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**
Friday, August 29, 2008
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!!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Week 6: Day 2, 3, 4
Not a whole lot happened......
We had practicals on Tuesday and Wednesday, and midterm practicals and test on Thursday.
Overall, everything went well!! I had the second highest grade (96%) in the class. The highest was a trained Medic with a 97%
Due to academic ineligibility, 3 recruits were terminated today. A recruit also quit on Tuesday (from the other Battalion). He underestimated the requirements of the job, and continually made mistakes.
I was told by the "mean instructor" that I am doing a great job and to keep up the good work.
We had practicals on Tuesday and Wednesday, and midterm practicals and test on Thursday.
Overall, everything went well!! I had the second highest grade (96%) in the class. The highest was a trained Medic with a 97%
Due to academic ineligibility, 3 recruits were terminated today. A recruit also quit on Tuesday (from the other Battalion). He underestimated the requirements of the job, and continually made mistakes.
I was told by the "mean instructor" that I am doing a great job and to keep up the good work.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Week 6: Day 1
Not too much happened today....rather uneventful.
We have mid-terms on Thursday, and ride-alongs on Sept 9 & 10. I am really looking forward to ride-alongs. We will be out in the County, staffing an ambulance and answering actual calls. While our interaction will be limited, it will be a great experience.....I am personally hoping for some pretty gnarly accidents along I-95.
For the people that are not doing very well academically, they have until September 5th to reach an 80% overall in order to remain employed by the County. I am not in this category, fortunately. I have maintained a 94% in EMT.
We currently have 2 people below the "state requirement" of a 70%. There are another 3 people below the County requirement. The County has a higher requirement of an 80%.
We also have 3 people that are not meeting the physical requirements and will need to step it up a bit in order to stay employed. Of those 3 people, 2 of them are also not meeting the academic requirements. They [instructors] are predicting that we will lose another 5 recruits at the end of next week.
The remainder of the week will be practicals. We will demonstrate our skills we have learned and apply them in different scenarios:
CPR/AED
Airway Management
Rapid Trauma Assessment
Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) Application
Hare-Traction Splint Application
They will also through in signs in which we will have to state what the condition is and treat the condition (shock, gun shot wound, fracture, laceration, amputation, etc).
We have mid-terms on Thursday, and ride-alongs on Sept 9 & 10. I am really looking forward to ride-alongs. We will be out in the County, staffing an ambulance and answering actual calls. While our interaction will be limited, it will be a great experience.....I am personally hoping for some pretty gnarly accidents along I-95.
For the people that are not doing very well academically, they have until September 5th to reach an 80% overall in order to remain employed by the County. I am not in this category, fortunately. I have maintained a 94% in EMT.
We currently have 2 people below the "state requirement" of a 70%. There are another 3 people below the County requirement. The County has a higher requirement of an 80%.
We also have 3 people that are not meeting the physical requirements and will need to step it up a bit in order to stay employed. Of those 3 people, 2 of them are also not meeting the academic requirements. They [instructors] are predicting that we will lose another 5 recruits at the end of next week.
The remainder of the week will be practicals. We will demonstrate our skills we have learned and apply them in different scenarios:
CPR/AED
Airway Management
Rapid Trauma Assessment
Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) Application
Hare-Traction Splint Application
They will also through in signs in which we will have to state what the condition is and treat the condition (shock, gun shot wound, fracture, laceration, amputation, etc).
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Week 5: Day 5
Not much happened today aside from the usual, 0700 PT, then lecture from 0900-1500 (excluding lunch).
The old battalion leader (who I replaced because of his injury) informed today would be his last day with the recruit class. He is being moved over to the safety office while he undergoes surgery and rehab. He will then be recycled into the next recruit class in January 2009.
At this point, I am going to remain the battalion leader (which was initially a temporary thing) until I am removed or until we graduate. To make things more complicated....I was also moved from my squad and platoon, to replace him in his squad and platoon. Starting monday, I am going to be the Battalion leader, the Platoon leader, and Squad leader........sheesh!!!
Here is a breakdown so you understand what I mean:
Squad: a unit of 2-3 recruits
Platoon: a unit of 4-5 squads
Battalion: a unit made up of multiple platoons
We started with 50 recruits. To date, we have lost 4!!
WEEK 5 IS COMPLETED.....20 more weeks to go.
