after we an- Is it children, the signifi cant other on many they wanted a career in emer- nounced our engagement, not a family, de- different topics. Topics such gency services? What about the one wife took the time to tell partment as — Why does it seem as if moment a mom found out her me what it would mean to be members? I my fi refi ghter always has to 18-year-son wanted a career in an “emergency service worker needed infor- work on holidays, birthdays, emergency services? signifi cant other.” mation, but had made to give me my ring anniversaries or any important My DH and I had known I’m not saying you have to the phone lost service before I that night. The plans that were day? How do we support our each other for many years be something special. However, got that information. Finally af- put to the side because he was fi refi ghter when they are away when we went out on our fi rst you better be a very indepen- ter about fi ve hours, he walks in needed on a fi re call. Even af- on these important days? There “date.” I say “date” because we dent and strong individual. I the door with his bunker pants ter almost 18 years, I still don’t learned this very early in our still on, walks over to me stink- know or remember who was “dating time.” He missed dates ing. As I was telling him to get trapped. ome for gear! because he was on the manda- away from me, he pulled some- After it was all over, it wasn’t ids c er k tory call backlist, missed holi- thing from his pocket. What the messed up plans that both- ght ered me. What bothered me ere fi re fi days because it was his shift to he pulled from his pocket was Wh work, attending get-togethers an engagement ring. You see, was that I could have missed • Turnout Gear for Kids Personalized alone because he was on shift. weeks before he had proposed. the opportunity to let him how I really felt. So, lesson number to your Department I think the list could go on, but Not sure if I was ready to be you get the idea. part of the emergency ser- one – no matter how mad or • Job/Duty Shirts Should we even mention the vice family, I did not give him upset you are, never let your • Helmets, Boots, Toys and more! time he was called back for a an answer or accept the ring. signifi cant other leave for a shift or a call without a hug, Uniform Duds for Kids, LLC • 253-225-6230 call? That wasn’t what bothered Just days before this call I had me. What bothered me was the fi nally said “yes.” What I did not and saying “I love you” and “be www.uniformdudsforkids.com • [email protected] only info he gave me was that know was the special plans he careful.” Carolina Fire RRescuee EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 51

HEALTHH AND FITNESS The importance of EKG monitored graded exercise stress testing

By Charles F. Turner, R.N.

The concept of graded ex- by qualifi ed personnel designed around heart rates with 70 pounds of gear on and should be mandatory for ercise testing is not new in who are academically and and age. The Bruce Protocol fi ght a structural fi re. Symp- all screenings. It should be screening for coronary artery medically qualifi ed to per- is the most widely used for a tom limited testing also should a 25-panel because of the disease/heart disease. The actu- form the tests. treadmill test, while the YMCA be performed for diagnostic thyroid screening. With the al testing has gone from a V5, or 3. The monitoring physician cycle ergometer submaximal purposes only and in an inside amount of thyroid disease one-lead, test in the 1960s and is not qualifi ed for graded test protocol is the most widely clinical setting. in the fi re service, thyroid 1970s to a 12-17 lead EKG test exercise testing just be- used for a bike or arm test. Health screenings cannot be testing should be a man- as it is today. cause he/she has an “M.D.” The bike test is designed confi ned to cardiovascular test- datory part of the blood Screening for heart dis- or “D.O.” after his or her closest to the actual heart rate ing, but other aspects of health work. ease cannot be accomplished name. increase that a fi refi ghter ex- should also be given prime con- B. As part of the SMAC 25 — without a proper protocol or This is not meant to be periences when a call comes sideration. or executive blood panel electrocardiographs while test- critical of any physician, but in. The average fi refi ghter goes — uric acid should be ining. Putting a stethoscope on a many physicians do not per- seven to nine minutes in per- Blood Work cluded because this is the fi refi ghter’s chest to determine form graded exercise tests nor forming a graded exercise test, A. A SMAC-25 panel — or panel that screens for gout. heart disease is not an answer. do they have experience in while responding to a fi re call executive blood panel — See EKG page 56 Protocols, which are academi- reading graded exercise tests. to arriving on scene is seven to cally and medically verifi able, Their practices are not such 10 minutes. Remember that the are the only answer. Heart rate that they perform these tests. graded exercise test is screen- and blood pressure protocols This is the critical point in asking for heart disease, which is are not medically acceptable ing if the personnel running the number one killer in the in screening for heart disease. the tests are academically and fi re service. It makes no differ- This is part of the reason the medically qualifi ed to perform ence how you get the heart North Greenville Fitness has a tremendous track Gerkin protocol is nicknamed these tests. Specifi cally, if they into the proper heart rate range record and reputation in serving over 13,000 public the “pickle” protocol. This pro- are Advanced Cardiac Life Sup- (bike, treadmill, arm, step), but safety personnel annually throughout the Southeast. tocol is not the “Gold Standard” port (ACLS) certifi ed, and is the that the EKG monitoring must in graded exercise testing for physician trained and versed to be performed during the test. • North Greenville Fitness has over 33 years of heart disease. perform the screenings and has The Gerkin Protocol only looks health screening experience. While screening protocols experience in graded exercise at heart rate and blood pres- may vary according to method, testing. sure. There is no EKG monitor- • North Greenville Fitness provides its services in EKG monitored testing is the Remember, this is your pro- ing during a test. ten states in the United States. “Gold Standard” academically gram, so ask the questions. You The use of a protocol which • All Exercise Physiologists are four-year college and medically for heart disease won’t go to a family practice takes the fi refi ghter to exhaus- graduates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree screening. The treadmill, bike, physician for major surgery, so tion or symptom limited, per prepared in Exercise Science. step test and arm ergometer are don’t accept a physician who is research, should never be used • All Exercise Physiologists are Advanced Cardiac all acceptable methods accord- not qualifi ed to perform tests. except in an inside clinical set- Life Support (ACLS) certifi ed. ing to research for screening. Again, this is not to be critical ting, for the specifi c purpose 1. The method of testing of any physician or physician of diagnosing heart disease and • All phlebotomists are state or nationally certifi ed. while being EKG moni- groups. not for screening purposes. A tored is the issue. Graded exercise testing profi refi ghter who has been tested 2. The second issue is if the tocols, whether treadmill, bike, to exhaustion cannot be ex- testing is being performed step, or arm ergometer, are all pected to go directly on a call

The OSHA/NFPA Fireﬁ ghter Physical consists of the following services: • 25 Panel Bloodwork • Pulmonary Function Evaluation • 12-Lead EKG Ergometer Graded Exercise Test • Monitored by a Board-Certiﬁ ed, State Licensed Physician • Additional Services Available On-Site North Greenville Fitness is the premier health enhancement/health screening clinic in the U.S.

Proudly serving the Southeast since 1979 P.O. Box 606 • Travelers Rest, SC 29690 888.348.8911 • 864.834.9078 www.northgreenvilleﬁ tness.com 52 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal Construction prices and public safety facilities

By Ken Newell, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

What happened to the good benefi t from signifi cantly lower the Chinese economy which bers were reported at a mere you had the capital in hand, and old days when you could count construction costs. demanded much of the world’s fi ve percent, everyone started that was a big IF considering on consistent construction Our design fi rm receives construction material resources singing, “Happy Days Are Here that the recession had greatly cost infl ation of three to fi ve construction bids on multiple and led to another 20 percent Again.” Little did we know that diminished public revenues. percent per year? If you were projects each month, most of plus increase, immediately fol- it was a foreshadowing of the The projects that were “shovel- developing a Capital Improve- which are fi re or other public lowed by hurricane Katrina and Great Recession at our door ready” and funded during this ment Plan for a new station safety facilities. The construc- the overnight consumption of step. time became the benefi cia- three years from now you tion cost tracking provided signifi cant construction materi- From 2007 to 2008, construc- ries of the lowest construction could just take today’s con- herein is based solely on pric- als and labor … a 30 percent tion prices decreased approxi- bids in years. This period was struction costs, increase it by ing received on fi re/rescue sta- plus increase in construction mately 12 percent. Then from the beginning of a bad time to three to fi ve percent per year tions that we have been associ- costs! 2008 to 2009, they dropped an- be in the construction indus- for three years, and know that ated with over four decades. So when the 2006 to 2007 other 16 percent. It was a great try. The lower bid costs were what you had budgeted would If you have intentions to build construction infl ation num- time to build a new station IF deceptive because they were likely be fi ne. Not anymore! or renovate in the near future, We’re well into the second of please take a moment to con- the two most volatile construc- sider what is happening in the tion pricing decades in history, construction world and what with no sign of it getting back you can do about it to protect to “normal,” assuming that there the viability of your upcoming is a “normal.” project. We all understand that the construction industry has al- Recent History ways experienced price spikes The roller coaster ride initial- (and rarely decreases) in lim- ly began after the 9-11 attacks ited portions due to some sort in 2001. Along with other less of material or labor force is- signifi cant factors, international sue. Many departments, who uncertainty and the consump- last year budgeted more than tion of construction materials enough funds to build this for the war efforts in Iraq and year, are now forced to scale Afghanistan resulted in a one- back their plans. Many believe year construction cost increase that because we are still in a of nearly 20 percent. This was depressed economy, they will followed by the explosion of

Tough on Your Floor, Easy on Your Budget

Pleasant Valley VFD (Indian Land, SC) was one project that benefi ted from the low construction bids of 2008- 2009 at $127/SF, base bid.

3 Coat Polyaspartic Flooring System Base Coat of Polyaspartic Clear Polyaspartic Mechanically Bonds to Top Coating Applied Concrete

