Day 27 - It was time to put all our rescue skills to the test. After chores and a few other housekeeping items, we headed to the gym for dress out drills and a few extra rescue techniques. Right before lunch, we prepared the fire ground for our afternoon drills.
We had four stations - Carries up the drill tower (both chair and extremity), the Denver Drill, Bailouts from the Third Floor, and Large room search and rescue.
Lieutenant came around and had me pick a number 1 to 100. I picked 50, which sent my group to the Carry Station. My thought was, let's get the hardest completed first right? Out to the drill tower we went to meet up with the Captain. The first group headed up the inside of the drill tower. After running into other groups, we moved out to the much smaller outside stairs. It was finally my turn, so my group prepared for our carries. As we were deciding who to carry, a 200 pound guy with an additional 50lbs of gear sat down in the chair. It was up to my and another cadet (similar to my size) to take him up and down the stairs. We raised him off the ground and into the chair. I grabbed the feet end and step by step we headed up the stairs. Our strategy would have worked great, but the chair kept sliding through the stairs. On our way back down, we really got the chair stuck. By an act of God, the chair came loose from the stair, and we manged to get him to the bottom. My partner and I sucked our air cylinders down to the low pressure bells. It's amazing how much energy it takes to move someone who almost double my weight.
We only made it through half of our station. We were called in and sent to PT. Because it was a Wednesday, I had EMT class. That afternoon was by far the hardest day so far. Thursday would bring more of the same.
Day 28 - After chores, we set up the stations once again. We needed to complete our extremity carries up and down the tower. My partner and I had decided that we would carry a lighter person up and down. We picked up our patient and started to head up the stairs. Captain realized that we had someone different, stopped us, and made us carry the person from the day before. Luckily, this carry was easier than the chair. We managed to carry our patient up, and at the top we rotated. Someone carried me down. I would later have to carry someone else down. Station Complete.
On to the Denver Drill. Chief was our instructor for this station. What is the Denver Drill? Imagine you have a unconscious firefighter and you need to get him out quickly. Your only option is out a window, but you can't get to the sides of of the window, you can only go straight at it (the sides are blocked by filing cabinets or other large objects). The Denver Drill allows two firefighters to safely and easily get this firefighter out the window. We learned three options and tried everyone of them. As one of the lightest in my group, I was a patient several times and bent into a pretzel.
After lunch, we headed to our last two stations. The first one was with Captain. It involved heading out a third story window head first. Used as an emergency means of escaping a burning building, the head first bail out requires the firefighter to go down a ladder head first, lock an arm in the rungs, and then rotate around (facing the ladder in the correct climbing position). A little apprehensive, I started my bailout. Out the window I went, and complete the station without any pause. It was very easy and very fun. It did feel a little strange having the air cylinder and harness slide up your back during the decent. But after everything settled, it was a walk in the park. We also got to do a slide down a charged hoseline (much like a fireman's pole found on a playground).
Our last station was a warehouse search and rescue.
All in all, a great day.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Day 25, 26 - Carries, Drags and Crawls....
Day 25 - Looking back now, by far the easiest day of three so far. We started the day with dress out drills and then a trip to the drill ground. On Air we waited for our assignment. My partner and I's assignment? Take the stairs to the fifth level and grab the weight. Away we went. On the fifth floor we found four 30 pound dumbbells. Each of us took two, one in each hand. When we got to the bottom, Captain did not want us to bring all the weight down. He told us to take a walk. We walked the course and headed back to the tower, where we carried a 30 pound dumbbell up to the 5th floor, and then back down. It was a great way to jump start the week....
The rest of the day was spent in the classroom. We discussed search, rescue, and spent some time in the gym practicing our rescue carries and drags.
PT was a little different. We did a few stretching exercises and headed back out to the drill ground. Here was the rotation:
Run up and down the tower (to the 5th floor) hitting every step along the way. Complete 20 pushups at the bottom (and on the instructors count. Back up and down the tower hitting every other step. Complete 20 more pushups. After that, jog over to the balance beam, Go up and over the fence, and then run up the ramp and down the steps (3xs). The rotation ended at the pull up bar (which I'm happy to say...I did three) and a sprint back over to the tower.
We did this entire rotation 3 times.
Day 26 - After our chores we were gathered in the classroom for announcements. Lieutenant came in and broke down the day.
We started in the gym, practicing our carries and lifts (no turnouts or SCBA). We only had to carry or drag from red line to red line (not very far). We had four stations (Extremity carry / Chair carry ; Webbing / MAST drag ; Blanket drag ; Underarm lift drag). After we completed all the stations, we were told to put on our turnouts (no SCBA). We then did the same stations, except this time we had to drag / carry from baseline to half court. After that, we had a break and headed out to the resource building.
Out at the resource buildings, the instructors had set up a mini maze for us to go through. We put in our smoky wax paper blinders and headed two by two through the maze. Captain walked us blindly to the back of the building, where we were released on a right hand search through the building. Once we had found the downed victim, we retraced our steps and head back to the beginning. My partner and I did well, and got back quickly. We got to take off our mask and see the others finishing up. Some folks really can get themselves lost.
After lunch, we headed back to the gym. We put our turnouts back on and this time...we put on our air packs. Using the same stations, we performed our drills. This time going full court. I quickly sized up my group, and grabbed a guy similar to my stature. I picked him up and hauled him all the way across the gym floor. Tired as I was, I did it. I completed the rest of the stations without much trouble...doing the chair carry twice was not much fun.
After that the ushered us outside so they could prepare the gym for our final drill. The baby rescue....
