BLS Protocols....
Nothing too fancy/exciting at all. We spent time going over the operating procedures that direct us how to operate as EMT-Bs. These cover various aspects such as Diabetics, Abdominal Pains, Burns, Pregnancy, etc. We also spent time learning how to measure glucose levels (and we got to stick other recruits to draw blood), use an eye lens to irrigate and flush an eye, and also put in a combi-tube (an artificial airway) into the lungs.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Week 23: Day 5
Swiftwater Rescue...
Here is a story that helps put into perspective as to why swiftwater rescue training is so very important....even in areas where there isn't a river (YET!!)
Quoted from Firehouse.com
CABIN JOHN, Md. - Swift water rescue crews used a helicopter, a boat and ropes to rescue motorists trapped when a 66-inch water main ruptured just before 8 a.m., sending a four-foot wall of water down River Road near Fenway Drive.
Sharon Schoem was driving when she saw a "huge, massive wave just coming right over me." She tried to turn her vehicle around but it was too late. Caught in the current, her car began to spin around. She couldn't believe what happened in a just a matter of seconds.
"The road was fine and then all of the sudden, just a gush of water came along with boulders and parts of trees," Schoem recalled. "I tried to turn to get out of it and -- that was it. I couldn't. My car just got blocked in and the water was going over the top of the car. And the fire department finally came and got me out."
The ruptured main was spewing two million gallons of a water a minute. The high dirt banks on the sides of the River Road funneled the torrent into a wall of gushing water, stranding more than a dozen vehicles.
"Water was going over my car, and I was actually scared that water will draw us away somewhere because it was very strong water," added another stranded motorist, Maria Stosse.
Some of the drivers were able to find their way to safety on their own, but nine people were trapped and had to be rescued, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer. A Maryland State Police helicopter rescued three people by lifting them from their cars using baskets. The swift-water rescue team saved six people.
At least five people were taken to the hospital after suffering the symptoms of hypothermia, Piringer said. All were in serious condition, but were expected to survive.
Fortunately for those who were trapped, Montgomery County's Swift Water Rescue team, among the nation's best, is headquartered just a few yards away. Montgomery County crews were aided by Maryland State Police and U.S. Park Police.
Rescuers split into at least three teams, reaching the stranded drivers by boat, by helicopter and on foot.
Lt. Pat Mitchell of Montgomery County's Swift Water rescue team waded into the torrent with a boat, trying to get to two women trapped in two separate vehicles. With safety lines on both sides of the river to steady the craft, Lt. Mitchell fought against the raging water that threatened to throw him overboard. He called it one of the most physically demanding things he ever had to do.
"This is extremely dangerous, extremely challenging," Robert Katz, a member of the rescue team, added. "And not just from the speed of the water, but how cold it is. It decreases people's dexterity in the water. Also the number of hazards: the asphalt was literally breaking away underneath as they were moving around in the boats."
Eventually, Lt. Mitchell reached the two woman who were closest to the water main break.
"One of them was very scared," Lt. Mitchell recalled. "The first lady was very scared. But she did have a life vest on that someone had thrown her before I got here. She didn't say a whole lot, again she was scared. She followed directions to a 'T' and I thank her for that. She got in the boat and laid down like I asked her to, and the same with the second one."
Rescuers had to contend with fast-moving water, cold and chunks of debris dislodged by the torrent. The roadway was coming apart under their feet. Officials decided they couldn't wait for the water to subside; they had to act.
"Staying in the car was extremely hazardous, with the speed of the water, the volume of the water, the cars were moving and could have moved even more and if they rolled over, drowning could have occurred," Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Capt. Frank Doyle said. "This is the most hazardous event that station ten has seen in my career, has responded to on this river."
Fire Lt. Bill Phelps was in a fire engine on the way to the store when they just happened upon the incident. After calling it in, the firefighters began working on coordinating a rescue from the ground. They backed the fire engine up River Road until they reached two vehicles. The vehicle was too big to be swept away. Crews used it as an anchor to rescue the people.
"It was definitely a trying rescue for all of us," Phelps said. "The water was very cold. It was running very swiftly and the footing was treacherous."
The firefighters train all year for dealing with situtations like the one they faced Tuesday, that includes dealing with stressed out victims.
"The people were a little panicked. We calmed them down as best we could," Lt. Phelps said.
One woman who was rescued from her stranded car expressed gratitude to her rescuer, Lt. Mitchell.
"They did a good job. I'm thankful," she said.
The woman told ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 she was worried the water would wash her away.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission spent hours trying to close the three valves needed to shut off water to the 66-inch main. There was trouble accessing at least one of the valves.
"This is an extraordinary situation," WSSC spokeswoman Lyn Riggins said. "Shutting the water down is not always a simple process. These are huge valves. It takes about 400 cranks to shut each valve, so it's not something that can happen in a matter of minutes. It's something that took a couple of hours this morning."
Riggins said it could be several hours before the main is repaired. WSSC did not have an exact number of people who lost service; initially a spokesman estimated it would be about 100.
Montgomery County public schools closed two and a half hours early Tuesday because of the rupture. Some hospitals said they had to cancel surgeries because of a lack of water.
Here is a story that helps put into perspective as to why swiftwater rescue training is so very important....even in areas where there isn't a river (YET!!)
Quoted from Firehouse.com
CABIN JOHN, Md. - Swift water rescue crews used a helicopter, a boat and ropes to rescue motorists trapped when a 66-inch water main ruptured just before 8 a.m., sending a four-foot wall of water down River Road near Fenway Drive.
Sharon Schoem was driving when she saw a "huge, massive wave just coming right over me." She tried to turn her vehicle around but it was too late. Caught in the current, her car began to spin around. She couldn't believe what happened in a just a matter of seconds.
"The road was fine and then all of the sudden, just a gush of water came along with boulders and parts of trees," Schoem recalled. "I tried to turn to get out of it and -- that was it. I couldn't. My car just got blocked in and the water was going over the top of the car. And the fire department finally came and got me out."
The ruptured main was spewing two million gallons of a water a minute. The high dirt banks on the sides of the River Road funneled the torrent into a wall of gushing water, stranding more than a dozen vehicles.
"Water was going over my car, and I was actually scared that water will draw us away somewhere because it was very strong water," added another stranded motorist, Maria Stosse.
Some of the drivers were able to find their way to safety on their own, but nine people were trapped and had to be rescued, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer. A Maryland State Police helicopter rescued three people by lifting them from their cars using baskets. The swift-water rescue team saved six people.
At least five people were taken to the hospital after suffering the symptoms of hypothermia, Piringer said. All were in serious condition, but were expected to survive.
Fortunately for those who were trapped, Montgomery County's Swift Water Rescue team, among the nation's best, is headquartered just a few yards away. Montgomery County crews were aided by Maryland State Police and U.S. Park Police.
Rescuers split into at least three teams, reaching the stranded drivers by boat, by helicopter and on foot.
Lt. Pat Mitchell of Montgomery County's Swift Water rescue team waded into the torrent with a boat, trying to get to two women trapped in two separate vehicles. With safety lines on both sides of the river to steady the craft, Lt. Mitchell fought against the raging water that threatened to throw him overboard. He called it one of the most physically demanding things he ever had to do.
"This is extremely dangerous, extremely challenging," Robert Katz, a member of the rescue team, added. "And not just from the speed of the water, but how cold it is. It decreases people's dexterity in the water. Also the number of hazards: the asphalt was literally breaking away underneath as they were moving around in the boats."
Eventually, Lt. Mitchell reached the two woman who were closest to the water main break.
"One of them was very scared," Lt. Mitchell recalled. "The first lady was very scared. But she did have a life vest on that someone had thrown her before I got here. She didn't say a whole lot, again she was scared. She followed directions to a 'T' and I thank her for that. She got in the boat and laid down like I asked her to, and the same with the second one."
Rescuers had to contend with fast-moving water, cold and chunks of debris dislodged by the torrent. The roadway was coming apart under their feet. Officials decided they couldn't wait for the water to subside; they had to act.
"Staying in the car was extremely hazardous, with the speed of the water, the volume of the water, the cars were moving and could have moved even more and if they rolled over, drowning could have occurred," Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Capt. Frank Doyle said. "This is the most hazardous event that station ten has seen in my career, has responded to on this river."
Fire Lt. Bill Phelps was in a fire engine on the way to the store when they just happened upon the incident. After calling it in, the firefighters began working on coordinating a rescue from the ground. They backed the fire engine up River Road until they reached two vehicles. The vehicle was too big to be swept away. Crews used it as an anchor to rescue the people.
"It was definitely a trying rescue for all of us," Phelps said. "The water was very cold. It was running very swiftly and the footing was treacherous."
The firefighters train all year for dealing with situtations like the one they faced Tuesday, that includes dealing with stressed out victims.
"The people were a little panicked. We calmed them down as best we could," Lt. Phelps said.
One woman who was rescued from her stranded car expressed gratitude to her rescuer, Lt. Mitchell.
"They did a good job. I'm thankful," she said.
The woman told ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 she was worried the water would wash her away.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission spent hours trying to close the three valves needed to shut off water to the 66-inch main. There was trouble accessing at least one of the valves.
"This is an extraordinary situation," WSSC spokeswoman Lyn Riggins said. "Shutting the water down is not always a simple process. These are huge valves. It takes about 400 cranks to shut each valve, so it's not something that can happen in a matter of minutes. It's something that took a couple of hours this morning."
Riggins said it could be several hours before the main is repaired. WSSC did not have an exact number of people who lost service; initially a spokesman estimated it would be about 100.
Montgomery County public schools closed two and a half hours early Tuesday because of the rupture. Some hospitals said they had to cancel surgeries because of a lack of water.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Week 23: Day 1 & 2
Fire Behavior
We spent more time on fire behavior and nozzle techniques. We even got to play with the Backdraft simulator a little bit.....
A backdraft is created when the room where the fire is becomes oxygen deficient. The fire begins to die down and smolder. When a door or window is opened, oxygen rushes back into the room to the source of the fire and the smoke (unburned fuel) ignites created a wave of pressure (concussive but creates no structural damage) and flame.
Here is a sample of what the backdraft simulator is/does....
We spent more time on fire behavior and nozzle techniques. We even got to play with the Backdraft simulator a little bit.....
A backdraft is created when the room where the fire is becomes oxygen deficient. The fire begins to die down and smolder. When a door or window is opened, oxygen rushes back into the room to the source of the fire and the smoke (unburned fuel) ignites created a wave of pressure (concussive but creates no structural damage) and flame.
Here is a sample of what the backdraft simulator is/does....
Week 22: Day 5
Fire Cause and Determination
We had a Lieutenant from the fire marshalls office come in and talk to us about what they do, what our role is in discovering valuable information upon arrival, evidence preservation, preplan fire inspections, etc.
It was a fun, but somewhat long day.
Fun fact.....for arsons and pyros
A trailer is the trail left from a chemical accelerant used to start a fire from a distance. (i.e. creating a trail of gasoline from where you want the fire to be to the safe distance where you intend to start it). Dryer sheets leave no trailer, making it virtually impossible to find out if the fire was started at the site, or from a distance away.
We had a Lieutenant from the fire marshalls office come in and talk to us about what they do, what our role is in discovering valuable information upon arrival, evidence preservation, preplan fire inspections, etc.
It was a fun, but somewhat long day.
Fun fact.....for arsons and pyros
A trailer is the trail left from a chemical accelerant used to start a fire from a distance. (i.e. creating a trail of gasoline from where you want the fire to be to the safe distance where you intend to start it). Dryer sheets leave no trailer, making it virtually impossible to find out if the fire was started at the site, or from a distance away.
Week 22: Day 3 & 4
Vehicle Rescue/Extrication
We learned all about cutting people out of cars, the dangers involved, etc.
We had three cars that we had to stabilize: 1 on all four tires, 1 on the side, and 1 on the roof. Each one presents different hazards.
We then went to town cutting off the doors, roof, and rolling the dash.
We learned all about cutting people out of cars, the dangers involved, etc.
We had three cars that we had to stabilize: 1 on all four tires, 1 on the side, and 1 on the roof. Each one presents different hazards.
We then went to town cutting off the doors, roof, and rolling the dash.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Week 22: Day 1 & 2
Heavy Technical Rope Rescue
We spent time learning about anchor systems and how to setup systems to repel, as well as some self rescue techniques if something happened to our rope.
One recruit lost his footing and fell about 25 feet (about 10 feet from the ground) before the person on the safety rope was able to stop him......a few people stopped breathing as he plummeted at about 32 feet per second. I can only imagine what he was feeling....
We spent time learning about anchor systems and how to setup systems to repel, as well as some self rescue techniques if something happened to our rope.
One recruit lost his footing and fell about 25 feet (about 10 feet from the ground) before the person on the safety rope was able to stop him......a few people stopped breathing as he plummeted at about 32 feet per second. I can only imagine what he was feeling....