2010 Carrboro No. 2 Pleasant Valley Additional Coats of 2011 Polyaspartic Non-

Mechanical Diamond Photo:Photo Daily Press of Hampton Roads, VA Skid Additive or 2011 Grinding Opens Quarts/ Vinyl Flakes Bahama Substation Pours of Concrete are Applied • Rehabilitate and protect dull, damaged ordinary concrete into a sound and lasting creation • Durable Mauldin No. 3 • Easy to clean 2012 Hampton No. 11 2012 • Slip resistant • Chemical resistant • Excellent abrasion resistance Has the Recession put your next station project in jeopardy? Let’s 910.574.5546 www.rhinoproÀ ooring.com talk about how we can help you john@rhinoproÀ ooring.com www.¿ re-station.com (800) 671-0621 fi nd a way to bring it to life. Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 53 not based on the contractor’s in what you need to build the project you need, but program needs in the mini- Ken Newell, AIA, LEED AP, is a se- reduced material or labor cost. now. If portions of your you are not ready to re- mum space. Every wasted nior principal with Stewart–Cooper- To the contrary, material costs facility are to accommo- ceive construction bids for square foot will cost you Newell Architects, an award-winning continued to infl ate. The lower date future growth, design 12 more months. If there more money today than it fi rm whose growing resume includes bid costs were based on starv- the building so that those is 10 percent construction did last month. It is more architectural and consulting services ing contractors giving away all portions can be easily built infl ation by bid opening, important than ever to se- for fi re departments and municipali- you will either have to get hopes of profi t in a too-often additions in the future. lect designers who know ties in 23 states across the US. Mr. your hands on 10 percent futile attempt at staying in busi- Maybe you can “shell-in” the ins-and-outs of your Newell has personally been involved more money, or reduce the ness. Roughly one-third of all portions of the building building type. building size/scope by 10 with the design of over 175 Fire/EMS building contractors, subcon- and “upfi t” them at a later percent. Don’t let the ups and downs station projects and fi re training tractors, and material suppliers date. 6. Finally, design wisely. Make of the construction climate facilities since 1988. For more infor- that were in business four years 2. Investigate whether a con- sure you and the rest of stifl e your plans. Just proceed mation visit www.fi re-station.com, ago do not exist today. struction type change can your design team know wisely, do your homework and email [email protected] or By the time the 2009 to 2010 fi t your needs and pro- how to maximize your stay informed! call 800-671-0621. construction infl ation numbers gram. Steel, masonry, wood, came in, it was apparent that pre-cast concrete, pre-engi- the building contractors who neered metal, etc. all have still existed had reached their their advantages and limita- We Can Give Your South Carolina Fire Department bottom threshold of lower- tions. Knowing which of ing prices to stay in business. these construction types Reducing labor costs could no will fi t your program needs the Whole Package for One Price! longer counteract increasing and budget is critical. material costs. That year saw 3. Set realistic construc- a nine percent increase in bid tion budgets. Projecting results. The upward trend con- construction costs several tinued from 2010 to 2011 at an months early has never even greater 12 percent infl a- been more diffi cult than tion rate. today. Protect yourself by A major factor during the using high cost estimates. • The best washer and dryer available price decline and infl ation has Very few people will be to clean and properly care for your been higher fuel expenses. upset with you when the turnout gear. There are ever-rising costs of project comes in under moving bulk materials from budget. If your department mines (or forests) to mills, and is like most others, it won’t • Approved chemicals that will then to consumers. Almost ev- be diffi cult to fi nd some- ery construction material has to thing productive to do not damage turnout gear. be transported to the site using with leftover funding. fossil fuels. Also, many materials 4. Continually educate those such as roofi ng, asphalt paving that will provide your and plastic piping include pe- building funds. Whether troleum products in them. Like it is a city council, town all other businesses, building or county manager, de- 127 Overland Dr. • West Columbia, SC 29172-3910 contractors have no choice but partment board, etc., you P.O. Box 288 • Columbia, SC 29202-0288 to pass along the costs of ever- should regularly update 800-766-0926 • 803-779-2390 • fax: 803-252-0049 increasing, governmental regu- them on current construc- lations and taxes in the form of tion environments. Each www.centralequip.com • [email protected] labor rate increases. time your designer pro- As of the date this article was vides an updated estimate written, 2011 to 2012 is lining make sure to pass the in- up to show a 10 percent plus formation along. Give them construction cost increase. So, reference articles that de- now we have returned (rough- scribe the issue. Don’t let ly) to the construction cost the decision makers get to level that we were at when the Bid Day without knowing recession started. what to expect. 5. Make wise, informed deci- Conclusion sions, but move quickly. What can you do to avoid Construction infl ation the greatest adverse impact to rates can eat away at your a construction project during project scope in a very these volatile times? Here are a short period of time. For few ideas that may help: example, assume you have 1. Consider a scope change just the capital today for

The Charlotte ARFF station (Charlotte-Douglas International Airport) was another project that benefi ted from the low construction bids of 2008– 2009 at $151/SF, base bid. 54 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal THE STATION HOUSE Design build approach for facility renovation and construction

By Jeff Barnes and John Kelley When your district is in need duction has long been a corner- timelines have led to a strong Process and less opportunity for fi nger of renovation or expansion of stone of our economy. This fact resurgence. pointing. an existing fi re or rescue facil- has led to the natural evolution The United States govern- Throughout the design pro- ity, or even a newly construct- of design build within commer- ment, the largest purchaser cess — from the initial program How to Select a Design ed station to accommodate cial construction. With the de- of construction in the world, outline through the concep- Build Professional tual plans, preliminary plans, growing demands, where do sign build approach; the builder has a stated goal of 75 to 80 Once the decision has been you turn? It can be daunting accepts full responsibility for percent of their work being de- construction drawings and permitting — the design build made to use design build as the to consider the many factors the project, integrating concep- signed and constructed by this process to renovate your exist- that go into facility renovation tual design with the logistical method. In MilCon conferenc- professional can provide valu- able input on material selection ing station or construct a new and construction — from site challenges of the construction es throughout the southeast, station, your next question is process. and construction methods and evaluation to building design the reasons given to support how to select a design build American structures such provide cost information to as- to permitting and construction. this goal are that design build professional. In your evaluation, as the Brooklyn Bridge and sist with the decision-making One of the fi rst steps is to con- saves time, saves money, and in several factors should be con- the Pentagon used this master process. To effectively manage sult with a design build partner the end, entails less litigation. sidered: builder approach. Yet, the pro- your project, the design build who deals with these challeng- Simply put, design build cre- • Experience — Look for a cess fell out of favor through professional will provide the re- es every day. ates a team working together to design build professional the Industrial Revolution. Signif- sources, ranging from other de- deliver a product — your new who has a proven track re- Why Design Build? icant cost effi ciencies and the sign specialists, engineers, spe- or renovated fi re station — on cord of successfully deliver- Single-source design and pro- ability to reduce construction cialty contractors and suppliers, time and within budget. ing fi re station projects on who can provide the necessary time and within budget. Advantages of Design Build input and expertise to ensure • References — Ask to see success. The advantages of time sav- their completed fi re station from ings, monetary savings and Single Source projects and obtain fi re NEW reduced litigation are achieved chief references and con- through the early involvement Since most fi re departments, tact information. VERIDIAN! of the design build professional paid or volunteer, do not have a • Financial Stability — Even in the project. The fi re depart- staff to dedicate to the project as the economy improves, ment, designers and construc- design, working with a single it is essential to work with tors can work together to de- source can keep the project a partner that has the fi nan- velop a program — identifying from overwhelming the fi re cial strength to complete the required number of appara- department. The design build your project, pay their bills tus bays, dorm rooms, training professional will integrate the and fulfi ll their warranty. facilities, etc. — that meets the design elements, regulatory • Qualifi ed Subcontractors Safety Components is proud to needs of the department today requirements and budgetary — A good indicator of the introduce the next generation in and into the future — and do it requirements into a cohesive quality and integrity of a stellar history of PBI outer at an affordable price. Early cost plan. With a single source, there shell fabrics: PBI Max™. The input helps with the decision. is a greater feeling of teamwork See DESIGN BUILD page 56 PBI Max™ patent pending design off ers fi re fi ghters the best combination of break open and thermal protection, the strongest outer shell fabric in the world, and the most fl exible and comfortable outer shell fabric the fi re service has ever seen. PBI Max™ is the only outer shell that delivers triple- threat performance — unmatched protection, unmatched durabil- ity, and unmatched comfort.

MADE IN THE USA

Piedmont ESS Gastonia, NC 704.868.2999 “Covering the Carolinas” www.piedmontess.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 55 Fire station construction on a limited budget

By Joe Starnes and Perry Davis (not pictured)

During trying economic items to complete the building. training room, wireless internet, and times many builders are willing During construction our con- new telephones were installed to work with organizations to tractor was very supportive of • A state of the art audio system was accomplish construction due our efforts to recycle materi- installed for the training room and an to the downturn that occurred als to gain extra funds and on a all station broadcast Boise speaker in building over the last several daily basis would place any re- system. years. Building costs are down, cyclable items into a pile for us • The main entrance has custom cabi- comparatively speaking in rela- to pick up as we did weekly. nets — made by the chief and his tion to prior years, and contrac- Upon completion of our father — to hold the station’s history tors have cut costs in an effort building I am proud to say that and memories with a custom logo to continue to keep their em- due to the efforts of our mem- tiled fl oor ployees working and their busi- bership we now have an addi- • Custom art, photographs and patch ness afl oat. tion that encompasses 7,000 displays dress the station in all areas. The Oak Grove Volunteer plus square feet that contains • An additional marked parking area Fire Department began a con- state of the art computer sys- was added in the rear of the station The fi nished product. struction project in September tems and audiovisual equip- with new pavement for all the ramp 2011 with very limited funds ment as well as a furnished day and parking areas and basically no construction room. This is the result of the • A new fl ag pole and barn style lighting budget. efforts of our membership to was added on the front with new Oak D.R. Reynolds Company was recycle any materials possible Grove VFD lettering selected as the design build before and during construction. All of these features were completed contractor after numerous plan- at a cost of a little over $900,000. Due to ning meetings to discuss the What Does $900,000 the leadership of Chief Perry Davis and needs of the department. Get You? the tremendous dedication of the mem- Our original building was The new addition replaced bership of Oak Grove VFD the community constructed in 1968 and had now has a 7000 square feet fi re station at become inadequate. The fi rst three bays and added one additional apparatus bays. The new a unheard of cost of approximately $130 idea was to renovate the exist- per square foot. ing structure with some ad- bays are “X” tall bays with air dition. After investigation it lines and charging stations. The was determined the current new bays are connected to the structure would not allow for new space. the renovations needed to take The station has: place, therefore the end result • Three offi ces for offi cers was to demolish a portion of with new desks and chairs our building to make way for • One conference room with the new construction that new conference furniture would allow adequate meeting • One large storage room, space as well as offi ce space two sleeping rooms, utility that did not exist before. room with ice maker, wash- During the planning of this er/dryer, freezer construction we struggled with • A large kitchen with double ways to raise funds to purchase sink, prep sink, custom furniture, A/V equipment, etc. cabinets, double ovens, two One of the ideas was to recycle ranges, large commercial re- anything we could out of the frigerator, rolling food prep old building, essentially we island would “scrap” the metal, wiring • A fi refi ghter squad/day and any item we could from the room with new furniture, Wesley Chapel VFD Station 26 building before demolition. • Two large restrooms In addition to our “scrapping” • A meeting/training room we would sell anything we pos- that accommodates 70 per- Garner & Brown Architects PA sonnel 704•333•1051 sibly could on the Gov Deals 1718 East Boulevard, Charlotte NC 28203 www.garner-brown.com Auction website. We placed the • New media stations/com- HVAC system on gov deals, and puters for the offi cers and as luck would have it, we were able to sell it to a church in North Carolina who was in des- Still Building a Reputation... Not Resting on One perate need. The pastor of the church As a Design-Build General himself came to remove duct- Woodleaf VFD Contractor licensed in Virginia, work from the attic of the old North Carolina and South building and was pleased to be Carolina, allows us to give able to obtain this much-need- your department a turn-key ed equipment for his church. project. The church was building with limited funding and criminals stole their A/C unit. From design, engineered The bay doors were also re- stamped drawings to the moved and sold to a gentleman permits, D.R. Reynolds who was creating a fi re muse- Company, Inc. knows how to um on his own property. handle ALL your requirements. The membership of the department meanwhile joined in Whatever your À rehouse removing wiring, metal con- wishes are, we will duits, light fi xtures, and metal accommodate those needs. from the roof in an effort to recycle as much material as pos- 910-428-1360 • D.R. Reynolds Company, Inc. • www.drreynolds.com sible to assist in the purchase of 56 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal

