Today was very simple...No dress outs, no PT, all hazmat class. And to top it all off, due to inclement weather, we got out at 1:30. For once the weather did turn a little. We got around 4 inches of snow in some places (and that's a lot for Chattanooga). Tomorrow we could get more, and we are under a winter weather advisory until 4:00pm.
Easy day, to end Week 12.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 55 - HazMat Anyone?
Today we sat in the classroom and discussed hazmat, took a break, came back for some more hazmat, took another break and followed it up with some more hazmat. We then were excused for lunch and afterwords played a little football, followed up with some hazmat. We then ended our day with a little hazmat. Tomorrow...hazmat all day again.
The EMT 5 (well 4 today) were pulled out of PT for our first rounds of Needle sticks. I was the first to go. I was not successful on two attempts. I started a bad trend, because the rest of them couldn't do it either. By the end of our time, two people finally go theirs. I know it's just a matter of time before I get mine.
Did I mention Hazmat tomorrow?
The EMT 5 (well 4 today) were pulled out of PT for our first rounds of Needle sticks. I was the first to go. I was not successful on two attempts. I started a bad trend, because the rest of them couldn't do it either. By the end of our time, two people finally go theirs. I know it's just a matter of time before I get mine.
Did I mention Hazmat tomorrow?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 54 - A Dark entry into Hazmat
We started the day with dress outs, and once again...Bat. A took all four. The last round had us at a little disadvantage. A few of Bat. B's cadets were already half dressed. The instructors than shut the lights out on us, and we had to complete the drill in the dark...very fun.
We spent the rest of the day in the classroom watching videos and hearing lecture on Haz-Mat.
The EMT-5 had class again, so PT was not necessary. I did my exercised at home.
Tomorrow? More Haz-Mat...it's going to be a long day.
Video of the station fire....
To put in perspective, the fire department arrived in 4 or 5 minutes...the building was at a complete loss at that point. 11 minutes later, the whole building was gone....Always look for alternative exits...this place had four, but like most of us, they wanted to get out the same way they went in....
We spent the rest of the day in the classroom watching videos and hearing lecture on Haz-Mat.
The EMT-5 had class again, so PT was not necessary. I did my exercised at home.
Tomorrow? More Haz-Mat...it's going to be a long day.
Video of the station fire....
To put in perspective, the fire department arrived in 4 or 5 minutes...the building was at a complete loss at that point. 11 minutes later, the whole building was gone....Always look for alternative exits...this place had four, but like most of us, they wanted to get out the same way they went in....
Day 53 - Fire Prevention & Public Education
We started the day with lecture, and ended the day with lecture. The last day of fire suppression was one of the longest (not to mention tiring...) The first half of the day was spent on book work. The second half of the day, we had guests from Admin. The Fire Marshal came buy to speak with us. What we thought was going to be a quick talk, ended up being a whole afternoon presentation.
He talked about the importance of Fire Prevention and Public Ed. and how we should have our own plans at home. The kids and I ran through our EDITH (Exit Drill in The home) this evening, and I encourage all of you to do the same.
We also watched a video on the Station Fire ( INFO from Wikipedia ) in which 100 people died in less than 10 minutes. If I find the video, I will post it.
We once again got out of PT.
He talked about the importance of Fire Prevention and Public Ed. and how we should have our own plans at home. The kids and I ran through our EDITH (Exit Drill in The home) this evening, and I encourage all of you to do the same.
We also watched a video on the Station Fire ( INFO from Wikipedia ) in which 100 people died in less than 10 minutes. If I find the video, I will post it.
We once again got out of PT.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 52 - A Long Day for nothing...
Today was a wasted day. We didn't do much of anything. We started the day with chores and dress out drills. I'm sad to say that Bat. A lost the first dress out. Our streak stopped at 8. We did get the second win, to even things out.
We then took our test (another 100) and started class on Fire investigation.
I once again did not have PT due to EMT.
Tomorrow...more classroom and Ralph for PT.
We then took our test (another 100) and started class on Fire investigation.
I once again did not have PT due to EMT.
Tomorrow...more classroom and Ralph for PT.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day 51 - Would you Could you in the Dark?