Week 21: Day 3, 4, 5
We finished up the week with ladder bails, wall breaches, etc. We ran some scenarios where we entered the burn building and had to rescue a downed firefighter that was trapped. It involved all of the skills we had learned throughout the week. We had to cut wires to avoid becoming entangled, cutting through walls (plywood and drywall), hoisting a victim through an opening using ropes, etc.
Here are some pictures from the week.
Here are some pictures from the week.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Week 21: Day 2
Today began Firefighter Survival....
We will learn skills in order to help us and/or our crews if we encounter trouble. We will learn search tactics, ladder bails, breaching walls, disentanglement, etc.
Here are some videos of what we did today and will be doing.....
Disentanglement
Wall breach
Ladder bailout (without the safety rope and at a little faster pace)
We will learn skills in order to help us and/or our crews if we encounter trouble. We will learn search tactics, ladder bails, breaching walls, disentanglement, etc.
Here are some videos of what we did today and will be doing.....
Disentanglement
Wall breach
Ladder bailout (without the safety rope and at a little faster pace)
Week 21: Day 1
Burn building cleanup, apparatus cleanup, etc....
We spent the bulk of the day washing hose, apparatus, the burn building, and then repacking hose onto the engines we used. We had to use HEPA masks in order to go into the building and sweep/shovel all of the debris out. We then sprayed the building down with water in order to wash it out.
We didn't do much other than cleanup....but the remainder of the week will be intense. Firefighter survival!!!
We spent the bulk of the day washing hose, apparatus, the burn building, and then repacking hose onto the engines we used. We had to use HEPA masks in order to go into the building and sweep/shovel all of the debris out. We then sprayed the building down with water in order to wash it out.
We didn't do much other than cleanup....but the remainder of the week will be intense. Firefighter survival!!!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Week 20: Day 3, 4, 5
We had burns on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Wednesday we had LPG fires, Thursday we had fires in the burn building, and Friday we had Family/Friend Night Burns in the burn building.
Everything went very well, aside from it being cold out for the guests on Friday. I will try to get some pictures up in the next few days....
Week 20 is a wrap!! We have 4 very difficult days left, and then it is really down hill from there.
Wednesday we had LPG fires, Thursday we had fires in the burn building, and Friday we had Family/Friend Night Burns in the burn building.
Everything went very well, aside from it being cold out for the guests on Friday. I will try to get some pictures up in the next few days....
Week 20 is a wrap!! We have 4 very difficult days left, and then it is really down hill from there.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Week 20: Day 2
Today we ran through the rural water supply procedures with hands-on practicals. This ran us up to lunch time. When we got back from lunch, we sat in the class to await further instruction. The instructors obviously forgot about us and that we were going to be finished early, we sat there for a little while until an instructor came in and asked why we were sitting there. They then did the mad scramble to find something for us to do...BUSY WORK!! We spent the remainder of the day cleaning the academy and wiping down doorknobs, etc (a recruit went home with flu like symptoms).
The highlight of the day was when the instructors came in with a box of coats and hats and told us that it was getting to the point in the school where they needed to place orders for our uniforms. THAT'S RIGHT....we were fit for our uniforms for when we get into the field!!! It is crazy to think that in a mere few weeks we will be hitting the streets to save lives and property!! WOOHOO!!!
The highlight of the day was when the instructors came in with a box of coats and hats and told us that it was getting to the point in the school where they needed to place orders for our uniforms. THAT'S RIGHT....we were fit for our uniforms for when we get into the field!!! It is crazy to think that in a mere few weeks we will be hitting the streets to save lives and property!! WOOHOO!!!
Week 20: Day 1
We spent the day learning about Rural Water Supply / Operations.
Rural water supply takes place when you are in an area that is not supported by water hydrants. In the County I am in, there are a lot of farms and rural land that fit into this category and we have to bring our own water to the fire.
Sorry that I don't have much to report.....it was pretty low key.
Tomorrow we will actually run an operation where we tank in the water and drop it in portable water tanks (basically a giant swimming pool we set up on the fire ground) to supply the water needs.
Rural water supply takes place when you are in an area that is not supported by water hydrants. In the County I am in, there are a lot of farms and rural land that fit into this category and we have to bring our own water to the fire.
Sorry that I don't have much to report.....it was pretty low key.
Tomorrow we will actually run an operation where we tank in the water and drop it in portable water tanks (basically a giant swimming pool we set up on the fire ground) to supply the water needs.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Burn Building and Tower
Here are pictures of the burn building and the tower that we usually run. This will help you to visualize some of the things that we do, etc.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Week 19: Day 3
Final Skills Practicals/ Retests
The 5 of us that passed everything helped to setup the stations for retests and then sat by the burn barrel to stay warm. The other recruits were called out individually to redo their stations that they failed the day prior. This brought us up to about 10:00.
At this point, we went back into the classroom for lecture on Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT). RIT is responsible for making entry to save a firefighter in distress. We learned about their responsibilities, the tools they carry, etc. We will learn more about this during firefighter survival week, but we needed to touch base on it for our Final burns that are coming up.
After lunch, we were sent throughout the academy to clean (aka kill time since they had nothing for us to do).
At 2:45, we were dismissed for the day and sent to enjoy a "4 day weekend."
Week 19 is COMPLETE!! Time is ticking away......
The 5 of us that passed everything helped to setup the stations for retests and then sat by the burn barrel to stay warm. The other recruits were called out individually to redo their stations that they failed the day prior. This brought us up to about 10:00.
At this point, we went back into the classroom for lecture on Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT). RIT is responsible for making entry to save a firefighter in distress. We learned about their responsibilities, the tools they carry, etc. We will learn more about this during firefighter survival week, but we needed to touch base on it for our Final burns that are coming up.
After lunch, we were sent throughout the academy to clean (aka kill time since they had nothing for us to do).
At 2:45, we were dismissed for the day and sent to enjoy a "4 day weekend."
Week 19 is COMPLETE!! Time is ticking away......
Week 19: Day 2
Final Skills Practicals / Tests
We performed a series of practicals (similar to the Midterm practicals) which tested the skills we have learned in Fire II.
35 foot ladder raise (3 person)
28 foot ladder beam raise (2 person)
(Similar to this video)
24 foot ladder raise / unsupported (1 person)
(Similar to this video)
victim rescue and carrying up and down stairs
ropes and knots
salvage cover deployment and folding/storage
dressing drills
Everything had strict criteria that had to be met (including time limits). There were only 5 people that passed everything on their first attempt. It is comforting to say that my partner and I are 2 of those 5. Tomorrow during retests, we will be able to sit at ease knowing we are not in a situation where we could potentially lose our jobs if we failed retests!!
We performed a series of practicals (similar to the Midterm practicals) which tested the skills we have learned in Fire II.
35 foot ladder raise (3 person)
28 foot ladder beam raise (2 person)
(Similar to this video)
24 foot ladder raise / unsupported (1 person)
(Similar to this video)
victim rescue and carrying up and down stairs
ropes and knots
salvage cover deployment and folding/storage
dressing drills
Everything had strict criteria that had to be met (including time limits). There were only 5 people that passed everything on their first attempt. It is comforting to say that my partner and I are 2 of those 5. Tomorrow during retests, we will be able to sit at ease knowing we are not in a situation where we could potentially lose our jobs if we failed retests!!
Week 19: Day 1
Final Written Test
The final written test was made up of information that we learned starting from Week 1: Day 1 through present. It was made up of questions about the County, EMT, Fire, Hazmat, etc.
It was very comprehensive, and very difficult. Out of the 15 people that took it, 5 people failed (below an 80%). I am happy to say that I passed the written test.
The remainder of the day was spent doing practicals to prepare for the final skills tests tomorrow.
The final written test was made up of information that we learned starting from Week 1: Day 1 through present. It was made up of questions about the County, EMT, Fire, Hazmat, etc.
It was very comprehensive, and very difficult. Out of the 15 people that took it, 5 people failed (below an 80%). I am happy to say that I passed the written test.
The remainder of the day was spent doing practicals to prepare for the final skills tests tomorrow.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Week 18: Day 5
PT.....was great. We split up, one battalion versus the other battalion, and played capture the flag. We were on opposite ends of the academy grounds and had to make it to the other base, capture the flag, and return to our base with it. The entire academy was open. The academy is very large and is very wooded, so it was a lot of fun running and hiding in the trees, etc.
In the end, we managed to capture the flag in the first game and no one did in the second game.
After PT, we learned all about the application of foam (used for suppressing vapors of fuels, etc) and then had the opportunity to spray some. By the end, the entire side of the pad was covered in foam. One of the instructors then told one of the recruits to lay in it and make a snow angel.....it was pretty funny.
After the foam, we broke for lunch and then we detailed the engine, ladder truck, and captain's command vehicle. When I say detailed, I mean we washed, waxed, and polished all of the chrome. They were being used in a funeral service, so they had to be cleaned and look nice.
WEEK 18 COMPLETE!!!...and week 19 will be short due to the holidays.
Fire 2 final is on Monday, Fire 2 practicals are Tuesday and retests are Wednesday....then we have our Final burns on December 4th and 5th.
In the end, we managed to capture the flag in the first game and no one did in the second game.
After PT, we learned all about the application of foam (used for suppressing vapors of fuels, etc) and then had the opportunity to spray some. By the end, the entire side of the pad was covered in foam. One of the instructors then told one of the recruits to lay in it and make a snow angel.....it was pretty funny.
After the foam, we broke for lunch and then we detailed the engine, ladder truck, and captain's command vehicle. When I say detailed, I mean we washed, waxed, and polished all of the chrome. They were being used in a funeral service, so they had to be cleaned and look nice.
WEEK 18 COMPLETE!!!...and week 19 will be short due to the holidays.
Fire 2 final is on Monday, Fire 2 practicals are Tuesday and retests are Wednesday....then we have our Final burns on December 4th and 5th.
Week 18: Day 3
More of the same.....PT and then practicals all day.
We managed to stay out of trouble and just make it through the day. It has been a long week and very exhausting.
Our Fire 2 final test is on Monday.....
We managed to stay out of trouble and just make it through the day. It has been a long week and very exhausting.
Our Fire 2 final test is on Monday.....
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Week 18: Day 2
UH-OH!!!
We start the day by going to the pad for PT. On the pad (in front of the stairs to the tower) is a bed. I don't mean a mattress, it was a full headboard, footboard, mattress, blankets....the works. We then lineup for our 0700 roll call/formation. We go into our stretching and warmups. At 0727 when we finished, we found out just what we were going to do as punishment. The recruit that fell asleep was instructed to lay down in the bed. The instructors did not want him to exert any effort and waste any energy. This would help him stay awake all day. While he was laying down, we were told that we would be running the tower and each time we came down we would say "Sweet dreams Mr. Peartree" (his nickname). The best part of it all, is that we would be running the tower for 60 minutes......"TOWER FOR AN HOUR!!"
At the 60 minute mark, we were instructed it was "overtime" and to keep running. We ended up running the tower (6 story building) for 70 minutes straight, with exercises whenever the instructors blew the whistle. (The exercise was determined by how many times they blew the whistle). I ran the tower about 32 times when all was said and done.
After our lovely PT, we then went back to shower and change, and then back to the pad for more practicals. We spent the day advancing the 2 1/2" line onto the second story of the burn building. We also did what is called the "toothpick drill." You use a pike pole to breach and pull down a ceiling. Our ceiling was a 1/4" sheet of plywood about 12 feet overhead. You first have to push upward and break a hole into the plywood and then both pushing and pulling continue to rip apart the ceiling to look for fire spread. These two events took the better part of the day.
I am exhausted.....and tomorrow there will be more!!
We start the day by going to the pad for PT. On the pad (in front of the stairs to the tower) is a bed. I don't mean a mattress, it was a full headboard, footboard, mattress, blankets....the works. We then lineup for our 0700 roll call/formation. We go into our stretching and warmups. At 0727 when we finished, we found out just what we were going to do as punishment. The recruit that fell asleep was instructed to lay down in the bed. The instructors did not want him to exert any effort and waste any energy. This would help him stay awake all day. While he was laying down, we were told that we would be running the tower and each time we came down we would say "Sweet dreams Mr. Peartree" (his nickname). The best part of it all, is that we would be running the tower for 60 minutes......"TOWER FOR AN HOUR!!"
At the 60 minute mark, we were instructed it was "overtime" and to keep running. We ended up running the tower (6 story building) for 70 minutes straight, with exercises whenever the instructors blew the whistle. (The exercise was determined by how many times they blew the whistle). I ran the tower about 32 times when all was said and done.
After our lovely PT, we then went back to shower and change, and then back to the pad for more practicals. We spent the day advancing the 2 1/2" line onto the second story of the burn building. We also did what is called the "toothpick drill." You use a pike pole to breach and pull down a ceiling. Our ceiling was a 1/4" sheet of plywood about 12 feet overhead. You first have to push upward and break a hole into the plywood and then both pushing and pulling continue to rip apart the ceiling to look for fire spread. These two events took the better part of the day.