As the first few groups went in, we all sat around and chit chatted. After 30 - 45 minutes it was getting close for us to go in. I noticed that not everyone had made it out with the baby. About that time, Captain came flying out the door, saying he needed four of us in the hallway. Four of us took off for the hallway. After we got to the hallway, we all dropped down to our knees to get our face pieces ready (blacked out and all). As the doors opened for the first group to head in, you could hear the chaos. But, before I could recognize much, the door was closed. 5 minutes later the door way breaks back open and (from what I heard...remember my vision was gone) two firefighter came out pulling a third. We were called in. We both popped in our regulators and made our way. As we entered the room, you could hear was our missing firefighter's PASS alarm and his low pressure cylinder alarm. As well as the instructors yelling, basketballs being bounced around us, and other folks talking out of their voice boxes.
My partner and I headed down the main pathway. My partner was completing a right hand search. I was was on the other wall so that told me that we were in some kind of hallway. We followed it quickly. It opened up, and right at the entrance was our downed firefighter. I quickly alerted my partner and crawled over to the firefighter's feet. We proceeded to push and pull him out. The only problem was that he was on his stomach. Every time we moved them, the instructors would scream things at us. We knew we needed to flip him over, but as we attempted to flip him over, Captain told us that flipping him was not okay to do at this moment. We continued to push and pull him out..eventually getting him out.
Once everyone had completed the task, we got ready for Ralph. He was waiting for us....
The rest of the day was spent in the classroom. We discussed search, rescue, and spent some time in the gym practicing our rescue carries and drags.
PT was a little different. We did a few stretching exercises and headed back out to the drill ground. Here was the rotation:
Run up and down the tower (to the 5th floor) hitting every step along the way. Complete 20 pushups at the bottom (and on the instructors count. Back up and down the tower hitting every other step. Complete 20 more pushups. After that, jog over to the balance beam, Go up and over the fence, and then run up the ramp and down the steps (3xs). The rotation ended at the pull up bar (which I'm happy to say...I did three) and a sprint back over to the tower.
We did this entire rotation 3 times.
Day 26 - After our chores we were gathered in the classroom for announcements. Lieutenant came in and broke down the day.
We started in the gym, practicing our carries and lifts (no turnouts or SCBA). We only had to carry or drag from red line to red line (not very far). We had four stations (Extremity carry / Chair carry ; Webbing / MAST drag ; Blanket drag ; Underarm lift drag). After we completed all the stations, we were told to put on our turnouts (no SCBA). We then did the same stations, except this time we had to drag / carry from baseline to half court. After that, we had a break and headed out to the resource building.
Out at the resource buildings, the instructors had set up a mini maze for us to go through. We put in our smoky wax paper blinders and headed two by two through the maze. Captain walked us blindly to the back of the building, where we were released on a right hand search through the building. Once we had found the downed victim, we retraced our steps and head back to the beginning. My partner and I did well, and got back quickly. We got to take off our mask and see the others finishing up. Some folks really can get themselves lost.
After lunch, we headed back to the gym. We put our turnouts back on and this time...we put on our air packs. Using the same stations, we performed our drills. This time going full court. I quickly sized up my group, and grabbed a guy similar to my stature. I picked him up and hauled him all the way across the gym floor. Tired as I was, I did it. I completed the rest of the stations without much trouble...doing the chair carry twice was not much fun.
After that the ushered us outside so they could prepare the gym for our final drill. The baby rescue....
As the first few groups went in, we all sat around and chit chatted. After 30 - 45 minutes it was getting close for us to go in. I noticed that not everyone had made it out with the baby. About that time, Captain came flying out the door, saying he needed four of us in the hallway. Four of us took off for the hallway. After we got to the hallway, we all dropped down to our knees to get our face pieces ready (blacked out and all). As the doors opened for the first group to head in, you could hear the chaos. But, before I could recognize much, the door was closed. 5 minutes later the door way breaks back open and (from what I heard...remember my vision was gone) two firefighter came out pulling a third. We were called in. We both popped in our regulators and made our way. As we entered the room, you could hear was our missing firefighter's PASS alarm and his low pressure cylinder alarm. As well as the instructors yelling, basketballs being bounced around us, and other folks talking out of their voice boxes.
My partner and I headed down the main pathway. My partner was completing a right hand search. I was was on the other wall so that told me that we were in some kind of hallway. We followed it quickly. It opened up, and right at the entrance was our downed firefighter. I quickly alerted my partner and crawled over to the firefighter's feet. We proceeded to push and pull him out. The only problem was that he was on his stomach. Every time we moved them, the instructors would scream things at us. We knew we needed to flip him over, but as we attempted to flip him over, Captain told us that flipping him was not okay to do at this moment. We continued to push and pull him out..eventually getting him out.
Once everyone had completed the task, we got ready for Ralph. He was waiting for us....
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Day 24 - Night Fire
Because of our specialized drill, we all got to sleep a little bit later on Friday. We had to report at the training center by 11 am. I killed a little bit of my morning over at Station 19. I arrived at the training center a little before 11. I had to park in the street due to the agility tests that were going on. The next recruit class had to do the physical agility test and their pushup, sit up, 440 run tests on the same day. I found out today, that some of them even did their lie detector tests. Busy day for Class 2010-1.
As for us? Due to the fact that their was so much confusion going on at the center, PT was canceled (Thanks Lieutenant!) Instead, we loaded wood into a trailer for a visiting captain.
After that, we got ready for the night drill. We even learned how to refill the Purple-K extinguishers.
At 4:00 we were ready to head over the burn ground. We had three drills to take on. The gas tree, the gas hole, and the ground fire. We divided up into our groups and got into our turn outs (thankfully because it was 32 degrees outside). Each group had a job to do. Ours was to get all the turn out bags staged by the fire apparatus (which we did) and then get dressed. After that, we were told to start over at the extinguisher refill station. We started filling extinguishers and about the time we finished one, we got called over to do our first drill.
