Firefighter Orientation and Mobility Training

https://www3.ci.austin.tx.us/omtraining/

This is a study that has never been done.  Working with the Texas School for the Blind on how they orient themselves.  Very interesting video and great training tool.  Thanks Capt Williams he has well over 30 years of Fire experience and was my first Lt.  at AFD. 

Window into a Door

We practiced making windows into doors several times at 51st St.  This video is not perfect but I don't think there is a such thing as a perfect video. 

(You will see one firefighter lose the tool though the window.  He expected more resistance when he hit the glass and tool kept going.  This is how we learn and why we train.)

Send us your training videos! They do not need to be edited and polished.  This information sharing site for you.

Saw Blades on Stucco

While training at the 51st apartments we wanted to compare our saw blades on stucco.  The first cut is using the "nugget blade"(random carbide tipped) and the second is using a diamond blade.  You will see that the diamond blade did a much better job on the stucco.  The nugget blade was an old blade but it seems like the diamond blade was still a better option.  Stucco which is similiar to concrete was very abrasive on the saw blade.

Review the previous post, Choosing the Right Saw Blade for the Job.

Has any anyone had different or similiar experiences?

Window Into A Door

Nashville window into a door.
Guys this technique works well for all rescues it is fast and easy to accomplish.  This vid is detailed with some good info.  It works good on the second story also.  You can take the roof hooks put it on top the sash and pull it down.  Great to get a victim out of a room you have vent enter searched. 
Thanks

minnesota ladder slide

This is a reason in itself to throw ladders anything over a single story should have ladders thrown to all sides.  This can be accomplished by anyone at the scene.  When I drive I don't babysit the pump throw ladders to the front side once one ladder goes up there will be four thrown. 
RIC teams should be doing this as a way to soften the structure.

Headfirst slide versus flipping over.
What do you think?

Attic Rescue

Thanks Dallas

 

Both videos are worth watching the first you make an opening and bring the downed firefighter back to your ladder for rescue.  Notice the constant air checks.





Video 2 is getting to the downed firefighter then cuting away part of the ceiling joist putting a ladder up and affecting rescue.  Notice the joist is cut away with a battery powered sawzaw this is because in the environment a chainsaw would not work (smoke).   This seemed faster.

1. Try to locate downed firefighter.
2. Get the ceiling pulled
3. Check air supply of FF
4. get FF out.
Think about this, having a plan for the worst case is always the best case.
Get them out of the attic fast, it is an oven up there and just because our gear can take it for seconds we will not last long. Temperatures of less than 400 degrees can cook you in minutes.

Double Horseshoe Rescue Technique

Check out this down firefighter rescue technique.  We tryed it before works well.
Look at technique on sounding the floor
This is not everyday but a tool for the box let me know what you think.