I am exhausted.....and tomorrow there will be more!!
Week 18: Day 1
We have officially begun Fire 2 training.
Fire 1 training was about 6 weeks...from here you get the fundamental groundwork. Fire 2 training is 1 1/2 weeks long....throwing a TON of information at you at once and you are expected to understand and be able to perform it immediately. Fire 2 is also where you find bigger hoses, more water, and larger ladders.
We spent the day on the pad going through skill stations and learning new skills. We threw ladders, this time raising them differently: by ourselves with no building to raise it against, lifting them by the beam (from the side), and also lifting a 35' ladder. We then learned how to take conscious and unconscious victims down the ladder. After that, we spent some time becoming friendly with the 2 1/2" hoseline. The 2 1/2" hoseline is a LOT of water, and a LOT of weight used to put out a LOT of fire....it is primarily used outside of a hose for defensive operations, but we must still be able to show we can bring it inside if needed. We advanced it into the burn building on the first floor.
The Assistant Chief of the Fire Dept was at the Academy today teaching lecture to the other battalion. He is apparently a very nice guy and very popular. Unfortunately for us, one recruit started to dose off during his lecture and was caught.....we haven't found out what exactly is going to happen...but I am sure it is something bad
Fire 1 training was about 6 weeks...from here you get the fundamental groundwork. Fire 2 training is 1 1/2 weeks long....throwing a TON of information at you at once and you are expected to understand and be able to perform it immediately. Fire 2 is also where you find bigger hoses, more water, and larger ladders.
We spent the day on the pad going through skill stations and learning new skills. We threw ladders, this time raising them differently: by ourselves with no building to raise it against, lifting them by the beam (from the side), and also lifting a 35' ladder. We then learned how to take conscious and unconscious victims down the ladder. After that, we spent some time becoming friendly with the 2 1/2" hoseline. The 2 1/2" hoseline is a LOT of water, and a LOT of weight used to put out a LOT of fire....it is primarily used outside of a hose for defensive operations, but we must still be able to show we can bring it inside if needed. We advanced it into the burn building on the first floor.
The Assistant Chief of the Fire Dept was at the Academy today teaching lecture to the other battalion. He is apparently a very nice guy and very popular. Unfortunately for us, one recruit started to dose off during his lecture and was caught.....we haven't found out what exactly is going to happen...but I am sure it is something bad
Week 17: Day 5
Hazmat is officially over and I am certified as a Hazmat Responder / Operations.
We setup and went through a full decontamination (DECON) scenario. I was dressed in full gear and breathing air and then moved through all the steps of DECON. I first went into a shower to rinse off any "gross decontamination." My gear was soaked, but I was completely dry. Then I moved onto the next step which was a soap and rinse. At this point, I had two people with brushes and soap scrubbing me down. I felt like I was going through a car wash, with the soapy brush going across my face piece just like the one would go across your windshield, leaving you a nice soapy view of what is going on. Then they sprayed me down with a shower-head type wand. At this point, the water absorbed in through my hood and ran down the inside making me completely drenched. I then was stripped of my gear and moved into a "personal shower" where I would then wash myself in privacy and strip my clothes and put on fresh/clean clothing.
At the end of the day, we took our test. I am happy to say that I scored a 98%. The one question I missed was very poorly worded....
Week 17 is complete.....time is quickly coming to an end.
We setup and went through a full decontamination (DECON) scenario. I was dressed in full gear and breathing air and then moved through all the steps of DECON. I first went into a shower to rinse off any "gross decontamination." My gear was soaked, but I was completely dry. Then I moved onto the next step which was a soap and rinse. At this point, I had two people with brushes and soap scrubbing me down. I felt like I was going through a car wash, with the soapy brush going across my face piece just like the one would go across your windshield, leaving you a nice soapy view of what is going on. Then they sprayed me down with a shower-head type wand. At this point, the water absorbed in through my hood and ran down the inside making me completely drenched. I then was stripped of my gear and moved into a "personal shower" where I would then wash myself in privacy and strip my clothes and put on fresh/clean clothing.
At the end of the day, we took our test. I am happy to say that I scored a 98%. The one question I missed was very poorly worded....
Week 17 is complete.....time is quickly coming to an end.
Week 17: Day 4
MORE HAZMAT.....only one more day though. We finally finished up the lecture and have moved on to practicals. We saw all of the equipment used, contained some spills using dry absorbent, and protected some manhole covers. It was another boring day....
Sorry for the short/delayed post
Sorry for the short/delayed post
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Week 17: Day 3
Nothing too exciting today.
We had PT at 0700. They took us to the park around the corner and we went on a nice 3.5 mile run through the woods. After PT was finished, we showered and were off to more Hazmat lectures. We spent the remainder of the day learning all about Hazmat....fortunately, we will be done with Hazmat lecture tomorrow around lunch. There is only so much I can take!!!
We had PT at 0700. They took us to the park around the corner and we went on a nice 3.5 mile run through the woods. After PT was finished, we showered and were off to more Hazmat lectures. We spent the remainder of the day learning all about Hazmat....fortunately, we will be done with Hazmat lecture tomorrow around lunch. There is only so much I can take!!!
Week 17: Day 2
WE ARE OFF FOR VETERAN'S DAY....
....and it is a good thing too, I am very sore from yesterday's PT!!!
....and it is a good thing too, I am very sore from yesterday's PT!!!
Week 17: Day 1
We are now in our new battalions to start off the new training. We will be heading into Hazmat and Fire II first.....so we will have our Final Burns the first week in December. The final burns are when family and friends are invited to watch.
To start the week off, we got KILLED for PT. Apparently we made a few mistakes last week, so they decided to take it out on us today. We did a bunch of different grueling exercises for a little over an hour, and then it was on to the classroom. We spent the remainder of the day in a very LONG lecture on Hazardous Materials.
.....at least we have tomorrow off.
To start the week off, we got KILLED for PT. Apparently we made a few mistakes last week, so they decided to take it out on us today. We did a bunch of different grueling exercises for a little over an hour, and then it was on to the classroom. We spent the remainder of the day in a very LONG lecture on Hazardous Materials.
.....at least we have tomorrow off.
Week 16: Day 5
We spent the day cleaning. All of the stuff in the building had to be hosed off to ensure it was fully extinguished, and then shoveled out into dumpsters. Once everything was cleaned, we then went on to cleaning the hoses we used for the burns, the engines, and all of our gear. We scrubbed our gear with a mild detergent, and then ran it through a hose washer. It took a out 7 hours to complete everything....it was a long day to wrap up the last few weeks of fire training.
Starting next week...something completely new!!!
Week 16 COMPLETE!!
Starting next week...something completely new!!!
Week 16 COMPLETE!!
Week 16: Day 4
Midterm burns!!!
We spent the day lighting the burn building on fire, and then going in doing different scenarios. We ran through a total of 7 evolutions for the day. During each evolution, we assumed a different responsibility to see what each responding unit was responsible for.
We went through and extinguished fires, performed searches in the building without a hoseline, performed secondary searches, rescued victims, etc. It was a LONG day, but a lot of fun.....
It is amazing watching a fire climb up the wall, across the ceiling, and extend out of a room over your head......but you also have to be mindful of your surroundings.
I now have my Fire I certification complete.
We spent the day lighting the burn building on fire, and then going in doing different scenarios. We ran through a total of 7 evolutions for the day. During each evolution, we assumed a different responsibility to see what each responding unit was responsible for.
We went through and extinguished fires, performed searches in the building without a hoseline, performed secondary searches, rescued victims, etc. It was a LONG day, but a lot of fun.....
It is amazing watching a fire climb up the wall, across the ceiling, and extend out of a room over your head......but you also have to be mindful of your surroundings.
I now have my Fire I certification complete.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Week 16: Day 3
The 5 people that failed the retests were allowed to try one last time to pass the practicals. Today was judgment day.......
All 5 people passed their retests, so everyone kept their jobs.
We spent the remainder of the day practicing our skills and simulating burns at the burn building. We ran through a call from dispatch to breakdown and returning to service. We advanced hoselines into the building, searched for victims, brought them out to the ambulance and transferred care to the medics. To simulate the fire and low visibility conditions, the building was filled with smoke from strategically placed fog/smoke machines. This went on all day long (with groups and responsibilities changing).
This is similar to what we will be doing tomorrow during our MIDTERM BURNS!!! The only difference is that tomorrow, there will be real fire, real heat, and real smoke!!!
All 5 people passed their retests, so everyone kept their jobs.
We spent the remainder of the day practicing our skills and simulating burns at the burn building. We ran through a call from dispatch to breakdown and returning to service. We advanced hoselines into the building, searched for victims, brought them out to the ambulance and transferred care to the medics. To simulate the fire and low visibility conditions, the building was filled with smoke from strategically placed fog/smoke machines. This went on all day long (with groups and responsibilities changing).
This is similar to what we will be doing tomorrow during our MIDTERM BURNS!!! The only difference is that tomorrow, there will be real fire, real heat, and real smoke!!!
Week 16: Day 2
0700 PT Assessment.
It has been nice to compare where I was at the first assessment and where I am now.
I have drastically improved the number of situps, pushups, and pullups. I have also dropped a significant amount of time off my run. I had the 3rd fastest time overall, finishing the 1.5 mile run in 9 min and 19 sec. (the fastest was 9:09, and the second was 9:14). My weight has dropped down to a whopping 167 lbs!!! (It is crazy to think that at the beginning of the year I was nearing 200 lbs). As a result, I have had to buy all new clothes since I am now wearing medium shirts and have a much smaller waist.
After our assessment, we moved into a lecture on Utilities. We had a speaker from the local gas company and another from the electric company. They spoke about the hazards involved, and what we as firefighters can do when it comes to gas and electric. It was another long and boring day.....
It has been nice to compare where I was at the first assessment and where I am now.
I have drastically improved the number of situps, pushups, and pullups. I have also dropped a significant amount of time off my run. I had the 3rd fastest time overall, finishing the 1.5 mile run in 9 min and 19 sec. (the fastest was 9:09, and the second was 9:14). My weight has dropped down to a whopping 167 lbs!!! (It is crazy to think that at the beginning of the year I was nearing 200 lbs). As a result, I have had to buy all new clothes since I am now wearing medium shirts and have a much smaller waist.
After our assessment, we moved into a lecture on Utilities. We had a speaker from the local gas company and another from the electric company. They spoke about the hazards involved, and what we as firefighters can do when it comes to gas and electric. It was another long and boring day.....
Week 16: Day 1
0700 PT
Detection and sprinkler systems lecture.
We learned all about different detection systems for fire and also the various types of sprinkler systems. After a long and boring lecture, we geared up and went out to practice shutting down sprinklers. In order to stop the flow of water, you use 2 wooden chocks (small wooden triangles similar to a door stop) and position them so they obstruct the opening and prevent water flow. In the process of doing so, you get SOAKED!!!
Detection and sprinkler systems lecture.
We learned all about different detection systems for fire and also the various types of sprinkler systems. After a long and boring lecture, we geared up and went out to practice shutting down sprinklers. In order to stop the flow of water, you use 2 wooden chocks (small wooden triangles similar to a door stop) and position them so they obstruct the opening and prevent water flow. In the process of doing so, you get SOAKED!!!
Week 15: Day 5
Retests....
Since I passed everything, I sat around all day. It was nice to be able to sit around without worrying about getting in trouble for not doing anything. It was also nice to be relieved of any test anxiety / pressure.
At the end of the day, 5 people still failed the retests. Those 5 people were called into the conference room and told that they would find out on Monday if they were still employed by the Fire Dept. What a way to spend the weekend....worrying about your job!!!
Week 15 is complete!!!
Since I passed everything, I sat around all day. It was nice to be able to sit around without worrying about getting in trouble for not doing anything. It was also nice to be relieved of any test anxiety / pressure.
At the end of the day, 5 people still failed the retests. Those 5 people were called into the conference room and told that they would find out on Monday if they were still employed by the Fire Dept. What a way to spend the weekend....worrying about your job!!!
Week 15 is complete!!!
Week 15: Day 4
Fire Midterm Practicals
We sat in the class until our team was called to test. I was assigned a "ghost partner" since it was an odd number of people. My partner tested early in the day with his partner, and then tested with me only to assist. He was not being graded with me. Since my partner was going through twice, I was the last person to go through in order to allow him ample time to rest in between. So I sat ALL DAY from 0700 until 1500 when I was finally called to test.
The test was about an hour long after all was said and done. After the test was done, we were called into the cafeteria to meet with the instructors to discuss our performance. I had just finished my test and showered when I decided to grab a quick bite before heading into the classroom. I turned the corner into the cafeteria to be greeted by about 6 instructors sitting at the table. Since I was standing right there in front of them, they decided they would speak with me first. I passed ALL of my practicals on the first try. (I was 1 of 2 people to do this, out of 17 that tested). I scored a perfect 100 on every single portion of the test.