The old battalion leader (who I replaced because of his injury) informed today would be his last day with the recruit class. He is being moved over to the safety office while he undergoes surgery and rehab. He will then be recycled into the next recruit class in January 2009.
At this point, I am going to remain the battalion leader (which was initially a temporary thing) until I am removed or until we graduate. To make things more complicated....I was also moved from my squad and platoon, to replace him in his squad and platoon. Starting monday, I am going to be the Battalion leader, the Platoon leader, and Squad leader........sheesh!!!
Here is a breakdown so you understand what I mean:
Squad: a unit of 2-3 recruits
Platoon: a unit of 4-5 squads
Battalion: a unit made up of multiple platoons
We started with 50 recruits. To date, we have lost 4!!
WEEK 5 IS COMPLETED.....20 more weeks to go.
Week 5: Day 4
CELL PHONE GUY WAS FIRED!!!!
During the combat challenge, you have to carry a high-rise pack up 5 flights of stairs. It is an enclosed area, so no one is there watching you do it. When it was his turn to go through and carry the high-rise up, he stopped at the second story and turned around and came back down....it was a big deal, but even more so because an instructor was at the THIRD story waiting to make sure everyone went all the way up.
After everyone completed the combat challenge, everyone was lined up in formation and asked if they had completed everything they were supposed to. Everyone of course answered yes....including cell phone guy...who was obviously lying. The instructors had told us before, if they ask you a question about something...they already know the answer. Again, they asked if everyone had completed everything and they all answered yes...including him.
The instructor then proceeded to inform the Platoon what they had witnessed and that they knew cell phone guy was lying. They then proceeded to tear him apart. They stated he was an "F-ing liar, had no integrity, will never be a firefighter," etc. They then escorted him to the locker room and classroom so he could grab his belongings.
The overall attitude of the instructors picked up quite a bit......and things should be a little better off for us now.
During the combat challenge, you have to carry a high-rise pack up 5 flights of stairs. It is an enclosed area, so no one is there watching you do it. When it was his turn to go through and carry the high-rise up, he stopped at the second story and turned around and came back down....it was a big deal, but even more so because an instructor was at the THIRD story waiting to make sure everyone went all the way up.
After everyone completed the combat challenge, everyone was lined up in formation and asked if they had completed everything they were supposed to. Everyone of course answered yes....including cell phone guy...who was obviously lying. The instructors had told us before, if they ask you a question about something...they already know the answer. Again, they asked if everyone had completed everything and they all answered yes...including him.
The instructor then proceeded to inform the Platoon what they had witnessed and that they knew cell phone guy was lying. They then proceeded to tear him apart. They stated he was an "F-ing liar, had no integrity, will never be a firefighter," etc. They then escorted him to the locker room and classroom so he could grab his belongings.
The overall attitude of the instructors picked up quite a bit......and things should be a little better off for us now.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Week 5: Day 3
0700 PT....
After stretching, we formed 3 groups. 2 groups of 10 and 1 group of 4. The group of 4 was all female recruits that carried the big tractor tire over their head and on their shoulders. The other 2 groups each carried a TELEPHONE POLE. We spent time carrying it on our shoulders, then over our heads, then we would put it down for pushups, 6 inches, etc.
We then used it as part of our workout....we put our hands on it and feet on the ground for pushups, then switched and put our feet on it and hands on the ground for pushups, then we got into situp position and the instructors put it on our chests (with us cradling it) and we did situps with it.
On the way back down, we stopped at the sand pit for more pushups, 6 inches, and whatever else they felt we needed to do.
It was all definitely a workout.....my shoulders are sore.
After that, we spent the remainder of the day in lecture.
The previous leader has a torn meniscus and needs surgery. Another guy from the other battalion blew out his shoulder today and is probably going to have to get an MRI. Also, the cell phone guy was told that he needed a 95% on the quiz tomorrow in order to continue his training and employment with the County......WE SHALL SEE!! (I'm not holding my breath, since he hasn't passed a single quiz yet).
After stretching, we formed 3 groups. 2 groups of 10 and 1 group of 4. The group of 4 was all female recruits that carried the big tractor tire over their head and on their shoulders. The other 2 groups each carried a TELEPHONE POLE. We spent time carrying it on our shoulders, then over our heads, then we would put it down for pushups, 6 inches, etc.
We then used it as part of our workout....we put our hands on it and feet on the ground for pushups, then switched and put our feet on it and hands on the ground for pushups, then we got into situp position and the instructors put it on our chests (with us cradling it) and we did situps with it.
