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  • September 2017
  • September 2017

    The September issue of Firehouse includes feature stories on the Initial Attack Command in the WUI, Secondary Search Techniques and Cities in Crisis. Plus, there is a special supplement on Cardiovascular & Chemical Exposure Risks!
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    Cancer Prevention

    10 Considerations Related to Cardiovascular & Chemical Exposure Risks

    Nov. 13, 2017
    Firefighters need to review this in-depth piece that explores cardiovascular and chemical exposure risks.
    Photos courtesy DEA
    Emergency responders investigating a suspected fentanyl crime scene.
    Hazardous Materials

    Hazmat Studies: The Dangers of Synthetic Opioids

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Robert Burke offers first responder considerations when faced with fentanyl and related drugs.
    Sendelbach Tim
    Community Risk

    As Firehouse Sees It: The System Let Them Down

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Tim Sendelbach explains that there must be systems in place to prevent the same predictable fires from claiming more lives.
    Photos by Dennis Whittam
    When conducting a secondary search, time is our ally, so the search must be painstakingly thorough.
    Scene Lighting

    Secondary Search Techniques

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Paul Mastronardi covers key factors for conducting a thorough secondary search.
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    Leadership

    Fire Scene: The Behavior of Superior Officers

    Sept. 1, 2017
    John Salka explains that effective leaders “never walk past a mistake."

    More content from September 2017

    Photo by First Due Photography
    Applying specific leadership skills and strategies at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire resulted in an improved culture and many positive changes.
    Leadership

    Leaders: Step Forward

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Darryl Jones, fire chief in Pittsburgh, PA, explains why it takes guts to be a leader who is willing to challenge the status quo.
    Photo Courtesy Wolf Hoffman
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    Careers & Education

    Firehouse Expo Returns to Music City

    Sept. 1, 2017
    The stage is set for exceptional education and training in Nashville.
    How to perform the Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch: Start with one knee down on the floor or a cushion with the other leg bent with the foot flat on the floor. Stay in an upright and tall position with your back straight. Next, squeeze the butt cheek (glute) of the knee that is down and try to push your hip forward. You should feel a stretch in the front of your hip and maybe even down your quad depending how tight you are. Breathe as you hold your hips in this position. You can reach your hands toward the ceiling to add more stretch but, be sure to keep your back straight and do not arch. Hold the stretch for 20–30 seconds for 3x on each side.
    Safety & Health

    Health & Wellness: 5 Exercises to Prevent Back Injuries

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Aaron Zamzow offers simple exercises to yield improved posture, a healthier spine and a prolonged career.
    Photo by Glenn Vincent
    The Harrisburg Blitz Box was developed out of necessity to provide multiple attack lines on older engines, which had limited preconnected lines. This concept was adopted by many departments in the greater Harrisburg area in the last 1960s.
    Apparatus

    Apparatus Architect: The Impact of History on Planning

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Tom Shand and Mike Wilbur describe how two Pennsylvania departments used experience to influence apparatus design and selection.
    Photo by Chris Mickal
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    Community Risk

    The Community Kitchen Table

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Dan Byrne explains how to make your presence known in the community to be a part of the solution.
    Images courtesy IFSI
    From left: Kenneth Fent, Gavin Horn, Stephen Kerber and Denise Smith
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    Safety & Health

    IFSI Research Supplement: Concluding Messages—and What’s Next

    Sept. 1, 2017
    The researchers provide final thoughts on the data presented and share what's head for further studies.
    Courtesy IFSI, UL FSRI and NIOSH
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    Safety & Health

    IFSI Research Supplement: Tactical Considerations Related to Occupant Exposure

    Sept. 1, 2017
    An evaluation of tactical considerations for inside operations, including getting water on the fire, the value of the hollow core door, and VEIS from the inside.
    Strenuous physical work in heavy, insulating firefighting PPE—the type of work performed during overhaul—can result in significantly increased core temperatures.
    Cancer Prevention

    Exposure Considerations for Outside and Overhaul Operations

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Research tackles exposure considerations for outside and overhaul operations related to heat stress, hydrogen cyanide and high concentrations of PAHs and particulate exposure....
    Outside vent firefighters had the highest neck exposure, most likely from inconsistent use of hoods. However, attack and search firefighters had the highest maximum levels of exposure on the neck.
    Turnout Gear

    Cleaning and Decon Considerations after the Fire

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Research reviews cleaning and decontamination after fire incidents related to PPE and skin contamination, gross decon, hood laundering and PPE-off-gassing.
    Photos by Paul Shea
    Oxford, MA, firefighters responded to a fire in a mixed-use building with a commercial hair-styling business on the first floor and apartments above—a fire that ultimately resulted in a mayday and close call for two mutual-aid firefighters.
    Safety & Health

    Close Calls: “Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!” … But No Answer — Part 2

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Billy Goldfeder and personnel from Oxford Fire-EMS share key takeaways from a mayday incident in Oxford, MA.
    Photo by Wes Schultz
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    Home

    Initial Attack Command in the WUI

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Jeff Brand explains that ICs must consider multiple factors that impact life safety and property preservation.
    Careers & Education

    EMS: The Name Game

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Gary Ludwig shares his thoughts on the fact that some people in the industry want to use the term “paramedic” for all EMS practitioners.
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    Home

    Leadership Lessons: Develop Decision-Makers, Not Robots

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Steven Gillespie explains that dynamic simulation training develops strong tactical decision-making for real-world events.
    Photo by Mike Meadows
    Chatsworth, CA, July 4, 2017
    Home

    Hot Shots 9/17

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Recent fires from around the country.
    Shane Ray
    Community Risk

    Fire Politics: THE Fire—Again?

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Shane Ray argues that it’s time to focus our collective resources for a common cause.
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    Safety & Health

    10 Considerations Related to Cardiovascular & Chemical Exposure Risks

    Sept. 1, 2017
    The Illinois Fire Service Institute presents 10 Considerations Related to Cardiovascular & Chemical Exposure Risks
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    Leadership

    Chief Concerns: Are You a “Bull in a China Shop”?

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Marc Bashoor advises to be aggressive while taking care of the important and delicate things in life.
    Ron Moore
    The instrument cluster of this 2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicle shows rescue personnel that not only is the vehicle still powered up, the engine is running and the transmission is in Drive. Note that the engine stop button (lower right) is also illuminated. Photos by Ron Moore
    Vehicle Extrication

    University of Extrication: Skills Update: Vehicle Shutdown

    Sept. 1, 2017
    Ron Moore updates procedures where an automatic stop-start system is operational.
    Chad Wittenberg
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    Careers & Education

    2016 National Run Survey - Part 4

    Sept. 1, 2017
    For the 36th year, the career fire service takes to the pages of Firehouse Magazine to share and compare statistics about company and department levels, funding, staffing and ...
    Photo by Glenn Duda
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    Community Risk

    Cities in Crisis

    April 7, 2017
    Jeremy Mitchell offers a critical assessment of fire and life safety programs.