Week 11 was supposed to be the end of fire suppression. Because we fell behind two days, Haz-Mat will start Wednesday. We did get our books though....ugh....
They day started with dress out in the gym. Battalion A was already on a winning streak of four. To play catch up, we are divided into two Bat. A and B (15 on one side, 15 on the other). When an instructor comes in and yells go, away we go. The first team finished wins.
Heat 1 - Warm-up round (no winner or loser) Heat 2 - Get Fully Dressed head to the baseline (Bat. A winner) Heat 3 - Wait for your partner, head to the baseline (Bat. A winner) Heat 4 - Get fully dressed in the pitch black conditions and head to the baseline with partner (Bat. A winner) and the Final Heat 5 - The front line of cadets were moved in between the last line. Get fully dressed in the pitch black in tight conditions (Bat A winner). For the second dress out day in a row, Bat A took all the heats. Not sure why the success, but I'm glad that I'm doing well. On Monday, we are swapping sides in the gym. We will see if we can keep our streak alive.
For the rest of the morning we folded set up chutes, tarps, and other Loss control skills. After a lunch at Moe's, we got our teams ready for the afternoon challenge - The Philadelphia Drill. This drill had us following a hoseline through a small obstacle course and rescuing a down firefighter (blacked out and on air of course). Our group of five formed our plan. I would go through first, and speed my way to the end of the course and get the firefighter ready to pass through the confined space tube. Oh, here is the course. Crawl through a small square opening and follow the hose until you reach an A-frame wall. Climb up and over the wall and head to the confined space tunnel. Upon exit, the course ends. Return to the beginning with the firefighter.
Our group didn't seem to have any problems. We completed the task in 4 minutes and 38 seconds. That took 3rd place (out of six). Not bad.
Once again, the EMT-5 had class, while the others had a 2-mile run.
I will run my two miles either today or tomorrow.
Next week, two days of fire and the start of Haz-mat.
They day started with dress out in the gym. Battalion A was already on a winning streak of four. To play catch up, we are divided into two Bat. A and B (15 on one side, 15 on the other). When an instructor comes in and yells go, away we go. The first team finished wins.
Heat 1 - Warm-up round (no winner or loser) Heat 2 - Get Fully Dressed head to the baseline (Bat. A winner) Heat 3 - Wait for your partner, head to the baseline (Bat. A winner) Heat 4 - Get fully dressed in the pitch black conditions and head to the baseline with partner (Bat. A winner) and the Final Heat 5 - The front line of cadets were moved in between the last line. Get fully dressed in the pitch black in tight conditions (Bat A winner). For the second dress out day in a row, Bat A took all the heats. Not sure why the success, but I'm glad that I'm doing well. On Monday, we are swapping sides in the gym. We will see if we can keep our streak alive.
For the rest of the morning we folded set up chutes, tarps, and other Loss control skills. After a lunch at Moe's, we got our teams ready for the afternoon challenge - The Philadelphia Drill. This drill had us following a hoseline through a small obstacle course and rescuing a down firefighter (blacked out and on air of course). Our group of five formed our plan. I would go through first, and speed my way to the end of the course and get the firefighter ready to pass through the confined space tube. Oh, here is the course. Crawl through a small square opening and follow the hose until you reach an A-frame wall. Climb up and over the wall and head to the confined space tunnel. Upon exit, the course ends. Return to the beginning with the firefighter.
Our group didn't seem to have any problems. We completed the task in 4 minutes and 38 seconds. That took 3rd place (out of six). Not bad.
Once again, the EMT-5 had class, while the others had a 2-mile run.
I will run my two miles either today or tomorrow.
Next week, two days of fire and the start of Haz-mat.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day 50 - Tarps and a Fake Arm
The day started with some confusion. Most of us had taken our turnouts home to dry out. The sprinkler drill from the day before left us more than soaked. We were told to lock our gear in the gym, and then two minutes later told to get all our gear and head to the gym. Most of us thought it was dress out drill time, when in fact all we had to do was leave it there.
From there we headed back to the class room for instruction on Salvage and overhaul. It was a short lesson on a short chapter. We spent the rest of the morning folding and unrolling tarps. We then had around a hour and half for lunch (a trend for the past two days). We finished up the day folding canvas tarps, covering up a drill station, and watching a few videos.