On the way back down, we stopped at the sand pit for more pushups, 6 inches, and whatever else they felt we needed to do.
It was all definitely a workout.....my shoulders are sore.
After that, we spent the remainder of the day in lecture.
The previous leader has a torn meniscus and needs surgery. Another guy from the other battalion blew out his shoulder today and is probably going to have to get an MRI. Also, the cell phone guy was told that he needed a 95% on the quiz tomorrow in order to continue his training and employment with the County......WE SHALL SEE!! (I'm not holding my breath, since he hasn't passed a single quiz yet).
Week 5: Day 2
0700 PT.
We did an obstacle course consisting of pull-ups, flutter kicks, resistance band military presses, flipping a huge tractor tire, and squat thrusts.
After PT, we had another quiz and then had lecture.
We wrapped up the day with practicals......going through and simulating a rapid trauma assessment, taking vitals, opening an airway, etc. Basically practicing the skills we have learned in the past week at a very rapid pace....
Nothing too exciting!!
We did an obstacle course consisting of pull-ups, flutter kicks, resistance band military presses, flipping a huge tractor tire, and squat thrusts.
After PT, we had another quiz and then had lecture.
We wrapped up the day with practicals......going through and simulating a rapid trauma assessment, taking vitals, opening an airway, etc. Basically practicing the skills we have learned in the past week at a very rapid pace....
Nothing too exciting!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Week 5: Day 1
Q: What is the difference between a paramedic and God? (answer at the end of post)
0700 PT followed by a 3 mile run.
3 guys fell out and ended up walking back.....
0900 Quiz....13 of 26 passed (80% or higher)
We then learned about scene safety and rapid trauma assessment. The remainder of the day was spent doing practicals.
A: God doesn't think he is a paramedic.
Mid-term for EMT is next Thursday.
0700 PT followed by a 3 mile run.
3 guys fell out and ended up walking back.....
0900 Quiz....13 of 26 passed (80% or higher)
We then learned about scene safety and rapid trauma assessment. The remainder of the day was spent doing practicals.
A: God doesn't think he is a paramedic.
Mid-term for EMT is next Thursday.
Saturday, August 16, 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**
Friday, August 15, 2008
Week 4: Day 3, 4, 5
Day 5: Friday
0700 PT. Directly after stretching we ran 7 towers. It wasn't as bad as I thought...I had my wind the whole time...but I developed a burning in my calves somewhere while running up and down the 6 flights of stairs 7 times. We then hit the weight room for some circuit training.
The remainder of the day was spent on lecture......they didnt' ask to see outlines this time though. After lecture, we received our test results from some of the tests we have taken so far (we have one nearly every day). Currently, I am averaging a 94% in Fire, and a 95% in EMT.
Battalion 2 lost a recruit today. The recruit was a paid firefighter in another jurisdiction but left to join this Dept. Apparently he is claustrophobic and would not go into the confined space maze. Every time he was up to go in, he would freak out and not do it. They told him that he had to go through it two times on Friday or his employment would be terminated....he was unable to find the ability to overcome his fear.
WEEK 4 COMPLETE......1 MONTH IN, 5 MONTHS TO GO!!!
Day 4: Thursday
0700 Uniform inspection.
-Raise your pant legs to show your boots and black (or navy) socks
-Hold out your arm with a watch on it
-Hold out two pens
-Hold out two pair of latex gloves
-Hold out your License, County ID, and CPR card
-Instructors then came around and checked our gig line, name tags, etc.
A total of 7 errors were found.....one guy (the cell phone guy) had 3 (No ID, License, or CPR card.) As a result, we were given 7 towers to do for Friday.
COUNTY ORIENTATION...the guidelines were simple, pay attention and NO SLEEPING. The county orientation was put on by a few of the top people in the county. The County Executive Officer, the Assistant County Executive Officer, etc. It was an all day session to teach us about the county and what the county had to offer to employees (services, etc).
At the conclusion of the event, we were instructed to meet in the high bay. We then had to get our gear and get fully geared up in 4 minutes. We then walked over to the hill, then had to run 2 towers in full gear. After that we got into formation and learned why we were out there.....one person was slouching in their chair and appeared to be sleeping (it was cell phone guy). They then had us doing pushups, 6 inches, iron crosses, etc. We then went back to the high bay for some more punishment minus the gear. We also learned that another recruit was fired......we still haven't figured out why...but it had something to do with either academics or sleeping. The cell phone guy stated he was quitting and left with the instructors to speak with the Captain. Once inside with the Captain, he did not sign a letter stating his intention to quit and advised them he had a change of heart.......he will probably be out soon though.