At the end of the day, we learned that 15 people had failed at least 1 portion of the test and would have to retest on Friday.
We sat in the class until our team was called to test. I was assigned a "ghost partner" since it was an odd number of people. My partner tested early in the day with his partner, and then tested with me only to assist. He was not being graded with me. Since my partner was going through twice, I was the last person to go through in order to allow him ample time to rest in between. So I sat ALL DAY from 0700 until 1500 when I was finally called to test.
The test was about an hour long after all was said and done. After the test was done, we were called into the cafeteria to meet with the instructors to discuss our performance. I had just finished my test and showered when I decided to grab a quick bite before heading into the classroom. I turned the corner into the cafeteria to be greeted by about 6 instructors sitting at the table. Since I was standing right there in front of them, they decided they would speak with me first. I passed ALL of my practicals on the first try. (I was 1 of 2 people to do this, out of 17 that tested). I scored a perfect 100 on every single portion of the test.
At the end of the day, we learned that 15 people had failed at least 1 portion of the test and would have to retest on Friday.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Happy Holidays!!
For those of you that LOVE real Christmas trees.....here is a PSA.
Pay attention to how quickly the tree and the contents of the room ignite!!
Pay attention to how quickly the tree and the contents of the room ignite!!
Week 15: Day 3
Today was the 3rd day of no PT. I am not looking forward to returning to normal PT due to the fact that it will be rough that first day.
We took our Fire midterm today. Once we finished the midterm (written), we went out to the pad and practiced some of the skills practicals we will be tested on tomorrow.
2 people failed the midterm (but not by much). I am happy with my score of a 93%
Tomorrow will be tough....and a long day!! Wish me luck.
We took our Fire midterm today. Once we finished the midterm (written), we went out to the pad and practiced some of the skills practicals we will be tested on tomorrow.
2 people failed the midterm (but not by much). I am happy with my score of a 93%
Tomorrow will be tough....and a long day!! Wish me luck.
Week 15: Day 2
Flashover simulator.
We spent the entire day going through the flashover simulator. We loaded the simulator with particle board and then cribbing in order to ignite the room. Temperatures reached about 1100 degrees.
Flashover is when everything reaches its ignition point almost simultaneously.
We also got to see the fire rollover and spread across the ceiling and thermal layering of smoke.
I wanted to go back in again...but unfortunately I couldn't.
We spent the entire day going through the flashover simulator. We loaded the simulator with particle board and then cribbing in order to ignite the room. Temperatures reached about 1100 degrees.
Flashover is when everything reaches its ignition point almost simultaneously.
We also got to see the fire rollover and spread across the ceiling and thermal layering of smoke.
I wanted to go back in again...but unfortunately I couldn't.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Week 15: Day 1
CAR FIRES!!!
We spent the day torching various makes/models of cars and then extinguishing them...it was a TON of fun!!!
Here are some highlights......(I am the one that is at the front of the hose, on the nozzle)
We spent the day torching various makes/models of cars and then extinguishing them...it was a TON of fun!!!
Here are some highlights......(I am the one that is at the front of the hose, on the nozzle)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Week 14: Day 5
0700 PT
We did practicals up to lunch. After lunch, we did a drill called "Box to Box." This is a drill that all recruits must complete once in order to graduate.
You start off at a designated position, and must carry the hose and nozzle 50 feet to a marked box (Box #1). Once at Box #1, you must position yourself and begin flowing water in a controlled manner for 30 seconds. Once you reach the 30 second mark, you must then advance another 50 feet (while flowing water in a controlled manner) to Box #2. Once you reach Box #2, you must position yourself and continue to flow water for 30 seconds.
All but two recruits (of the 10 that were healthy and participating) completed the drill. The two that didn't complete it struggled.....they had to drop the water pressure significantly in order for them to be able to advance while flowing water. Both have also struggled during practicals and may meet the end of their recruit school next week during midterms.
Week 14 is complete!! We have about 45 actual days of work left....and the days are ticking down.
Coming up on Monday, we have CAR FIRES!! We will get to torch cars and then put them out. Tuesday, we will enter the Flashover simulator!! It should be a great beginning to the week.
We did practicals up to lunch. After lunch, we did a drill called "Box to Box." This is a drill that all recruits must complete once in order to graduate.
You start off at a designated position, and must carry the hose and nozzle 50 feet to a marked box (Box #1). Once at Box #1, you must position yourself and begin flowing water in a controlled manner for 30 seconds. Once you reach the 30 second mark, you must then advance another 50 feet (while flowing water in a controlled manner) to Box #2. Once you reach Box #2, you must position yourself and continue to flow water for 30 seconds.
All but two recruits (of the 10 that were healthy and participating) completed the drill. The two that didn't complete it struggled.....they had to drop the water pressure significantly in order for them to be able to advance while flowing water. Both have also struggled during practicals and may meet the end of their recruit school next week during midterms.
Week 14 is complete!! We have about 45 actual days of work left....and the days are ticking down.
Coming up on Monday, we have CAR FIRES!! We will get to torch cars and then put them out. Tuesday, we will enter the Flashover simulator!! It should be a great beginning to the week.
Week 14: Day 4
0700 PT
The remainder of the day was spent doing practicals.....more of the same that we did all week long. Nothing too exciting.
We have a TON of people getting sick.....4 people missed today!
The remainder of the day was spent doing practicals.....more of the same that we did all week long. Nothing too exciting.
We have a TON of people getting sick.....4 people missed today!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Week 14: Day 3
0700 PT....it's starting to get cold out!!!
We spent the entire day on the pad doing practicals in preparation for mid-terms next week.
Station 1: Ropes and knots
We practiced tying knots on objects (Axes, saws, fans, ladders, pike poles, hoses) to hoist them up to different levels of a building.
For midterm testing, we have 2 minutes to tie each knot (4 total)....which usually takes place after we've finished all other stations and are exhausted!!
Station 2: Flaking hoselines
You have to pull 200 ft of attack line (1 3/4" hoseline that is used to fight an interior fire) off the back of the engine, and then spread it out making large loops in order to get ready to charge the hoseline with water and then make entry into the building. You also have to remove any areas that might kink when the hoseline is charged.
For midterm testing, we have 2 minutes to complete this task.
Station 3: Dressing drills
You are fully dressed in your station clothes. When they say go, you have to remove your station boots and put on your fire boots and bunker pants, your hood, and coat. After buttoning all your gear, you grab your shoes and jump into the engine. Once in the engine, you have to strap into your airpack (which is in the seat) and buckle your chest and waist straps. Then you buckle your seatbelt (which is a pain because of the tight space in the older engines), and put your face piece around your neck. Once you are done, you hit the ceiling of the engine to let them know you are finished.
For midterm testing, this has to be completed in 1 min 45 seconds.
Station 4: Advancing a charged hoseline into the building, locating a victim, removing the victim, performing CPR on victim.
For this station, you flake the hoseline (see station 2 for description) and then enter into the building. Once inside the building, you crawl into the middle room and load the room with 50ft of hose. (You have to have 50 ft of hose for each floor of a structure you plan on searching). Once the room has 50ft of hose, you then advance through the structure into the back corner and locate the victim. Once you locate the victim, you have to "package" him....simply put, you have to put your webbing on the victim in order to prepare to drag him out. (The victim is a 165lb dummy). Once you package the victim, you then drag him from his location into the middle room you loaded the hose into. From there you switch and your partner takes over.....dragging him from that room to the front steps. Once outside, you both lift him from under his arms and carry him out to the grass about 100 feet away. Once on the grass, you assess and perform CPR.
For midterm testing, we have 30 seconds to package the victim, 3 min 30 seconds to get him to the grass, and then perform CPR.
Station 5: Ventilation
We practiced climbing onto a roof, and then using an ax, making cuts through a roof in order to open up the ceiling and allow for ventilation of the structure. This will not be on the midterm....but they wanted to make sure we knew how to make inspection cuts and louver cuts. An inspection cut is a small triangle that allows you to see if there is fire, smoke, location of rafters, etc. The louver cut is a 4 sided cut, spanning 3 rafters (using the middle almost like a hinge), which allows you to open a large section of the roof.
We spent the entire day on the pad doing practicals in preparation for mid-terms next week.
Station 1: Ropes and knots
We practiced tying knots on objects (Axes, saws, fans, ladders, pike poles, hoses) to hoist them up to different levels of a building.
For midterm testing, we have 2 minutes to tie each knot (4 total)....which usually takes place after we've finished all other stations and are exhausted!!
Station 2: Flaking hoselines
You have to pull 200 ft of attack line (1 3/4" hoseline that is used to fight an interior fire) off the back of the engine, and then spread it out making large loops in order to get ready to charge the hoseline with water and then make entry into the building. You also have to remove any areas that might kink when the hoseline is charged.
For midterm testing, we have 2 minutes to complete this task.
Station 3: Dressing drills
You are fully dressed in your station clothes. When they say go, you have to remove your station boots and put on your fire boots and bunker pants, your hood, and coat. After buttoning all your gear, you grab your shoes and jump into the engine. Once in the engine, you have to strap into your airpack (which is in the seat) and buckle your chest and waist straps. Then you buckle your seatbelt (which is a pain because of the tight space in the older engines), and put your face piece around your neck. Once you are done, you hit the ceiling of the engine to let them know you are finished.
For midterm testing, this has to be completed in 1 min 45 seconds.
Station 4: Advancing a charged hoseline into the building, locating a victim, removing the victim, performing CPR on victim.
For this station, you flake the hoseline (see station 2 for description) and then enter into the building. Once inside the building, you crawl into the middle room and load the room with 50ft of hose. (You have to have 50 ft of hose for each floor of a structure you plan on searching). Once the room has 50ft of hose, you then advance through the structure into the back corner and locate the victim. Once you locate the victim, you have to "package" him....simply put, you have to put your webbing on the victim in order to prepare to drag him out. (The victim is a 165lb dummy). Once you package the victim, you then drag him from his location into the middle room you loaded the hose into. From there you switch and your partner takes over.....dragging him from that room to the front steps. Once outside, you both lift him from under his arms and carry him out to the grass about 100 feet away. Once on the grass, you assess and perform CPR.
For midterm testing, we have 30 seconds to package the victim, 3 min 30 seconds to get him to the grass, and then perform CPR.
Station 5: Ventilation
We practiced climbing onto a roof, and then using an ax, making cuts through a roof in order to open up the ceiling and allow for ventilation of the structure. This will not be on the midterm....but they wanted to make sure we knew how to make inspection cuts and louver cuts. An inspection cut is a small triangle that allows you to see if there is fire, smoke, location of rafters, etc. The louver cut is a 4 sided cut, spanning 3 rafters (using the middle almost like a hinge), which allows you to open a large section of the roof.
Week 14: Day 2
0700 PT.
We ran through some scenarios and practicals...nothing too exciting happened until just after lunch. Typically we have 1 hour for lunch, but today we only had 45 minutes. Some people didn't pay attention to the time we were told to report back and assumed we had an hour from the time we were released. At 12:30, when we were supposed to be fully dressed and at our next stations, some people were still getting dressed. When the instructors came in, they were not pleased.... I was fully dressed in all my gear and my air pack (as were a lot of other people). We had to do a few pushups, then we were told to "hit the tower" and we had 4 minutes to get back to the high bay. Needless to say we didn't make it to the tower and back in 4 minutes. When we got down from the tower, we were directed over to the telephone poles we have been carrying around. We split up into groups and carried 2 poles back to the high bay.
Once we returned with the poles, we set them down on the grass outside the high bay. We then went "on-line," meaning we were on air, and were instructed to "chop" the telephone poles. The downside to this is we only had SLEDGE HAMMERS!!! We were chopping a telephone pole with a sledge hammer....it doesn't really work too well. We continued to do that for a while, and switching occassionally. After a while, we were then told to run a lap around the Academy, and we had 3 minutes to complete it. Upon getting back, we then started to "chop" the poles again. This fun little exercise is known as "Chop 'till you drop."
After we finished with our little exercises we inflicted upon ourselves, we went back into our practicals. We performed some rescues, structure searches, etc.
We ran through some scenarios and practicals...nothing too exciting happened until just after lunch. Typically we have 1 hour for lunch, but today we only had 45 minutes. Some people didn't pay attention to the time we were told to report back and assumed we had an hour from the time we were released. At 12:30, when we were supposed to be fully dressed and at our next stations, some people were still getting dressed. When the instructors came in, they were not pleased.... I was fully dressed in all my gear and my air pack (as were a lot of other people). We had to do a few pushups, then we were told to "hit the tower" and we had 4 minutes to get back to the high bay. Needless to say we didn't make it to the tower and back in 4 minutes. When we got down from the tower, we were directed over to the telephone poles we have been carrying around. We split up into groups and carried 2 poles back to the high bay.