INDUSTRY NEWS

Ferrara Leaves FES range of products and services. For more information, call 888-546- Kochek Introduces New advisory council members to two KIMTEK’s president Kimball 8358 or visit www.kimtekresearch.com. ® of its 28 councils across the state. “G&G Metal Fabrication, Inc./ Johnson says of the launch, “ Our Micralox Coating for The new appointments are an Fire Equipment Services Division new web site embodies KIMTEK’s KME Appoints Safe Indus- Connectors integral part of LGFCU’s volun- was notifi ed Sept. 6 that Ferrara commitment to meeting the chang- Kochek Company is introduc- teer-driven initiative not only to Fire Apparatus was choosing to im- tries for the Carolinas ing needs, challenges, and digital ing a new Micralox® coating for its educate people on the benefi ts of KME is pleased to announce the mediately terminate our 15 year expectations of our customers. In line of fi refi ghting connectors. Ex- credit union membership, but also addition of Safe Industries (www. dealer agreement and pass the keeping with our goal of simplify- clusive to Kochek for the fi re fi ght- to relay feedback to the board of dealership to Slagle’s Fire Equip- ing the business process, our new safeindustries.com) to the KME ing industry, Micralox is a patented directors. ment and Supply Co., Inc. of South site provides fl exibility to change sales representative network. Safe micro-crystalline anodizing process Hatteras Boston, Vir.,” announced Kent Cum- and grow as our users’ needs do.” Industries’ home offi ce is located that produces a long lasting, virtu- Patricia Forrester, Town of Southern Shores, Planning and mings, FES Sales Manager. For more information, call 888-546- in Piedmont, SC, just south of the ally indestructible surface. Micralox Zone Enforcement Offi cer “We are working with our cus- 8358 or visit www.kimtekresearch.com. Greenville/Spartanburg area, and provides superior chemical corro- tomers that had a desire to pur- will handle sales and service for sion and high abrasion resistance. Northern Mountain chase a new truck from Ferrara to KME products in both North and Ideal for use in harsh environ- James D. Williams, Ashe Coun- Kimtek’s FIRELITE™ ty Sheriff’s Offi ce, Sheriff do so within the next 30 days. All South Carolina. ments like costal areas and marine Local Government Federal Cred- outstanding orders shall be pro- SUPERMAX Delivers More Safe Industries was founded in applications where salt corrosion it Union serves North Carolina’s cessed as before with Fire Equip- Water 2005 by Al Willimon. After serving is a concern or industrial plants, in the US Army, Al joined the fi re Kochek’s Micralox extends the life local government employees, elect- ment Services being fully integrat- Kimtek Corporation has intro- ed/appointed offi cials, volunteers ed into the delivery process. service and worked as an offi cer of aluminum parts up to 10 times duced the new FIRELITE™ SUPER- with the Simpsonville Fire Depart- and their families. The credit union “We are continuing our over 25 compared to conventional alumi- MAX Transport compact skid unit ment. During his career, Al saw the is a cooperative of more than year commitment to the produc- num anodic coatings. for ATV/UTVs. For customers inter- need for a reliable and responsive 213,000 members associated with tion of our FES branded product For more information, contact ested in larger tank sizes, Kimtek supplier to the emergency services Kochek at 800-420-4673 or visit the com- various facets of local government lines. We are looking towards the has designed the FIRELITE SU- market in his region. It was that ex- pany Web site at www.kochek.com. in North Carolina’s 100 counties next innovative additions to sup- PERMAX with safety in mind. The perience that brought his vision of and 546 cities, towns and villages. port our customer’s needs.” SUPERMAX allows departments to Safe Industries to life. LGFCU Announces Two New Recondition Older Exhaust meet their water capacity needs Safe Industries also has a 13,500 Advisory Council Members Idaho Technology Has New while not exceeding ATV/UTV sq. ft. location in Nashville, TN area, Removal Systems Name cargo bed capacities. FIRELITE skid for loose equipment sales and ser- Local Government Federal Is your exhaust removal system units offer a versatile, cost effective vice, with plans to soon announce Credit Union (LGFCU) proudly an- 100 percent effective in protecting Idaho Technology, Inc. has quick response solution for remote the acquisition of another sales and nounces the addition of two new fi refi ghters from breathing exhaust changed the corporate name to and facility fi re service use. Rugged service center for KME apparatus BioFire Diagnostics, Inc. to more and rustproof, the lightweight slip- in Raleigh, NC. accurately refl ect its business strat- in fi re skid unit offers quality con- For more information call 877-997- egy and strong momentum in the Design Build al to complete your project struction at an affordable cost. SAFE (7233) or (864) 845-7175. on time, within budget and marketplace. The company has Cont’d from page 54 also re-launched its website (www. in a manner that exceeds BioFireDx.com) to reveal its new the design build pro- your expectations. You want branding. EKG The purpose of this article fessional is the sub- a partner who cares about “We are excited to announce is for educational purposes. contractors they use. the success of your project, Cont’d from page 51 our new name to our custom- The better trained and better When quality subcon- who wants to fulfi ll the sta- ers and industry members,” said tractors are on the job, C. Gamma Glutamyl Trans- educated the fi re service is, tion’s requirements so that Kirk Ririe, Chief Executive Offi cer projects will be well ferase, or GGT, should be the more lives can be saved. the needs of the community of BioFire Diagnostics. “The new managed, and job sites included with the liver Charles F. Turner, R.N. is Presi- are met and who wants you name refl ects the passion and en- remain clean and safe. enzymes. It applies to dent/Director and founder of to be so pleased that you will ergy of the Company and man- Subcontractor fi nancial the pancreas and is use- North Greenville Fitness and Car- gladly be a reference for their agement team, and highlights our stability and depend- ful in the diagnosis of diac Rehabilitation Clinic. He’s next project. With the right expanded presence in the clinical ability ensures they metastatic carcinomas a graduate of Furman University design build professional in diagnostics market.” will be around after in the liver, liver disease, with a B.S. in Business Adminis- your corner, you will get the the project is complete and adult onset of diabe- tration. He received is RN certi- facility you want at the best KIMTEK Research Launches to address any warran- tes mellitus. fi cation at Greenville Technical value, giving you with the New Website ty or service issues that D. Iron should also be in- College, Cardiac Certifi cation from greatest long-term return on may arise. KIMTEK Corporation, provider cluded, as it applies to Colorado State University and your investment. of skid/slip-in units for Fire, Emer- anemia as well as to the Medical University of South In the end, what mat- Jeff Barnes, ALVFD, is a retired gency services and industry, recent- other diseases. Carolina. Since 1979 he has per- ters is that you have part- ly launched its new website, www. fi re chief, and currently VP of Bob- nered with a design build kimtekresearch.com. The wholly This is a cursory look at formed over 120,000 Stress Tests bitt Design Build. John Kelley is redesigned and revised website in- blood panels and will be a and Health Screenings. He can be professional who has the Vice President, Business Develop- cludes navigation connecting visi- topic for future discussion. reached at 888-348-8911. capability and wherewith- ment of Bobbitt Design Build, Inc. tors to information on KIMTEK’s

Roller Coaster ways been moving. To prove coaster ride continues. The dif- empty glass full again, I have Roosevelt, but as my family my point, for those that have ference is and always has been news. You are responsible for can tell you of our dinner table Cont’d from page 47 been in the service for 15 years, the individual, the system and your emotions and thoughts. conversations, the late fi rst lady on to something in the struc- let’s back the roller coaster up. the leadership. What can you do Sit around long enough and you had a great assessment of how ture of our fi refi ghting self- I am willing to place a wager to change the pathway? will feel left behind. Try reading we handle our pathway choice. awareness. that says on or around January Don’t fall into Herd Mental- a book called: “Who moved my She said, “Great minds discuss Figuring this thing out is 2002, the work ethic at the vast ity. It is often easy to follow a Cheese” by Dr. Spencer John- ideas. Average minds discuss tough and often takes “expert” majority of stations was upbeat, sour apple in the larger basket son. Busy makes better. I had events. Simple minds discuss help. But to save you and your the training was busy, and your of our fruit. But the true lead- two wonderful co-workers in people.” Maybe it’s time for town a great deal of consultant department was focused. The ers and forward thinkers make Newberry (who shall remain our roller coasters to be seen funds, I will offer you the fol- roller coaster called the fi re their own assessments and nameless to protect the inno- for what they are: controllable, lowing self-assessment model. service was moving furiously create their own opinions. It is cent) that would walk around manageable, and seen as a fun If your fi re department were toward a national goal and you too easy to whine and to not with rags in their pockets all ride. a roller coaster, what part of were on pathway one. fi x. Would you like to test my day long. Every time someone Personally, I don’t care if my the ride would you be on right Fast forward our roller coast- theory? Read this article to the walked up, out came the rags glass is half full or half emp- now? er to 2012. What pathway are folks at your department, shift, and they started rubbing the ty — I just would like a refi ll, Are you on an upswing in you on today? Realize that the or crew and watch the reac- nearest hard surface they could sweet tea please! things? Do you feel things are fi refi ghters with less than 10 tion. The answer is not about fi nd in an act of desperate Joe Palmer currently serves as the really down, moving too fast, years experience can’t feel that me, but I guarantee it will show cleaning. Now the picture may Executive Director of the SC State moving to slow, or are you part of the ride. Trust me it was with honesty a clear delineation have been disingenuous, sorry Firefi ghters’ Association in Columbia changing directions? there. Tragedy beyond tragedies of glass half full or half empty guys, but the point was valu- SC. Previously he served for 14 years The fact is times are tough. occurred in 2001, but we har- co-workers. able. Keep moving forward or as the Fire Chief for the City of New- But looking back over 28 years, nessed that energy and with Fix it where you are. If you you will start moving back. berry, SC, where he still lives with his it has always has been tough. emotional drive made an up- are waiting for some angel to I have not engaged in a family. Joe is a Past President of the This roller coaster ride has al- ward swing because of it. The appear and make your half detailed study of Eleanor Firefi ghters’ Association. Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 57

