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Ill. firefighters get 'virtual firefighting'
  
Mass. firefighters take part in gunman drill
  
Tenn. volunteer firefighter training rules slammed
  
Ill. training fire rekindles, turns into real incident
  
Firefighters stabbed during training in Italy
  
LA firefighter nearly drowns during training
The veteran firefighter hit his head and was under cold water for about 30 seconds before he was rescued  
Maine academy trains firefighters for interior attacks
  
Va. fire department hosts, teaches Belgian firefighters
  
Ga. fire chief climbs African peak in full gear
Kilimanjaro climb was tribute, fitness reminder  
Ohio facility prepares firefighters for gas, oil well blazes
Industry-backed program provides hands-on experience  
Drill found holes in L.A. quake preparedness
  
Ga. department a fitness standout
  
Tenn. firefighters step up EMS training
  
Ariz. fire captain released from hospital 1 month after training injury
  
Report: Procedures ignored in exercise that injured NC firefighter
Firefighter still in critical condition; was not wearing safety gear during water rescue training  
Ga. rescuers learn the ropes
  
Pa. volunteer dept. prepares for casino emergencies
  
Ariz. firefighter's training in Iraq useful on fireground
  
Fla. firefighters find ways to train on a budget
  
Maine firefighters clean up site; burn house for training
  
Donated cars used for Calif. extrication training
  
Calif. extrication drills teach auto engineers, too
  
Arson drill helps Calif. investigators hone skills
  
Boston lagging in fire truck driver training
Local firefighters seek ways to fix a training program that is shorter than comparable cities, lacks recommended periodic refresher courses  
6 Va. firefighters injured in rollover during training
  
Ore. firefighters on teaching trip to Vietnam
  
Training credited in Pa. utility tower rescue
  
Firefighter stole paramedic exam, Ohio police say
  
Conn. firefighter response drill halted by police
Apparatus on mock calls to build response time data stopped; using lights and sirens in non-emergencies violates state law, police say  
Conn. chiefs scolded for drills with sirens, lights
Acting fire commissioner reprimands chiefs over public safety risks; mock calls were designed to collect response time data  
2 Ill. firefighters injured in apparatus crash during training
  
Chicago trainee sues after kidney failure during training
  
Casualty drill trains Colo. emergency crews
  
NYC drill to shut WTC area Sunday morning
Hundreds of firefighters and vehicles blaring sirens will fill the World Trade Center site for its largest post-9/11 emergency drill  
Calif. council dashes hopes of fire recruits
  
Memorial, facilities proposed for Charleston site
A commission recommended the sofa store site be redeveloped as a memorial, training facility and new Fire Department headquarters  
Pa. borough mandates minimum training standards
  
Volunteers practice bridge rescue skills in La.
  
Colo. firefighters train to rescue large animals
  
DC fire chief defends paramedics' failed tests
Chief says tests meant to guide training, no need for punishment; about a dozen D.C. paramedics have been ordered into retraining  
WTC emergency drill evokes memories of 9/11
  
Elite West Point program preps FDNY for terrorism responses
Course at the U.S. Military Academy goes beyond tactics and into the theory and history of terrorism around the globe  
IRS nixes tax deductions for houses donated for firefighter training
  
FDNY firefighters to train Haitians for emergencies
  
Firefighter fitness? Of course! But why?
  
Lack of vehicle training contributed to LODD in NC, NIOSH finds
  
Insufficient rollover protection cited in Ga. LODD
A NIOSH fatality report urges apparatus rollover protection; the firefighter was pinned with the roof collapsed around his head  
How to buy firefighter fitness equipment
  
NIOSH report highlights waterway safety issues
Deputy fire chief was struck by a motorized water monitor and 30 feet of aluminum pipe launched from elevated aerial ladder at fire  
OSHA: 'Serious violations' at Ore. live fire training
Three firefighters suffered first and second degree burns after their turnouts were charred; OSHA says injuries could have been avoided  
Trauma simulation turns heads at FRI
  
