As the year rolls to a close, we asked our roster of top fire rescue columnists to weigh in on the year that was and examine the news and issues that dominated our world in 2006, as well as look toward the year ahead.
Bob Vaccaro, Apparatus Essentials:
2006 Apparatus Roundup: A Banner Year for Safety, Innovation
2006 proved to be a banner year for apparatus manufacturers, not only in terms of sales but in new product innovation. Firefighter safety seemed to be on everyone’s mind as several companies introduced more ergonomically-focused designs (lower hose beds); roll stability control; air bags (side and front); improved seats; roomier cabs; seatbelt extenders; better mirrors; and various other improvements, both minor and major. There was also a trend toward mounting tools lower or on front bumpers, whether it be hydraulic rescue cutting tools or just regular hand tools.
The biggest concern for manufacturers, as well as departments purchasing apparatus, was the new 2007 EPA standards that have to be met for all diesel engines next year. There seemed to be a jump in sales the last two quarters, as departments rushed to buy 2006 vehicles with the present engines to bypass the additional costs involved for 2007 engines. The increased costs stem from manufacturers having to produce bigger cabs, grills and cooling systems, and the addition of particulate filters.
Nobody really knows yet how these engines will perform as far as fuel economy and overall performance are concerned. This performance will be closely monitored in 2007.
Whatever the eventual outcome, I definitely think that the fire apparatus industry has improved a great deal in 2006 on a number of levels, a trend I hope will continue as manufacturers push to provide safer apparatus in coming years.
Billy Schmidt, The Company Officer:
Company Officers Have Met the Challenge in ’06
The fire service has been busy this year. Challenging events, both natural and man-made, continue to test our strength and abilities to operate efficiently at emergency scenes. The brutal facts are that emergency responses are not declining, they are increasing; the fire service is facing significant staffing challenges, including a less-experienced firefighting force; and this is still a very dangerous job, painfully evidenced by the fact that we continue to injure and lose too many firefighters. Because the company officer operates at the tactical level, where everything gets real, the weight of these challenges rests heavily on their shoulders.
Company officers everywhere, from volunteer to combination to career departments, have met these challenges by becoming versed in a variety of areas in order to lead their firefighters safely and effectively. They continually foster self-improvement by discussing, reviewing, evaluating and critiquing fire service issues, especially those related to safety, leadership, accountability and risk management. These discussions, whether while attending a conference or just sitting at the kitchen table, lead to new and interesting ideas that enhance emergency operations.
We must continue to meet these challenges head-on by focusing on the “16 Firefighting Life Safety Initiatives” to promote the cultural change needed in the fire service to ensure that everyone goes home. Company officers should especially concentrate on the first three initiatives, where they can help to encourage this change with their firefighters.
1. Define and advocate the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety; incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability and personal responsibility.
2. Enhance the personal and organizational accountability for health and safety throughout the fire service.
3. Focus greater attention on the integration of risk management with incident management at all levels, including strategic, tactical, and planning responsibilities.
(Visit www.everyonegoeshome.com to view all 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives)
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Chris Daly, Drive to Survive:
Vehicle Safety Still a Big Issue in ’06
An informal review of the 2006 firefighter fatality statistics reveals that once again, vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death in our nation’s fire service. While the official numbers aren’t in, it would appear that as of November 2006, 18 firefighters were killed as the result of “Vehicle Collisions”.
These numbers are slightly misleading, as they fail to count the number of civilians killed, or the number of firefighters and civilians injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes involving emergency apparatus. I’m sure an examination of these types of statistics would be startling.
On a positive note, it would seem that the issue of emergency vehicle safety has been thrust into the fire service spotlight. This year’s Safety Stand Down focused on emergency vehicle safety while training publications and training organizations seemed to show an increased interest in the issue. Hopefully, through a combined effort of training, standard operating guidelines and increased firefighter awareness, the number of vehicle related fatalities will decrease in 2007.