gases and soot in the fi rehouse? is proud to announce the avail- detection. If the test subject does •Bitrex™ (denatonium benzo- posal is easy, safe, and convenient. MagneGrip Group can repair and ability of MERET EMS Emergency not voluntarily report detecting ba- ate) – This test is similar to the Users will enjoy time and cost ben- upgrade older exhaust removal Response Bags. For over 25 years nana oil, the test is passed. Saccharin test except the reagent efi ts related to minimal test prepa- systems — including those made the MERET team has designed, de- • Saccharin (artifi cial sweeten- indicates a bitter taste. It requires ration and clean-up steps. by other manufacturers. Since Mag- veloped, and distributed products er) – This test requires the use of the use of a test hood and nebu- Each VeriFit® Irritant Smoke neGrip has more exhaust removal serving the medical market. Using a test hood and nebulizer with a lizer with a threshold check which Generator comes ready to use and options than any other manufactur- innovative technology from mul- threshold check which can take can take several steps to evaluate is OSHA-compliant. er, updating an older system can be tiple industries, the team at MERET several steps to evaluate if the test if the test subject can identify the Steve Luecke, MSPH, CIH, is the Indus- easily accomplished. has focused on producing the subject can identify the reagent – if reagent – if not, then the testing trial Hygiene Manager with Nextteq LLC, For more information call 800-875- highest quality, most reliable, and not, then the testing cannot be per- cannot be performed. Particulate a trusted, global leader in the industrial 5440, email [email protected] or most-user friendly fi rst responder formed. Particulate fi lters are used fi lters are used with this test. If the hygiene and safety industries. visit www.magnegrip.com. products. with this test. OSHA states “If the test subject does not voluntarily For more information visit www.The- test subject eats or drinks some- report tasting bitterness, the test is Custom-built Fire Truck FireStore.com. thing sweet before the screening passed. will Tour the US as Part of test, he/she may be unable to taste Nextteq’s VeriFit® Irritant VeriFit® Is The Practical the weak saccharin solution.” If the Smoke Generator integrates all the the “Pink Heals Tour” test subject does not voluntarily re- necessary components of a tradi- Scan to access the Solution for Qualitative Fit VeriFit brochure, Donald Pleasants, CEO of port tasting the sweetness, the test tional irritant smoke fi t testing kit instruction manual Southeastern Specialty Vehicles, a Testing is passed. into one convenient device. Dis- and MSDS Sheet. producer of ambulance remounts, Fit testing is a critical com- rescue vehicles and specialty vehi- ponent of OSHA compliance for cles, announced that the fi re truck companies where employees wear “Debbie” is touring around the respiratory protection due to haz- United States to raise Breast Cancer ardous atmospheres in the work- awareness as part of the Guard- place. A qualitative fi t test (QLFT) ians of the Ribbon Pink Heels Tour. is a pass/fail test that may be used Southeastern Specialty Vehicles has for fi t testing negative pressure donated parts needed to repair the air-purifying respirators that must fi re truck, and staff donated time achieve a fi t factor of 100 or less, after-hours to repair and perform and includes the popular half mask maintenance on the vehicle to pre- design. pare it for the tour. OSHA allows for a variety of Guardians of the Ribbon Inc. is agents to be used in QLFT, includ- a non-profi t 501(c)3 organization ing: that raises awareness and funds for • Irritant Smoke (stannic chlo- families and non-profi t entities that ride) – This test historically uses assists those battling cancer within a kit that includes glass tubes of the cities they visit. The Pink Heals stannic chloride and a small hand Tour consists of fi refi ghters dressed pump to deliver visible white irri- in pink turnout gear driving pink tant smoke during testing. There is fi re trucks in support of women minimal preparation required with and their battle against all cancer. no reagent mixing, use of nebuliz- Each year the Guardians of the Rib- ers, hoods, or test enclosures. Inex- bon drive across country to deliver pensive P100 fi lters are specifi ed a message of hope, love, support for use during this test. This test PHOTO: MIKE LEGEROS and awareness to those battling includes a sensitivity screening, cancer. Men and women drivers but does not rely upon the test sub- will commit 18 hours away from ject’s sense of smell or taste; rather their families to drive “Debbie” an involuntary response to the ^^ÛJÄYLÄNO[LYZM\UKVYN from town to town. presence of irritant smoke is used For more information or to send a to determine if the test is passed. Raising funds for the education, training and donation, visit www.pinkhealsnc.com. •Isoamyl Acetate (banana oil) – This test requires solution prepara- Z\WWVY[VM5*ÄYLÄNO[LYZHUK[OLPYMHTPSPLZ New Product Unveiled tion as well as a blank solution to If you attended the South Atlan- determine if the test subject can tic Fire and Rescue Expo in early discern the difference between the August you probably saw “The two samples – if not, then the test- Roof.” The 13 foot tall mobile roof ing cannot be performed. A test structure succeeded in its sole pur- chamber, test strips, and organic va- 5*--PZHMÄSPH[LK^P[O[OL5VY[O*HYVSPUH:[H[L-PYLTLU»Z(ZZVJPH[PVU pose — to draw attention to the por cartridges are required. Olfac- unveiling of the Ventilation Footing tory fatigue can also minimize odor Device. Jim Howard, Inventor of the product said, “It was a push to get two prototypes and our props together in time to be here, but the overwhelming response from the fi re community and the relationships formed have certainly made it worth the effort.” The Ventilation Footing Device is a lightweight, portable platform that attaches to either side of a roof ladder to provide a safer work area during vertical ventilation. “I initially came up with the idea to create a better footing on steep pitched roofs, but now I’m convinced the product’s most important contribution will be prevention of falling through roofs” said Howard. More details and updates can be ob- tained by visiting Ventilation Footing Device.com MERET EMS Emergency Response Bags Now Available from TheFireStore.com TheFireStore.com, the leading online source for fi refi ghting and fi rst responder professionals, 58 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal Returning to the Foundations: fire alarm systems

By Mike Coffey

Fire alarm systems have be- The computerized message property. from the late 1980s and into The receiving element either come commonplace responses directs occupants to take cer- The detection system must be the 1990s indicated a national retransmits signals from detec- in today’s fi re service. Between tain actions and gives instruc- considered from an analysis ap- average of nuisance alarms to tion devices or converts the carbon monoxide alarms, gener- tions on those actions. This may proach — what does the occu- real alarms was between 17 and alarm signal to audible and visual fi re alarm activations, smoke interfere with directions given pant want the system to do? In 27 to one — 17 to 27 nuisance al alarms for occupants to leave detectors, other detection de- to occupants by fi refi ghters. order to get the maximum from alarms to one real alarm — with the premise and can make the vices and pull stations — we Uses of prerecorded messages the system, four items must be 1987 data indicating a total of call to the fi re department, loss stay busy answering these calls for actions to take are still in use considered: sensitivity, reliabil- fi re department responses to prevention offi ce or alarm moni- for service. Understanding for manual or automatic activa- ity, maintainability and stability. false alarms being at 10 percent. toring company. Depending on what the system and devices tion of the fi re alarm system. Sensitivity is established by sys- Since more systems have come the system, if monitored by a attached to them are telling us Even manual announcements tem design with an exception online in the last 25 years, that loss prevention offi cer or secu- can help identify problems and over the building’s intercom to products-of-combustion units number has gone up as well. Sys- rity offi cer or alarm monitoring keep properties from becom- system are still used in some that adjust themselves. Ther- tems that do fail are attributed company, a manual telephone ing even more of a statistic than buildings and override the au- mal sensing units have fi xed to technical malfunctions, trans- call is made to supplement the they already are. tomated message. Some studies spacing ratings based and test- fer or telephone defects, smoke automatic alarm notifi cation. The The primary purpose of a from the 1990s and earlier show ing approved by Underwriters from welding and cutting, thing to remember here is do detection system is to alert peo- that alarm devices located in Laboratories or Factory Mutual smoke from vehicles or tobacco not reset/turn off the alarm until ple in a building to respond to apartments have better chances testing labs. Reliability relates use and construction dusts from fi refi ghters determine cause of a possible fi re situation through of awakening occupants than to the ability of the system and wood or sheetrock sanding and alarm activation. They — prop- a visual and audible signal, and traditional hall-mounted warn- the components to be in proper cutting. erty occupants or owners or alert the fi re department for ing devices. working order at all times and The basic components of a the Incident Commander — can response. Systems are designed The sooner a fi re alarm de- work as they are supposed to. detection system involve the silence an alarm, just not reset to respond and transmit signals tection system picks up a fi re The highest reliable compo- detectors themselves, initiating the panel alarm to normal opera- through electrical impulses, situation with smoke, heat or nents are fi xed temperature or devices and a receiving element. tions. Once source of alarm is pneumatic pressure changes, fl ame detection, the more time rate compensated heat detec- The detectors involve sensing determined/neutralized/deter- hydraulic changes or mechani- occupants have to evacuate the tors. Rate-of-rise detectors are either smoke, by ionization or mined to be a malfunction — cal activation. These detections building — more lives saved — slightly lower in reliability along photoelectric smoke detectors; system can be reset with dam- cannot defi ne the cause or in- the more time fi re control teams with all products of combus- heat, using fi xed temperature, aged systems deactivated until tensity, but only respond to the or fi refi ghters have to extinguish tion and fl ame detection relying rate-of-rise or rate-compensated repairs are made. stimuli and activate the visual a fi re before the building con- on electric components having detectors; or fl ame detection, All systems must meet lo- and audible warning devices. struction becomes weakened higher failure rates. Maintainabil- using infrared, ultraviolet or cal building codes and require- False alarms cannot be attribut- (depending on response capability varies to the complexity of combination units — with the ed to occupants or the system ities). The longer a fi re continues the system’s design. Detection newest addition being the fi re ments. The NFPA issues an alarm itself. Some of the reasons for to develop equals the more time units requiring higher periodic gas detector. Carbon monoxide standard called “NFPA 72 – The false alarms may be improper — and resources — needed maintenance have a direct in- detectors are by far the most National Fire Alarm Code” system selection, random detec- for extinguishment. Detection fl uence to keeping the system popular for residential use. that dictates requirements for tor placement or other ways to devices not only activate the online. Stability related to the Although there are still some all types of systems. These are circumvent the system. alarm system, they can activate system’s ability to sense fi res pneumatic temperature devices adopted by the code making au- Occupant alerting is more built-in suppression systems, over extended periods without in service, most of the detec- thorities and legislated into law sophisticated as well. Audible close fi re doors to isolate areas, changing sensitivity. Actual de- tion devices use microproces- by lawmakers. Claxton horns, sirens, comput- turn off sections of the heating/ tector performance varies to de- sors to monitor the detector’s From a safety standpoint: fi re- erized announcements, white ventilation/air conditioning sys- sign, which company makes the condition and location upon fi ghters need to understand op- strobe lights, vibration equip- tem (HVAC) and activate smoke unit, the company’s quality con- activation. This act makes them erations and limitations of detec- ment and changes in the air dampers within them, and give trol methods and the training addressable to indicate where tion systems. From a customer movement system are used. All approximate locations in which and supervision of the people the problem is to fi ne-tuning the service standpoint: fi refi ghters work well for all groups of peo- to fi nd the fi re problem and ini- installing the system. detector’s sensitivity. Unfortu- who know how systems work ple with the traditional means tiate a wide variety of auxiliary Notifi cation of the fi re de- nately, to the owner or occu- can help dispel myths about of notifi cation (horns, bells, functions involving environmen- partment is the next step alarm pant, this also requires more systems and can advise building whistles, sirens) supplemented tal, utility and process controls systems perform. This may be maintenance to keep the detec- owners/occupants on appro- for the disabled population — — including elevator control. the weakest link involving most tor reliable. Detectors must be priate actions to take when an visual = white strobes/lights They may also deactivate mag- communities’ fi re protection sys- tested and should reset once alarm sounds. Most people have and vibration for both hearing netic locking security systems tem. Studies performed by the testing is done (another cost). no idea how fi re prevention/ and visual impairments. to allow fi refi ghter entry to the National Fire Protection Agency Some detectors do degrade and detection systems work. There must be replaced when testing are often more false alarms in is complete. Other disadvantag- buildings with systems than ac- es are overall cost of the system, tual fi res. Firefi ghters can help problems between detectors owners/occupants determine and control panel signals and what caused system activation servicing of the system. and prevent future false alarms, Initiating devices are the along with restoring system to sensing parts of the detection normal operations. A major prob- system and are connected by lem with false alarms — people an electrical initiating circuit. become used to hearing them They can be manual or auto- and then do not respond appro- matic. These circuits, when split priately. This action cost three up inside buildings become students their lives in 2000 at zones corresponding to certain Seton Hall University. An actual physical features of the build- fi re was detected, but the stu- ing — area, fl oors sections — to dents were used to hearing the indicate where a problem lies. alarm and stayed in place. The circuits end up at a control These are some of the basics point — main fi re alarm panel on alarm systems with some — that serves several functions. more information on how these The panel may have near it systems work. As time marches the emergency backup power on, we will be dealing more system for automatic switcho- with alarm systems than we are ver, supervisory capability to now. Being familiar with systems notify people of trouble within in your area and educating the the system and other notifi ca- public on correct actions to take tion and shutdown switches puts us all on the same level. for the various building utilities. Annunciator panels at various Captain Coffey currently serves as entry points can help identify one of the training offi cers of the High problem zones, provided a map Point Fire Department. He has been of the zone system is close by, an instructor with the NC Community without having to go to the College system and the Offi ce of the main alarm panel. Some of these State Fire Marshal since 1990. He can devices can be pneumatic or hy- be reached at mpcoffey@hot draulic by design as well. mail.com. Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 59 ALL ABOUT TRUCKS Your final inspection

