For the Record 6/16

FSRI Launches Online PPA Training Program

UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI) is offering an online positive pressure fire attack (PPA) course that serves as a culmination of the cold flow and full-scale experiments performed by FSRI as part of a research study funded by the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The purpose of this study is to increase firefighter safety and effectiveness by providing the fire service with scientific knowledge on the performance characteristics of PPV fans and the way in which their use affects fire dynamics.

The course, titled “Study of the Effectiveness of Fire Service Positive Pressure Ventilation During Fire Attack in Single Family Homes Incorporating Modern Construction Practices,” takes learners through the details that went into the experiments, experiment results, and tactical considerations derived from the results. Experiments included 24 cold flow tests and 25 full-scale tests.

"This training program brings science to the streets by providing tactical considerations to the fire service,” said UL FSRI Director Steve Kerber. “Through the use of video, data and 3D drawings of the structures, firefighters are given information that directly relates to the fireground. For the scientifically inclined, there are also links to the detailed report as well as the data graphs and full experiment video."

Tactical considerations derived by a fire service technical panel and supported with video and interactive features include:

• The setback of the fan is not as important as the exhaust size
• An ongoing assessment of inlet and exhaust flow is imperative
• PPA will not be effective on a fire located in an open concept floor plan or any floor plan with high ceilings
• The application of water will increase the likelihood of a successful outcome
• PPA is not a replacement for using the reach of your hose stream
• When PPV is used, it is important to assess for extension
• When PPV is used, starting or turning on the fan immediately after fire control will provide the most benefit.

The course can be accessed at firecompanies.com/modernfirebehavior/AtticFiresOnlineCourse/story.html

For questions or more Information, contact UL FSRI at [email protected]

Bassett Receives Anne Phillips Leadership Award

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the International Fire Service Training Association at Fire Protection Publications/Oklahoma State University (IFSTA/FPP/OSU) have selected Gerry N. Bassett as the 2016 Dr. Anne W. Phillips Leadership in Fire Safety Education Award recipient. Bassett is the recently retired Public Education and Training Program Management Chair at the National Fire Academy (NFA).

Bill Jenaway, CFSI President; Craig Hannan, Director of Fire Protection Publications at OSU; and Mike Wieder, IFSTA Executive Director issued a joint statement honoring the 2016 recipient. “It was quickly evident, in reviewing the nominations for the Anne Phillips Award, that Gerry’s work at NFA influenced each of the other nominees own contributions to public safety education. His selection recognizes his significant contribution to educating fire safety educators and to insuring that fire prevention is included in the NFA programs that have influenced fire service leaders across America.”

Bassett was at the NFA when its doors first opened. He worked every day to fulfill the spirit of Dr. Phillips’ minority report to “America Burning” by promoting fire prevention. The courses he envisioned and shepherded through development and delivery at the NFA have advanced the work of countless fire and life safety educators.

His passion for risk reduction and life safety changed thousands of lives, both professionally and personally. Tens of thousands of people live in communities where NFA fire prevention and community risk reduction experiences established by Bassett influence fire department management priorities.

Bassett created classes and programs for officials from other disciplines within the fire service to embrace and promote community risk reduction (CRR). His vision to integrate fire inspectors, educators, fire chiefs and firefighters into his classes reinforced the idea that all of us in the fire service have a role to play in true community risk reduction. During his tenure at NFA, the curriculum progressed from offering basic fire safety education to advancing courses in CRR. Bassett consistently offered classes that kept pace with an evolving public education and CRR arena.

ISFSI Unveils New Branding Initiative

With an eye on bring cohesiveness to its brand structure, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) has revealed its new branding architecture and visual identity, which will be applied to all the organization’s programs, advocacy, services and products this year.

“We have taken the core elements of the Society’s mission and translated them into imagery,” said Leigh Hubbard, executive director of the ISFSI. “We incorporated our organization’s historic trademark logo into the new brand, bringing in elements from our strategic vision and core values.”

This is the first step in a multi-year strategic plan to strengthen the connection and messaging to core constituents. The new brand visual is designed to reflect the richness and diversity of the professional fire instructor from around the globe, “Inspiring, Supporting & Elevating Fire Instructors Around the World!”

“Imbedded in this new logo and tagline are possibilities—not just for today, but for the next several decades, as ISFSI continues to evolve and connect instructors from around the world,” said Steve Pegram, ISFSI president.

Line-of-Duty Deaths

4 U.S. firefighters recently died in the line of duty. Two deaths were health-related, one occurred during firefighting operations and one firefighter was the victim of a tragic accident. This edition of Firehouse is dedicated to these firefighters.

Lieutenant John “Skillet” Ulmschneider, 37, a firefighter/medic with Prince George’s County, MD, Fire/Rescue, was shot and killed on April 15 while on an EMS call. After arriving on scene, checking for any open doors or windows, and after making themselves known several times, firefighters forced entrance to the residence. As they entered the home, the resident fired several gun shots striking Ulmschneider and another firefighter. Police said the resident of the home believed his house was being broken into and fired in self-defense. No charges have been filed.

Lieutenant Rodney Eddins, 57, with the Memphis, TN, Fire Department, died on April 17. Eddins collapsed while operating at a residential structure fire. Fellow firefighters removed him from the structure and rushed him to Methodist South Hospital in critical condition where he succumbed to his injury.

Firefighter Richard Sheltra, 20, with the Pineville, NC, Fire Department, died on April 30 from injuries sustained while operating on the interior of a commercial structure fire at a strip mall.

Firefighter Theodore Stafford, 73, with the Sag Harbor, NY Fire Department, died at his home on May 2 after responding to a call with his department.