Rescue
Chris Wrenn | 01/11/2010

In responses to releases of Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) there may not be one technology or one “answer” that is correct. The responder must take into account all of the clues present to conclude the presence or absence of CWAs and take appropriate action. Understanding what the clues are and how to layer them to make a decision is critical to successful CWA response.

From the Editor
Sherry Brooks | 10/18/2009

In this edition, we feature expanded coverage in the area of Hazmat. It is such a vital area of the Fire Rescue EMS world, and we’re pleased to bring it to you.

We welcome Glen Clapp, president of the North Carolina Association of Hazardous Materials Responders (NCAHMR), and his expertise on all things hazmat. In this issue, Clapp covers the Annual Hazmat Competition, along with some amazing pictures from Michael Porowski. Read his feature article on the challenge of chlorine railcar enhanced fittings.

Fire
Harris Griff Mason | 10/18/2009

A better understanding of the presence of Carbon Monoxide (CO), more available training, new research, evolving equipment and shared experience are giving us the tools to finally relegate Carbon Monoxide poisoning to a manageable danger.

That’s the good news.

HAZMAT —NCAHMR
Mike Legeros | 01/11/2010

The Raleigh Fire Department produced a yearbook in 2007, commemorating their 95th year anniversary as a fully paid fire department. The hardcover volume numbered 160 pages and featured personnel portraits, station histories, incident and event photos and other features. This was the third yearbook produced by the Raleigh Fire Department, and the first full-color edition.

Education and Training
TIM WOJCIK | 01/11/2010

In 1975, James Kidd wrote a book entitled How Adults Learn. In his book he outlines 10 “commandments”for adult educators. In this issue, I would like to unpack the first five of these words of wisdom, slightly paraphrased, and apply them to educating our firefighters and EMS providers.

| 01/01/2010

Industry Leaders Revive Class A Training Program

NCAHMR
Glenn Clapp | 10/18/2009

Imagine that you are a hazmat team member responding to a product leak from a chlorine railcar in your jurisdiction. Upon arrival of your team, you begin to “work” the incident in a traditional manner. The leaking railcar is identified. The product is confirmed to be chlorine. PPE compatibility is checked. Decontamination is set up. A Recon Group suits up to make an entry. A Back-Up Group suits up to stand by. The ICS structure is established. As a member of the Recon Group, you perform air monitoring en route to the railcar and notice that the leak appears to be emanating from the protective housing. 

KEEPING YOU SAFE
MICHAEL P. DALLESSANDRO | 01/11/2010

In the fire service there are people who just drive fire apparatus, and there are drivers who skillfully drive and operate fire apparatus safely. I have been very fortunate over the years as a guest speaker, to be able to travel to many conferences and fire departments that held safe apparatus operator workshops. Through my travels I have met many skilled apparatus driver/operators and I have also met a number of people who just drive fire trucks. There is a difference. I have been driving fire apparatus myself for approximately 25 years, but have only really been an apparatus driver/operator for about 18 of those 24 years.

Communications
Chris Grant | 10/18/2009

(The following is part two of a two part series on your command plan.)

Incident management
The term “Incident Command System” has been used since the mid 1980s. In the 90s we termed it “Incident Management System.” No matter what you call the system you use, there are several functions that must be simultaneously completed. NFPA 1500, Incident Management, 8.1.8

David Pease | 10/21/2009

For several years now I have gone to the Appalachian mountains with a group from my church on an ASP project to do repairs and construction on houses of those less fortunate. These folks could not otherwise afford to have these repairs done and live with leaking roofs, in dilapidated dwellings, with dangerous wiring, and some with inferior plumbing. The feeling you get from this is a satisfaction that is hard to describe. You come back knowing you made a difference in one family’s life who will never forget what you and your team did for them.