Read articles from the September 2020 issue of Fire Engineering, including pieces on swiftwater and ice rescue, successful search ops, and more!
FEATURES
Searchable vs. Survivable: Educated Decision Making
Expect victims at every fire, and establish and maintain an aggressive, but educated, search culture. SEAN DUFFY
Swiftwater Rescue: Are We Ready?
As with any technical rescue discipline, swiftwater rescue preparedness must start with the three legs of the rescue tripod: people, equipment, and training. GREG MERRELL
Moving Victims Alone Using a 2:1 Mechanical Advantage System
Up the stairs, down the stairs, across a hall—we must be prepared to move a victim anywhere that is away from the punishing conditions. ALEXANDER DEGNAN
Ice Rescue 2020: Immediate, Independent Victim-Positive Buoyancy
Refresher training needs to be as realistic as possible, with thin, unsupportive ice; open water areas; and “weak” mock victims who will be considered “submerged” if rescuers do not quickly make them sufficiently positively buoyant. WALT HENDRICK
Finding Last-Chance Anchors Inside Structures
Many firefighters discount the need for refresher training after they initially demonstrated the bailout technique when the kit was first issued, but, when needed, you need to employ this skill without hesitation. JEREMY RIFFLARD
The Public Safety Dive Team: Is It Time to Push the Pause Button?
How do you maintain the comfort and proficiencies of all dive team members? You hit the Pause button and reevaluate every diver on your team, the equipment you are using, and the way you are diving. SCOTT HUFF
Confined Space Rescue for the First-In Fire Company
With confined space rescue emergencies, many of us may not have the luxury of working with personnel trained in confined space rescue and technical rescue teams. As the first-in company, what can you do in the minutes leading up to the technical rescue team’s arrival? ROSS CHAPMAN
DEPARTMENTS
VOLUNTEERS CORNER: “The Lasting Effects of Mentors”
TRAINING NOTEBOOK: “Using Pickets as Stable Anchors”
THE RESCUE COMPANY: “The Technical Rescue Preplan”
FIRE/RESCUE STREETSENSE: “Inner Dialogue and the Brotherhood”
