Fire Fighting is turning out to be something that is giving me a real charge. I really like forcing myself to learn things (if they interest me) and
Climbing The Ladder on Truck 2
being held accountable for them. Fighting fires and providing EMS/EMT services is only possible with excellent training, knowledge a team and a very organized, straight forward command system. Learning that system has really been interesting and rewarding. So I’m happy to report the FF1 is going well and although mentally and physically challenging (usually at the same time) it’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself in a long time. Last week we climbed up the telescoping ladder (stick) on Truck 2. It was an exercise that challenged people in both their mental and physical abilities. I am fortunate enough not to have a fear of heights, others have to struggle with it. Hooking in at the top of the ladder was interesting, as stable as the apparatus looks, once extended it really starts to move -
Our Fire Fighter Class
almost enough to make it unnerving We all got a turn climbing up, hooking in, unhooking then climbing back down.
This past weekend we worked on deployment, taking and repeating commands, establishing water supply, running hose and setting up a monitor. The style of of this course is great with lectures, skills and demonstrations. Sections at a time, then putting them together in scenarios for fundamental assessments. It’s a lot of work and a lot of fun.
Tonight we have a fire behavior lecture and then ropes & knots.
My department decided to skimp one time and bought “light” 100′ ladder trucks. The theory was that if the ladder was lighter, the truck itself could be built with lighter duty components thus saving saving money.
When you got to the tip of those 100′ sticks, the flexing of the ladders were unbelievable. It scared the hell out of me. I hated it.
One of he ladders failed catastrophically during routine maintenance about ten years after it was purchased. Of course the district re-laddered it, this time putting a heavier duty ladder on it.
Of course the trucks were engineered for a “light” ladder and started cracking the torque boxes and the frames. Brakes didn’t last very long either/. They were soon scrapped.
Needless to say, the attempt to save cash ended up costing a lot more in the long run and we never did get a good product out of it.
The next four trucks the district bought were first rate and are still in service. I guess we can learn after all.
Good luck in class, have fun.
Thanks for the post.
Really got your money’s worth Monday night, huh? Fun stuff!!
Yeah that was a great experience! Crazy how it went from sitting in a class room to standing next to a motor vehicle rollover. Also amazing was the communication between dispatch, Police, EMT and Fire. The only reason I wasn’t overwhelmed was because it happened so fast!
Nothing more rewarding then being a first responder. The time is well spent and the adreniline is FREE, to yourself anyway. I was looking for some info on the vessel”ulanah” saw that you mentioned in blog, I was wondering if youknow that it left Dutch yet?We have a couple of friends who are as green as grass that are supposed to be sailing on her at least as far as Russia We haven’t heard anythung so I thought I would give you a try. Thanks,Gary in Kokhanok, Ak.
Hey Gary,
Yup the Ulanah and your friends are still here. They are trying to get out really soon. The boat is all ready to go. Just need some last minutes groceries and a weather window. I think they are looking at either catching the winds before or after a gale that is expected this weekend. I had intended on sailing with them to Adak, unfortunately the departure dates fell right in the middle of the Fire Fighter Academy so I am unable to sail with them. Try calling 907-359-6531, that is the cell number to Matt K. he is the skipper of the Ulanah.
Thanks for the visit and words.
Dan