Firefighter

Are there practices/procedures that firefighters use that are different from the "textbook" way of doing things, because they are more practical, while they may not be "right?"

Asked by Jes almost 11 years ago

Tricky Question. When we go through numerous courses we arevtaught many techniques that are changing as construction for instance changes. Fires back in the 1990's were occuring in houses where we were given more time to fight a fire because we had wood framing that was constructed with 2 inch nails but now we have Gusset Plates that are only penetrating the wood by a 1/4" set of prongs into the timber. This is done now for cost effectivess but it causes us to move away from the way we operated for years and have to extinguish fires faster now. When it comes to fire suppression OSHA has instituted regulations called "2 in 2 out". For every... 2 firefighters that go into a structure there are 2 outside waiting for in case of the need of rescue. This has become textbook teaching now. But this isn't always realistic and at times has to be put to the wayside. Example, Rural volunteer fire dept. gets notified of a structure fire and upon arrival they find a person trapped. There is only 2 firefighters on the truck, do they wait for more help or do they risk it and go in with no one outside. Testbook correct no, reality yes. When it comes to firefighting there is no set time frame for fires to go out. The incident is continously fluid environment and we try to be safe but we have to use Risk Vs Gain concept and what may be right to you can be the wrong way to another.  Read More +

So there's this place and there are two doors that are meant for emergencies only. Apparently people used them anyway. To stop this, they put a sign that said Em. exit only but it looks like a "Do Not Enter Sign." (See other question for continuation

Asked by Yosef about 11 years ago

Answer above.

Are fire blankets truly safe to use on kitchen grease fires ?

Asked by David about 10 years ago

If you are able to get close enough to the stove yes, but prevention is the best. Don't cook unattended. Keep a lid to cover over the pan to remove oxygen thus you can reach the controls to turn off the stove.

Why do Fire departments usually operate most of the area's ambulances? What was the idea behind that decision? Did they use to operate out of hospitals? Thanks.

Asked by 824 almost 11 years ago

Since there are not as many fires like in the past to keep your staffing levels departments also perform EMS services. by doing this it also brings revenue in. Some systems are still run out of hospitals or by a county or city. the idea of the fire dept is that we already have the ability for quick response but trained people so naturally it fit for many communities.

How many women work within your fire station?

Asked by Chels about 10 years ago

1 at this time out a force 44

how wise is it to go to the fire academy straight out of highschool then work on bachelors degree/other training once (hopefully) hired?

Asked by dakk over 10 years ago

Good if you are able makes you a more viable employee.

Asked by joe about 10 years ago