In this series, Fire Engineering Senior Editor Mary Jane Dittmar looks at the things that motivated and inspired instructors to present on their topics at FDIC International 2016. Segments will be posted on a regular basis up to and through the conference, April 18-23.

By Christopher Feder

Rescue training coordinator, Montgomery County (PA) Public Safety Training Campus—Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

“Line-of-Duty Deaths While Training in Rope Rescue/Rappelling”

Wednesday, April 20, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Noting the number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths that occurred while training on rope rescue and rappelling, I wanted to know why these firefighters were being killed in training when the fire service can control the hazards and minimize the risks. My quest was to learn how we could prevent these deaths in the future. I have thought about this issue for many years.

Then, one day I was on the Internet and came across a training fatality that involved a first responder who was rappelling. My initial research yielded alarming results. I conducted some additional research. I requested a copy of the fatality report from the investigating authority (I was surprised at just how easy and simple that process was).

After 2½ years of additional investigating, I discovered 11 cases. I compiled the results and realized that this information had to be shared with others if we were going to raise awareness and ultimately decrease the number of fatalities in this type of training.

The result was this program, which I have delivered locally. I have incorporated revisions based on feedback and now will be teaching it for the first time at FDIC International 2016.

Hopefully, firefighters will pick up even one safety lesson that will keep them safe. The more they learn, the better. If I can reach 10 firefighters, and they take that information back to their departments, that information will reach 30-plus firefighters, and so on.

When the National Forestry of Mexico went out to bid on 22 vehicles recently, they selected Quiroga with the Darley HE250 42K. Driven by a Kubota engine, these wildland vehicles deliver pump-and-roll performance in a compact package that is suitable for firefighting in the rough Mexican terrain.

Quiroga Fire Trucks of Mexico, a family business, has represented Darley for over 15 years and is the largest fire apparatus builder in Mexico. The company builds a complete line of customized vehicles for the fire apparatus and emergency markets.

According to Juan Antonio Quiroga, President of Quiroga Fire Trucks, “Everything went perfect. They were very impressed with our overall quality but also the performance from the front monitors. We’re proud of our relationship with Darley over the years and appreciate all the engineering support when needed.”

For more information, visit www.quirogatrucks.com and www.darley.com.