FHExpo: FDNY Captain Calls Fireground Communications Critical

BALTIMORE, Md.  -- “The genesis of most catastrophic events begin when small problems go uncorrected.”

That was the summation FDNY Capt. Tom Gardner gave to firefighters during a session at Firehouse Expo Thursday afternoon.

Those who attended his "Brilliance in the Basics" class quickly learned they would be doing more than sitting and listening.

Explaining the importance of knowing every aspect of the job, he said it’s actually everyone’s job to do a size-up. He stressed the importance of letting an officer know if they see or feel something just isn’t right. Even if it seems small, pass it on.

“You must get at it right now or the pro-action becomes a reaction,” he said.

Pointing to a firefighter, he asked: “You’re part of RIT. What are you looking for?”

The student answered that he would be checking to see the best way in as well as keeping an eye and ear out for the floor where the firefighters are.

Gardner stressed the importance of having control of access. “A closed door has cost many, many firefighters lives…”

He urged them to not only to know their tools, but to master them and other skills. Additionally, he lauded them for attending the conference to learn. “…You all love this job…”

 Training is essential to do the job efficiently and safely. “You have to feel the heat on the back of your neck. You need to feel that heat to know what’s coming next and what you need to do,” he said, referring to flashover drills.

Gardner reminded them of the importance of situational awareness and communication. “Everything we do depends on communications.”

One of the transmissions firefighters don’t use that often is "Mayday," which he said they should if they feel they need help.

Since a large percentage of Maydays need to be said more than once, he added they should not wait until their last breath as they may not have a chance to repeat it.

Injuries and deaths don’t always occur during the initial activity either.  They can happen during overhaul as well.

“Unity is paramount. If you sense someone is fatigued, get them some relief. But, don’t send a guy out alone, don’t send a guy out alone.”

Gardner referred to the earlier Firehouse Expo keynote speech by USMC Col. Royal Mortenson (ret) who reitterated that the critique starts with you.