Live fire exercise leaves 3 Md. firefighters injured
A deluge gun became dislodged from its staged position, striking and injuring the volunteer firefighters; chief hospitalized  
Milwaukee Fire Department donates apparatus to Tanzania sister city
  
Unfamiliarity with aerial platform blamed in Texas LODDs
A NIOSH report says two firefighters who fell to their deaths were not familiar with equipment before a high-risk training situation  
Ohio firefighter in critical care after collapse
  
Report: Crew integrity a factor in Md. floor collapse
Firefighter suffered serious burns after falling into basement; investigation team makes 47 recommendations on contributing factors  
NY chief reflects on Continental crash response at FDIC
Chief David Case describes his department's operation and the lessons it learned during the conference in Indianapolis Wednesday  
FDIC speaker: Get ready for more wildland-urban calls
  
Report: Inadequate training led to Fla. LODD
LODD during a tree-felling exercise was the result of poor training and an unsafe workplace, according to state investigators  
Ill. firefighter dies day after discomfort during hose test
  
FDNY designs, utilizes nation's first high rise fire simulator
  
Talkin' 'bout my generation
  
NIOSH report stresses dangers of surf rescue
  
Baltimore department responds to NIOSH report
Official recommendations include recruit screening and keeping training atmosphere free from intimidation  
Planning group aids training center success
  
How to buy fire training products
News reporters use the memory jogger of "Who, What, Where, When, Why and How" to gather information for articles. This memory aid can be used as a needs assessment tool for fire and EMS trainers in the selection of training programs. Whether the program requires a textbook only or a complete curriculum with multi-media presentation, an objective selection process must be conducted  
Be Prepared for Incident Rehab
The motto "be prepared" has stuck in my mind ever since my days in the Boy Scouts. The profession of firefighting and EMS seems to really exemplify this phrase. We are not always sure what we should be prepared for, but nonetheless we need to have some semblance of preparation for anything we may face.   
Head-First Ladder Bailouts
The old follow-the–line-out is great, but if you study specific cases such as the FDNY Black Sunday fire, you will find rapid exit is the only option in most cases to spare your life. It should be critical to us as firefighters, officers and instructors to spend some time familiarizing ourselves with escape procedures.   
The Value of Free Training
I had the humbling honor last week of attending a planning meeting at the National Fire Academy for the Vision 20/20 and the Everyone Goes Home programs. The goal was to be able to "identify a coalition of actions that will fulfill goals and objectives of both Vision 20/20 and the Everyone Goes Home program by incorporating a greater awareness of fire prevention initiatives to enhance firefighter and civilian fire and life safety."   
The Value of Mentoring Programs
Over the years, you've probably been to many conferences, classes and training sessions where instructors either said, "Find a mentor!" or, "Be a mentor!" Achieving these mentorship goals is easier said than done, but there are basic ways to turn this theory into reality.   
Fireground Medical Screening Exam - Epilogue I
How likely is it that the fireground medical screening exam will uncover any of the fireground medical emergencies that we have listed throughout this series? As they say in academia, “When the answer is unclear, that’s a good question.”   
Mayday – When Would You Use It?
As Safety Week drew to a close, I was proud to look back and see how our department has grasped onto this concept and really put effort into it. We performed various drills and also covered various safety procedures during conversations around the kitchen table.  
12 Great New Ways to Train
As I sat in our most recent officer's meeting, I noticed a paragraph that our division chief of operations had added to the agenda: "Lessons Learned." It encouraged officers to present one incident or situation where they and their crews enacted a training practice.  
Medical Monitoring and Treatment
Medical monitoring is the foundation of rehab. In the past, medical monitoring and emergency care were not emphasized as much as in the current standard. Rest and relaxation are great, but it is critical to monitor the well-being of the personnel working at the incident scene.   
Making Critical Decisions on the Fireground
Initial company operation on the fireground can be hampered by the officer's inability to make critical decisions. In some cases this is brought on by fear of making a mistake.   
How to Respond to Fires in Senior Care Facilities
The "graying of America" is covered widely in the mainstream media — but what about its effects on our responses? People aged 65 and older made up 12.4 percent — or 35 million — of the population in 2000. It's predicted they will form 16.3 percent of the population by 2020, while in 2030 nearly one in five Americans will be 65 and older...  
Aggressive vs Reckless Tactics
  
