By Douglas Mitchell Jr.
The fire service should have a “graduated” training program. However, we cannot nor should we expect that, during initial training, all our newest members will be able to react and respond immediately to the rigors of the firegound. It is necessary to be repetitive and consistent, but also with increasing levels of realism and pressure.
Many times, fire service instructors are quick to “test” a new member under pressure. Although this scenario certainly has its time and place in certain settings and to drive particular points home, it should not be a matter of routine. Many instructors or training officers quickly jump to the “blacked out face piece” or the “reverse hood” techniques to test a particular skill set.
One training technique to mimic a light smoke condition but not fully obscure all light is to use a simple, cheap, and disposable wax paper or deli sheet (some come prepackaged in various sizes depending on the brand of self-contained breathing apparatus and face piece that you use). It can be used at the training site or in the firehouse for a quick drill on the apparatus bay floor or the basement.
Download this drill HERE
Using this technique allows members to correctly and completely don and use all their personal protective equipement. Once the drills are complete, remove the paper and carry on.
Douglas Mitchell Jr. is a lieutenant for the Fire Department of New York and an instructor for Traditions Training LLC.
