s(http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/statewire/hc-13234406.apds.m0730.bc-ct--firemar13,0,5127728.story ) Griffin, 38, was a new member to the Prospect, CT fire department and was participating in firefighter I training at Wolcott Fire School.
Griffin left behind his loving wife, and two daughters. My heart and sincerest condolences go out to his family, and brother firefighters in Prospect.
Griffin had been a member of Prospect for 5 weeks, and was participating in the maze section of his FF I training. He had gone through the maze once, and was on his second time through when his partner noticed a problem, and he was pulled out of the maze. Despite resuscitation efforts, Griffin was pronounced dead later at St. Mary’s hospital in Waterbury CT, with cardiac arrest cited as the cause of death. An autopsy was done, but results have not been made public. (http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/statewire/hc-15011012.apds.m0797.bc-ct--firemar15,0,4739116.story )
Every time there is a loss, we need to grieve and should learn how to prevent losses like this in the future. This week I would like to give you a few points to ponder. There are very few facts available, and as they become available, I will provide them at VolunteerFD.org… Each of these points are meant to prevent this tragedy from ever happening again.
When we get new members in the department, too often we are gung-ho to get them on-line and responding. Our new members have high energy and want to have the rush of putting the wet stuff on the red stuff, and saving lives. We need to take steps to protect them and keep them safe. Some of my points may cost money, but how do you put a price on a life?
All new members should go through an extensive physical. This should include blood draws, respiratory capacity tests, drug tests, ECG, and a stress test. This includes the younger members, as they may have more issues then some of the more senior members. Someone can be a body builder, but still have a congenital defect or cardiovascular issue that is not readily apparent.
Ideally, we would have physical requirements for entrants, but we need every member we can get. A good physical can help you to identify and treat problems that may be found, and identify which candidates should be interior firefighters. Remember, we are doing physicals and testing for the members benefit. I hate getting a physical, but I do know there is a purpose.
Physicals should be done by a licensed M.D. who is familiar with the stresses of being a firefighter. Same goes for EMS personnel. Sending members to a chiropractor for lifting tests does not address the many physical requirements each member must go through.
The second step should be in assuring the firefighter is properly equipped. This means giving your new members properly sized equipment, that is up to date, and not just what is ‘left over’. Their SCBA mask should be fitted, issued to them, and fit tested. If you provide EMS services, they should be fitted for an N-95 respirator also.
I understand the costs, but it is an investment in your new member and your department. Remember that shelf life for PPE is 10-15 years depending on the manufacturer. SCBA masks should be new, or at least without cracks, scratches, or deteriorations. The new member also has to be aware of the features and limitations of the equipment.
Those of us who have been around for a while take for granted information that is important to ‘rookies’. We use our gear for every call, but to new members, it is just a coat and pants. Gear has limitations, and must be used appropriately to gain the most protection.
Now that your new member is outfitted appropriately, we need to look at training. Each member comes to us with a different background and capabilities. It is our job as training officers or instructors to determine the member’s capabilities, and weaknesses. This includes both physical and mental abilities.
Training is provided to keep our members safe in case of a fire, but they need to train safely also. This includes making sure they are hydrated, feeling well, and capable of the task. When we do hazmat training, we always get baseline vitals and proper rehab, the same should go for training.
Beyond our members concerns, we should also consider the environmental conditions and prop conditions. There is no reason to be training in 98 degree weather, or sub zero for that matter. While I understand we fight fires in all types of weather, we do not need to risk our lives for training.
Conditions of our props and within our props are always a consideration. Props need to be safe and secure. While it may be ‘impressive’ to tell stories about having the building so hot that your helmet melts, it is dangerous and irresponsible. Not only is it irresponsible, but you may also be held responsible from a legal aspect if your trainee is hurt.
Lastly, you should have medical personnel and equipment available at all training evolutions. We provide EMS for local sporting events, but tend to forget about it for our own events. Ideally it should be at the Paramedic level, as when our members are hurt, they need the ALS support. This may be an additional cost, but it is worth every penny. You may even be able to use your own members as long as equipment is available.
Overall, we need to look at our new members procedures to make sure tragedies like Griffin’s never happen again. We should all take a moment in remembrance of Robert Griffin, and make sure this never happens again.
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