Once we returned with the poles, we set them down on the grass outside the high bay. We then went "on-line," meaning we were on air, and were instructed to "chop" the telephone poles. The downside to this is we only had SLEDGE HAMMERS!!! We were chopping a telephone pole with a sledge hammer....it doesn't really work too well. We continued to do that for a while, and switching occassionally. After a while, we were then told to run a lap around the Academy, and we had 3 minutes to complete it. Upon getting back, we then started to "chop" the poles again. This fun little exercise is known as "Chop 'till you drop."
After we finished with our little exercises we inflicted upon ourselves, we went back into our practicals. We performed some rescues, structure searches, etc.
Week 14: Day 1
0700 PT.
The remainder of the day was spent on lecture....rescue procedures and ventilation. Nothing too exciting.
At lunch, we met the other Battalion on the pad and waited for the instructors to arrive. (On Friday, we lost their flag....the last person out of the room forgot to grab it, and an instructor walked off with it....so we figured this had something to do with that). Because it the flag belongs to Battalion 2...(not us)...they were punished for the loss of the flag, and we had to watch as we saw the punishment we created for them. They had to run up and down the tower (a total of 12 times by the time they ended). Whenever the instructor blew the whistle, they had to do something: 1 time....20 pushups; 2 times.....10 8-man bodybuilders (starts with a jumping jack and goes into a pushup, ending back in a standing position); 3 times.....10 starbursts (standing position, to a squat, and then jumping with arms and legs extending out like a star, and ending in a standing position). While I am glad I didn't have to do it, it wasn't that fun watching them have to do it because of us......
We lost another recruit today...he resigned because "it wasn't the place for him." Truth be told, he was on the verge of being fired for integrity issues.....
We are down to 37 recruits.
The remainder of the day was spent on lecture....rescue procedures and ventilation. Nothing too exciting.
At lunch, we met the other Battalion on the pad and waited for the instructors to arrive. (On Friday, we lost their flag....the last person out of the room forgot to grab it, and an instructor walked off with it....so we figured this had something to do with that). Because it the flag belongs to Battalion 2...(not us)...they were punished for the loss of the flag, and we had to watch as we saw the punishment we created for them. They had to run up and down the tower (a total of 12 times by the time they ended). Whenever the instructor blew the whistle, they had to do something: 1 time....20 pushups; 2 times.....10 8-man bodybuilders (starts with a jumping jack and goes into a pushup, ending back in a standing position); 3 times.....10 starbursts (standing position, to a squat, and then jumping with arms and legs extending out like a star, and ending in a standing position). While I am glad I didn't have to do it, it wasn't that fun watching them have to do it because of us......
We lost another recruit today...he resigned because "it wasn't the place for him." Truth be told, he was on the verge of being fired for integrity issues.....
We are down to 37 recruits.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Week 13: Day 5
0700 PT.....after a long week of getting killed, I think the instructors wanted to give us some R&R. We went to the park and played volleyball for an hour. It was a nice change of pace...and it was fun!!
After we got back, we had lecture on portable fire extinguishers and then got some "hands-on time" filling and spraying fire extinguishers. Then we went out onto the pad and put out a small propane fire. The remainder of the day was spent throwing ladders.
Once we got back, we were dismissed and had to put our gear away in the lockup for the weekend. One recruit forgot to put her stuff away and left. The instructor took her gear and put it in the office and will "deal with her" on Monday.......so Monday is not going to be too good of a day!!
For now....WEEK 13 is complete. We are officially past the half-way point in the Academy.
After we got back, we had lecture on portable fire extinguishers and then got some "hands-on time" filling and spraying fire extinguishers. Then we went out onto the pad and put out a small propane fire. The remainder of the day was spent throwing ladders.
Once we got back, we were dismissed and had to put our gear away in the lockup for the weekend. One recruit forgot to put her stuff away and left. The instructor took her gear and put it in the office and will "deal with her" on Monday.......so Monday is not going to be too good of a day!!
For now....WEEK 13 is complete. We are officially past the half-way point in the Academy.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Week 13: Day 4
0700 PT & Long Run....and by long, I mean 7.4 miles. It was actually a nice run and we had a great pace throughout. We finished it in 70 minutes, so it was just under 10 minute / mile.
After PT, we had lecture on Salvage and Overhaul. Salvage is the process of minimizing damage to and loss of the house and goods, etc. Overhaul is the process of checking for fire extension in hidden areas (inside walls, ceilings, etc). We got a little hands on time with some thermal imagers (they allow you to see heat signatures), thermal sensors (they show changes in temperature), folding and deploying salvage tarps, and building water chutes to divert water flow using some poles, a tarp, and ladder. After our relatively easy hands on time, we were surprised with another trip to the pad to wrap up the day. We each threw the 24' ladder twice by ourselves, and the 28' ladder twice with a partner.
I'm sore and tired..and ready for the weekend.
After PT, we had lecture on Salvage and Overhaul. Salvage is the process of minimizing damage to and loss of the house and goods, etc. Overhaul is the process of checking for fire extension in hidden areas (inside walls, ceilings, etc). We got a little hands on time with some thermal imagers (they allow you to see heat signatures), thermal sensors (they show changes in temperature), folding and deploying salvage tarps, and building water chutes to divert water flow using some poles, a tarp, and ladder. After our relatively easy hands on time, we were surprised with another trip to the pad to wrap up the day. We each threw the 24' ladder twice by ourselves, and the 28' ladder twice with a partner.
I'm sore and tired..and ready for the weekend.
Week 13: Day 3
No PT today. We climbed the aerial ladder today while the weather was cool in order to avoid the wasps and bees that kept coming around. The aerial ladder was raised 110 ft in the air (practically vertical) and we climbed to the top, locked in to the top rung, and leaned back. We stayed up top for 20 seconds and then descended. It was a lot of fun and the view up to was AMAZING. You could see forever....
After the aerial climb, we went through a ladder confidence/competence course on the burn pad. Using the building, we threw ladders to various windows and levels in order to make a course. We began by climbing a ladder and entering through a window, then climbing out a window onto another ladder. We then went around the side of the building and climbed a ladder onto a rooftop, walked along the ledge to another ladder that we descended. We then climbed a shorter ladder to the second floor, went up a staircase to the third floor, and then down an extension ladder to the ground floor. We went up another ladder into the second story of the burn building, and walked through the building to another window and climbed out and down a ladder that was setup. After we finished that, we climbed the aerial ladder to the top of the tower, and then ran down the tower to the bottom. In all, we used all four sides of the building, some of the tower, and some of the interior of the burn building. We did this course two times....once in full gear, and once in full gear while breathing from our SCBA.
After lunch, we went back to the pad and threw ladders all day. We threw 24' extension ladders by ourselves, and then 28' extension ladders with a partner. After we completed that (numerous throws), we advanced hoseline into the burn building.
In all, it was an EXHAUSTING day......
After the aerial climb, we went through a ladder confidence/competence course on the burn pad. Using the building, we threw ladders to various windows and levels in order to make a course. We began by climbing a ladder and entering through a window, then climbing out a window onto another ladder. We then went around the side of the building and climbed a ladder onto a rooftop, walked along the ledge to another ladder that we descended. We then climbed a shorter ladder to the second floor, went up a staircase to the third floor, and then down an extension ladder to the ground floor. We went up another ladder into the second story of the burn building, and walked through the building to another window and climbed out and down a ladder that was setup. After we finished that, we climbed the aerial ladder to the top of the tower, and then ran down the tower to the bottom. In all, we used all four sides of the building, some of the tower, and some of the interior of the burn building. We did this course two times....once in full gear, and once in full gear while breathing from our SCBA.
After lunch, we went back to the pad and threw ladders all day. We threw 24' extension ladders by ourselves, and then 28' extension ladders with a partner. After we completed that (numerous throws), we advanced hoseline into the burn building.
In all, it was an EXHAUSTING day......
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Week 13: Day 2
0700 PT & Weight Room
After the weight room, we went into lecture on "Ladders." We learned all about the various parts of ladders, the types of ladders, how to carry, throw (raise) and lower ladders.
We were supposed to climb the aerial ladder, but wasps were attracted to the bright orange on the tip of the ladder. Every time it was raised, they would come out of no where and swarm around it. When we lowered it, they would disappear. We are going to do it tomorrow morning while it is still somewhat chilly out to avoid any wasps. For those of you wondering...."what does he mean, climb the aerial ladder?"....they raise the ladder on the ladder truck straight in the air. When fully raised it is 105 feet. We will climb to the top, clip in and lean back, then grab on the rung, unclip, and climb back down.
We also found out that another recruit was fired today. The one fired today was caught in the middle of being stuck with a moron for EMT practicals. The recruit that was fired on Friday was his partner. The one fired Friday screwed up on his practicals and subsequently failed, and because the one that was fired today was his partner, he also failed the practical. It was also his second time taking the practical....so it left them very few options.
We started out with 50, and now we are down to 38. There is a possibility that we will lose another soon due to a knee injury. If he does leave, he will rejoin the class starting in January.
After the weight room, we went into lecture on "Ladders." We learned all about the various parts of ladders, the types of ladders, how to carry, throw (raise) and lower ladders.
We were supposed to climb the aerial ladder, but wasps were attracted to the bright orange on the tip of the ladder. Every time it was raised, they would come out of no where and swarm around it. When we lowered it, they would disappear. We are going to do it tomorrow morning while it is still somewhat chilly out to avoid any wasps. For those of you wondering...."what does he mean, climb the aerial ladder?"....they raise the ladder on the ladder truck straight in the air. When fully raised it is 105 feet. We will climb to the top, clip in and lean back, then grab on the rung, unclip, and climb back down.
We also found out that another recruit was fired today. The one fired today was caught in the middle of being stuck with a moron for EMT practicals. The recruit that was fired on Friday was his partner. The one fired Friday screwed up on his practicals and subsequently failed, and because the one that was fired today was his partner, he also failed the practical. It was also his second time taking the practical....so it left them very few options.
We started out with 50, and now we are down to 38. There is a possibility that we will lose another soon due to a knee injury. If he does leave, he will rejoin the class starting in January.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Week 12: Days 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5
Sorry for the late posts, but it has been a long and tiring week. I haven't really felt like posting....but I am sure you understand.
Day 5: Friday
0700 PT. Long run through the woods (Approximately 3.2 miles)
We then had ANOTHER quiz. Now, we haven't covered any new material since our last quizzes....but we were again lectured about who runs the Academy and who decided when we have quizzes (See Week 12: Day 2). This quiz was entitled "I think I know everything." it was basically all EMT information.
After our quiz, we had lecture on Forcible Entry. We learned about the tools and techniques, various types of doors, windows, etc. We then went out and practiced ripping out dead bolts, ripping apart door jambs, unlocking car doors with lock kits, and then we went over to an abandoned house on the Academy grounds and practiced using a set of "irons" to gain entry into locked houses and rooms.
It was A LOT of fun and I must admit that I am pretty good at getting into locked cars....or at least I was every time I tried on the Durango we had to practice on.
We also lost another recruit today. The recruit that got us in trouble on Monday with the phone call was fired. Hefailed his initial EMT certification practicals, and then failed the retest. With that.....his time with the Dept has come to an end!!
Day 4: Thursday
0700 PT. Combat Challenge
We then spent another day on the pad. This time we advanced hoselines by ourselves while flowing and not flowing. We then loaded hoseline into a hose. For every floor, you must have 50 ft of hose available to reach any room on that floor. We loaded the first floor, and then loaded the second floor....another very demanding day.
I finished the day very battered and bruised.
Day 3: Wednesday
0700 PT. Long run, approximately 3.5 miles
We then spent the day out on the pad doing practicals. We tied off equipment for hoisting, dressing drills, flaking hoselines (setting it up for deployment) and advancing charged hoselines.
Advancing hoselines is TOUGH!! We first advanced on our knees with no water flowing, then on our knees with water flowing. We then advanced while standing both not flowing and flowing.
Day 2: Tuesday
PT at 0700. We all carried the telephone poles around and did exercises with them. We also had a relay race around the academy using tractor tires.
We then spent the day lecturing on Fire Hose, Hose Streams, and Appliances . It was a long lecture with a lot of info. A recruit had the nerve to ask that we have an extra day to study as opposed to take 2 quizzes the next day.....let's just say that was the wrong thing to do!!
Day 1: Monday
We started with PT at 0700. Things weren't going so well and we had to redo a few exercises (due to the person leading) and the instructors got fed up with it. We ran 2 towers and a lap around the academy. After that, we were told to get back to the class since it was apparent we didn't want to PT. We got back to the classroom and sat there from about 7:45 until 9:00.
We then had lecture on building construction. During one of our 10 minute breaks, one of the recruits on light duty decided to call to schedule his MRI (after wasting 7 of the 10 minutes). The lieutenant came back in the room to lecture and the recruit was still on the phone. He then walked out into the hallway while on the phone. The Lt. Was obviously not happy and left the room. Two instructors then came back and asked how much extra time we took and informed us we "owed them" that much time. Just before lunch, we found out what that meant....