Day 3: Wednesday
0700 PT. We ran the tower 2 times, and ran a hill (up and down 6 times total) to times. Then we went on a 3 mile run....no stopping, just running. As the captain said....We never stop. If you want to stop, go join the Police Dept.
We had lecture all day. An integral part of lecture is being prepared with an outline for the chapter. 15 people did not have outlines completed, so as a result, we were penalized by 15 days of 30 minute lunches......15 minutes to eat, and 15 minutes to do our daily housekeeping.
0700 PT. Directly after stretching we ran 7 towers. It wasn't as bad as I thought...I had my wind the whole time...but I developed a burning in my calves somewhere while running up and down the 6 flights of stairs 7 times. We then hit the weight room for some circuit training.
The remainder of the day was spent on lecture......they didnt' ask to see outlines this time though. After lecture, we received our test results from some of the tests we have taken so far (we have one nearly every day). Currently, I am averaging a 94% in Fire, and a 95% in EMT.
Battalion 2 lost a recruit today. The recruit was a paid firefighter in another jurisdiction but left to join this Dept. Apparently he is claustrophobic and would not go into the confined space maze. Every time he was up to go in, he would freak out and not do it. They told him that he had to go through it two times on Friday or his employment would be terminated....he was unable to find the ability to overcome his fear.
WEEK 4 COMPLETE......1 MONTH IN, 5 MONTHS TO GO!!!
Day 4: Thursday
0700 Uniform inspection.
-Raise your pant legs to show your boots and black (or navy) socks
-Hold out your arm with a watch on it
-Hold out two pens
-Hold out two pair of latex gloves
-Hold out your License, County ID, and CPR card
-Instructors then came around and checked our gig line, name tags, etc.
A total of 7 errors were found.....one guy (the cell phone guy) had 3 (No ID, License, or CPR card.) As a result, we were given 7 towers to do for Friday.
COUNTY ORIENTATION...the guidelines were simple, pay attention and NO SLEEPING. The county orientation was put on by a few of the top people in the county. The County Executive Officer, the Assistant County Executive Officer, etc. It was an all day session to teach us about the county and what the county had to offer to employees (services, etc).
At the conclusion of the event, we were instructed to meet in the high bay. We then had to get our gear and get fully geared up in 4 minutes. We then walked over to the hill, then had to run 2 towers in full gear. After that we got into formation and learned why we were out there.....one person was slouching in their chair and appeared to be sleeping (it was cell phone guy). They then had us doing pushups, 6 inches, iron crosses, etc. We then went back to the high bay for some more punishment minus the gear. We also learned that another recruit was fired......we still haven't figured out why...but it had something to do with either academics or sleeping. The cell phone guy stated he was quitting and left with the instructors to speak with the Captain. Once inside with the Captain, he did not sign a letter stating his intention to quit and advised them he had a change of heart.......he will probably be out soon though.
Day 3: Wednesday
0700 PT. We ran the tower 2 times, and ran a hill (up and down 6 times total) to times. Then we went on a 3 mile run....no stopping, just running. As the captain said....We never stop. If you want to stop, go join the Police Dept.
We had lecture all day. An integral part of lecture is being prepared with an outline for the chapter. 15 people did not have outlines completed, so as a result, we were penalized by 15 days of 30 minute lunches......15 minutes to eat, and 15 minutes to do our daily housekeeping.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Week 4: Day 2
0700 PT. We ran the hill at the academy (up and down 6 times) and then hit the tower.....one person was seen walking, so we had to do it all again. Then we went on a nice 2.5 mile run. I really enjoyed it (I am being honest).
We had 3 quizzes today. Out of 27 recruits in the class, 12 failed the first quiz, 18 failed the second quiz, and 5 failed the third quiz. I am happy to say I got an 88%, a 96%, and 100% on them.....I could and should have done better on the first two.