Two of us were assigned to the fire hole, two of us on the tree. I took on the fire hole. I approached the hole, and put it out. My partner did the same. We then switched. When it was time for my shot at the tree, I was called over to the ground fire. Luckily, I was able to put it out on live television (Channel 9 and Channel 3 were doing live shots at the time). We then headed to recovery.
After recovery, we ended up back at the extinguisher refill station. Then, we were back on the grounds to take on the ground fire.
We grabbed an extinguisher. I had already done it, so I lined up fourth in line. All three of my group mates put out the ground fire, and I got another shot at it. As I approached the fire, I started putting out the flames, and as I got to the middle of the fire line, my sweeps were not quite wide enough, and the extinguisher went out. This caused the flames to wrap back around me and ignite around me (and the folks behind me). After I was pulled out of the flames, I ran over and got another extinguisher. I pressed the button to charge the cylinder, picked it up, got back in line and put out the flames.
After everyone had a turn, it was time to pack up and head back to the training center. I did get to help pack up the hose line (something I never did in O'Fallon. Lieutenant gave me instructions on how to assist loading it back on the apparatus. He approved it, and we headed home.
Later on that night, I watched the local news. Channel 12 actually did a package on us. It was good. The other stations had a brief mention of us, but nothing like 12.
It was a great night. Tomorrow is Test number 5. One more review of my notes, and I should be ready to go!!! I'm ready for Week 5.
As for us? Due to the fact that their was so much confusion going on at the center, PT was canceled (Thanks Lieutenant!) Instead, we loaded wood into a trailer for a visiting captain.
After that, we got ready for the night drill. We even learned how to refill the Purple-K extinguishers.
At 4:00 we were ready to head over the burn ground. We had three drills to take on. The gas tree, the gas hole, and the ground fire. We divided up into our groups and got into our turn outs (thankfully because it was 32 degrees outside). Each group had a job to do. Ours was to get all the turn out bags staged by the fire apparatus (which we did) and then get dressed. After that, we were told to start over at the extinguisher refill station. We started filling extinguishers and about the time we finished one, we got called over to do our first drill.
Two of us were assigned to the fire hole, two of us on the tree. I took on the fire hole. I approached the hole, and put it out. My partner did the same. We then switched. When it was time for my shot at the tree, I was called over to the ground fire. Luckily, I was able to put it out on live television (Channel 9 and Channel 3 were doing live shots at the time). We then headed to recovery.
After recovery, we ended up back at the extinguisher refill station. Then, we were back on the grounds to take on the ground fire.
We grabbed an extinguisher. I had already done it, so I lined up fourth in line. All three of my group mates put out the ground fire, and I got another shot at it. As I approached the fire, I started putting out the flames, and as I got to the middle of the fire line, my sweeps were not quite wide enough, and the extinguisher went out. This caused the flames to wrap back around me and ignite around me (and the folks behind me). After I was pulled out of the flames, I ran over and got another extinguisher. I pressed the button to charge the cylinder, picked it up, got back in line and put out the flames.
After everyone had a turn, it was time to pack up and head back to the training center. I did get to help pack up the hose line (something I never did in O'Fallon. Lieutenant gave me instructions on how to assist loading it back on the apparatus. He approved it, and we headed home.
Later on that night, I watched the local news. Channel 12 actually did a package on us. It was good. The other stations had a brief mention of us, but nothing like 12.
It was a great night. Tomorrow is Test number 5. One more review of my notes, and I should be ready to go!!! I'm ready for Week 5.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Day 21, 22 & 23 - Entanglement and Fire
Day 21 - Rain greeted us in the morning. It was a taste of what was going to come. We all gathered at 7:00 am to do our chores. Nothing unusual...moping, dusting, and such.
Once class got started, we were told to get our turnout gear and head for the gym. A few dress down drills later, and we were told to head outside. Our task? To get the drill ground set for extinguisher drills. And yes, it was raining. But lucky for us? Turnout gear is designed to keep the water out. It did its job for the most part.
We had one very large burn pan to move. It was so big that 16 of us could not pick it up safely. We did have to pick up and dump out the water. After some discussion, we decided that we needed to pull it across the ground. The problem with that was, 1. there was a short buss in the way, and 2. The ground was both soaked and not level. We found some wood that we could slide it across (making a track). After some muscle power, we got it to it's correct location. We headed inside for lunch, a little muddy, and a lot wet.
After lunch, we got back into our we turnouts to finish our drills from the day before. Again we had wax paper placed in our masks. Our first drill was to crawl up a staircase and crawl across a simulated attic. We were only four feet off the ground, but because we could not see, it made it difficult to find the the first couple of rafters. After I got the hang of it, I crossed it without much trouble.
The second drill was the entanglement tunnel. Picture a tunnel full of dangling rope and instructors above you just waiting to hook you with the ropes in their hand. But before the tunnel, we first had to pass through a studded wall WITH our gear air tank on. Easy solution, go back first. Once the tank is through the studs, turn on your side and make your self as thin and long as possible. I did just that, and pushed right through. Again, remember could not see a thing. I followed the rope to the entrance to entanglement tunnel. Once my partner was ready, we proceeded. I kept my tank against the right hand wall and again crawled on my side (a tip given to me by previous tunnel goers). Crawling like that helps keep the ropes off your tank. I did get hung up once and had to back up. After that though? No problems....I did have a rope pass underneath me and go complete around me. I don't know how that happened, but it did not prevent me from finishing. My partner joined me and we removed our face pieces to see our obstacles. The maze from the day before was nothing more than stacked wood. Nothing like I thought. And when I was crawling over the rafters? I thought I was going at an angle...no straight across. It really is strange how your mind creates images of what it thinks it is going through.
PT with Ralph was great and ended a fantastic and fun day.
