PPV as a support for firefighting in subways
Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans are widely used by the fire service during firefighting operations in buildings. Fans are positioned to create a flow through the enclosure. This flow can remove the…
Fit for action
Roger Startin of MSA Bristol looks at the importance of high-quality, well-fitting PPE and how to achieve the correct size and fit. When it comes to good-quality PPE, the key elements for keeping firefighters safe are fabric, design and fit.…
Types of vehicular stabilization
Due to new technological advances in automotive engineering, both mechanical and electronic, and with the incorporation of new vehicle propulsion systems (GNC, LNG, Autogas, hybrids, electrics and hydrogen) we have to constantly update our knowledge to ensure, as far as…
How to choose structural firefighting gear that reduces the impact of heat stress
A firefighter needs to evaporate about 1 litre of sweat per hour to be able to regulate their body temperature when being exposed to extreme heat.* The human body is designed to function within a very specific temperature range –…
Post-traumatic stress disorder killed our firefighter… or did it?
This article is not to diminish the effects of post-traumatic stress on our brothers or sisters but to bring about an awareness that many issues play a role in the lives of our first responders. A role we, the fire…
Despite advantages of using Class A foam to battle wildfires, use is down – that needs to change
The frequency and intensity of wildfires is on the rise around the world, and companies in the fire-safety industry are working tirelessly to introduce new, technologically advanced products that will help firefighters to better contain and put out these fires.…
Today’s personal protective envelope for motorsports response – Part 1
Ever since the late 1990s when hybrid vehicles took to the streets globally, we have watched their slow progression into the field of motorsports, from Formula 1 to World Endurance Championship (WEC) to now having their own open-wheel series, Formula…
Organizational success for your next target hazard
As everyone across the world is watching, we are just past 12 months of dealing with Covid-19 as a global pandemic, the question should be asked ‘What’s next?’ While we may not be able to predict everything that could possibly…
Recommendations to reduce fire fatalities
From the previous phase of this work a number of recommendations were made to reduce fire fatalities. These were assessed to identify their potential effectiveness during a review of Fire Investigation reports. The review resulted in further recommendations and a…
Thermal imaging: breaking down the scan – Part 1
Firefighters must be trained to properly evaluate fire incidents based on training and by incorporating thermal data to enhance their strategies and tactics on the fireground. A thorough understanding of fundamental building construction, fire behaviour and thermal imaging combined will…
The growing use of the drone supported by the international association IEDO
For several years, the drone or UAS has been integrating firefighters and police teams into their public safety mission. Since 2017, this drone technology has saved more than 500 people. The non-profit association IEDO, International Emergency Drone Organization, brings together…
The stigmatization facing first responders
In 2020, first responders were cheered, revered, heckled and jeered. The intensity of the year has brought about change and review of the policies and procedures surrounding first responders. While a majority of the turmoil surrounded those who serve as…
‘To Serve and Be of Service’
The fire service has changed dramatically over the course of the past 50 years. In the 1970s, we focused our collective attention on fire suppression. In the 1980s, hazardous material response was our priority. In the 1990s technical rescue was…
Raising the bar for Fire Service sUAS (drone) pilots
Your agency recently purchased a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS), commonly referred to as a drone. The chief assigned Firefighter Wright as the pilot because he professed to have “Hundreds of hours of model aircraft experience.” Firefighter Wright possesses a…
Preparing communities for evacuation – Saving time and exposure to risks
Running a business and living in rural Australia, having just made it safely through our worst bushfire season on record, was due to the hard work, skill and dedication of our fire and emergency services. With a couple of close…
Five ways to protect firefighters from harmful particulates
Firefighters know that there are many more risks to their health than fire and heat exhaustion; the dangers of cancer-causing particulates have never been in sharper focus in firefighting than they are today. Indeed, as a sector we are becoming…
Airplane fires
From a Captain’s perspective, there are challenges flying an aircraft and managing a fire but flight crew are equipped to deal with these scenarios. In 1991, a Canadian aircraft crashed 10mins after takeoff due to an uncontrollable fire. After approximately…
Fire and Emergency Responder training during pandemic times and beyond
As a result of the pandemic, we have seen a ripple effect on the global economy affecting industries like Oil and Gas, Hospitality and supporting industries including safety training centres like ISTC. When the Covid-19 outbreak became apparent, back in…
Optimising workshops
This article discusses best practice in equipment maintenance workshops within fire stations. It addresses fundamental workshop design and how it can be used to help reduce firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens, contaminants and other infections, thereby improving safety of crews. Equipment…
Directives for firefighter wellness: Making the best job a healthier one
The hefty goal of this article is to eliminate chronic disease from the fire service – disease caused by unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. The UFF Directives for Firefighter Wellness spare you the details without sparing you the depth. If firefighters adhere…
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