Condition your whole body with high intensity training
With bathing suit weather already in full swing in most parts of the country, I thought it appropriate to include a workout to get the pounds off in a hurry.   
Chief: Training paid in fatal Ga. pipeline explosion
Firefighters already knew where emergency valves were located when they arrived at a propane pipeline explosion  
Va., Md. teams face off in technical rescue competition
  
Md. fire trainee's family sues for her death
  
Calif. firefighters learn off-road fire apparatus techniques
  
Training turns real as Tenn. floods trap firefighters
Visiting Va. firefighters assisted after a fire truck had rolled into a ditch and local fire departments had run out of people to handle calls  
Drill simulates explosion at Idaho school
  
Va. firefighters' paramedic training investigated
  
Pa. female firefighters find greater acceptance
  
Firefighters act in Calif. terror training film
  
Calif. training burn demonstrates firework dangers
  
Obama visit coincides with mass-casualty drill in Ohio
  
NH begins probe into EMT training scandal
  
Calif. crews get hydrogen fuel cell firefighting training
  
Changes after 2 NY firefighters' deaths aim to keep others safe
Buffalo firefighters are better trained in how to issue a mayday, carry improved radios and have more thorough tactics for basement fires  
90 departments take part in Chicago mock tornado drill
  
Chicago-area fire chiefs alarmed by training, gear cuts
  
Staged jet crash helps train Mass. firefighters
  
Idaho firefighters ready for large-scale wildfire simulation
  
Location of Utah store saves it from fire
  
Ariz. firefighters design highly detailed simulation program
  
Colo. volunteer department tests new fire truck
  
Calif. firefighter dies in helicopter training fall
  
Dummy rescue drill shocks bystanders in Calif.
  
Wis. veteran firefighters fired for lax training attendance
  
Grant funds dive gear, training for Texas fire department
  
Wis. crews train to save fellow firefighters
  
Fla. firefighters lose paramedic certification
Medical director pulls certification of 25 firefighters; fire chief says the move puts good medics out of commission and endangers residents  
Iraq firefighters get live fire training from airmen
  
San Francisco firefighters take advantage of bridge closure
  
Ethanol plant training session to draw 11 Minn. fire departments
  
Firefighter training fund dispute threatens staffing in Calif.
  
Tenn. firefighters prepare for disasters by causing their own
  
Tenn. firefighters test thermal imaging cameras
  
Ky. firefighters practice mayday rescues
  
Ill. district to make untrained firefighters auxiliary
  
Plane simulation preps NC firefighters for fire, rescue
  
Tenn. volunteers struggle to afford minimum training
  
Canada fire chief says EMS training cuts may cost lives
  
NC firefighter touches lives in Central America
  
Firefighters hope to train at Wis. bowling alley
  
Technology, training make Worcester firefighters safer
  
$6M fire training facility planned in Minn.
  
Teen fire cadet honored for saving 3 lives in Wash.
  
Cheaper firefighter academy approved for Calif. county
  
Ga. firefighters take new course to train as medics
  
Ga. firefighters train to rescue victims stuck in ice
  
Maine firefighters set fire to police building for training
  
Texas firefighter credits training, teamwork for surviving fall
  
Clean-burning fire training facility is first in Colo.
  
Pa. firefighters charged with conspiracy in live burn case
  
Va. EMT dies during firefighter training
  
New techniques help save lives in Little Rock, Ark.
Jeff Seaton is a firefighter from San Jose, California. The Little Rock Fire Department brought him in to provide new training techniques for its men and women.  
NY firefighters learn to safely handle police dogs
  