Day 22 - Rain had canceled Hamilton County Schools, but Fire school was on at the training center on Amnicola. After chores we got all our gear and headed to the gym for dress out drills. After a few drills, we headed outside to the tower. We headed up the outside stairs and up to the top floor. Once at the top we headed back down through the scuttle hole and back to the C side of the tower. The sent us around to the A side and into the bottom floor. There we did a search and rescue simulation. On all fours we crawled through the dark room, following the right wall, while searching with our left. Right as I exited the building, my low pressure alarm started going off. Pretty good for climbing up and down stairs and crawling around.
The rest of the day was spent in the classroom talking about fire extinguishers. We also had our 1st EMT class during PT. I'll more or less be taking to classes and once. Fire suppression and EMT. Should be a great time.
Day 23 - Today started just like any other day. Chores and a few talks from the training staff. We were then instructed to get gear minus our air packs and head back to the gym. We got in our turnouts and headed out to the drill ground. We were divided into groups and sent on our first assignment. For this task we needed to create a fire tee-pee of sorts. Using palates, wood, paper and straw, our group constructed a stable, but very flammable burn pile.
After lunch, we tested our skills on extinguishers. This was my first time using an extinguisher. It was not difficult and not a problem.
It was fun to see the different types of fires and the appropriate extinguishing techniques. Tomorrow we have our first night drill, which means we go in at 11.
Good for me. I could use some more time.
Once class got started, we were told to get our turnout gear and head for the gym. A few dress down drills later, and we were told to head outside. Our task? To get the drill ground set for extinguisher drills. And yes, it was raining. But lucky for us? Turnout gear is designed to keep the water out. It did its job for the most part.
We had one very large burn pan to move. It was so big that 16 of us could not pick it up safely. We did have to pick up and dump out the water. After some discussion, we decided that we needed to pull it across the ground. The problem with that was, 1. there was a short buss in the way, and 2. The ground was both soaked and not level. We found some wood that we could slide it across (making a track). After some muscle power, we got it to it's correct location. We headed inside for lunch, a little muddy, and a lot wet.
After lunch, we got back into our we turnouts to finish our drills from the day before. Again we had wax paper placed in our masks. Our first drill was to crawl up a staircase and crawl across a simulated attic. We were only four feet off the ground, but because we could not see, it made it difficult to find the the first couple of rafters. After I got the hang of it, I crossed it without much trouble.
The second drill was the entanglement tunnel. Picture a tunnel full of dangling rope and instructors above you just waiting to hook you with the ropes in their hand. But before the tunnel, we first had to pass through a studded wall WITH our gear air tank on. Easy solution, go back first. Once the tank is through the studs, turn on your side and make your self as thin and long as possible. I did just that, and pushed right through. Again, remember could not see a thing. I followed the rope to the entrance to entanglement tunnel. Once my partner was ready, we proceeded. I kept my tank against the right hand wall and again crawled on my side (a tip given to me by previous tunnel goers). Crawling like that helps keep the ropes off your tank. I did get hung up once and had to back up. After that though? No problems....I did have a rope pass underneath me and go complete around me. I don't know how that happened, but it did not prevent me from finishing. My partner joined me and we removed our face pieces to see our obstacles. The maze from the day before was nothing more than stacked wood. Nothing like I thought. And when I was crawling over the rafters? I thought I was going at an angle...no straight across. It really is strange how your mind creates images of what it thinks it is going through.
PT with Ralph was great and ended a fantastic and fun day.
Day 22 - Rain had canceled Hamilton County Schools, but Fire school was on at the training center on Amnicola. After chores we got all our gear and headed to the gym for dress out drills. After a few drills, we headed outside to the tower. We headed up the outside stairs and up to the top floor. Once at the top we headed back down through the scuttle hole and back to the C side of the tower. The sent us around to the A side and into the bottom floor. There we did a search and rescue simulation. On all fours we crawled through the dark room, following the right wall, while searching with our left. Right as I exited the building, my low pressure alarm started going off. Pretty good for climbing up and down stairs and crawling around.
The rest of the day was spent in the classroom talking about fire extinguishers. We also had our 1st EMT class during PT. I'll more or less be taking to classes and once. Fire suppression and EMT. Should be a great time.
Day 23 - Today started just like any other day. Chores and a few talks from the training staff. We were then instructed to get gear minus our air packs and head back to the gym. We got in our turnouts and headed out to the drill ground. We were divided into groups and sent on our first assignment. For this task we needed to create a fire tee-pee of sorts. Using palates, wood, paper and straw, our group constructed a stable, but very flammable burn pile.
After lunch, we tested our skills on extinguishers. This was my first time using an extinguisher. It was not difficult and not a problem.
It was fun to see the different types of fires and the appropriate extinguishing techniques. Tomorrow we have our first night drill, which means we go in at 11.
Good for me. I could use some more time.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Day 19 & 20 - Hoisting and Blind Crawls
Day 19 -
It was Friday, and one of the coldest days of the academy. We had spent the previous day tying knots, and expected much of the same. We started our day by checking our gear and getting ready for dress-down drills. These occur every Mon, Wed, and Fri. The goal? Put on your gear as fast as you can, in the allotted two minute time. We broke up in two groups. The first group did dress down, while the others assembled their Heads up Displays and Talk Back Microphones.
My facepiece did not have a spot for a talkback mic, but I did assemble my HUD. Later that day, Resource took my facepiece and added a bracket.
I was pretty happy with my dress out time. We did three rounds, and the last two rounds were in the 2 minute window. Lieutenant gave us a few scenarios and away we went. I'm starting to get the hang of it. After getting my pants on, I drop down to my knees and get ready from there. It seems to work fairly well.
