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Posted: Feb 10, 2017

Six Ways to Optimize Firefighter Health and Wellness

By USDD Staff

Imagine that you’re performing a routine daily task, such as completing an incident report. Then all of a sudden, an extremely loud noise startles you and catches you off guard.

As a result, your heart rate increases, a bit of panic may set in, and your blood pressure spikes.

This is the exact scenario that takes place every day—often more than once daily—in the life of a firefighter. This puts a firefighter’s health and wellness at risk.

In a firehouse, going from a relaxed state of mind and suddenly being thrust into an alarm response mode is definitely not healthy for one’s body and, while biological effects from incidents like these can’t be prevented, firefighters can take steps to better prepare their bodies for this type of shock.

Here are six ways to maintain firefighter health and wellness under extraordinary conditions:

  1. Minimize Stress. Let’s face it. Being a firefighter is already stressful enough, so taking measures to minimize stress within the firehouse work environment is a good first step. A fire alarm going off full-volume at 140 decibels at four o’clock in the morning is not going to help minimize one’s stress level, so consider alternatives to the traditional siren—devices that are more advanced and feature alarms that gradually get louder and reduce the “startle response” effect. In addition to adding to stress, studies have shown that traditional fire alarms may have the effect of causing long-term damage to one’s hearing as well!
  2. Stay Fit. Time and time again, research has revealed that a steady workout routine combining both aerobic exercises with weight training has tremendously positive benefits on one’s body. A firefighter must be in top shape to perform many of his/her search-and-rescue operations, so ensuring that a proper workout regimen is in place goes a long way in this regard. Many fire stations that aren’t already equipped with fitness facilities can improvise. Workouts could include using the fire trucks for step-ups, fire hose, for dragging/stretching, and creating an open space for pushups and squats.
  3. Maintain your sanity. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, and being startled several times a day by loud sirens going off doesn’t bode well for one’s mental health. In addition to implementing more modern fire station alerting systems such as those that minimize firefighter stress by slowly increasing the alarm tone’s volume (from “off” to “full volume”) over a longer amount of time, fire chiefs should also consider offering members an array of mental health programs if they aren’t currently in place. There are many nonprofit organizations that offer printed materials and online videos at very little cost. They often contain a wealth of information about how firefighters, specifically, can better deal with and manage their mental health.
  4. Eat right. Depending on their location, firefighters might go days (or weeks) without responding to an emergency call. During this down time, they often spend their shifts sitting at a desk completing paperwork. It might be tempting to have a sausage pizza delivered or to take a drive to the fast-food restaurant down the street. Instead, pack a healthy lunch consisting of salad, fruits, proteins, and a moderate amount of carbohydrates and healthy fats. To optimize firefigther health and wellness, start slow and gradually try to make changes to your eating habits. Trying to do it overnight isn’t realistic or smart, and often leads to cheating or giving up entirely on the new diet.
  5. Have fun on the jo
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Posted: Feb 10, 2017

Apparatus Purchasing: Piping Specifications

By Bill Adams

When purchasing a pump-equipped fire truck, there’s a reasonable expectation that a quality and professional piping installation will be supplied.

What is expected may not be what’s delivered. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, Chapter 16, Fire Pumps and Associated Equipment, only specifies performance and minimum sizes for some of a rig’s piping. The design, degree of engineering, level of workmanship, and materials to be used are left to the apparatus purchasing committee (APC) to specify. To the best of my knowledge, there is not a documented “right way” or “wrong way” to plumb a fire pump. Purchasers commonly rely on apparatus manufacturers (OEMs) to provide piping installation verbiage to incorporate into their purchasing specifications. Be advised that some OEM specifications are more detailed than others. Regardless of the specificity of the verbiage, when a purchaser publishes an OEM’s suggested specification, the purchaser owns it.

1 A unique, one-of-a-kind, and obviously field-engineered tank-to-pump line on a rig. It appears the booster tank was either ordered incorrectly or was one that was in stock. Regardless of the numerous parts and pieces to make the connection, the rig did pass a tank-to-pump flow test. Not pretty-but it works. (Photo courtesy of the author
1 A unique, one-of-a-kind, and obviously field-engineered tank-to-pump line on a rig. It appears the booster tank was either ordered incorrectly or was one that was in stock. Regardless of the numerous parts and pieces to make the connection, the rig did pass a tank-to-pump flow test. Not pretty-but it works. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

Does Terminology Matter?

In a competitive bidding environment, whatever is written in the purchasing specifications becomes the precedent-the minimum requirements that all bidders must meet. A fire chief stating, “Brand A’s plumbing is third rate; my kid could have done a better job,” or “Brand B’s piping job is unprofessional; it is unacceptable,” may not be legal grounds to disqualify a bid. One way to get the best value for monies expended is to fairly evaluate product and proposals by comparing apples to apples.