We went into the hallway and spent 5 minutes doing wall sits, pushup position and iron crosses. The recruit on light duty that caused it all obviously sat out and had to count out the 5 minutes...."1, I'm sorry Lieutenant; 2, I'm sorry Lieutenant"....up to 300. We found out he has difficulty counting...and he counts slow. It took nearly 20 minutes to finish our "5" minute punishment!!
After lunch, we went out and toured some building sites with homes under construction to look at build types and hazards, etc.
Day 5: Friday
0700 PT. Long run through the woods (Approximately 3.2 miles)
We then had ANOTHER quiz. Now, we haven't covered any new material since our last quizzes....but we were again lectured about who runs the Academy and who decided when we have quizzes (See Week 12: Day 2). This quiz was entitled "I think I know everything." it was basically all EMT information.
After our quiz, we had lecture on Forcible Entry. We learned about the tools and techniques, various types of doors, windows, etc. We then went out and practiced ripping out dead bolts, ripping apart door jambs, unlocking car doors with lock kits, and then we went over to an abandoned house on the Academy grounds and practiced using a set of "irons" to gain entry into locked houses and rooms.
It was A LOT of fun and I must admit that I am pretty good at getting into locked cars....or at least I was every time I tried on the Durango we had to practice on.
We also lost another recruit today. The recruit that got us in trouble on Monday with the phone call was fired. Hefailed his initial EMT certification practicals, and then failed the retest. With that.....his time with the Dept has come to an end!!
Day 4: Thursday
0700 PT. Combat Challenge
We then spent another day on the pad. This time we advanced hoselines by ourselves while flowing and not flowing. We then loaded hoseline into a hose. For every floor, you must have 50 ft of hose available to reach any room on that floor. We loaded the first floor, and then loaded the second floor....another very demanding day.
I finished the day very battered and bruised.
Day 3: Wednesday
0700 PT. Long run, approximately 3.5 miles
We then spent the day out on the pad doing practicals. We tied off equipment for hoisting, dressing drills, flaking hoselines (setting it up for deployment) and advancing charged hoselines.
Advancing hoselines is TOUGH!! We first advanced on our knees with no water flowing, then on our knees with water flowing. We then advanced while standing both not flowing and flowing.
Day 2: Tuesday
PT at 0700. We all carried the telephone poles around and did exercises with them. We also had a relay race around the academy using tractor tires.
We then spent the day lecturing on Fire Hose, Hose Streams, and Appliances . It was a long lecture with a lot of info. A recruit had the nerve to ask that we have an extra day to study as opposed to take 2 quizzes the next day.....let's just say that was the wrong thing to do!!
Day 1: Monday
We started with PT at 0700. Things weren't going so well and we had to redo a few exercises (due to the person leading) and the instructors got fed up with it. We ran 2 towers and a lap around the academy. After that, we were told to get back to the class since it was apparent we didn't want to PT. We got back to the classroom and sat there from about 7:45 until 9:00.
We then had lecture on building construction. During one of our 10 minute breaks, one of the recruits on light duty decided to call to schedule his MRI (after wasting 7 of the 10 minutes). The lieutenant came back in the room to lecture and the recruit was still on the phone. He then walked out into the hallway while on the phone. The Lt. Was obviously not happy and left the room. Two instructors then came back and asked how much extra time we took and informed us we "owed them" that much time. Just before lunch, we found out what that meant....
We went into the hallway and spent 5 minutes doing wall sits, pushup position and iron crosses. The recruit on light duty that caused it all obviously sat out and had to count out the 5 minutes...."1, I'm sorry Lieutenant; 2, I'm sorry Lieutenant"....up to 300. We found out he has difficulty counting...and he counts slow. It took nearly 20 minutes to finish our "5" minute punishment!!
After lunch, we went out and toured some building sites with homes under construction to look at build types and hazards, etc.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Week 11: Day 5
Today we learned about Fire Suppression. After lecture, we spent some time inspecting, testing, flushing, and operating hydrants; hooking up hoselines, etc.
It was a lot of fun to get some "hands on" time and it definitely beats the classroom lecture. I can tell already that this is going to make or break some people due to the physical demands....charged hoselines are HEAVY!!
The physical demands are going to increase next week when we start learning about hoselines. We will spend a LOT of time rolling and carrying hose, and repacking hose beds on the engine.
We also took a few quizzes during the week. I got a 95% and (2) 97%....1 wrong on each quiz.
WEEK 11 COMPLETE.......
It was a lot of fun to get some "hands on" time and it definitely beats the classroom lecture. I can tell already that this is going to make or break some people due to the physical demands....charged hoselines are HEAVY!!
The physical demands are going to increase next week when we start learning about hoselines. We will spend a LOT of time rolling and carrying hose, and repacking hose beds on the engine.
We also took a few quizzes during the week. I got a 95% and (2) 97%....1 wrong on each quiz.
WEEK 11 COMPLETE.......
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Week 11: Day 4
We spent the day learning about wildland fires and auto fires. After lecture, we went out with a brush truck (a 4WD truck used for brush/wildland fires) and learned about the equipment carried. We spent some time clearing out a path through the woods to stop the approach of a "fire."
Then when we were finished, we washed the truck.
Then when we were finished, we washed the truck.
Week 11: Day 3
Today was more of the same.....
We did more practice with ropes and knots, dressing drills, and SCBA.
I had my fastest time so far (and the fastest in our Battalion) for dressing drills....57 seconds.
That means I took off my station boots, put on my fire boots, pants, hood, jacket, got into the engine (with my station boots, helmet, gloves, & face piece), secured my SCBA, and belted in.
Another day down....
We did more practice with ropes and knots, dressing drills, and SCBA.
I had my fastest time so far (and the fastest in our Battalion) for dressing drills....57 seconds.
That means I took off my station boots, put on my fire boots, pants, hood, jacket, got into the engine (with my station boots, helmet, gloves, & face piece), secured my SCBA, and belted in.
Another day down....
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Week 11: Day 2
I do not know if I ever mentioned before, but each Battalion is responsible for one of two items: A bronze bell, and our class flag. EMT is responsible for the flag, and fire is responsible for the bell. If you lose either item (leave it unattended), you have to earn it back.
Well....last week, we lost the bell and today was judgment day. It was our responsibility to come up with a fitting punishment to earn the bell back, and let me say...it was definitely a tough assignment that we came up with.
Today, for PT...we did a dressing drill on the tower. Definition....Up and down the tour, each time putting on one piece of gear.
#1. Getting our gear to the top of the tower
#2. Left fire boot
#3. Right fire boot
#4. Bunker pants
#5. Nomex hood
#6. Bunker coat
#7. SCBA Airpack
#8. SCBA Face piece
#9. Left fire glove
#10. Right fire glove
#11. Helmet
#12. Get our gear bags and sneakers
In all, we ran 12 towers........which was all we did for PT besides stretching.
The remainder of the day was spent learning about ropes and knots....clove hitch, half hitch, overhand safety knot, figure eight, figure eight on a bite, figure eight on a follow through, becket bend, bowline......I must admit that I'm not too bad at knots.
Well....last week, we lost the bell and today was judgment day. It was our responsibility to come up with a fitting punishment to earn the bell back, and let me say...it was definitely a tough assignment that we came up with.
Today, for PT...we did a dressing drill on the tower. Definition....Up and down the tour, each time putting on one piece of gear.
#1. Getting our gear to the top of the tower
#2. Left fire boot
#3. Right fire boot
#4. Bunker pants
#5. Nomex hood
#6. Bunker coat
#7. SCBA Airpack
#8. SCBA Face piece
#9. Left fire glove
#10. Right fire glove
#11. Helmet
#12. Get our gear bags and sneakers
In all, we ran 12 towers........which was all we did for PT besides stretching.
The remainder of the day was spent learning about ropes and knots....clove hitch, half hitch, overhand safety knot, figure eight, figure eight on a bite, figure eight on a follow through, becket bend, bowline......I must admit that I'm not too bad at knots.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Week 11: Day 1
Today, we learned all about "Fire Behavior." We covered areas that address what a fire is made up of, combustion, the hidden dangers of smoke, flashover, backdraft, etc. It was a very LONG and DRY lecture. Once everything was covered, things got a little more interesting though. We went out to the burn pad and watched some demonstrations, where a miniature house that had been constructed was lit on fire and used to show how to starve and feed a fire, create a backdraft and so on.
All in all....it was a LONG day....but nothing too exciting happened.
All in all....it was a LONG day....but nothing too exciting happened.
State EMS Certification Test - Update
I received the results from the EMS Test over the weekend. The State provides your score, the high score out of everyone that tested, and the low score.
I passed all of the skills/practical stations, and passed the written test with the highest score (92%).
I am officially an EMT - B
I passed all of the skills/practical stations, and passed the written test with the highest score (92%).
I am officially an EMT - B
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Week 10: Day 5
0700 PT in the weight room. It was probably the fastest pace and the hardest I've worked out in the gym.
We then had the Assistant Dean for the Fire Science Dept from an area Community College. He spoke to us about career advancement and educational requirements.
If I wanted to go get a degree in Fire Science, I would have to take about 36 credit hours (no general education requirements since I already have a degree) and depending on my grade in the courses, the County would pay for the entire thing.
All in all...it was a low key day to wrap up a very hectic week. I am glad that the weekend is here....but unfortunately it is going to be a busy weekend also.
WEEK 10 COMPLETE.....15 WEEKS TO GRADUATION!!!
We then had the Assistant Dean for the Fire Science Dept from an area Community College. He spoke to us about career advancement and educational requirements.
If I wanted to go get a degree in Fire Science, I would have to take about 36 credit hours (no general education requirements since I already have a degree) and depending on my grade in the courses, the County would pay for the entire thing.
All in all...it was a low key day to wrap up a very hectic week. I am glad that the weekend is here....but unfortunately it is going to be a busy weekend also.
WEEK 10 COMPLETE.....15 WEEKS TO GRADUATION!!!
Week 10: Day 4
No PT...too much to get through.
We ran more maze drills, except this time one recruit went in the entrance to the maze and another recruit went in through the exit. We met up in a large room where we ran through drills, connecting each others air back up, to our air supply, etc.
We also ran some dressing drills in which we would get dressed, jump into the engine, put on our SCBA and seatbelt to simulate getting ready to respond to a call. For midterms, we have to do it in 1 min 45 sec. For finals, we have to do it in 1 min 15 sec. My first time, I misunderstood one of the things we had to do, but was able to complete it in 1 min 36 sec. After clarifying some of the things we had to do, I was finishing around 1 min 4 sec.....so as of right now, I do not need to worry too much.
Towards the end of the day, we went up to the police shooting range and prepared to be exposed to CS (tear) gas. The purpose of the exercise was to show us (without causing permanent damage) what it is like in a toxic/dangerous environment and the effects of popping your regulator in order to breath. If you do so in a fire, you will breath in superheated gases that can damage your respiratory system, either killing you or leaving you wishing you were dead. It also shows us what victims are going through waiting for us to save them. The exposure wasn't the greatest...but it wasn't horrible. Breathing CS gas in, it completely takes your breath away and causes you to violently cough. All exposed skin begins to burn. Water and cool air help slightly...but the effects wore off after about 20 minutes. We then cleaned everything down in order to decon our gear.
We ran more maze drills, except this time one recruit went in the entrance to the maze and another recruit went in through the exit. We met up in a large room where we ran through drills, connecting each others air back up, to our air supply, etc.
We also ran some dressing drills in which we would get dressed, jump into the engine, put on our SCBA and seatbelt to simulate getting ready to respond to a call. For midterms, we have to do it in 1 min 45 sec. For finals, we have to do it in 1 min 15 sec. My first time, I misunderstood one of the things we had to do, but was able to complete it in 1 min 36 sec. After clarifying some of the things we had to do, I was finishing around 1 min 4 sec.....so as of right now, I do not need to worry too much.
Towards the end of the day, we went up to the police shooting range and prepared to be exposed to CS (tear) gas. The purpose of the exercise was to show us (without causing permanent damage) what it is like in a toxic/dangerous environment and the effects of popping your regulator in order to breath. If you do so in a fire, you will breath in superheated gases that can damage your respiratory system, either killing you or leaving you wishing you were dead. It also shows us what victims are going through waiting for us to save them. The exposure wasn't the greatest...but it wasn't horrible. Breathing CS gas in, it completely takes your breath away and causes you to violently cough. All exposed skin begins to burn. Water and cool air help slightly...but the effects wore off after about 20 minutes. We then cleaned everything down in order to decon our gear.
Week 10: Day 3
0700 PT. We did the combat challenge in full gear while wearing SCBA.
We then went out to the burn pad to do more dressing drills, emergency SCBA operations, confined space, etc. I've learned my way around the maze and what to do, so it isn't nearly as bad as it was initially. The pace has changed quite a bit though....now when we go through, instructors disconnect our air, unstrap our air packs, unclip our helmet, sound our alarm on the air pack, shut off the tank, etc....sometimes all together and sometimes just one thing at a time. You have to remain calm and go through emergency procedures to check what is wrong with the air pack in order to be able to breath, or you have to pop your regulator and drop to call out a "mayday."