The rest of the day we spent talking about ropes and rope rescues. We even hit the gym and practiced hoisting techniques. We lifted fans, sledge hammers, pike poles, axes, and hoses. I had a little trouble with the fan knot. Not so much with the knot, but tying one with a huge tail. No big deal though...
At the end of the day, I and four others were excused from PT. It was the beginning of our EMT training. Hopefully by the end of March, I will be EMT IV trained and ready for the "Real World".
It was a great way to go into the weekend.....
Day 20 -
I had an odd feeling about work this morning. I don't know if it was because I wasn't prepared for my test, or the fact that I was running behind this morning. Regardless of the reason, I got dressed, defrosted the car and headed to the training center.
After SCBA check out, we gathered our turnouts and set up in the gym. We then headed back to the classroom for some quick studying. It helped. 30 or so minutes later and we were going over the test. I got a 90. The lowest score I've had so far, but still okay by me.
We then got ready for the 1st round of drills. This drill was designed to get us used to hoisting tools. Instead of in the gym, we took this out to the fire ground.
We were separated in our small four person groups and head to the gym. There we paid a price for misplacing a black rope. 20 push ups later, group by group we put on our turnouts and headed out to the fire ground. I should note that my air cylinder was pretty low (3,000 psi) and I was the group leader.
I took my crew out to Captain, and he gave us our instructions. Two by two we entered the drill tower through the first floor window. After sounding the floor, we headed up the tower, through the scuttle hole (a ladder to the top floor). We then came down and headed to our second task. Tie and raise a ladder. I grabbed the rope and tied the knot, attached the rope to the ladder and finished. By this time, my low pressure alarm was ringing. We then were sent on our next task, walk the grounds. This involved us walking up some stairs, down a ramp and going over to walls. The first wall (fence) was taller than I. I attempted to jump up and over, but I wasn't going to make it with out some help. Two of my crew mates picked me up and more or less through me over the fence. It's nice to have folks around who could help. As we headed over to the next area, my air ran out. I popped the regulator, and headed to our last station, tie and hoist a fan. After all the trouble I had the day before, I had zero when I really needed to tie it. I took my new since of pride and headed over to kneel with the rest of the class. We then changed our air cylinders and got ready for lunch.....
After lunch, Round 2 of drills. We were divided into two groups...Battalion A & B. and then further divided into groups of four. The tasks were handed out.
Three stations - Confined Spaces, Entanglement and rafter crawl. Again we had to dress out, but because of air cylinder shortage, we did not have to go on air. We did (however) have to put wax paper in our facepiece. That's right...Couldn't see a thing, only light and dark.
After a few passport issues (let's not go there) we all headed out to our task. The trip over to the drill was interesting. We were told to hold on to the air tank of the person in front of us. It's more or less the blind leading the blind. We headed out to the (what I think was) bottom level of the drill tower. After making our way through the room, we headed back out into the light and towards (what I think was) the resource building. There we were sent into a maze of obstacles. The first obstacle was a small sloped wall. That led to a small tunnel. We then proceeded to get down on our stomachs and inch our way through a small rounded tunnel. I'm guessing it was about 17 feet long. I got about half way through and had to stop. Congestion in front caused me to have to wait inside the tunnel. A few pushes later, and out the tunnel I came. We then crawled through another tight gap and waited for our next assignment. That was to return to the gym.
I found that with my vision gone, I really had to rely on information gained by my other senses and the senses of others. I also played a part in their experience. It really was an awesome time and tomorrow has promised to be just as good.
PT went well. I managed to pump out 30 pushups and do almost all the exercises on count. That's a huge step in the right direction (for me at least).
That's all for today...lots to report. I REALLY am enjoying this job!!!
It was Friday, and one of the coldest days of the academy. We had spent the previous day tying knots, and expected much of the same. We started our day by checking our gear and getting ready for dress-down drills. These occur every Mon, Wed, and Fri. The goal? Put on your gear as fast as you can, in the allotted two minute time. We broke up in two groups. The first group did dress down, while the others assembled their Heads up Displays and Talk Back Microphones.
My facepiece did not have a spot for a talkback mic, but I did assemble my HUD. Later that day, Resource took my facepiece and added a bracket.
I was pretty happy with my dress out time. We did three rounds, and the last two rounds were in the 2 minute window. Lieutenant gave us a few scenarios and away we went. I'm starting to get the hang of it. After getting my pants on, I drop down to my knees and get ready from there. It seems to work fairly well.
The rest of the day we spent talking about ropes and rope rescues. We even hit the gym and practiced hoisting techniques. We lifted fans, sledge hammers, pike poles, axes, and hoses. I had a little trouble with the fan knot. Not so much with the knot, but tying one with a huge tail. No big deal though...
At the end of the day, I and four others were excused from PT. It was the beginning of our EMT training. Hopefully by the end of March, I will be EMT IV trained and ready for the "Real World".
It was a great way to go into the weekend.....
Day 20 -
I had an odd feeling about work this morning. I don't know if it was because I wasn't prepared for my test, or the fact that I was running behind this morning. Regardless of the reason, I got dressed, defrosted the car and headed to the training center.
After SCBA check out, we gathered our turnouts and set up in the gym. We then headed back to the classroom for some quick studying. It helped. 30 or so minutes later and we were going over the test. I got a 90. The lowest score I've had so far, but still okay by me.
We then got ready for the 1st round of drills. This drill was designed to get us used to hoisting tools. Instead of in the gym, we took this out to the fire ground.
We were separated in our small four person groups and head to the gym. There we paid a price for misplacing a black rope. 20 push ups later, group by group we put on our turnouts and headed out to the fire ground. I should note that my air cylinder was pretty low (3,000 psi) and I was the group leader.