About 1.5 weeks ago, we had to pick a Battalion Leader. I was nominated by a few people, but respectfully declined the nomination. I wanted to focus on my own academics and development, and stay "below the radar" so to speak. On Friday, the recruit we nominated as our leader injured his knee. He is currently awaiting an MRI to find out if and when he will return to full duty....until then he cannot participate in physical activity. During our run today, one of the instructor (the "mean" one) advised that I would be taking over as the Leader until further notice....I am not sure if this is a good or bad thing yet....I am sure a little of both. I am still wondering what he saw in me that he chose me to take over....I thought about asking him!?!
During the morning part of our lecture (1000-1145), the instructors came up with a way for us to stay awake in class.....THEY TOOK OUR CHAIRS. We had to kneel the entire time....LUCKY US!! We finally got them back at 1145.
The remainder of the day was spent learning about infection control and the spread of disease, what we may encounter in the field, etc.
Time for me to study....I have a quiz on 3 chapters tomorrow, and I have 1 more chapter to read and outline for tomorrow.
We had 3 quizzes today. Out of 27 recruits in the class, 12 failed the first quiz, 18 failed the second quiz, and 5 failed the third quiz. I am happy to say I got an 88%, a 96%, and 100% on them.....I could and should have done better on the first two.
About 1.5 weeks ago, we had to pick a Battalion Leader. I was nominated by a few people, but respectfully declined the nomination. I wanted to focus on my own academics and development, and stay "below the radar" so to speak. On Friday, the recruit we nominated as our leader injured his knee. He is currently awaiting an MRI to find out if and when he will return to full duty....until then he cannot participate in physical activity. During our run today, one of the instructor (the "mean" one) advised that I would be taking over as the Leader until further notice....I am not sure if this is a good or bad thing yet....I am sure a little of both. I am still wondering what he saw in me that he chose me to take over....I thought about asking him!?!
During the morning part of our lecture (1000-1145), the instructors came up with a way for us to stay awake in class.....THEY TOOK OUR CHAIRS. We had to kneel the entire time....LUCKY US!! We finally got them back at 1145.
The remainder of the day was spent learning about infection control and the spread of disease, what we may encounter in the field, etc.
Time for me to study....I have a quiz on 3 chapters tomorrow, and I have 1 more chapter to read and outline for tomorrow.
Week 4: Day 1
Well...to preface the week, I spent the ENTIRE weekend studying and doing outlines. I had to read 6 chapters, and do outlines for them. My outlines are not quick, and they are not short.....they are lengthy and detailed....so it was a long process.
0700 PT....including running the 6 story tower and doing some pushes at the top.
We began EMT today!!
The information was thrown at us pretty quickly. We will learn everything over the next 4.5 - 5 weeks......who would have thought I would learn how to save lives that quickly. During lecture, we had two recruits begin to fall asleep (one of them was caught twice). Rather than interrupt the lecture, the instructor woke them up and continued on. After we finished the lecture, we all went outside for our punishment....pushups, six inches (holding the legs straight and 6" off the ground), 90 degrees (holding the legs 90 degrees in the air), a combination of 6" and 90 degrees (one leg at 6" and the other at 90 degrees), bicycles, etc.....
It will be interesting to see if everyone can keep up.....I have a feeling we will lose a few people though.
0700 PT....including running the 6 story tower and doing some pushes at the top.
We began EMT today!!
The information was thrown at us pretty quickly. We will learn everything over the next 4.5 - 5 weeks......who would have thought I would learn how to save lives that quickly. During lecture, we had two recruits begin to fall asleep (one of them was caught twice). Rather than interrupt the lecture, the instructor woke them up and continued on. After we finished the lecture, we all went outside for our punishment....pushups, six inches (holding the legs straight and 6" off the ground), 90 degrees (holding the legs 90 degrees in the air), a combination of 6" and 90 degrees (one leg at 6" and the other at 90 degrees), bicycles, etc.....
It will be interesting to see if everyone can keep up.....I have a feeling we will lose a few people though.
Saturday, August 9, 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 3: Day 5
0700 PT.
Did some running, which a few people complained about. After the run, we hit the tower twice....which they complained about even more. In response to the complaining, we have been told that all instructor focus will be placed on Battalion 1. Things will become harder, and HOPEFULLY those people will self-eliminate
The remainder of the day was spent learning about and practicing public education programs. We practiced giving Pub Eds to elementary schools, high schools, and adult groups.
Week 3 is complete.......Week 4 will begin Monday with EMT.