Fla. county blamed for firefighter's death
  
Training requirements could create volunteer crisis in NY
  
Judge drops charges against Pa. firefighters
  
DC department probes alleged EMT test cheating
  
Hundreds of FDNY medics fail lieutenant exam
  
Ohio firefighters get state-of-the-art training
The Blue Card Command Certification Program teaches Incident Commanders and fire officers how to standardize incident operations  
Regional Training Can Save Time And Money
Overstating the importance of training may not be possible in the fire service. If fire departments had daily activities reflective of all the responsibilities of the job, then skill levels would be maintained.  
Tool/Operator Interface Crucial To Performance
Earlier this year while channel surfing I stumbled across the commencement speech for this year's graduating class from Smith College. It was given by Margaret Edson, a Smith graduate and an award-winning playwright who teaches kindergarten in Atlanta. The focus of her talk was the joys and values of classroom teaching. Her eloquent speech made me think about how we educate our firefighters.  
Metallurgy 101: A Lesson In New Vehicle Extrication
New vehicle technology (NVT) seems to have become a mythical being that some of us, as rescue workers and firefighters, are inclined to overlook for reasons that include, "We don’t see those types of cars come into our area."  
Bullard Launches Customer Online Training Program
Bullard is introducing an online training program for fire service and law enforcement professionals who buy its thermal imagers.  
27,600 Attendees Fire Up At FDIC
It was April and time for the annual training sessions, exhibits and networking at the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis. As is typical at this show, it was a feeding frenzy for those wanting to see the latest in trucks, ambulances, chassis, equipment and now, software. I dare say it is impossible to see everything in the two and a half days allotted to the exhibition. More than a few groups had lists in hand obviously trying to make the best of the time they had available.  
Champion Launches Extrication Academy With Volvo
Champion Rescue Tools has created the 5-Star Extrication Training Academy at the company's new corporate headquarters and training facility in Upland, Calif., east of Los Angeles.  
Bullard Online Helmet Care Training
Bullard, manufacturer of fire service safety equipment, is offering online helmet-care training for firefighters. The course helps fire departments comply with the National Fire Protection Association 1851 standard, 2008 edition, for fire helmet care and maintenance. The standard requires basic cleaning and inspection plus yearly advanced cleaning and inspection.  
Bullard Launches Online Training Program
Bullard is offering an online training program for fire service and law enforcement professionals who buy its thermal imagers. The program, called "Bullard Smartline," explains thermal imaging technology and how to interpret images. It covers the complete line of Bullard Thermal Imagers for fire service and law enforcement  
Saving Firefighters' Lives Requires Special Focus
The National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation (NFFF) conducted its second line of duty death (LODD) summit in March at the Fireman's Fund Headquarters in Navato, Calif. The first summit was in 2004 in Tampa, Fla. From the first summit, came the 16 Life Safety Initiatives. The more recent summit identified ways fire departments can meet the initiatives.  
Training Is The Key To Safe Tanker Operation
Tanker operations are a vital part of rural firefighting. Unless rural departments are fortunate to have a pond, river or lake nearby to draft from, the only other water sources are the water on board the engines and tankers, or tenders, depending upon your region.  
A New Year: New Resolutions
Welcome to 2007, a new year and new beginnings. This time of year brings renewed hope and the feeling and vision of a fresh start for many.  
Qualified Apparatus Drivers Need More Than A CDL
All fire departments look forward to purchasing a new apparatus. We endeavor to outfit our trucks with the best equipment and options, limited only by our budgets.  
Field Training Officers Improve EMS Delivery
Field Training Officer (FTO) programs are designed to mentor people taking on new roles. These programs explain the complexities of the new position as well as help them assimilate into the agency's social structures.  
Using Critical Thinking In Classroom Training
Over the years, we all have been subjected to a variety of training methods as instructors struggled to present new material, review standards and practice skills.  
Pierce Establishes Master Technician Program
The new Pierce Master Technician Program is certification training that enables dealer technicians to achieve expertise servicing Pierce apparatus.  
Safety Is Not A Personal Choice
Without a doubt, protecting the firefighter from harm is the number one priority of every fire department. There are many programs today designed to make sure that "Everyone Goes Home."  
Champion Issues Free Extrication Training DVD
The Five Star Extrication Training Academy jointly sponsored by Champion Rescue Tools and Volvo Cars of North America is issuing a free new vehicle technology (NVT) extrication training DVD for firefighters.  
Creative SCBA drills prevent 'malfunctions'
Drilling on fundamentals can be boring. The response to the company officer's announcement of another SCBA drill can be, "We already know how to do that," or "How many ways can you sling a mask?" Yet, I've been to fires where a member has backed out of the burning structure early in the attack and blamed it on an SCBA malfunction. OK, right, maybe…  
Special Rescue — Keeping Necessary Tools In Service
Special rescue events present a great challenge to the fire service due primarily to the fact that they are infrequent.  
Attendance Up At Spartan Training
A fire truck training conference hosted by Spartan Chassis, Inc. attracted 199 fire truck service personnel of all levels of expertise from across the United States, Canada and the Middle East.  
Thoughts On EMS Equipment Training
In order to plan for EMS equipment training, we need to think about the audience or whom will we be training. The obvious answer is EMS personnel, but it's not that simple.  
Training, Confidence Vital For Extrication
As much as emergency medical service (EMS) has become the predominant response of many fire departments, motor vehicle collisions are a large part of EMS and fire response that call on our abilities to do medical and rescue operations simultaneously.  
New Technology Requires Training
A frequently overlooked, or underestimated, component of a fire department's purchase of new technology is the associated firefighter training and education that's required to effectively use it.  
Omaha selects the Draeger System for live-fire training
The Omaha (Neb.) Fire Department upgraded its live-fire training program and selected the Draeger Swede Survival System to train all of its 684 firefighters.  
Air Force firefighters share new training facility with Iraqi counterparts
  