By Willie Wimmer

(This is the fi nal installment of a you would like to have. A bid is drive for about 30 minutes or the fi nal inspection is making next year because of this or that four-part issue on writing specifi ca- what the manufacturer sends more and let all members with sure you got what was in the — you saw another truck there tions for your fi re truck.) back as to what it will cost to the committee drive as well. bid and not settling cause they that had this done and would We have reviewed every- build the apparatus for your See if they see anything you give you a hat and a t-shirt. That work well for your department thing up to the fi nal inspec- department. You should have don’t. After you have driven it $40 dollars just saved them at fi nal inspection — is not the tion. Your yearlong process is already caught this if it is not and are confi dent that every- $40,000 because you were like time to change. That should almost over and your depart- close to your specifi cations, but thing works let’s move forward. the kid on Christmas morning have been done long ago. ment is getting ready to pick remember they built the truck About this time you are proba- look with a new red rider BB I hope this four part series up the bright shiny red truck. to the bid and that is what was bly thinking that this seems like gun. Be strong on dealing with has helped some of you with And by saying red I am in no in the contract not the RFP. a lot of work. You are correct! any issues but do so in an adult your apparatus purchase. Re- way discriminating against any When you are reviewing make A good fi nal inspection should way. Don’t walk off mad. Set member the steps and remem- other colors, but OK yes I am, sure it is the bid that was ac- take about two days on an en- down and be adults and fi gure ber what we have discussed fi re trucks are RED! I’ve had my cepted and not the RFP. gine and about three days on an it out. Shit happens — what because it will help you with say, so let’s get on with it. Your Now once you have verifi ed aerial. This should have been in- we do as fi remen is improvise, the process. If you have any department has been told to the specifi cations for the truck, cluded in the specifi cations. If it adapt and overcome not kick questions feel free to contact be at the XYZ manufacturer to it is time for a pump test while wasn’t you should schedule for the dirt and say I am taking my me by email or cellular commu- pick up your new piece of ap- you are there. Yes, schedule the that amount of time. ball and going home. That is not nications device — either way paratus next week — what do pump test to be done while Let’s say you are happy with how we roll. You also need to I am golden. Everyone stay safe you do now? you are there to verify that it the truck — now the next step have fun with this as well. It’s and see you next issue. First step is to review your has been performed and it will is to ask for the free stuff! Ha a stressful process — make it specifi cations and make a pump as necessary. If the test ha ha — no, I am not kidding. enjoyable and also record any Willie Wimmer (owner/head me- check off sheet to take with has already been done tell them OK after you get your free stuff pertinent information that may chanic) started working for KME in you. Why? For starters this truck that want to do your own right you should hop in your truck need to be remembered for 1996 while in school and continued was built by man and about now. If they decline, walk away, and drive it back or have some- the next truck purchase. For to work there until 2007 when he re- 30 to 40 people have touched don’t just say OK. You do not one involved ride back with the example don’t use the bath- located to the Outer Banks. He start- it and looked at the specifi ca- have to accept the truck. You truck. Number one, these trucks rooms in the main fl oor during ed with KME building trucks, moved tions and they all may have a can refuse the delivery all day are usually built pretty far away fi nal inspection — believe me, into repairs and fi nished by traveling different point of view of what long and start the process again. and have a rather large dis- that is important to note so you across country repairing trucks, sell- you stated when the bid was Yes it’s a lot of work but you tance to travel so make sure it don’t have a conversation with ing and training on the apparatus. sent in. You have your specifi - need to make sure it is what will not have issues on the trip Bob from fi nal saying that this He has been an active volunteer fi re- cations for the truck and you you requested and what you home. The whole thing about will not be able to be done here fi ghter since 1996. know what you want and the received in the bid. When the salesman should have already pump test is being performed inspected it before you did to make sure you are prepared to fi nd these little issues, but good know if they are testing cor- fi re truck salesman are few and rectly. Do your homework on far between. When you arrive NFPA testing before it is time to start at the front of the truck. pick up your truck. If the test Don’t get overwhelmed. Take passed pump with fl ying colors your time and go through it and did not overheat — every- thoroughly. Bring someone with thing worked great. Let’s move you that knows the mechani- on to the next part of the fi nal cals of your truck. Some of you inspection. may pay someone to write your ROAD TRIP baby and I’m not specs. Well, you also may want talking about getting wasted in to pay someone to go for fi nal Vegas. I am talking about taking inspection to look over the me- the truck for a real ride. When I chanical aspects of the appara- say real I mean tell them what tus also. I am not saying that all your terrain is like and try to go manufacturers are shady; I am drive in an area like that. If you just saying cover your bases. have lots of stop and go driv- Also remember that every- ing, drive in stop and go traffi c, thing you have changed costs if you have hills go drive hills. money to change. It is not free You need to see how the truck and it took man-hours and ma- will handle with the equipment terial. If you have made a lot of and full of water before it goes changes throughout the pro- to your department. After the cess be ready for the addition- road trip make sure the com- al bill. They want to keep you puters and engineers calculated happy but they also have to pay everything correctly. Engineers their bills as well. You should and computers make mistakes. look at every aspect from the Everyone would like to say no, lights down to the location but they don’t ever watch his- of shelving. This is the time to tory and discovery channel get the repairs done correctly full of a lot of engineering and before you take it home with computer mistakes. Things hap- you. If something is not right, pen in life. Deal with it now, not wait for it to be right, don’t later when the truck rolls over just take it and say OK we will due to improper engineering. make do. These trucks are com- This is the time for you to plex when it comes to building check acceleration, decelera- them and it takes time to get tion and handling. If you don’t North Charleston is proud to host the 2013 Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs 85th everything right and everything test drive in an area like your Annual Conference! Our Charleston Area Convention Center Campus is the perfect setting adjusted correctly. Don’t get dis- district how will you know for high-energy tradeshows to more intimate corporate meetings or events. Located just minutes from the Charleston International Airport and a short shuttle ride to the Historic couraged or impatient — they how it will handle? It may be District, this sprawling complex – the largest of its class in the Southeast – offers everything will make it right. They are not programmed for the wide open you need to make your event both memorable and successful. trying to make you mad — it is road because the truck before Exhibit Dates: June 20-21, 2013 just the way it happens some- yours was programmed that Meeting Dates: June 19-22, 2013 times. Let’s do a quick review, way. It may need to be pro- Vendors: Book now for the best available sponsorship opportunities and exhibit spaces real quick before we move on grammed differently because Attendees: Outstanding educational, networking and professional development opportunities Spouses & Families: Daily activities near America’s #1 tourist destination to the difference between an you live on a mountain range. For more information contact: RFP and a bid. An RFP is what Take it for a test and drive it [email protected] or [email protected] you send out speaking to what like it was in your area. Now go 60 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal Fire Station Profile Thomasville Fire Department Station #2

Station to work with outstanding citizens in Thomasville Fire Department our community and Station #2 are proud to have a Martin S. Dailey, Fire Chief: group of volunteers Chief who make up our Chief of Train- Other Ofﬁ cers: Citizen’s Fire Corp. ing Don Crafford, Fire Marshal This group of dedi- Rocky Watts, Fire and Life Safety cated volunteers Director Dolly Hulin give their time to

Number Staff or Volunteers : assist with programs 61 Full-Time Personnel, 3 Bat- and events such as talion Chiefs, 12 Captains, 12 Senior Safety Day, Engineers, 30 Firefi ghters, 4 Ad- Safety Fest, “Get ministrative Personnel Alarmed” smoke Headquarters -712 Address: alarm program, “Re- East Main St. Thomasville, NC membering When” 27360, Station 2 - 815 South program, and Emer- Highway 109, Thomasville, NC Chief Martin S. Dailey gency Preparedness 27360 Awareness. hosts safety stations, agencies Service, and Friends In Need face our community today is Martin.Dailey@thom- Email: Senior Safety Day is an event displays, blood pressure checks Animal Rescue. This event is the loss of the furniture indus- asville-nc.gov held to help educate senior and free fl u shots. held each year to bring agen- try and empty manufacturing 336-475-5524 Phone: adults on fi re safety and injury In October we will be host- cies together to educate the buildings. Over the past decade How are you reaching out prevention. Reports and sta- ing Safety Fest 2012. This event community and to provide our community has experi- tistics from NFPA show that will be co-sponsored by Thom- good family fun! Each of these enced the closing of a major to the community? older adults are twice as likely asville Funeral Home and the two events will reach out to ap- furniture industry that em- Community outreach is our to be killed or injured by fi res Thomasville Library. There will proximately 500 to 600 people ployed many citizens for over number one goal in the city of or falls. Each year 30 percent be displays highlighting fi re in and around our neighboring 100 years. Throughout our his- Thomasville. Several programs of individuals age 65 and older trucks along with other local communities. tory Thomasville Furniture In- have been designed to devel- are injured due to falls. This is agencies from the Davidson dustries was the major employ- op partnerships with our local the leading cause of death from County Emergency Services, Top 2 Concerns in Your er for a town of 27,000 people. hospital and community organi- unintentional injury among this Thomasville Police Depart- Community? Due to the furniture manufac- zations. We have been fortunate age group. This special event ment, North Carolina Forestry The top two concerns that turing being outsourced over- Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 61