Did some running, which a few people complained about. After the run, we hit the tower twice....which they complained about even more. In response to the complaining, we have been told that all instructor focus will be placed on Battalion 1. Things will become harder, and HOPEFULLY those people will self-eliminate
The remainder of the day was spent learning about and practicing public education programs. We practiced giving Pub Eds to elementary schools, high schools, and adult groups.
Week 3 is complete.......Week 4 will begin Monday with EMT.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Week 3: Day 3 & 4
Yesterday and today were very similar.....a LOT of standing around while people drove through the skills course, and then the road course.
The skills course was the same as the course for the ambulance....
Serpentine (Forward and Backward)
Back in and stop 6" from a cone
Diminishing Alley (100 ft alley ends at a width 4" wider than the width of the apparatus)
Offset Alley (Left and Right)
Turn around a corner, and back into an alley, parking 6" from a cone
The road course was driving down the road from the academy and then turning around and returning. It is about 3 miles total....no traffic, just driving on a small country road.
I thought driving the engine was easier than driving the ambulance. In fact, I did much better. I drove with the Lieutenant, he stated that I was a "natural" and was one of the best drivers he had seen in a long time (being able to jump in a new / very large apparatus and drive it without any issues).
Today, we stood around while everyone else finished up the course. We then received our "Progress Reports." I am averaging a 94% for academics (after about 6 tests). I am meeting all expectations, and I am not on any "hit list," unlike the guy with the cell phone. We will do another PT assessment in another week or two to see how things have progressed.
Towards the end of the day today, the Lieutenant pulled up in the engine and points to me and says "get in." I immediately think....WHAT THE HELL DID I DO!?! I jump in and he tells everyone else to clean up the cones and get ready to wash the engines that we'd been driving all day. We start to leave the academy grounds and he tells me where we are going...at this point I still think I may be in some trouble. He said that the engine needed to be fueled (they are filled up when they get to 3/4 tank) and I would be driving the engine back to the academy. He stated he "wanted someone to drive that he was confident and comfortable with their driving ability." We drove about 25 minutes to the West End Police Station to fuel the engine, and then switched and I drove back. I went from never driving an engine, to driving one yesterday on a skills course and on the "open road" for about 3 miles, to driving one 25 minutes across town making turns, merging into lanes, slowing and stopping in traffic, etc on busy roads. It was pretty fun.
I received my CPR Certification card....which must now be carried on my person at all times. I also completed my Class 2 and Class 3 EVOC Certifications.
A few of us spent a part of the day unloading a full hay rack and loading the burn building. We filled rooms, closets, built walls, etc in order to prepare for a controlled burn. They use hay bales and pallets to light the building on fire. I found out that local farmers actually DONATE the hay to the Fire Department for training purposes. That's impressive.....
Tomorrow we finally have PT again....I never thought I'd be happy for PT...but I am!!
The skills course was the same as the course for the ambulance....
Serpentine (Forward and Backward)
Back in and stop 6" from a cone
Diminishing Alley (100 ft alley ends at a width 4" wider than the width of the apparatus)
Offset Alley (Left and Right)
Turn around a corner, and back into an alley, parking 6" from a cone
The road course was driving down the road from the academy and then turning around and returning. It is about 3 miles total....no traffic, just driving on a small country road.
I thought driving the engine was easier than driving the ambulance. In fact, I did much better. I drove with the Lieutenant, he stated that I was a "natural" and was one of the best drivers he had seen in a long time (being able to jump in a new / very large apparatus and drive it without any issues).
Today, we stood around while everyone else finished up the course. We then received our "Progress Reports." I am averaging a 94% for academics (after about 6 tests). I am meeting all expectations, and I am not on any "hit list," unlike the guy with the cell phone. We will do another PT assessment in another week or two to see how things have progressed.
Towards the end of the day today, the Lieutenant pulled up in the engine and points to me and says "get in." I immediately think....WHAT THE HELL DID I DO!?! I jump in and he tells everyone else to clean up the cones and get ready to wash the engines that we'd been driving all day. We start to leave the academy grounds and he tells me where we are going...at this point I still think I may be in some trouble. He said that the engine needed to be fueled (they are filled up when they get to 3/4 tank) and I would be driving the engine back to the academy. He stated he "wanted someone to drive that he was confident and comfortable with their driving ability." We drove about 25 minutes to the West End Police Station to fuel the engine, and then switched and I drove back. I went from never driving an engine, to driving one yesterday on a skills course and on the "open road" for about 3 miles, to driving one 25 minutes across town making turns, merging into lanes, slowing and stopping in traffic, etc on busy roads. It was pretty fun.