I took my crew out to Captain, and he gave us our instructions. Two by two we entered the drill tower through the first floor window. After sounding the floor, we headed up the tower, through the scuttle hole (a ladder to the top floor). We then came down and headed to our second task. Tie and raise a ladder. I grabbed the rope and tied the knot, attached the rope to the ladder and finished. By this time, my low pressure alarm was ringing. We then were sent on our next task, walk the grounds. This involved us walking up some stairs, down a ramp and going over to walls. The first wall (fence) was taller than I. I attempted to jump up and over, but I wasn't going to make it with out some help. Two of my crew mates picked me up and more or less through me over the fence. It's nice to have folks around who could help. As we headed over to the next area, my air ran out. I popped the regulator, and headed to our last station, tie and hoist a fan. After all the trouble I had the day before, I had zero when I really needed to tie it. I took my new since of pride and headed over to kneel with the rest of the class. We then changed our air cylinders and got ready for lunch.....
After lunch, Round 2 of drills. We were divided into two groups...Battalion A & B. and then further divided into groups of four. The tasks were handed out.
Three stations - Confined Spaces, Entanglement and rafter crawl. Again we had to dress out, but because of air cylinder shortage, we did not have to go on air. We did (however) have to put wax paper in our facepiece. That's right...Couldn't see a thing, only light and dark.
After a few passport issues (let's not go there) we all headed out to our task. The trip over to the drill was interesting. We were told to hold on to the air tank of the person in front of us. It's more or less the blind leading the blind. We headed out to the (what I think was) bottom level of the drill tower. After making our way through the room, we headed back out into the light and towards (what I think was) the resource building. There we were sent into a maze of obstacles. The first obstacle was a small sloped wall. That led to a small tunnel. We then proceeded to get down on our stomachs and inch our way through a small rounded tunnel. I'm guessing it was about 17 feet long. I got about half way through and had to stop. Congestion in front caused me to have to wait inside the tunnel. A few pushes later, and out the tunnel I came. We then crawled through another tight gap and waited for our next assignment. That was to return to the gym.
I found that with my vision gone, I really had to rely on information gained by my other senses and the senses of others. I also played a part in their experience. It really was an awesome time and tomorrow has promised to be just as good.
PT went well. I managed to pump out 30 pushups and do almost all the exercises on count. That's a huge step in the right direction (for me at least).
That's all for today...lots to report. I REALLY am enjoying this job!!!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Day 18 - Knots, Knots, and Human Chain Pushups
I never been good at tying knots. I've taken knot classes. I've been a rock climber and had to tie my own safety knots. I've never been able to wrap my head around them. So you can imagine my nervousness of today's knot class.
I had been noticing this day on the schedule of quite some time. I even had the ambition to get rope and start early. Just to make sure I was ready. That didn't happen, but the thought was there.
To my surprise, I handled knots very well. I don't know if it was the teaching, my classmates, or just my mind set. But in any case, I can still name and tie all the Knots I was taught this morning.
The rest of the day went just as well. I was able to return my "nozzle" necklace, I got paid, and had an hour and half for lunch. I deposited my check and ate at Ankar's. Very good.
PT was with Ralph. He worked us out and ended his workout with the Human Chain Pushup drill. We did this the Monday of the very first week we started. For those of you who may not know what this exercise is, I'll explain....
In groups of fours, we all line up head to feet. The first person in line places his ankles on the shoulders of the person behind him. This continues throughout the line with the last person having his feet on the ground. Everyone else does a normal pushup with their feet elevated on the shoulders of the person behind them. It kind of looks like one long person doing a pushup.
On Ralph's command we went up. On this pushup I was in the third position. I was surprised on how easily I went up. We held it for about 15 seconds. After we came down, we all moved up in the line, and person in front went in the back. I moved up to the second spot, and boom...was able to pushup once again. Down we went and to the front I went. The easiest spot was in the front. Up we went...no problems. One more move put me in the back. Up we all went.
It was a big success for me. It showed me that, all this work, all this PT is making me stronger. Granted I can't do a ton pushups, or pullups, or swims across the gym floor, but I am getting better. We all are getting better. And it's something the Training staff has pointed out to us.
Good day today....let's hope the last day of the week can be a good day as well.
I had been noticing this day on the schedule of quite some time. I even had the ambition to get rope and start early. Just to make sure I was ready. That didn't happen, but the thought was there.
To my surprise, I handled knots very well. I don't know if it was the teaching, my classmates, or just my mind set. But in any case, I can still name and tie all the Knots I was taught this morning.
The rest of the day went just as well. I was able to return my "nozzle" necklace, I got paid, and had an hour and half for lunch. I deposited my check and ate at Ankar's. Very good.
PT was with Ralph. He worked us out and ended his workout with the Human Chain Pushup drill. We did this the Monday of the very first week we started. For those of you who may not know what this exercise is, I'll explain....
In groups of fours, we all line up head to feet. The first person in line places his ankles on the shoulders of the person behind him. This continues throughout the line with the last person having his feet on the ground. Everyone else does a normal pushup with their feet elevated on the shoulders of the person behind them. It kind of looks like one long person doing a pushup.
On Ralph's command we went up. On this pushup I was in the third position. I was surprised on how easily I went up. We held it for about 15 seconds. After we came down, we all moved up in the line, and person in front went in the back. I moved up to the second spot, and boom...was able to pushup once again. Down we went and to the front I went. The easiest spot was in the front. Up we went...no problems. One more move put me in the back. Up we all went.
It was a big success for me. It showed me that, all this work, all this PT is making me stronger. Granted I can't do a ton pushups, or pullups, or swims across the gym floor, but I am getting better. We all are getting better. And it's something the Training staff has pointed out to us.
Good day today....let's hope the last day of the week can be a good day as well.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Day 17 - Getting to know your new friends
Today started out much like the other days. Chores, quiz, classroom work, PPE practice, and then PT. The only difference was today went by extremely fast.