Remember: BUCKLE UP, SLOW DOWN and THINK!
For more on this issue, read “Leader’s Edge: It’s As Simple As Wearing Your Seatbelt,” from the May 2006 FireRescue Magazine.
Fred LaFemina, Fire Attack:
Learning from ’06, Improving in ’07
Despite our best efforts, we keep on losing firefighters. Even with good training, improved equipment technology and experienced senior firefighters, tragic incidents are still bound to happen. But while I realize the job is inherently dangerous and accidental injuries and deaths are going to happen, we can do a far better job of limiting the number of incidents by focusing on firefighter training and education.
When it comes to technical rescue, the vast majority of first responders have zero or insufficient training in the area or are unaware of the dangers associated with rescue operations. Due to a lack of time and experience on the job, most firefighters have limited situational awareness.
Since the beginning of the profession, the mentality of the firefighter has been, “I can do anything.” This is no longer true, if it ever was. Although we have better training and equipment than in years past, the incidents we face are becoming increasingly dangerous and technically challenging. We are now probably responding to more emergencies than fires.
We need to shift focus and have all departments throughout the country provide solid training to their personnel. More than just a cursory overview of fireground fundamentals, it needs to be the right training by the right people. Far too often I witness unacceptable training being given throughout the country. Remember: certified does not mean qualified. You can have all the certificates you want, but if you do not continually train and challenge yourself at incidents, you will be of no value and possibly a danger to your co-workers and yourself.
It seems that in today’s world, mediocrity or incompetence is acceptable. “Well, we did what we could,” is a phrase too often heard. In the fire service, this attitude just won’t cut it. Strive to do better! Be the boss! Train and take care of your men, and they will take care of everything else. Training to be good enough is not acceptable in my world. You may be able to screw up and get away with it, but the next time it may cost a life. Think about that and be honest with yourself when you look in the mirror. Are you the best you can be or can you be better? The answer is clear, so make it happen!
Jeff Stull, PPE Update:
PPE 2006: New NFPA Standards Lead the Way
A number of significant changes occurred in the PPE industry during 2006. Foremost among these was the introduction of the new editions for NFPA 1971 and NFPA 1994. The new 2007 edition of NFPA 1971 became effective in August and created a number of new requirements for both structural and proximity protective gear.
The most obvious of these is the Drag Rescue Device (DRD) that will be part of every coat under the new edition. This system will hopefully make it easier to rescue downed firefighters in difficult fireground environments.
Several other improvements have been made for garments, helmets, gloves, footwear and helmets used as part of the ensemble. Generally, these include changes aim to improve breathability and mobility, and lessen stress on the firefighter without sacrificing any protection.
CBRN continued to be a major buzzword in the emergency response industry. The new NFPA 1971 contains a CBRN option that allows an entire clothing ensemble, including SCBA, to be certified for additional protection against chemical, biological and radiological particulate hazards. This “systems” approach has created incentives for manufacturers to create new designs for improved protection against hazardous substances. Examples of such designs include the IAFF’s/Total Fire Group’s Project Heroes ensemble and Globe Firefighting Suit’s CB.Ready concept. Improved integrity of garments without loss of structural firefighting capabilities will likely have the benefit of reducing firefighter exposure to a variety of hazardous materials often encountered on the fireground.
The CBRN criteria has also been applied to a totally revamped NFPA 1994, which pertains to clothing ensembles used by a range of first responders. The new classes and performance criteria set in NFPA 1994 are intended to provide practical performance and address human factors in a way that offers appropriate levels of protection consistent with the respirators that must be worn (CBRN SCBA and air-purifying respirators) during various emergency situations. A separate class has been added to address biological or particulate-only concerns. An article will be appearing in early 2007 on this subject.
Grant funds that are available to firefighters are increasingly being tied to compliance with existing standards. While some grant programs have slowed, many departments are able to submit and gain new equipment through these programs. This trend is expected to continue into 2007.