Some APC members don’t care about or can’t be bothered with piping particulars, blindly accepting whatever a preferred vendor is selling. They should care because they might have to describe what a particular piping component is and why it was, or was not, specified. Visualize explaining to the mayor-in a public forum-that you don’t know what model 3203 widgets are but you really need them on your new fire truck. Your preferred vendor might not be there to bail you out. Good luck. An alternative is to leave piping particulars out of the specifications and hope for the best. Purchasers should be aware of what could be provided inside their new pump house.

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Posted: Feb 10, 2017

Apparatus Purchasing: Piping Specifications

By Bill Adams

When purchasing a pump-equipped fire truck, there’s a reasonable expectation that a quality and professional piping installation will be supplied.

What is expected may not be what’s delivered. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, Chapter 16, Fire Pumps and Associated Equipment, only specifies performance and minimum sizes for some of a rig’s piping. The design, degree of engineering, level of workmanship, and materials to be used are left to the apparatus purchasing committee (APC) to specify. To the best of my knowledge, there is not a documented “right way” or “wrong way” to plumb a fire pump. Purchasers commonly rely on apparatus manufacturers (OEMs) to provide piping installation verbiage to incorporate into their purchasing specifications. Be advised that some OEM specifications are more detailed than others. Regardless of the specificity of the verbiage, when a purchaser publishes an OEM’s suggested specification, the purchaser owns it.

2 A look into the front of a pump house. The downward arrow shows a 2½-inch valve facing the street-side pump panel. It turns 90 degrees toward the front of the rig and then turns 90 degrees toward the curb side with a straight run of pipe. It then turns 90 degrees upward to the top of the pump house. The horizontal arrow shows another 90-degree turn facing toward the back of the rig to a street-side rear discharge. The upward arrow shows one method of supporting a pipe. (Photos by Allan Smith, fire apparatus sales manager, Colden Enterprises, unless otherwise noted.)
1 A unique, one-of-a-kind, and obviously field-engineered tank-to-pump line on a rig. It appears the booster tank was either ordered incorrectly or was one that was in stock. Regardless of the numerous parts and pieces to make the connection, the rig did pass a tank-to-pump flow test. Not pretty-but it works. (Photo courtesy of the author
1 A unique, one-of-a-kind, and obviously field-engineered tank-to-pump line on a rig. It appears the booster tank was either ordered incorrectly or was one that was in stock. Regardless of the numerous parts and pieces to make the connection, the rig did pass a tank-to-pump flow test. Not pretty-but it works. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

Does Terminology Matter?

In a competitive bidding environment, whatever is written in the purchasing specifications becomes the precedent-the minimum requirements that all bidders must meet. A fire chief stating, “Brand A’s plumbing is third rate; my kid could have done a better job,” or “Brand B’s piping job is unprofessional; it is unacceptable,” may not be legal grounds to disqualify a bid. One way to get the best value for monies expended is to fairly evaluate product and proposals by comparing apples to apples.

Some APC members don’t care about or can’t be bothered with piping particulars, blindly accepting whatever a preferred vendor is selling. They should care because they might have to describe what a particular piping component is and why it was, or was not, specified. Visualize explaining to the mayor-in a public forum-that you don’t know what model 3203 widgets are but you really need them on your new fire truck. Your preferred vendor might not be there to bail you out. Good luck. An alternative is to leave piping particulars out of the specifications and hope for the best. Purchasers should be aware of what could be provided inside their new pump house.

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Posted: Feb 10, 2017

Apparatus Purchasing: Piping Specifications

By Bill Adams

When purchasing a pump-equipped fire truck, there’s a reasonable expectation that a quality and professional piping installation will be supplied.

What is expected may not be what’s delivered. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, Chapter 16, Fire Pumps and Associated Equipment, only specifies performance and minimum sizes for some of a rig’s piping. The design, degree of engineering, level of workmanship, and materials to be used are left to the apparatus purchasing committee (APC) to specify. To the best of my knowledge, there is not a documented “right way” or “wrong way” to plumb a fire pump. Purchasers commonly rely on apparatus manufacturers (OEMs) to provide piping installation verbiage to incorporate into their purchasing specifications. Be advised that some OEM specifications are more detailed than others. Regardless of the specificity of the verbiage, when a purchaser publishes an OEM’s suggested specification, the purchaser owns it.