After our classroom work we took all our gear and headed to the gym. There we put on our gear and took it off. And when I mean put it on, I mean everything...face piece, harness, coat, pants, etc...At one point we did it three times in a row. I would barely get my last thing donned, and then immediately told to take everything off. I would then be pulling my foot out of my boot when they would tell us to go again...and so forth.
We must have not been doing it to Captains expectations, because we broke down to small groups and worked on taking the PPE gear on and off.
Let me clarify what we have to do and have done by the end of the academy:
In two minutes we have to:
Put on our hood, step into our boots, pull them up using the suspenders, fasten the pants, put on our coat, snap all four buttons, buckle all for buckles, pull over the chin protector, place the harness assembly on our back, snap the bottom buckle, pull the bottom straps to tighten, clip the top of the harness, pull the top straps to tighten, remove the hood top and pull it behind the head, place our head through the face piece neck strap, place the face piece on our face and secure it to position, pull the hood back over our heads, making sure to cover all face piece buckles, place our helmet on the head, secure it using the chin strap (making sure to pass through the neck strap of the face piece), Turn on the air cylinder...opening it all the way, place the face piece regulator on the face piece track and dock it, put on both gloves, pull down the face shield mounted on the helmet, and un-dock the face piece regulator and push it into place....Done and breathing air. We then do the reverse.
That will all have to be done in two minutes and in the dark.
After lunch (which was fantastic...ham, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and banana pudding) we go into a large circle and did a timed Dress out drill. I had a few hic ups, but all in all...it's getting faster.
During that last drill, my air cylinder regulator had become lose. When I turned on the air, it was shouting out the bottle. I quickly reached back and tightened the regulator and it fixed my problem.
The remainder of our classroom day was spent doing four drills:
Drill one: In full turnouts and on air, complete a two person bottle exchange. This involved one person kneeling on the ground, while the other person changed out the air cylinder.
This skill required the person kneeling to hold their breath for an extended period of time. When my partner was ready (having already unlocked the bottle from the harness), she turned the cylinder down completely and then back on. On her count I took my breath and purged my system. She then un-tightened my air cylinder regulator, removed the bottle and replaced it with a new one. It got interesting at this point because my partner could not get the bottle tightened easily. If you remember, I took my last breath. With out an air flowing, my face piece was supplying me with nothing...meaning I couldn't breathe. Finally I was told to take out my regulator allowing me to breathe through the mask. When my partner realized what was going wrong, they took the steps to get me breathing air again.
On my turn, I did everything fairly well. Had a little trouble getting the bottle back in, but managed to get the bottle changed in under a minute. I thought working with gloves on this drill would be hard, but it turned out not to be the case.
Drill Two: Complete the confined space trailer with air. No problem.
Drill Three: Pass through a studded wall opening, removing one arm from the cylinder harness. Again, on air. Not a problem.
Drill Four: Climb the tower and up the ladder to the top floor. Return to the bottom using the outside stair case. Done.
Using the mask will take some getting use to. While it is not a problem wearing it, breathing just through the mask and not using air can get a little tiresome. It's almost like you can't get a full breath.
PT was done quickly, and we were done around 4:45.
All in all, a good day to be at the training center.
After our classroom work we took all our gear and headed to the gym. There we put on our gear and took it off. And when I mean put it on, I mean everything...face piece, harness, coat, pants, etc...At one point we did it three times in a row. I would barely get my last thing donned, and then immediately told to take everything off. I would then be pulling my foot out of my boot when they would tell us to go again...and so forth.
We must have not been doing it to Captains expectations, because we broke down to small groups and worked on taking the PPE gear on and off.
Let me clarify what we have to do and have done by the end of the academy:
In two minutes we have to:
Put on our hood, step into our boots, pull them up using the suspenders, fasten the pants, put on our coat, snap all four buttons, buckle all for buckles, pull over the chin protector, place the harness assembly on our back, snap the bottom buckle, pull the bottom straps to tighten, clip the top of the harness, pull the top straps to tighten, remove the hood top and pull it behind the head, place our head through the face piece neck strap, place the face piece on our face and secure it to position, pull the hood back over our heads, making sure to cover all face piece buckles, place our helmet on the head, secure it using the chin strap (making sure to pass through the neck strap of the face piece), Turn on the air cylinder...opening it all the way, place the face piece regulator on the face piece track and dock it, put on both gloves, pull down the face shield mounted on the helmet, and un-dock the face piece regulator and push it into place....Done and breathing air. We then do the reverse.
That will all have to be done in two minutes and in the dark.
After lunch (which was fantastic...ham, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and banana pudding) we go into a large circle and did a timed Dress out drill. I had a few hic ups, but all in all...it's getting faster.
During that last drill, my air cylinder regulator had become lose. When I turned on the air, it was shouting out the bottle. I quickly reached back and tightened the regulator and it fixed my problem.
The remainder of our classroom day was spent doing four drills:
Drill one: In full turnouts and on air, complete a two person bottle exchange. This involved one person kneeling on the ground, while the other person changed out the air cylinder.
This skill required the person kneeling to hold their breath for an extended period of time. When my partner was ready (having already unlocked the bottle from the harness), she turned the cylinder down completely and then back on. On her count I took my breath and purged my system. She then un-tightened my air cylinder regulator, removed the bottle and replaced it with a new one. It got interesting at this point because my partner could not get the bottle tightened easily. If you remember, I took my last breath. With out an air flowing, my face piece was supplying me with nothing...meaning I couldn't breathe. Finally I was told to take out my regulator allowing me to breathe through the mask. When my partner realized what was going wrong, they took the steps to get me breathing air again.
On my turn, I did everything fairly well. Had a little trouble getting the bottle back in, but managed to get the bottle changed in under a minute. I thought working with gloves on this drill would be hard, but it turned out not to be the case.