I received my CPR Certification card....which must now be carried on my person at all times. I also completed my Class 2 and Class 3 EVOC Certifications.
A few of us spent a part of the day unloading a full hay rack and loading the burn building. We filled rooms, closets, built walls, etc in order to prepare for a controlled burn. They use hay bales and pallets to light the building on fire. I found out that local farmers actually DONATE the hay to the Fire Department for training purposes. That's impressive.....
Tomorrow we finally have PT again....I never thought I'd be happy for PT...but I am!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Week 3: Day 2
EVOC: Emergency Vehicle Operator Course
We took the state test in order to be certified to operate a Class 2 (10,001-26,000 lbs) and Class 3 vehicle (26,001+ lbs). We then spent the majority of the day standing around putting cones back up after they were run over by other recruits driving the ambulance. The overall skills test took about 10 minutes to complete.
After we all wrapped things up, we went to the high bay and washed all the ambulances, and the county suburbans. After spending some time cleaning the vehicles, we grabbed our gear and did dressing drills. You need to be able to properly don your turnout gear / PPE in 1:00. (Remove your lace-up boots and don your Fire Boots, Bunker Pants, Bunker Coat, Fire Gloves, Nomex Hood, & Helmet)
Tomorrow we will drive the Engine around.
A recruit in the other battalion was sent to the hospital in a Medic Unit due to extreme dehydration, fortunately he will be ok.
We took the state test in order to be certified to operate a Class 2 (10,001-26,000 lbs) and Class 3 vehicle (26,001+ lbs). We then spent the majority of the day standing around putting cones back up after they were run over by other recruits driving the ambulance. The overall skills test took about 10 minutes to complete.
After we all wrapped things up, we went to the high bay and washed all the ambulances, and the county suburbans. After spending some time cleaning the vehicles, we grabbed our gear and did dressing drills. You need to be able to properly don your turnout gear / PPE in 1:00. (Remove your lace-up boots and don your Fire Boots, Bunker Pants, Bunker Coat, Fire Gloves, Nomex Hood, & Helmet)
Tomorrow we will drive the Engine around.
A recruit in the other battalion was sent to the hospital in a Medic Unit due to extreme dehydration, fortunately he will be ok.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Week 3: Day 1
No PT today....in fact, no PT until Friday.
EVOC Day #1
We learned ALL ABOUT the Virginia Criminal and Traffic Codes, setting up a transition area, and staging the work area for an MVA, and factors that affect safe operation of an Emergency Vehicle.
Tomorrow we will have a quiz over what we learned....then it is off to the driving course, where we will test our skills in a few different size ambulances.
We also finished all of our pushups today.....but alas, I'm sure we will get more!!
EVOC Day #1
We learned ALL ABOUT the Virginia Criminal and Traffic Codes, setting up a transition area, and staging the work area for an MVA, and factors that affect safe operation of an Emergency Vehicle.
Tomorrow we will have a quiz over what we learned....then it is off to the driving course, where we will test our skills in a few different size ambulances.
We also finished all of our pushups today.....but alas, I'm sure we will get more!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Week 2: Day 5
0700 PT & Weight Room Training.
The remainder of the day was filled doing pushups (25 that counted another 125 that didn't count towards our total), and sitting through an EEO Compliance presentation. Nothing too exciting.....
On Monday, the two battalions will split and we will begin the core training. I will begin EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course). We will drive a Suburban (used as a command vehicle), an ambulance, and an engine. We also will end up having to parallel park all 3 of them too......makes me wonder one thing...WHEN WILL I EVER HAVE TO PARALLEL PARK AN AMBULANCE OR A FIRE ENGINE?!?!?!
END OF WEEK 2.
The remainder of the day was filled doing pushups (25 that counted another 125 that didn't count towards our total), and sitting through an EEO Compliance presentation. Nothing too exciting.....
On Monday, the two battalions will split and we will begin the core training. I will begin EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course). We will drive a Suburban (used as a command vehicle), an ambulance, and an engine. We also will end up having to parallel park all 3 of them too......makes me wonder one thing...WHEN WILL I EVER HAVE TO PARALLEL PARK AN AMBULANCE OR A FIRE ENGINE?!?!?!
END OF WEEK 2.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