Flame-Sim offers virtual firefighting training
  
Maine firefighters push for marine emergency training center
  
Cruisin for Solutions Recap
As I sit here in the cold, rainy, unpredictable weather of Connecticut, I cannot help but look forward to the next ‘Cruisin for Solutions’… We had a great week of fun and sun, oh yeah, and we learned quite a bit from each other.  
Entertaining Training
Good training is half education and half entertainment. You need to achieve your educational objectives while keeping your members attention and involved.   
Fire Officer II
Whenever members take outside courses, they should be required to bring what they've learned back to their department and share it with their fellow members.  
Fire Officer II Continued
Last week I introduced you to the Fire Officer II course that I recently attended. This week we pick up at the 'interesting' discussion about the Fire Act grant.   
Getting Motivated
Everyone knows they need to refuel their car, recharge their batteries and take care of the maintenance of their vehicle. The problem is, people often don't think about recharging their mind.  
VolunteerFD is Back!
Wow! Somehow it has been four months since I last wrote a column for VolunteerFD.org. Many of you have written me to ask where the columns were, when the website would be updated and with many other questions. Well this is the start of the rebirth of VolunteerFD.org!  
Airbag Training Recap
Over the weekend I had the pleasure of bringing Todd Hoffman in for training at the East Berlin Fire Department. The class was held on a Saturday, and had 50 firefighters from across CT, and even one from NY.  
Firefighter Safety
The 'dinosaurs' love to talk about the times they were covered in blood, walked through fire and sucked up smoke. After all, it looks good to come home covered in soot, right?   
Training Schedules
As 2004 comes to a close departments look towards their 2005 plans, and training schedules are often at the top of the plan.  
On Being a Student
I have spent the past 16 months working on my Paramedic at the Hartford Hospital (HH) Department of EMS.   
Keeping Training Interesting
One of the hardest tasks for a training officer, especially of a volunteer department, is keeping training interesting.   
MFRI Report on Fire Training Safety Provides Useful Guidelines
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute recently released a study titled 'Health and Safety Guidelines for Firefighter Training' that reviews an extensive body of research on firefighter health, injuries and safety.  
Awareness of Airbag Locations
  
What does your work ethic say about you?
People with strong character give 100 percent and strive for excellence because they refuse to do less than their best. People with weaker character blame the organization and others for their lack of excellence and settle for mediocrity.  
Step mill training for the CPAT
The stair climb is easy to train for, if you gradually push your limits and let your body recover properly during training. You simply need a road-map of how much weight to use when, and a plan of how to safely increase resistance and duration.  




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