NIOSH fatality investigation report: Racheal Wilson
Related Article: Speaking up about safety
By Jamie Thompson
FireRescue1 Editor
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Fire Department has responded to a NIOSH report that listed a string of recommendations following the death of a fire cadet in live fire-training.
Fire Chief Jim Clack said he holds “all fire officers” involved in any training evolution responsible for the safety of members.
“I expect each of them to take immediate and forceful action when an unsafe act is observed,” he said.
Racheal Wilson died in February last year after she was trapped in a row house that had been set on fire as part of a training exercise.
In its report released this week into the death, NIOSH detailed 10 specific recommendations for the leadership and membership of the Baltimore Fire Department to consider.
Among the recommendations were creating a training atmosphere that is free from intimidation and conducive to learning and screening recruits to ensure they meet physical performance requirements.
Chief Clack, who replaced William Goodwin in February this year, said the department has already undertaken a complete review of emergency operations protocols, policies and procedures.
A probe into the death of the 29-year-old found dozens of national safety standards that had been violated. Three midlevel department commanders were fired, while Goodwin retired in November.
A department statement reviewing of each of the NIOSH recommendations — along with what has been accomplished to date toward implementation of those recommendations — said:
1. Conduct live fire training exercises in accordance with NFPA 1403, Standard on Live-Fire Training Evolutions. All live fire training is now done in accordance with NFPA 1403. The BCFD no longer conducts live fire training in acquired structures.
2. Conduct all training and education under the direct supervision of qualified instructors who meet the requirements of NFPA 1041. All BCFD instructors conducting live fire training now meet the requirements of NFPA 1041.
3. Provide the Training Academy and Safety Division with adequate resources, personnel, and equipment to accomplish their training mission safely. Chief Officers of the BCFD have been trained as Fire Department Health and Safety Officers. There is a trained Safety Officer present at all live fire training exercises.
4. Screen Recruits to ensure they meet physical performance requirements. The BCFD will use the Candidate Physical Ability Test Program (CPAT) for all future recruit testing.
5. Maintain a comprehensive respiratory protection program. All firefighter applicants and recruits will be screened for the ability to operate a self contained breathing apparatus under conditions of sensory deprivation.
6. Ensure all recruits meet the requirements of NFPA 1582 prior to entering the training program. All recruits are given and must pass a physical examination in accordance with NFPA 1582 prior to starting employment with the BCFD.
7. Ensure that all protective ensembles meet the requirements of NFPA 1851. All protective equipment issued to recruit firefighters now meets NFPA 1851.
8. Ensure coordinated communication between the Instructor in Charge and the live-fire training participants. All instructors involved in live fire training exercises are now issued a portable radio.
9. Utilize the Incident Command System and a personnel accountability system that meets the requirements of NFPA 1561. The incident command system, including the accountability system, is now used at all live fire training.
10. Create a training atmosphere that is free from intimidation and conducive to learning. All recruit training is conducted for the purpose of teaching and learning the skills necessary to become a successful emergency responder. Intimidation and hazing is no longer tolerated at the Fire Academy.