purchased for four this will aid the department in One of the issues that our de- children. According enhancing its communication partment faces is dealing with to Chaplain Wad- capabilities. all of the social media network- dell the fi refi ght- In the future we hope to pur- ing. We are concerned with the ers who partici- chase more mobile data termi- posting of photos of emergency pated were able nals for our fi re apparatus. This scenes on social media sites. to experience the will provide much needed data We are working on developing true meaning of for all of our units and will con- a policy that will address this Christmas. Presents tinue to enhance our ability to issue. All of the technology and were delivered on process information on emer- social media outlets can be a the fi re truck to gency scenes. great tool if used in the correct the family’s house. way. But, it can also cause many “The fi refi ghters Any Problems You Would problems for departments and received as much Like Feedback from Other the personnel who work for blessing by provid- them. I think this will be a hot ing for the family Departments in the topic for discussion for some as the children did Carolinas? time. receiving the gifts,” said Chaplain Wad- dell R.A.J. Fire Trucks What Upgrades 5821 Highway 221 South • Roebuck, SC 29376 Will You Make www.rajÀ retrucks.com • 864-574-2987 • [email protected] to Your Depart- ment this Year? Restorations The department Pictured are volunteers for the Thomasville Fire Department Citizen’s Fire Corp. will be receiving a Skid Units new fi re apparatus seas the city is faced with va- elementary school age chil- Flat Beds cant buildings which have been dren on the weekends. Through in the month of October. The an issue of security and code Communities in Schools we apparatus is a 1500 gpm pump- compliance for our department. learned that many children in er with a 1000 gallon tank. The Some of the problems we are the community spend week- manufacturer is Four Guys, Inc. facing are structures that are ends at home without enough based in Meyersdale, Pennsylva- being bought and rented out to eat. In many cases the back- nia. In addition we are looking to individuals who are not in pack program has fed the entire to upgrade our apparatus fl eet compliance with city ordinanc- family. Being a partner with this and hope to purchase a 105’ Rescue Trucks Service organization is one of the most ladder truck to replace one of Bodies es and fi re code. We are spend- Brush and ing a signifi cant amount of time rewarding programs we have our 75’ aerial trucks. and resources trying to insure ever been involved in. The department has applied WildÀ re Trucks Mini Trucks these structures are maintained Another organization within for a grant from FEMA to up- and up to code. It is a continu- our department is the Thomas- grade its portable radios and ous ongoing battle. ville Firefi ghter’s Random Acts equipment. We are applying for of Kindness. This organization waterproof radios, a dual band What Are You Doing for was created and started by our control station, four bi-direc- Fundraising? chaplain Captain Rick Waddell. tional amplifi ers, and a cross Their mission “is to respond as connection patch system. All of Since we are a fully paid needed to serve the community. department with a municipal- Their organization simply har- ity all of the money we raise is nesses that willingness to serve donated to help organizations others for a greater purpose.” in need. One program that we One of their involvements was are proud to be a part of is the the Christmas Project where Thomasville Communities in they delivered presents to one Schools Backpack program. This local family for Christmas. The program started three years group was able to adopt an en- ago to help feed more than 80 tire family and presents were

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Why are some fi re trucks not percent variation from red? side-to-side. Fire apparatus can be any Disc brakes or drum color of the rainbow. The deci- brakes — that is the ques- sion usually revolves around tion. local historical values. For ex- Not only is that the ample, a pumper in Coalville question, it has always been might be expected to be black the question since the in- with maybe silver leaf trim; a vention of disc brakes in pumper in Grapeville might heavier vehicles, both air be expected to be purple or and hydraulic actuated a purple/leaf green two-tone. disc brakes. In both cus- FAA requirements point to fi re tom and commercial ARFF/CFR units to be lime fi re apparatus chas- green color. sis it has been at the When and why do I need to discretion of the end get my truck weighed? user and those writ- NFPA 1901 and NFPA ing the specifi cations. 1911 require that emergen- It all revolves around cy response fi re apparatus the area of response, en- be weighed annually and no vironment, the expertise GAWR, GVWR, and GCWR be of service personnel, parts allowed to be overweight as availability, and component reli- it pertains to the components ability. Local choices resulted of tire, wheel, axle, suspension in either all drum brakes, all or frame as indicated by the disc brakes, or a combination Safety Standards mandates that weight tag posted in the driv- of both disc and drum brakes. shorten the stopping distance er’s compartment. Also, there All may be about to change due requirements by a substantial shall be no more than a seven to new Federal Motor Vehicle amount. Currently, all brake system Attention Fire Departments manufacturers indicate that the new style disc brake and Rescue Squads systems may be the ONLY If you have ever wondered about a maintenence systems that will be able to provide satisfactory results. The issue on your department’s truck... Ask Ernie. jury is out, but the mandate is askernie@carolinafi rejournal.com quickly approaching. Keep an eye on the trucking magazines for updates. When mounting equipment in the cab what are the regulations per NFPA? Don’t forget to go to our website for news and information posted daily. All equipment in the cab www.carolinafi rejournal.com must be secured in place and be capable of a 9G impact force www.facebook.com/carolinafi rejournal without fl ying free. New man- www.twitter.com/carolinafi re dates call for the removal of fi refi ghting helmets while the vehicle is in motion. All helmets must be secured so as not to HYDRO TESTING become fl ying projectiles dur- up to 10,000 psi ing an accident or incident. Any new NFPA changes around the corner for 2012? SCBA NFPA 1911, 2012 Edition has several changes. A new feature Extinguishers of the NFPA documents is that DOT Bottles when revisions or new items High Pressure are included, a vertical line next to the new title or sub-title will indicate that there is a change in the document. The aerial section has the most changes of any section. The most promi- nent is the change in the visual inspection, torque validation SCBA Cylinders and Fire Extinguishers Hydro-Test Specialist and NDT testing of the frame- Pick Up and Delivery Available for North Carolina to-suspension fasteners. The change is to “visually” inspect Shipping Options Nationwide with Quick Turnaround the fasteners: bolts, rivets, or Latest and greatest new equipment used in testing. More than a welds. A new mandate is to decade as your specialized and professional service technician. now inspect the mounting for the cradle rest-to-frame. If bolt- Yadkin Fire & Safety, LLC ed, the fasteners must have the Contact Rodney at 336-699-4370 torque values validated and the www.yadkin¿ re.com • yadkin¿ [email protected] NDT must be performed at the fi ve year interval. Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 63

ALL ABOUT TRUCKS Economics should not dictate safety of your equipment

By Willie Wimmer

Well we may want to start brakes the lights went off. Af- going to the intake side of the calling this section my bitch ter a little investigation I found pump, the intakes side of the session or soap box because that someone had tied into the pump was going to discharge The world is changing... this is where I vent about all wrong wire when the light three and then discharge three and so are your ¿ re apparatus needs. the stupid CRAP that I run was replaced and when brakes was going to the master pres- across on a weekly basis. I were applied it was over load- sure gauge and so on and so on. touched on this in my last ar- ing the circuit. It took about 30 minutes for Precision Fire Apparatus ticle but I feel I need to elabo- me to get the lines back in the custom builds every truck! rate a little. Item Three correct place. That was when We build them to your needs, I was performing annual ser- this fi ne outstanding individual not ours, and stay within your This was the best one I have budget. vices on some apparatus a little seen yet and if one of y’all can showed up at the station and while ago and came across a top it please let me know. I was told me that he had put them You get the quality and features few items that I have never called in to look at a pump that back exactly the way they came you need well within your budgetary seen before and just wanted was not building any pressure off. Without batting an eye, I limits. to share them with you. If you when fl owing off the tank. I get replied, “Well, I guess the fi re read this and it was you, please there and put the pump in gear, truck fairy came in overnight contact me so I can tell you start operating. The pump is and decided you were wrong.” exactly what you need to do engaging fi ne and the throttle I hate beating a dead horse, with your life and not live in was increasing but not build- but seriously, when are people some fantasy world where you going to realize that this is a New or Old, ing any pressure on my gauge. We Service Them All! think you know how to work So I said for “shits and giggles,” specialized fi eld that not every- on trucks. one is qualifi ed to do. I hope Pumpers • Specialty Units • Rescue • Tankers and I pray that Item One it does not take MidM Carolina Emergency Apparatus, Inc. I was asked to one of my fel- David PressleyPressley look at the primer low brothers 704.821.1656 • [email protected]@windstream.nett when I was on loca- or sisters to get www.midcarolinaapparatus.comwww.midcarolinaapparatus.com tion. There was no hurt to make problem with the people open primer. Simple, right? their eyes. It There was nothing seems with the said about what was budget cuts happening under the that depart- truck. To this person ments are going I say wire ties do not through it has count as a way to se- been getting cure the solenoid to worse. Safety of the primer. Reason your apparatus one why this is not a let’s just open a discharge and is where money good idea is most manufactur- see if we are moving any wa- should not be cut and if you are ers run a line directly from the ter. Sure enough, water came a chief reading this I am not try- battery to the primer. When it shooting out. Well then I started ing to offend you. I know your is not attached correctly and asking a few more questions to job is tough to manage with all bounces around on all these the equipment offi cer. He told you have to deal with on a daily fi ne paved roads that we have, me that Brand X company had basis — but enough is enough. it has a chance to become an installed new gauges due to a Willie Wimmer (owner/head me- ARC welder underneath the failed pump test. I said, “Oh re- chanic) started working for KME in truck. I think that is enough ally?” I pulled the pump panel 1996 while in school and continued said. and started checking lines. I to work there until 2007 when he re- found that the lines I was trac- located to the Outer Banks. He start- Item Two ing weren’t going to where ed with KME building trucks, moved I was told that the rear lights they were supposed to. I found into repairs and fi nished by traveling were not working. I turned the this to be true on about six across country repairing trucks, sell- switch on they worked fi ne, but lines. Yes, they were all going to ing and training on the apparatus. as I dug a little deeper, I found places they were not supposed He has been an active volunteer fi re- that when I stepped on the to — the pressure gauge was fi ghter since 1996. Attention Dealers and Departments! Take Care of Your Own Ergonomic design minimizes stooping and If synthetics are so expensive then why heavy lifting and reduces the risk of back injury, are more and more truck fl eets switching? strain and sprain Because it: Affordable & Efficient • Saves money • Reduces downtime • Reduces waste • Improves fuel economy Reduce Hose Rolling Time Up to 50% Reduce Hose Testing Costs & Workers Comp Claims Get the whole story... and get it straight. Contact AMSOIL Dealer Peter Lotito at State-of-the-Art 800-499-6449 or 919-624-2934 today for a quote. Engineered for Repetitive Use Requires Minimal Maintenance Part and full-time dealers wanted.

www.GetSyntheticOils.com 64 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal FAMILY FUN Lots of family fun at the Carolina Renaissance Festival