PT was canceled for the EMT 5. We headed upstairs to the EMT room. I found out today that I will be taking my National Registry Practical Exam on the 5th of February. We also practice starting our IVs on a fake arm. Not that hard, and not that big of a deal. I got to take the arm home and practice.
Fire suppression ends tomorrow...Haz mat is next....
Here is a quick run through of days 30 - 49.
Feel free to ask about any of the days...
Day 30 - December 21 - Forcible Entry Axe Chopping pallets, concrete breaking
Day 31 - Dec. 22 - Battalion leader / Forcible Entry - Axe Chopping, Acetylene Torch, Metal Door Breaching, Pike Pole Trainer, Squad Truck Saws, Window Simulator - Our trip to the power house
Day 32 - Dec. 23 - Horrible Dress outs / Better Afternoon with a top of the drill tower climb with tools (Aerial Ladder), and ladder rescue (knees on shoulder and carry used humans)
Day 33 - Dec. 24 - Short day involving a ride in Chattanooga's only basket ladder and raising and carrying ladders
Day 34 - Dec. 28 - Test Number 7 - Better dress out day / 109 foot climb / Hoisting ladders / Raising ladders / Carrying ladders / Roof ladder deployment /
Day 35 - Dec. 29 - Blood donation and the start of ventilation - No PT
Day 36 - Dec. 30 - Better dress out - Chain saw day - cutting ventilation openings on three different pitches and our first exposure to the effects of smoke - No PT
Day 37 - Dec. 31 - Rainy day involving us going out and starting chain saws and getting a better feel for them - Some recruits had to redo their cuts. Cut with a concrete saw blade - helped set up for in-service - No PT
Day 38 - Jan. 4 - A new year brings a hard test - Better dress outs - Class room on Water supply and Catching hydrants on the drill ground
Day 39 - Jan. 5 - Classroom on Hoses, Throwing and rolling hose and looking at the different types of trucks - Obstacle course during Ralph PT / and the departure of two recruits
Day 40 - Jan. 6 - Hoses hoses and more hoses. Good Dress outs and PT compliments Outside
Day 41 - Jan. 7 - Hose drills in the gym (rolls, lays in the bed, picking up off ground - Good PT)
Day 42 - Jan. 8 - Hose Drills, Dress out competition, Clamps, chainsaws, ladder, No PT
Day 43 - Jan. 11 - Dress outs - Best Test Ever - Weather too cold for water flow - Class Room most of the day
Day 44 - Jan. 12 - Too cold for water flow - more class room - Another Ralph obstacle course
Day 45 - Jan. 13 - First Day of water flow - Up a ladder, replacing a section of hose, master stream, advancing charged hose line (2 1/2, 1 3/4), and hold a smooth bore nozzle (2 1//2) and no PT (prep for night drill)
Day 46 - Jan. 14 - Night Drill started at 12:00. Had breakfast with Jamie and a dive diner in Hixson / Night drill had us advancing hose lines upstairs to put out actual fire / Rescuing people from the 1st floor / wiping the steam off a hot hot room / having pants catch fire / Done at 9:30 pm
Day 47 - Jan. 15 - Continued with drills / group leader / standpipe hookup / PPV Fan hookup / Fire attack / Clean up from hell / No PT
Jan. 18 - No school....MLK DAY!!
Day 48 - Jan. 19 - Good Test / Good Dress Outs (Bat. A takes four in a row) / Classroom on Sprinklers / Ralph's two minute drill
Day 49 - Jan. 20 - Finish Class room on Sprinklers and alarms / Get soaked in the sprinkler drill / No PT due to EMT Class
From there we headed back to the class room for instruction on Salvage and overhaul. It was a short lesson on a short chapter. We spent the rest of the morning folding and unrolling tarps. We then had around a hour and half for lunch (a trend for the past two days). We finished up the day folding canvas tarps, covering up a drill station, and watching a few videos.
PT was canceled for the EMT 5. We headed upstairs to the EMT room. I found out today that I will be taking my National Registry Practical Exam on the 5th of February. We also practice starting our IVs on a fake arm. Not that hard, and not that big of a deal. I got to take the arm home and practice.