Drill Two: Complete the confined space trailer with air. No problem.
Drill Three: Pass through a studded wall opening, removing one arm from the cylinder harness. Again, on air. Not a problem.
Drill Four: Climb the tower and up the ladder to the top floor. Return to the bottom using the outside stair case. Done.
Using the mask will take some getting use to. While it is not a problem wearing it, breathing just through the mask and not using air can get a little tiresome. It's almost like you can't get a full breath.
PT was done quickly, and we were done around 4:45.
All in all, a good day to be at the training center.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Day 16 - And the winner is....
Let's start this out by me coming clean. I'm tired and my body hurts. I don't know if that's a good thing and to get better I have to hurt, or if I'm just weak. I'm hoping it's the first. Time will tell...
As for the day? Couldn't have gone better, but the day started with a big scare. All of us were to bring our blue pants to the training center today. Come to find out, a handful of folks forgot. Lucky for all of us, Captain didn't check our pants today.
After chores, I sat down and started reviewing for a suspected quiz. My partner and the two behind us bounced questions off one another until it was time to begin. I've found that I pick up a ton of info that way, and it showed. I was able to answer every question with not having to think a whole lot.
We had a few things to wrap up in the classroom. We completed those few pages and headed out to the resource building to pick up our turnout bags and my new best friend for the next few months....my SCBA harness.
Back in the gym we practiced changing air cylinders, changing in to all our turnouts and face shields, and finally cranking on the cylinder and breathing that cool mountain air (or something like that). I'm proud to say that everyone in the class seemed to NOT mind the face piece. I figured we have at least 1 person have some trouble, but none. Congrats everyone....
We ended class time with a fun relay race. We were divided into two groups...A and B battalion. Our relay consisted of two parts....Get all your gear on and head out to a fire truck and don a SCBA system while sitting. Simple rules, simple game...right?
With thirteen folks on both sides, our game began. Once dressed the battalion chief headed out to the truck. As soon as he left, the next person in line got dressed. As soon as the battalion chief returned, the second person in line went out to the truck and the third person started getting dressed and so on and so on.
I was fourth in line, so I went fairly early. When it was my turn to get ready, I took my time and made sure all parts were put on correctly. My teammates made sure everything was fitting correctly. As I approached the door, Captain H yelled out to send a member for Squad B. I started to head out, but was stopped quickly by Captain W. It really was NOT time for me to go. A few minutes later, I saw a teammate jogging up to us, he tagged me, and away I went. In full turnouts, I climbed the ladder, went through the safety gate and sat down in a small, cramped seat. The seat couldn't have been bigger than your normal chair, but just imagine it enclosed on all sides. I removed my gloves, felt around for my straps, fastened up, turned on my air and prepped my face piece regulator. I engaged my air, stood up, tightened up my straps. I was then checked over by an instructor and sent back into the back of the truck to set up the harness for the next one in line.
I returned back to the gym, tagged the next person in line, and enjoyed what I just had accomplished. It was fun and I had a blast.
After our relay race, we got ready for PT with Ralph. And today was more of the same...Seal Crawls, Swims, one arm crawls, push-ups, butt walks, and many many more.
It was a great day that ended hard, but all in all an awesome day. Bring on tomorrow.
As for the day? Couldn't have gone better, but the day started with a big scare. All of us were to bring our blue pants to the training center today. Come to find out, a handful of folks forgot. Lucky for all of us, Captain didn't check our pants today.
After chores, I sat down and started reviewing for a suspected quiz. My partner and the two behind us bounced questions off one another until it was time to begin. I've found that I pick up a ton of info that way, and it showed. I was able to answer every question with not having to think a whole lot.
We had a few things to wrap up in the classroom. We completed those few pages and headed out to the resource building to pick up our turnout bags and my new best friend for the next few months....my SCBA harness.
Back in the gym we practiced changing air cylinders, changing in to all our turnouts and face shields, and finally cranking on the cylinder and breathing that cool mountain air (or something like that). I'm proud to say that everyone in the class seemed to NOT mind the face piece. I figured we have at least 1 person have some trouble, but none. Congrats everyone....
We ended class time with a fun relay race. We were divided into two groups...A and B battalion. Our relay consisted of two parts....Get all your gear on and head out to a fire truck and don a SCBA system while sitting. Simple rules, simple game...right?
With thirteen folks on both sides, our game began. Once dressed the battalion chief headed out to the truck. As soon as he left, the next person in line got dressed. As soon as the battalion chief returned, the second person in line went out to the truck and the third person started getting dressed and so on and so on.
I was fourth in line, so I went fairly early. When it was my turn to get ready, I took my time and made sure all parts were put on correctly. My teammates made sure everything was fitting correctly. As I approached the door, Captain H yelled out to send a member for Squad B. I started to head out, but was stopped quickly by Captain W. It really was NOT time for me to go. A few minutes later, I saw a teammate jogging up to us, he tagged me, and away I went. In full turnouts, I climbed the ladder, went through the safety gate and sat down in a small, cramped seat. The seat couldn't have been bigger than your normal chair, but just imagine it enclosed on all sides. I removed my gloves, felt around for my straps, fastened up, turned on my air and prepped my face piece regulator. I engaged my air, stood up, tightened up my straps. I was then checked over by an instructor and sent back into the back of the truck to set up the harness for the next one in line.
I returned back to the gym, tagged the next person in line, and enjoyed what I just had accomplished. It was fun and I had a blast.
After our relay race, we got ready for PT with Ralph. And today was more of the same...Seal Crawls, Swims, one arm crawls, push-ups, butt walks, and many many more.
It was a great day that ended hard, but all in all an awesome day. Bring on tomorrow.
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