Located just north of Char- tractions in the Carolinas. vendors have gathered together ogy of “The Lord of the Rings.” falcons, hawks, owls and more lotte, N.C. is a village where Operating seven consecutive to create a marketplace festival One would be remiss within the ancient sport of falcon- imagination, fantasy, and history Saturdays and Sundays in Octo- in celebration for the arrival of out mentioning the incredible ry! Listen to fascinating bits of burst to life. It is a place where ber and November, the 22-acre their visiting King and Queen. array of live musical perfor- history delivered while a hawk adults can feel and act like chil- tree-lined Renaissance Festival mances — many of which are fl ies overhead in a simulated dren while children are treated village is nestled amongst 245 Entertainment accompanied by ethnic dance hunt displaying the unique as royalty. It is a magical realm acres of beautiful forest coated With trumpets blaring and infl uenced by Ireland, Scotland, skills that enraptured nobles where you will forget about in autumn colors. A perfect set- cannon blasting, the gates of India, Africa, and the Middle long ago and made falconry the your daily cares and enjoy the ting for a fi ctional, story-book Fairhaven swing open at 10 East. Ancient old world instru- sport of kings. It is both edu- magic of a simpler time and renaissance village fi lled with a.m. and close at dusk. The day ments such as the hurdy gurdy, cational and awe inspiring as place. It is the Carolina Renais- charming cottages, castles, is fi lled with an abundance of hammered dulcimer, penny you learn about the popularity sance Festival and Artisan Mar- kitchens and pubs, all with sim- attractions appropriate for all whistle, along with classical of falconry in the renaissance ketplace. ulated architecture and design age groups, including 11 stages, guitar ensembles and gentle while watching a falcon dive at Introduced to the Charlotte of a 16th century European each packed with a unique mix harp music all fi ll the lanes of over 100 miles an hour! area in 1994, the Carolina Re- village. A fi ctional village called of continuous music, dance, the village. Even scurvy pirates A modern recreation of the naissance Festival and Artisan Fairhaven — a peaceful shire comedy shows, and circus and old Irish folk songs have Renaissance era wouldn’t be Marketplace contained just six where pleasure and celebration entertainments. From sword a home with adventure fi lled complete without a depiction acres of village attractions. Now, rules the day. swallowing to one-of-a-kind ballads that make you sing and of one of the grandest events of the event has grown to become It is within the walls of old world musical instruments, shout along — all a part and the time period – the tourna- one of the largest Renaissance Fairhaven that villagers, art- the entertainment options are parcel of the Festival day. ment Joust! Easily the Carolina themed events in the country ists, crafts-people, musicians, endless. The shows are always Renaissance Festival’s most as well as one of the largest at- performance troupes and food spontaneous, and you can take Attractions popular attraction, the joust part in the action if you wish – In addition to the non-stop is full of pomp, pageantry and or sit back and enjoy watching schedule of entertainment, you chivalry. Three times daily, noble the audience volunteers make cannot miss the birds of prey Knights strap on the heavy suits spectacles of themselves. You exhibition where the royal of armor and mount two tons will never know what happens falconer will don his hunting of snorting steeds. With plumes next, on stage or off. garb and take you on a thrill- waving and chain mail clank- One of the special features ing trip into the past explaining ing, they take up their lances of the Carolina Renaissance Fes- and demonstrating the use of and charge at one another in tival is that the entertainment is not confi ned to the stage. The fun takes place right in front of you on the streets of Fairhaven Make the most Village, as a costumed cast of What to take on your 300 medieval commoners, of your time off knights, and royalty celebrates camping trip a 16th century day of play. Part of the Renaissance experience 2P_dZ`]QLXTWdLYOQ]TPYO^_ZRP_SP]QZ]^ZXP is meeting and interacting with Q`YLYOsave up to 59% on your vacations†. the colorful characters roaming • Camping carpets will help keep your site and camper the village, creating an interac- cleaner and less sandy. tive street theater. Musical fair- • Awning clips and a weather radio will keep you prepared. $ per ies and lively woodland sprites Wind gusts off the ocean may be strong but a little prepara- 114 month* embody childlike innocence. tion can keep your awning from being damaged. Close up magicians amaze • Battery operated fl ashlights or lanterns will help you fi nd Simple family vacations are easy and amuse. Wonderful statuary your way in a low lit camping atmosphere. to manage with this lightweight, PQNTPY_QZWOTYR_]LTWP] comes to life. There is even a • Sunscreen and bug spray will save your skin from burns walking tree! You can take audi- and itches. ence with the King and Queen, • Locks/Lockboxes enable you to protect your valuables $ or mingle with the mud-cov- and secure your stuff. 149 per ered peasants who endlessly • A good beach umbrella, easy to carry beach chairs, large month** proclaim — “Welcome to the beach towels, and a portable radio make for heavenly beach The perfect family get away greatest show in Earth! Huz- days. RV, this comfortable, spacious zah!” Outrageously unpredict- • Identifi cation for you AND your pets. Just in case your LYOPL^d_Z_Zb_]LaPW_]LTWP]SL^ able and unstoppably hilari- pooch gets loose, make sure it has a collar with a tag and cell ^WPP[TYRQZ]_SPbSZWPRLYR ous, the Carolina Renaissance phone number. It’s a good idea to bring pet’s vaccination re- Festival blends the comedy of cords too. Monty Python with the mythol-

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Ocean Blvd. • Myrtle Beach, SC 10% down payment, on Approved Credit, 144 months, 5.99%, taxes/tags not included. ***Flagstaff 8528BHWS stock Mention code FIR #17956, assumes selling price of $35,655 with 10% down payment, on Approved Credit, 180 months, 5.99%, taxes/tags for the discount. not included. †Savings of up to 59% for a family of four based on data from PKF Study, see GORVing for details. 800-448-4439 • www.holidaysandssouth.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 65 tilt. Shattering lances, clashing at the raku pottery dessert, try the fresh crepes, embraced modern times. In ad- swords, and daring deeds of booth. the cakes and cookies from the dition to purchasing advanced bravery all collide into a realis- Housed in rows Monks Bakery, candy delights discount tickets at Harris Teeter tic recreation of a joust to the of storybook shops from the Chocolate Shoppe, Ita- grocery stores region-wide, visi- death! These Knights (actually and medieval style lia ice, gelato, and a favorite of tors can now print their own stunt riders and actors) battle tents, you can watch all renaissance wanderers: a bag tickets in advance on the Fes- inside the village on a large artisans make a mas- of cinnamon-roasted almonds. tival’s website at RenFestInfo. tournament fi eld in a 2,000- terpiece right before Festival pubs soft drinks, a com. seat arena. Adults and children your eyes. Enjoy wide variety of craft beer, wine, So bust out your sense of alike can join in the fun and demonstrations of champagne, ale honey mead, good cheer, leave your cares be- cheer their favorite knight with fi ne skills such as lemonade and Medieval Mar- hind, and take a day trip out to the wildly popular and enter- creative and sarcastic chants and geese, the Petting Farm, weaving, woodcarv- garitas to compliment the day- taught by the Fairhaven rabble- ing, blacksmithing, glassblow- long feast of hearty foods fi t for taining time machine known as camel and elephant rides. the Carolina Renaissance Festi- rousers! Already the Carolinas’ largest ing, pottery, and jewelry making royalty. Each year the Carolina Re- val and Artisan Market Place. costume party, put the Caro- — all through the use of an- naissance Festival adds new Games and Rides lina Renaissance Festival on cient skills and low technology. The 19th anniversary Carolina entertainment and new facili- The Carolina Renaissance your Halloween list of things to Renaissance Festival will be held ties making it the fall destina- weekends, Saturdays and Sundays Festival is home to plenty of do with free event admission Feasting tion for quality entertainment from Oct 6-Nov. 18. For more event activities for children includ- for all children 12 and under, Did you work up an appe- in the Carolinas. And for visitor information call 877-896-5544, or ing a most unusual collection with free tricks and treats to be tite perusing all the shops and convenience, the festival has visit RenFestInfo.com. of people powered rides and found all around the Festival vil- enjoying all the entertainment? games of skill. Inspired by the lage, and a Halloween Treasure Well you will be pleased to joust? Try your skill with a lance Hunt with prizes! Children are know that the food is as spec- on the Slider Joust challenge encouraged to show off their tacular as all the attractions. In game. You can storm the castle Halloween costumes and enter addition to the shows, music, in a paintball battle or try to the Halloween Costume Con- crafts, and the wonder of get- solve the riddle of climbing test! ting lost in another time, people Jacob’s Ladder. Mix skillful plea- visit the Carolina Renaissance sure and comic adventure by Shopping Festival for the food as well. Vil- throwing tomatoes at the insult- lage kitchens cook up an ending fools locked in the stocks at In addition, the Renaissance Festival is a great place to buy less feast of bread bowl stews, Vegetable Justice. Test your skill steak-on-a-stake, gourmet sau- at games like the Dragon Climb- your Halloween costume or accessories. Early holiday shop- sages, and the festival’s famous ing Tower, the Archery Range, giant roasted turkey legs. For and the Maze. Fly high into pers can peruse over 100 craft the sky on the Pirate’s Assault shops in an open-air village Catapult. Take a ride on Christo- market which provides a di- pher Columbus’ Voyage to the verse selection of handmade New World, the Piccolo Pony items such as pottery, jewelry, (a rocking horse bigger than an perfume, glass blown orna- elephant), and Leonardo’s Fly- ments, ceramics, bath and body ing Machine; a people powered products, medieval costumes, amusement ride based on Da hand carved candles, unique Vinci’s designs for human fl ight. musical instruments, children’s A family favorite is Mother toys, a full spectrum of clothing, (and Father) Goose brought to and much more. You can even life with their costumed ducks create your own special gift

We Proudly Welcome * All Carolina Fire and $59 Rescue Personnel Fall Weekday Special! Our best rates for Fall! Come stay Sunday and receive a 30% discount. Arrive on Sunday and receive the lowest rates for Fall! Aơ ordable, Oceanfront 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Units. All centrally located between *Excludes holidays and special events. Market Commons and Based on availability. Black out dates may occur. Plus taxes and fees. Broadway at the Beach. Arrival Dates: Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed Length of Stay: 2 nights min./5 nights max. Valid Dates: 9/5/2012 —11/23/2012

201 South Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 800.844.6534 www.beachtrips.com 66 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal

Slow Down moments. So with all this rush- So if you don’t want to miss devil never rests. Another pas- the bad infl uences, attitudes ing around and with what we opportune moments or act in tor asked since when did we and passions. Cont’d from page 22 are missing — let’s look at haste you need to slow down. start following his lead? Silence Please don’t waste your min- live forever. We are merely mov- what happens when you get in You may ask, “How do I slow fell on that group for a mo- utes — they may be running ing shadows and all our busy a real hurry or act in haste: down”? Remember it is im- ment and then the fi rst pastor low and you don’t even know • You feel stressed. rushing ends in often times portant that you work hard replied, “Wow I never looked at it! nothing. Opportune moments • You lose your joy — your but take time to rest as well. I it like that!” So what are some don’t have to be big successes, laughter, special times and recently ate lunch at a restau- helpful hints to get you to slow Douglas Cline is a 32-year veteran but can be as simple as learn- moments of impact. rant where a group of pastors down? and student of the Fire Service serving how to do something new. • You are less productive. were eating. I heard one of the • Participate — Go and do ing as Assistant Chief of Operations We are all busy and miss the • You can’t hear or see any- pastors state that he always re- more with family friends, with Horry County Fire Rescue. Cline, opportunity to celebrate great one. minds his congregation that the colleagues. a former Fire Chief, is a North Caro- • Delegate — Don’t put that lina Level II Fire Instructor, National big Superman “S” symbol Fire Academy Instructor and an EMT- on your chest. It usually Paramedic instructor for the North doesn’t signify you are “Su- Carolina Offi ce of Emergency Medi- perman” but more like “Stu- cal Services. Chief Cline is President pid man.” of the International Society of Fire • Procrastinate — Stop and Service Instructors (ISFSI), the Im- think before you act or mediate Past President of the South- speak — take more than eastern Association of Fire Chiefs just a second in this case. I (SEAFC), a member of the South see great leaders take days, Carolina and North Carolina Society WE PIONEERED AN INDUSTRY weeks and months to act of Fire and Rescue Instructors. Cline on items to keep from mak- serves on the FEMA grant criteria de- In 1969 Arthur Glatfelter recognized that Emergency Service Organizations in America were neglected and ing poor decisions, which velopment committee, Congressional misunderstood by many insurance companies. Therefore, he created VFIS, the first specialized insurance program could have devastating ef- Fire Service Institute (CFSI) National designed to meet the needs of Emergency Service Organizations. fects. Advisory Committee and is a peer re- Today, VFIS is the largest provider of insurance, education and consulting services to fire departments, ambulance • Eliminate — Eliminate all viewer for the Fire Act Grants. and rescue squads, and 911 centers in North America. We have a long and valued history of helping the emergency service community to protect their members and assets as well as to manage their exposure to loss. For additional information on how you can receive industry leading Insurance, Benefits, and Education, Training & department at a night training Consulting, contact Dennis Presley, Code 3 Insurance at (800) 443-1186 or dpresley@skylandfire.com. Are You Ready? session, and — as luck would Cont’d from page 8 have it — an incident occurred the environment presented. the next morning in which the hazmat team responded to the Personnel same jurisdiction for a tech- The fi nal area of our discus- nician level entry. Due to the sion is a timely one — person- training and outreach provid- nel. In an era of tight budgets ed the night before, some of and tough economic times, the operations level personnel many career departments are functioned seamlessly as mem- trying to “hold their own” in bers of the Decontamination terms of just sustaining their Group. response forces, while many vol- Summary unteer agencies face the ever- increasing challenges of volun- All emergency respond- teer recruitment and retention. ers and emergency response These conditions compound agency leaders should indeed our efforts to provide suffi cient take an introspective look at numbers of adequately trained their organization to determine and competent personnel in if they are truly ready and ad- response to a hazardous materi- equately prepared for a hazard- als incident. In addition, the fact ous materials incident. This re- that a signifi cant hazmat inci- fl ective analysis should include dent is very personnel-intensive the areas of training, pre-plan- is without question. ning, equipment, and personnel. How do we handle this chal- Such an analysis will allow us lenge and ensure the continuity to determine our readiness — and adequacy of service provi- at the individual, organizational, sion? One possible answer is the and regional levels — and even use of mutual aid agreements more importantly will provide and the building of relationships us with an effective roadmap with other hazmat teams and addressing the areas in which service providers, as mentioned improvement is needed so that earlier--the concept of regional- we as a hazmat response com- ization, if you will. munity can provide the highest Another possible answer cen- level of service provision to our ters on a very labor- and person- customers — the citizens of nel-intensive facet of hazardous our communities and jurisdic- materials response — decon- tions. tamination. As always, stay safe out there If operations level respond- and be sure to visit the North ers are properly trained in de- Carolina Association of Hazard- contamination procedures, have ous Materials Responders web- been properly trained in the site at www.nchazmat.com. use of appropriate PPE, and are Glenn Clapp is Past President of led by an appropriately trained the North Carolina Association of hazmat technician, they can Hazardous Materials Responders and become an effective force mul- is a Fire Training Commander (Spe- tiplier by serving as members of cial Operations) for the High Point the Decontamination Group. Fire Department. He is a Technician- Such outreach pays huge Level Hazmat Instructor, a Law En- dividends, as witnessed in an in- forcement Hazmat Instructor, and cident in which a local hazmat is a Certifi ed Hazardous Materials team had trained the opera- Manager and Certifi ed Fire Protec- tions level personnel of another tion Specialist. Sales & Service Locations Celebrating Our South Boston, VA • West Columbia, SC 800-446-8896 • fax: 434-572-3373 www.slagle¿ re.com slagle¿ re@slagle¿ re.com 1962-2012

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Reconditioned 100’ Sutphen Platform Like New 2000 Chev. KME Walk-Around 1500 GPM Pump, 300 Gal. Water Tank Medium Rescue. Diesel, Auto. Trans., UDC-431 Gen., Light Tower, Rescue Tools CUD-271 • Apparatus PM’s (Chassis & Body) • Valve Overhaul Let Slagle’s Sell Your • Pump Repairs & Overhauling Late Model Apparatus. • Pump Service Testing • Water Tank Replacements E-mail info to • Dump Valve Installations 2004 4x4 Ford F550 KME Rescue Mini scott@slagleﬁ re.com • Wreck Repairs Diesel, Auto. Trans., 500 GPM Pump (Pump & Roll), 300 Gal. Tank, Foam • Custom Fabrication Work CUD-332 In Our Shop or Your Station Go to www.slagle¿ re.com for more info & other trucks. 68 FALL • 2012 www.carolinafi rejournal.com Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal

Churchland Fire Department Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department Howard’s Creek Volunteer Fire Department 2012 Anchor-Richey EVS Deluxe Skid Unit w/Kohler twin cylinder 2012 Anchor-Richey EVS F-550 w/Ford chassis, 6.7 powerstroke 2012 Anchor-Richey EVS F-450 Flatbed Brush Truck w/Ford chas- air cooled diesel engine, 300 GPM Hale HPXB-200 pump, 300 gal. diesel engine, 300 GPM Waterous pump, 300 gal. poly tank, 1 1/2” sis, 6.8 V-10 gasoline engine, 245 GPM Hale HPXB-200 pump, 300 poly tank, twin reels, 4” manifold, electric oiless primer. pre-connect, Blizzard Wizard foam system. gal. poly tank, front mounted deluge gun. Delivered by Anchor-Richey EVS Delivered by Anchor-Richey EVS Delivered by Anchor-Richey EVS

Scotch-Irish Fire Department Spout Springs Emergency Services Inc. Colfax Volunteer Fire Department 2012 Anchor-Richey EVS 10’ Multi-Purpose Unit w/Ford chassis, 2012 Anchor-Richey EVS Flatbed Brush Truck w/Ford chassis, 6.8 2012 Rosenbauer Custom Pumper w/Spartan chassis, Cummins 6.7 powerstroke diesel engine, 300 GPM Darley 2 1/2 AGE pump, V-10 gasoline engine, 245 GPM Hale HPXB-200 pump, 300 gal. ISL425 HP engine, 1250 GPM Waterous CSC20 pump, 1000 gal. 300 gal. poly tank, low level hose lay compartment. poly tank, Warn 12,000 lb. winch and brush guard. poly tank, drop tank rack on driver side body overhead. Delivered by Anchor-Richey EVS Delivered by Anchor-Richey EVS Delivered by C.W. Williams & Company, LLC

Glendale Springs Fire Department Waxhaw Community VFD and Rescue Squad, Inc. City of Southport Fire Department 2012 Rosenbauer Commercial Pumper w/International chassis, Maxx- 2012 US Elliptical Tanker w/Spartan chassis, Cummins ISL450 HP 2012 Rosenbauer 101’ Cobra Platform w/Spartan chassis, Caterpil- Force 315 engine, 1250 GPM Waterous pump, 1250 gal. poly tank, engine, 1500 GPM Waterous pump, 3000 gal. poly tank, internal lar C13 525 engine, 1500 GPM Waterous pump, 500 gal. poly tank, Rosenbauer FX aluminum body, Foam Pro 1600 system. hard suction hose storage, 2 Zico quick life drop tank racks. Rosenbauer aerial command seat and EZ load hosebed. Delivered by C.W. Williams & Company, LLC Delivered by C.W. Williams & Company, LLC. Delivered by C.W. Williams & Company, LLC

Read Mountain Volunteer Fire Dept. Smith’s Volunteer Fire Dept. Wentworth Volunteer Fire Dept. 2012 Ford F350 Slagle “Midship BrushMaster” w/Hale HP 100 2012 Ford F350 Slagle Brush Truck with Hale HP 200 portable 2012 Ford F350 Slagle “Rear Mount BrushMaster” w/Hale HP 200 high pressure portable pump, 18 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 200 pump, 18 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 250 gal. UPF poly tank w/12 portable pump, 18 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, Scotty around the gal. UPF poly tank, full Whelen LED light bar system. gal. foam cell, custom built center console. pump foam eductor, 225 gal. UPF poly tank. Delivered by Slagle Fire Equipment Co., Inc. Delivered by Slagle Fire Equipment Co., Inc. Delivered by Slagle Fire Equipment Co., Inc. Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal www.carolinafi rejournal.com FALL • 2012 69

Garner Fire Department Town of Unionville Volunteer Fire Dept. Wilson’s Mills Fire Department 2012 Pierce Saber Custom Pumper w/Pierce chassis, Cummins 2012 Pierce Commercial Pumper w/Kenworth chassis, Paccar PX-8 2012 Pierce Saber SLT Custom Pumper w/Pierce chassis, 1500 ISL9 450 HP engine, 1250 GPM Waterous pump, 1000 gal. UPF 380 HP engine, 1500 GPM Waterous pump, 1500 gal. UPF poly GPM Waterous pump, 1000 gal. UPF poly tank, front bumper hy- poly tank, custom paint by Pierce. tank, custom paint by Pierce. draulic tool reel, jet dump, hose reel in cargo area. Delivered by Atlantic Emergency Solutions Delivered by Atlantic Emergency Solutions Delivered by Atlantic Emergency Solutions

Donaldson Center Fire-Rescue Midway Fire - Rescue Davidson County Emergency Services 2012 E-One Cyclone II Rescue/Pumper w/Cyclone II chassis, 1500 2012 E-One Typhoon HP 75’ Aerial w/E-One chassis, Cummins 450 2012 Taylor Made Type III Ambulance w/GMC G4500 chassis, 170” GPM Hale QMax pump, 750 gal. tank, Foam Pro 3012 system, thru HP engine, 2000 GPM Hale QMax pump, 500 gal. “T” tank, Smart module, 72” head room. tank ladder storage. Power 8 KW hydraulic generator. Delivered by First Class Emergency Vehicles Delivered by Fireline, Inc. Delivered by Fireline, Inc.

Lanes Creek Volunteer Fire Department Blowing Rock Fire Department Rutherfordton Fire Department 2012 Warner Bodies Pumper Tanker w/Freightliner M2, Cummings 2011 HME Ahrens Fox 78’ Single Axle Aerial w/Cummings ISM 500 2012 HME Ahrens Fox Custom 78’ Quint Aerial w/HME 1871 W ISC 350 HP engine, 1000 GPM Hale pump, 2000 gal. poly tank, HP engine, 1500 GPM Hale Q-Max pump, 400 gal. poly tank, cus- chassis, Cummins ISL9 450 HP engine, 2000 GPM Hale Q-Max rear booster reel, rear and side dumps. tom 4-door, 6 man cab, SmartPower 8KW generator. pump, 400 gal. poly tank, Whelen LED warning light system. Delivered by First Class Emergency Vehicles Delivered by First Class Emergency Vehicles Delivered by First Class Emergency Vehicles

CONNECT with Carolina Fire Journal’s website ! Check out www.carolinafi rejournal.com Our full featured website brings you the best in... Training and Instruction ö Your New Truck Deliveries Town of Surf City New Products and Services ö Social Networking Area 2012 International 4300 SBA 4x2 Utility/Equipment w/Interna- tional chassis, MaxxForce DT 260 HP engine, light tower, 40 KW Training Videos ö Publish Your Photos and Incident Calls generator, 10 CFM SCBA compressor and Air Cascade System. Delivered by Truck Source, North Carolina Advertising Index

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Toll-free in the US 800.638.2079 or Intl +1 410.879.1470 Tell Your Story We want to hear from you. For 25 years, Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal has been a part of the Carolinas ﬁ rst re- I’m a single mom working on my degree. sponder community. We’ve grown with you, supported your efforts, laughed and cried with you. Simply put, YOU ARE Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal. We’re here for you. And, we’re here because of you. We’d like to share what we learned in this training exercise. We want to hear from you. Let us know whatat you want in the publication. Send us your photos, news on promotions, fundraisers, new equipment and new deliveries. We’re Your Newspaper We’d like to let other departments know about our new recruiting program.

Call Editor Sherry Brooks at 704-568-7804 or e-mail your news to editing@carolinafi rejournal.com