Fire suppression ends tomorrow...Haz mat is next....
Here is a quick run through of days 30 - 49.
Feel free to ask about any of the days...
Day 30 - December 21 - Forcible Entry Axe Chopping pallets, concrete breaking
Day 31 - Dec. 22 - Battalion leader / Forcible Entry - Axe Chopping, Acetylene Torch, Metal Door Breaching, Pike Pole Trainer, Squad Truck Saws, Window Simulator - Our trip to the power house
Day 32 - Dec. 23 - Horrible Dress outs / Better Afternoon with a top of the drill tower climb with tools (Aerial Ladder), and ladder rescue (knees on shoulder and carry used humans)
Day 33 - Dec. 24 - Short day involving a ride in Chattanooga's only basket ladder and raising and carrying ladders
Day 34 - Dec. 28 - Test Number 7 - Better dress out day / 109 foot climb / Hoisting ladders / Raising ladders / Carrying ladders / Roof ladder deployment /
Day 35 - Dec. 29 - Blood donation and the start of ventilation - No PT
Day 36 - Dec. 30 - Better dress out - Chain saw day - cutting ventilation openings on three different pitches and our first exposure to the effects of smoke - No PT
Day 37 - Dec. 31 - Rainy day involving us going out and starting chain saws and getting a better feel for them - Some recruits had to redo their cuts. Cut with a concrete saw blade - helped set up for in-service - No PT
Day 38 - Jan. 4 - A new year brings a hard test - Better dress outs - Class room on Water supply and Catching hydrants on the drill ground
Day 39 - Jan. 5 - Classroom on Hoses, Throwing and rolling hose and looking at the different types of trucks - Obstacle course during Ralph PT / and the departure of two recruits
Day 40 - Jan. 6 - Hoses hoses and more hoses. Good Dress outs and PT compliments Outside
Day 41 - Jan. 7 - Hose drills in the gym (rolls, lays in the bed, picking up off ground - Good PT)
Day 42 - Jan. 8 - Hose Drills, Dress out competition, Clamps, chainsaws, ladder, No PT
Day 43 - Jan. 11 - Dress outs - Best Test Ever - Weather too cold for water flow - Class Room most of the day
Day 44 - Jan. 12 - Too cold for water flow - more class room - Another Ralph obstacle course
Day 45 - Jan. 13 - First Day of water flow - Up a ladder, replacing a section of hose, master stream, advancing charged hose line (2 1/2, 1 3/4), and hold a smooth bore nozzle (2 1//2) and no PT (prep for night drill)
Day 46 - Jan. 14 - Night Drill started at 12:00. Had breakfast with Jamie and a dive diner in Hixson / Night drill had us advancing hose lines upstairs to put out actual fire / Rescuing people from the 1st floor / wiping the steam off a hot hot room / having pants catch fire / Done at 9:30 pm
Day 47 - Jan. 15 - Continued with drills / group leader / standpipe hookup / PPV Fan hookup / Fire attack / Clean up from hell / No PT
Jan. 18 - No school....MLK DAY!!
Day 48 - Jan. 19 - Good Test / Good Dress Outs (Bat. A takes four in a row) / Classroom on Sprinklers / Ralph's two minute drill
Day 49 - Jan. 20 - Finish Class room on Sprinklers and alarms / Get soaked in the sprinkler drill / No PT due to EMT Class
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 29 - Brining a Tough Week to a close
Day 29 - We ended our tough week starting forcible entry. It was a rainy day, so we spent the whole first part of the day inside, with classroom instruction.
After lunch, Lieutenant took us outdoors to look at various forcible entry tools and to break into some windows and doors.
We ended the day with some PT and we were allowed to take our gear home for some cleaning. I didn't wash my gear, but I did dress up in it. The kids loved it...
With Christmas on the horizon, we looked forward to a short week.
After lunch, Lieutenant took us outdoors to look at various forcible entry tools and to break into some windows and doors.
We ended the day with some PT and we were allowed to take our gear home for some cleaning. I didn't wash my gear, but I did dress up in it. The kids loved it...
With Christmas on the horizon, we looked forward to a short week.
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