We also had our faces covered and had to run through similar drills, where they would disconnect our air and someone else had to reconnect it (also blindfolded), and vice versa. This was all done to get us confident in ourselves and our air packs.
We also had to do some pushups while in full gear.....not that I particularly enjoy pushups...but adding 50 lbs of weight and doing pushups is even less fun.
We then went out to the burn pad to do more dressing drills, emergency SCBA operations, confined space, etc. I've learned my way around the maze and what to do, so it isn't nearly as bad as it was initially. The pace has changed quite a bit though....now when we go through, instructors disconnect our air, unstrap our air packs, unclip our helmet, sound our alarm on the air pack, shut off the tank, etc....sometimes all together and sometimes just one thing at a time. You have to remain calm and go through emergency procedures to check what is wrong with the air pack in order to be able to breath, or you have to pop your regulator and drop to call out a "mayday."
We also had our faces covered and had to run through similar drills, where they would disconnect our air and someone else had to reconnect it (also blindfolded), and vice versa. This was all done to get us confident in ourselves and our air packs.
We also had to do some pushups while in full gear.....not that I particularly enjoy pushups...but adding 50 lbs of weight and doing pushups is even less fun.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Week 10: Day 2
0700 PT and then the weight room.
After the weight room, we went down to the burn pad for dressing drills with SCBA. We spent a few hours doing that, then went on to "BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS." We went into the maze (confined space) and also learned escape tactics if we were ever trapped in a room.
First things first....the maze is INTENSE. You are army crawling through most of it, with your full gear and air tank on. Everything is PITCH BLACK and you are relying on your sense of touch to get through. Areas are cramped and sometimes you have to completely turn around to go feet first down some drop-offs.
The escape tactics addressed how to get out of a room that you cannot access the windows or doors. If you are asking yourself "how the hell do you get out?".....it's simple. KICK OUT THE DRYWALL and go through to the next room. There are certain maneuvers in order to fit through studs. We practiced these moves and went through a standard 16" stud opening...and then for fun, we tried (and I was successful) in getting through an opening about 10." The rule of thumb (generally) is that if you can get your helmet through, the rest should follow.
After wearing an additional 45(ish) lbs all day today, I am exhausted/fatigued.
Tomorrow is going to be even worse......they are going to be disconnecting our air while we go through the maze. It is either panic.....or fix the problem.
After the weight room, we went down to the burn pad for dressing drills with SCBA. We spent a few hours doing that, then went on to "BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS." We went into the maze (confined space) and also learned escape tactics if we were ever trapped in a room.
First things first....the maze is INTENSE. You are army crawling through most of it, with your full gear and air tank on. Everything is PITCH BLACK and you are relying on your sense of touch to get through. Areas are cramped and sometimes you have to completely turn around to go feet first down some drop-offs.
The escape tactics addressed how to get out of a room that you cannot access the windows or doors. If you are asking yourself "how the hell do you get out?".....it's simple. KICK OUT THE DRYWALL and go through to the next room. There are certain maneuvers in order to fit through studs. We practiced these moves and went through a standard 16" stud opening...and then for fun, we tried (and I was successful) in getting through an opening about 10." The rule of thumb (generally) is that if you can get your helmet through, the rest should follow.
After wearing an additional 45(ish) lbs all day today, I am exhausted/fatigued.
Tomorrow is going to be even worse......they are going to be disconnecting our air while we go through the maze. It is either panic.....or fix the problem.
Week 10: Day 1
0700 PT.....We ran quite a bit today. Everyone thought we were done and ran hard at the end when they saw the driveway to the Academy. It was right about then when the instructors quickly detoured us down a long driveway for some more running.
After PT, we had lecture for SCBA. We learned all about the components, how to operate it, troubleshoot, etc. Then we moved out to the high bay for some drills with SCBA.
All in all, it wasn't a bad day.....but the week will get MUCH tougher.
After PT, we had lecture for SCBA. We learned all about the components, how to operate it, troubleshoot, etc. Then we moved out to the high bay for some drills with SCBA.
All in all, it wasn't a bad day.....but the week will get MUCH tougher.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Week 9: Day 5
STATE EMT CERTIFICATION TEST.....I will know the results sometime next week (probably mid-week)
Now that EMT is done, we move into Fire starting Monday.
We will begin by learning SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus). SCBA is the air pack that firefighters wear while fighting fires and doing overhaul.
Upcoming events include:
Controlled suffocation
Confined spaces and maze
Tear gas chamber
WEEK 9 COMPLETE.....16 WEEKS TO GO!!!
Now that EMT is done, we move into Fire starting Monday.
We will begin by learning SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus). SCBA is the air pack that firefighters wear while fighting fires and doing overhaul.
Upcoming events include:
Controlled suffocation
Confined spaces and maze
Tear gas chamber
WEEK 9 COMPLETE.....16 WEEKS TO GO!!!
Week 9: Day 4
0700 PT...and a nice 3 mile run through the woods at a park near the Academy.
After the morning PT, we followed up the day with practicals. You can tell that both recruits and instructors were getting burnt out with practicals as they began to turn into sessions where we would share stories and just converse.
Tomorrow is the big state certification test....EMT is officially over and fire training begins Monday.
After the morning PT, we followed up the day with practicals. You can tell that both recruits and instructors were getting burnt out with practicals as they began to turn into sessions where we would share stories and just converse.
Tomorrow is the big state certification test....EMT is officially over and fire training begins Monday.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Week 9: Day 3
0700 PT followed up with a 4 mile run
Then we had practicals....ALL DAY LONG!!
Nothing exciting happened today.......one more day of practicals left until the State test on Friday.
Then we had practicals....ALL DAY LONG!!
Nothing exciting happened today.......one more day of practicals left until the State test on Friday.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Week 9: Day 2
Today we had our second PT Assessment. I am happy to say that I had market improvements from the last assessment held during Week 2. I improved in every category (sit and reach, pushups, situps, pullups, 1.5 mile run, weight, leg press).
After our PT Assessment concluded, we did practicals. To change things up a bit, we had a scenario out on top of the tower to simulate the real world a little more. We were "dispatched" to find 4 victims. (The victims were 165lb dummies, with instructors present acting as and speaking as the victim). We had to assess, backboard, and carry the patient down the 6 flights of stairs and then give a report to the hospital as what to expect upon arrival of the patient.
More practicals tomorrow......
After our PT Assessment concluded, we did practicals. To change things up a bit, we had a scenario out on top of the tower to simulate the real world a little more. We were "dispatched" to find 4 victims. (The victims were 165lb dummies, with instructors present acting as and speaking as the victim). We had to assess, backboard, and carry the patient down the 6 flights of stairs and then give a report to the hospital as what to expect upon arrival of the patient.
More practicals tomorrow......
Monday, September 15, 2008
Week 9: Day 1
As I said before....this week is going to be filled with practicals. We are practicing the skills we are being tested on for the State Certification Test.
If you are looking for excitement, it won't be posted this week.....SORRY!!
Tomorrow is our second PT Assessment to see how we have progressed during the last few weeks.
If you are looking for excitement, it won't be posted this week.....SORRY!!
Tomorrow is our second PT Assessment to see how we have progressed during the last few weeks.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Week 8: Day 5
Today was the County Test....aka Final Exam. In order to pass, you have to get a 80% and a "Pass" on the practicals.
I am happy to say that my partner and I passed all the practicals on our first attempt, and my written test score was a 95%. The written test is 100 questions that cover the entire EMS course from beginning to end.
For the remainder of the day, we sat around talking with the instructors about what we say in the field and stories that they wanted to share with us regarding what they have seen over the years.
Starting Monday, we will have practicals everyday until Friday, at which point we will take the State certification test for EMT-B.
A story to share.....
One recruit told us about a woman that had to be transported to the hospital. She was a rather large woman that lived in absolute filth. They had to put on tyvek suits in order to enter the house. (A tyvek suit is a protective suit that will keep you "clean" and protect/isolate you). They then lifted her out of her bed and onto a stretcher. Upon lifting her up, her leg split open because of the gangrene that had set in. Upon transport to the hospital, another recruit had the "pleasure" of working with her. He had to elevate her leg for some reason or another. Upon lifting her leg (and smelling a putrid odor) the woman said "if you smell anything, that's urine!!"
WTF!!!!
THE END.
We have finished EMT, with just the state test left. On Monday, Sept 22, we will begin Fire School......
WEEK 8 COMPLETE!!
I am happy to say that my partner and I passed all the practicals on our first attempt, and my written test score was a 95%. The written test is 100 questions that cover the entire EMS course from beginning to end.
For the remainder of the day, we sat around talking with the instructors about what we say in the field and stories that they wanted to share with us regarding what they have seen over the years.
Starting Monday, we will have practicals everyday until Friday, at which point we will take the State certification test for EMT-B.
A story to share.....
One recruit told us about a woman that had to be transported to the hospital. She was a rather large woman that lived in absolute filth. They had to put on tyvek suits in order to enter the house. (A tyvek suit is a protective suit that will keep you "clean" and protect/isolate you). They then lifted her out of her bed and onto a stretcher. Upon lifting her up, her leg split open because of the gangrene that had set in. Upon transport to the hospital, another recruit had the "pleasure" of working with her. He had to elevate her leg for some reason or another. Upon lifting her leg (and smelling a putrid odor) the woman said "if you smell anything, that's urine!!"
WTF!!!!
THE END.
We have finished EMT, with just the state test left. On Monday, Sept 22, we will begin Fire School......
WEEK 8 COMPLETE!!
Week 8: Day 4
Well....we are down to 39 recruits now.
During our morning PT, the instructors asked us if we had any issues finding the hospital or stations we were assigned to, and if any of us were late. A LONG time ago, they said "If we ask you a question, we probably already know the answer...so it pays to be honest." Everyone answered that there were no issues.
One of the recruits was pulled out of formation and we were instructed to begin our morning PT. After a little while, one of the instructors and the Lieutenant walked up into the gear lockers, packed up all of his stuff and ripped his name tag off from the locker. After we finished with our morning PT and convened in the classroom we were instructed that the recruit had been given the opportunity to resign.
The recruit was assigned to a hospital on Thursday, but while he did report to A hospital...it was the wrong one!! The instructor had informed us before that if we were at a hospital, bring gym shoes. You cannot wear steel toe boots into the OR. The recruit brought his gym shoes with him but he decided that he would wear them in the ER. And to put the icing on the cake, at about 3:45 the charge nurse told him that he could go home if he wanted to. Well....he decided he would go home early. The problem is that we do not work for and are not paid by the hospital....we work for the Fire Dept. Any orders/instructions should come from Fire Dept personnel.
During our morning PT, the instructors asked us if we had any issues finding the hospital or stations we were assigned to, and if any of us were late. A LONG time ago, they said "If we ask you a question, we probably already know the answer...so it pays to be honest." Everyone answered that there were no issues.
One of the recruits was pulled out of formation and we were instructed to begin our morning PT. After a little while, one of the instructors and the Lieutenant walked up into the gear lockers, packed up all of his stuff and ripped his name tag off from the locker. After we finished with our morning PT and convened in the classroom we were instructed that the recruit had been given the opportunity to resign.
The recruit was assigned to a hospital on Thursday, but while he did report to A hospital...it was the wrong one!! The instructor had informed us before that if we were at a hospital, bring gym shoes. You cannot wear steel toe boots into the OR. The recruit brought his gym shoes with him but he decided that he would wear them in the ER. And to put the icing on the cake, at about 3:45 the charge nurse told him that he could go home if he wanted to. Well....he decided he would go home early. The problem is that we do not work for and are not paid by the hospital....we work for the Fire Dept. Any orders/instructions should come from Fire Dept personnel.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Week 8: Day 3
What do you do when you have a problem and you don't know who to call???.......you call the Fire Dept.
That was the overall theme for today while I was on my ride-a-long. I was staffed on an Engine at a different Station than yesterday. We had 3 calls....but only 2 worth noting.
Call #1
A gentleman fell out of his bed (according to the dispatch...but it was actually he fell off his couch) and needed help getting back up onto it. We were sent out to assist. When we arrived, we found the patient sitting on the floor just beside the couch. We put our gloves on, spoke to the gentleman, and began to lift him out onto the couch. Upon lifting him up, the sheet covering his lower half began to slip off and we quickly realized that all he was wearing was his t-shirt. We set him down onto the couch, recovered him with his sheet, and made sure he was ok before departing.
Call #2
We were working out at a local gym when we received a call for a "water hazard." We grabbed our crew and left to the address provided. Upon arrival, we found the tenant outside waiting. It seems that he developed a water leak and it was flooding the house he rented. After entering the residence, we found standing water in the kitchen and as we walked across the carpet, footprints would appear with puddles in them. We then went to the basement, where it was similar to a shower. Streams of water were falling from the ceiling, paint was bubbling off and leaking water, and the drop ceiling in one of the rooms had fallen apart. We shut off the electricity and advised him to call his landlord.