2 A look into the front of a pump house. The downward arrow shows a 2½-inch valve facing the street-side pump panel. It turns 90 degrees toward the front of the rig and then turns 90 degrees toward the curb side with a straight run of pipe. It then turns 90 degrees upward to the top of the pump house. The horizontal arrow shows another 90-degree turn facing toward the back of the rig to a street-side rear discharge. The upward arrow shows one method of supporting a pipe. (Photos by Allan Smith, fire apparatus sales manager, Colden Enterprises, unless otherwise noted.)
1 A unique, one-of-a-kind, and obviously field-engineered tank-to-pump line on a rig. It appears the booster tank was either ordered incorrectly or was one that was in stock. Regardless of the numerous parts and pieces to make the connection, the rig did pass a tank-to-pump flow test. Not pretty-but it works. (Photo courtesy of the author
1 A unique, one-of-a-kind, and obviously field-engineered tank-to-pump line on a rig. It appears the booster tank was either ordered incorrectly or was one that was in stock. Regardless of the numerous parts and pieces to make the connection, the rig did pass a tank-to-pump flow test. Not pretty-but it works. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

Does Terminology Matter?

In a competitive bidding environment, whatever is written in the purchasing specifications becomes the precedent-the minimum requirements that all bidders must meet. A fire chief stating, “Brand A’s plumbing is third rate; my kid could have done a better job,” or “Brand B’s piping job is unprofessional; it is unacceptable,” may not be legal grounds to disqualify a bid. One way to get the best value for monies expended is to fairly evaluate product and proposals by comparing apples to apples.

Some APC members don’t care about or can’t be bothered with piping particulars, blindly accepting whatever a preferred vendor is selling. They should care because they might have to describe what a particular piping component is and why it was, or was not, specified. Visualize explaining to the mayor-in a public forum-that you don’t know what model 3203 widgets are but you really need them on your new fire truck. Your preferred vendor might not be there to bail you out. Good luck. An alternative is to leave piping particulars out of the specifications and hope for the best. Purchasers should be aware of what could be provided inside their new pump house.

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Posted: Feb 10, 2017

Packed House on Hand for TargetSolutions' Annual Networking & Training Workshop

Targetsolutions

TargetSolutions, the leader in online training management applications for fire departments, hosted its annual Networking & Training Workshop on Tuesday in San Diego.

More than 70 attendees from fire departments across the country packed the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter's Altitude Sky Lounge to meet with TargetSolutions account managers and mingle with other training officers.

The highlight of the afternoon was the awards presentation, which honors customers who give so much to TargetSolutions and share the same commitment of providing exceptional fire department training.

Capt. Benjamin Banks of the city of Los Angeles (CA) Fire Department was presented with the Technology Achievement Award, which goes to an individual who is consistently looking to maximize TargetSolutions' web-based system. Banks was the choice because of his forward-thinking mindset for his metro agency's training program.

“Our department in general is trying to use technology more and more, all the time for everything,” said Banks, who has been managing the department’s training platform for the last year. “That’s really been a directive of our mayor and our fire chief, so this falls right in line with that.”

The ability to measure training hours – as well as other key performance indicators related to training – is critical to LAFD, which has increased its utilization of the TargetSolutions platform since Banks took on his current role.

“Being able to provide metrics, that’s what it’s all about,” Banks said. “I hear that across the fire service. Metrics, it’s the numbers, it’s the totals, really being able to show the work that we’re doing, the training that people in the fire stations and otherwise are doing, it’s all about being able to put those numbers on. Unless you have technology that can support that, it’s going to be very difficult. And then having technology that can make that job even easier, I mean that’s what the goal is. TargetSolutions has definitely helped us in that regard.”

Battalion Chief Matt Barnes of Southern Marin (CA) Fire Department was given the Vanguard Award, which goes each year to someone who exemplifies dedication in the delivery of fire department training. Barnes has consistently worked to maximize TargetSolutions and help his agency streamline training and compliance.

“The fire service changes and evolves on a daily basis and the only way to stay current is to research and go out and perform skills based off the information that you’ve gathered and learned from the past,” said Barnes, who has been with the agency for the last 15 years. “We’ve had some significant near misses in our organization. We’ve had two line-of-duty deaths in our organizations due to health, so training is very near and dear to me. I think it’s the fabric of what makes someone become a good, proficient performing individual in the fire service.”

The final award went to Capt. Jamie Young of the St. Charles Fire Department in Missouri. The Helping Hand is delivered each year to someone who goes above and beyond to assist TargetSolutions or their neighboring agencies who are using the platform. Young's department hosted a team of TargetSolutions videographers in 2016 for a special training shoot and the footage is being used in TargetSolutions' upcoming NFPA 1410 training series,

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2 A look into the front of a pump house. The downward arrow shows a 2½-inch valve facing the street-side pump panel. It turns 90 degrees toward the front of the rig and then turns 90 degrees toward the curb side with a straight run of pipe. It then turns 90 degrees upward to the top of the pump house. The horizontal arrow shows another 90-degree turn facing toward the back of the rig to a street-side rear discharge. The upward arrow shows one method of supporting a pipe. (Photos by Allan Smith, fire apparatus sales manager, Colden Enterprises, unless otherwise noted.)