Honestly....we typically FLOOD houses with water.....how are we supposed to know what to do to get rid of water!?!?
Back to the Academy tomorrow......
I'm sure some of the recruits did something stupid, or forgot some gear somewhere in the County......so we shall see if and how we are punished.
That was the overall theme for today while I was on my ride-a-long. I was staffed on an Engine at a different Station than yesterday. We had 3 calls....but only 2 worth noting.
Call #1
A gentleman fell out of his bed (according to the dispatch...but it was actually he fell off his couch) and needed help getting back up onto it. We were sent out to assist. When we arrived, we found the patient sitting on the floor just beside the couch. We put our gloves on, spoke to the gentleman, and began to lift him out onto the couch. Upon lifting him up, the sheet covering his lower half began to slip off and we quickly realized that all he was wearing was his t-shirt. We set him down onto the couch, recovered him with his sheet, and made sure he was ok before departing.
Call #2
We were working out at a local gym when we received a call for a "water hazard." We grabbed our crew and left to the address provided. Upon arrival, we found the tenant outside waiting. It seems that he developed a water leak and it was flooding the house he rented. After entering the residence, we found standing water in the kitchen and as we walked across the carpet, footprints would appear with puddles in them. We then went to the basement, where it was similar to a shower. Streams of water were falling from the ceiling, paint was bubbling off and leaking water, and the drop ceiling in one of the rooms had fallen apart. We shut off the electricity and advised him to call his landlord.
Honestly....we typically FLOOD houses with water.....how are we supposed to know what to do to get rid of water!?!?
Back to the Academy tomorrow......
I'm sure some of the recruits did something stupid, or forgot some gear somewhere in the County......so we shall see if and how we are punished.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Week 8: Day 2
Today was my first day (of two total) for ride-a-longs in the County. I was staffed on an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Medic. In all, it was a great learning experience. I was finally about to see some of what we have been learning put to real use, rather than a book form and "scenario" format where things are obviously staged a bit. Doing things in real life and with real "emergencies" add something that you cannot find in the safe environment of an Academy.
Shift starts at 0600...but if you are on time, you are late. I reported at 0530 to perform gear checks, equipment checks, and assist in checking out the unit.
Call #1: 0625
76 y/o/M with difficulty breathing
Pt was having trouble breathing. After taking vitals, he had a rapid pulse and a somewhat lower BP. We administered a breathing treatment and the pt stated his breathing and chest felt better. Nothing else pointed to a major problem. After admitting him to the hospital, they ran their own tests. Later in the day we found out he was most likely having a heart attack. It was a "silent" MI (Myocardial Infarction). All of our tests did not show any flags to indicate that it was a heart attack, and he was not complaining of the typical symptoms associated with a heart attack (crushing chest pain, pain in the jaw, shooting pain in the left arm).
Call #2: 0845
9 y/o/F with difficulty breathing and limited speech
Pt was having trouble breathing. After taking vitals, we found NOTHING wrong with this girl. The girl was in school and was pulled down to the nurse's office. Her grandmother arrived and we gathered some information from her about the girl. It seems that the girl likes to try and get attention, and this may have been an anxiety attack/need for attention. The grandmother did not want to seek further care
Call #3: 1240
(I was in the middle of working out when this call came in. I quickly stopped what I was doing, grabbed my station boots and jump suit since I was in my PT clothes, and jumped in the rig)
56 y/o/F with pain in the back and left leg
Pt was bed ridden with pain that started 2 days ago.....(my question is why are you waiting 2 days!!!) After taking vitals, we had to transport the pt to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a bulging disk, among other problems..so this may have been part of the issue. We put her into a flexible stretcher, carried her downstairs, and loaded her onto the cot. While en route, she was drugged up with some morphine. I'm not quite sure the final outcome of this lady...
Call #4: 3:15
62 y/o/F possible stroke
Pt walked up to the Fire Station (not ours..but we reported to it since it was an ALS call) complaining of tingling and numbness in her right fingers. After assessing the woman, we noticed some facial droop (typically seen in stroke victims) but not much else. The woman was disoriented and kept asking "Is it really 3 o'clock?".....to which I assured her it was. We dropped her off at the hospital since there wasn't much we could do aside from take vitals and monitor the patient to make sure she was ok until we transferred care to the hospital.
It was a good day......I got to meet some of the career firefighters out in the County and run some calls. They showed me around and were very patient/helpful. They let me assist as much as possible, without creating a sense of urgency and making me nervous. I was also included in lunch...which was great!!! For $3, I had 2 chicken breasts, a salad, bread rolls, and green beans and potatoes. They were also VERY appreciative of the bagels and cream cheese I brought in for breakfast.
Hopefully tomorrow steps up the pace a little bit.....
Shift starts at 0600...but if you are on time, you are late. I reported at 0530 to perform gear checks, equipment checks, and assist in checking out the unit.
Call #1: 0625
76 y/o/M with difficulty breathing
Pt was having trouble breathing. After taking vitals, he had a rapid pulse and a somewhat lower BP. We administered a breathing treatment and the pt stated his breathing and chest felt better. Nothing else pointed to a major problem. After admitting him to the hospital, they ran their own tests. Later in the day we found out he was most likely having a heart attack. It was a "silent" MI (Myocardial Infarction). All of our tests did not show any flags to indicate that it was a heart attack, and he was not complaining of the typical symptoms associated with a heart attack (crushing chest pain, pain in the jaw, shooting pain in the left arm).
Call #2: 0845
9 y/o/F with difficulty breathing and limited speech
Pt was having trouble breathing. After taking vitals, we found NOTHING wrong with this girl. The girl was in school and was pulled down to the nurse's office. Her grandmother arrived and we gathered some information from her about the girl. It seems that the girl likes to try and get attention, and this may have been an anxiety attack/need for attention. The grandmother did not want to seek further care
Call #3: 1240
(I was in the middle of working out when this call came in. I quickly stopped what I was doing, grabbed my station boots and jump suit since I was in my PT clothes, and jumped in the rig)
56 y/o/F with pain in the back and left leg
Pt was bed ridden with pain that started 2 days ago.....(my question is why are you waiting 2 days!!!) After taking vitals, we had to transport the pt to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a bulging disk, among other problems..so this may have been part of the issue. We put her into a flexible stretcher, carried her downstairs, and loaded her onto the cot. While en route, she was drugged up with some morphine. I'm not quite sure the final outcome of this lady...
Call #4: 3:15
62 y/o/F possible stroke
Pt walked up to the Fire Station (not ours..but we reported to it since it was an ALS call) complaining of tingling and numbness in her right fingers. After assessing the woman, we noticed some facial droop (typically seen in stroke victims) but not much else. The woman was disoriented and kept asking "Is it really 3 o'clock?".....to which I assured her it was. We dropped her off at the hospital since there wasn't much we could do aside from take vitals and monitor the patient to make sure she was ok until we transferred care to the hospital.
It was a good day......I got to meet some of the career firefighters out in the County and run some calls. They showed me around and were very patient/helpful. They let me assist as much as possible, without creating a sense of urgency and making me nervous. I was also included in lunch...which was great!!! For $3, I had 2 chicken breasts, a salad, bread rolls, and green beans and potatoes. They were also VERY appreciative of the bagels and cream cheese I brought in for breakfast.
Hopefully tomorrow steps up the pace a little bit.....
Week 8: Day 1
Well...today was our last day of lecture for EMT.
It has been a rapid pace of learning......but I can't wait for Fire to start and EMT to be done.
We have our County test on Friday the 12th, and our State Certification on the 19th. If anyone fails either...they are allowed one makeup....if they fail that, they are out of a job.
Tomorrow and Wednesday are our ride-a-longs in the County and Thursday will be spent doing practicals to prepare for Friday.
So far so good.....
It has been a rapid pace of learning......but I can't wait for Fire to start and EMT to be done.
We have our County test on Friday the 12th, and our State Certification on the 19th. If anyone fails either...they are allowed one makeup....if they fail that, they are out of a job.
Tomorrow and Wednesday are our ride-a-longs in the County and Thursday will be spent doing practicals to prepare for Friday.
So far so good.....
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K Run
On September 6, 2008, we participated in the Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K Run.
There were originally about 35 recruits that had signed up to run, but due to Tropical Storm Hanna passing through and some of the recruits no longer being with the Dept., only about 12 of the recruits showed up to participate.
Our team was made up of recruits and some of the career firefighters in the Dept. I am happy to say that we (as a Dept.) came in first place for the Firefighter Division. One of our runners was also first place overall for firefighters (he ran the 5K in 18:36).
I am happy with my performance, although I did have to slow down to a walk for a very brief period. I completed the run in 23:50, with an overall 302 place (out of 2009). In the firefighter division, I was 30 place (of 105). Only 2 other recruits from my class finished ahead of me (by about 50 seconds).
There were originally about 35 recruits that had signed up to run, but due to Tropical Storm Hanna passing through and some of the recruits no longer being with the Dept., only about 12 of the recruits showed up to participate.
Our team was made up of recruits and some of the career firefighters in the Dept. I am happy to say that we (as a Dept.) came in first place for the Firefighter Division. One of our runners was also first place overall for firefighters (he ran the 5K in 18:36).
I am happy with my performance, although I did have to slow down to a walk for a very brief period. I completed the run in 23:50, with an overall 302 place (out of 2009). In the firefighter division, I was 30 place (of 105). Only 2 other recruits from my class finished ahead of me (by about 50 seconds).
Friday, September 5, 2008
Week 7: Day 2, 3, 4, 5
Not a whole lot happened this week...just lectured a bunch and did practicals to get ready for County and State testing.
Our County test is next Friday, and the State test is on the 19th. From the 15th through the 19th, we will be doing practicals all week in order to prepare.
I managed to get a 100% on 3 of the 4 quizzes we took this week. I am going into finals with a great academic standing. (Overall, I am second in the class. I am 1% lower than the highest girl, who is a certified Medic).
On Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, we are going to be out in the field. I will be riding on a Medic Unit all day Tuesday, and an Engine all day Wednesday. I am in two of the busier stations, with a major highway running through....so hopefully I will have some exciting news to share.
One of the chapters we lectured on and learned about was Obstetrics / Gynecology. Let me tell you.....Childbirth is not a miracle, and it is definitely not beautiful!!!
Tomorrow we are running a 9/11 memorial 5K near the pentagon. Wish me luck......
WEEK 7 COMPLETE!!
Our County test is next Friday, and the State test is on the 19th. From the 15th through the 19th, we will be doing practicals all week in order to prepare.
I managed to get a 100% on 3 of the 4 quizzes we took this week. I am going into finals with a great academic standing. (Overall, I am second in the class. I am 1% lower than the highest girl, who is a certified Medic).
On Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, we are going to be out in the field. I will be riding on a Medic Unit all day Tuesday, and an Engine all day Wednesday. I am in two of the busier stations, with a major highway running through....so hopefully I will have some exciting news to share.
One of the chapters we lectured on and learned about was Obstetrics / Gynecology. Let me tell you.....Childbirth is not a miracle, and it is definitely not beautiful!!!
Tomorrow we are running a 9/11 memorial 5K near the pentagon. Wish me luck......
WEEK 7 COMPLETE!!
Friday, August 29, 2008
American Heart Association Walk: November 9
Every recruit class has to plan and participate in a community project. Typically, every fall recruit class participates in the American Heart Association Walk.
The AHA Walk is held in Washington DC on November 9, 2008. It is held on the National Mall, and will be a total of 2.9 miles.
Feel free to donate to help me meet my goals, and help the AHA in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE & SPONSOR ME
We are currently competing against Battalion 2 to see who can raise the most money, in addition to "friendly competition" with other Fire Departments in the area.
**Donations are tax deductible**
The AHA Walk is held in Washington DC on November 9, 2008. It is held on the National Mall, and will be a total of 2.9 miles.
Feel free to donate to help me meet my goals, and help the AHA in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE & SPONSOR ME
We are currently competing against Battalion 2 to see who can raise the most money, in addition to "friendly competition" with other Fire Departments in the area.
**Donations are tax deductible**
Week 6: Day 5
Nothing too exciting!! We finished up the retesting of practicals and then moved into lecture for the remainder of the day.
We managed to keep our noses clean.....who knows what will happen next week.
There was one recruit who started to fall asleep during a lecture (from the Fire Chief) and then later during another instructor. Fortunately for him [and us], he was not caught....otherwise he would have been terminated and we would probably have suffered.
Total recruits remaining: 41
WEEK 6 COMPLETE.......19 WEEKS TO GO!!
We managed to keep our noses clean.....who knows what will happen next week.
There was one recruit who started to fall asleep during a lecture (from the Fire Chief) and then later during another instructor. Fortunately for him [and us], he was not caught....otherwise he would have been terminated and we would probably have suffered.
Total recruits remaining: 41
WEEK 6 COMPLETE.......19 WEEKS TO GO!!
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