Additional Post One: S.C.B.A.

Since I have joined the fire explorers program this summer I have learned many new things. Our post tends to focus on a different topic of firefighting each month (sometimes week). For the month of September the other explorer and I focused the majority of our time learning about SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatuses).

The image above shows a firefighter wearing a SCBA.

The purpose of a SCBA is to provide compressed air to firefighters in an IDLH (immediately danger to life or health) atmosphere. I have learned the 8 major components of a SCBA, how to properly care for and inspect a SCBA, and the 3 most common ways of donning a SCBA.

There are 8 major components that make up a SCBA. These components include:

The image above shows a SCBA.

1. Air Cylinder
2. Facepiece
3. Voice Projection Unit
4. Backpack Harness and Frame
5. Integrated PASS Device
6. Air Gauge/Alarm
7. 1st Stage Regulator and hose
8. 2nd Stage Regulator 

*Firefighters are expected to inspect their SCBAs daily at the start of each shift and after each use.

• They also have to test their SCBA at least once a week to make sure that every component is properly functioning. 

Aside from learning the parts of a SCBA and when to care for it, we also had to learn how to don a SCBA. There are 3 proper methods of donning a SCBA.

1. The first method is known as the Overhead Method.
1. This method of donning the SCBA is called the overhead method because when you are initially putting the SCBA on you have to throw the bottle over your head in order for the backpack harness/frame to slide down your back. 

1. The second method is known as the Sling Method.
1. This method of donning the SCBA is called the sling method because when you are initially putting the SCBA on you have to grab a strap with one hand and sling it onto the opposite shoulder.

1. The third method is known as the Crosshand Method.
1. This method of donning the SCBA is called the crosshand method because when you are initially putting the SCBA your hands are cross over one another. 

*After learning the three methods of donning a SCBA we had to practice putting them on so that it takes no longer than 1 minute. 

Overall, an SCBA is an extremely useful piece of equipment that is used often by firefighters, which is why it is so important that firefighters know every part of it. 

Blog 6: Second Interview Questions

Content: 

1. Justin Cunningham / L.A. County Fire Department 
2. I plan on asking my mentor questions that will help me justify him as an expert in his topic. These questions include:

• Can you tell me a little about yourself and your work experience?
• How long have you been working on the job?
• What can you tell me about about the L.A. County Fire Department?
• Did you always want to work for L.A. County?
• What are some jobs that you had prior to becoming a firefighter which helped you become one?
• What are some programs or events that you choose to partake in  which helped you reach your career?
•  When did you know that you wanted to become a firefighter? 
• What did you have to do in order to become a firefighter? 
• How did you physically and mentally prepare yourself for becoming a fireman?
• In what way has this career effected your life?
• What do you have to do, and what do you do, in order to be the best firefighter you can possibly be?
• How would you plan on further expanding your knowledge related to this topic?

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

1. Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?  

After completing my summer mentorship and findings an extensive amount of research I have been able to learn more than I would have ever imagined about the fire department. I have met many people who work and aspire to work for the fire department simply through completing my mentorship hours. That experience alone has also given me the opportunity to work hands on with other firefighters as they tough me vital information which they use on a daily basis, such as throwing ladders onto buildings and properly using their safety equipment. Although I would have to say that the majority of the positive things that have happened so far have come from completing my mentorship hours, I don't want to undermine the importance that finding research has had on me. Researching has allowed me to learn about several different aspects of firefighting, such as health, safety, and work life. All these positive outcomes that have arisen so far have had a big impact in my life, seeing as the new stuff that I have learned will help me forever.  

2. EQ Content: Pick a piece of research or your interview. How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?  

After reading "The Importance of Staying Hydrated" by Aaron Zamzom I was able to get a small glance at a minor hardships that firefighters are faced with, hydration. Although hydration plays a huge role in a firefighters life, many ignore its importance. It helps keep their bodies functioning properly and it protects them from several other heath conditions, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat strokes. At first I thought that this article was going to be of no use, and to be honest I only got it because it seemed amusing, but after reading it I knew that I was wrong. This article was filled with several facts from reliable sources such as the World Health Organization and it was really helpful because it helped me understand the importance that hydration plays on a firefighters life.  

3. What has worked for you so far in the senior project?  

Although there have been ups and down throughout this senior project, a common work habit that I have found to be beneficial so far has been the use of my resources. Being able to go the local library whenever a research check I coming up has been a great help considering that at first I couldn’t find any reliable information on firefighting. Aside from the library, being able to talk to other firefighters while I attend fire explorer meetings has also been a helpful experience because they help clarify any confusion that I may have on a certain topic.  

4. What hasn't worked so far?

  The biggest problem that I have faced throughout this senior project is focusing on one aspect of firefighting. I am continuously changing my mind and don’t know whether I should focus on structure fires, brush fires, hazmat, or medical calls. This indecisiveness has made me get a lot of information which I have not been able to apply to my life, which I find really disappointing.

  5a. What is a potential question you would like to study this year? (working EQ)  

What is the most efficient way to get a group of firefighters to work together under extreme levels of stress? I would deconstruct that essential question by defining the words efficient, firefighters, and stress. With my current knowledge I would probably answer the question by saying that a group needs to have good team work, be effective communicators, and trust one another.   What is the most effective way to put out a structure fire? I would deconstruct that possible essential question by defining the words effective and structure fire. I find this question to be a bit more interesting than the first one because I really don’t know how to answer it and it would require some true research and learning on my part.  

5b. What do you plan to do for mentorship? If you haven't found a mentor yet, then discuss where you are currently looking and who you are talking to find it.

  For my mentorship I plan on trying to attend the fire explorer academy, which will eventually let me go on rides with firefighters when they’re on calls. If that doesn’t work I will probably continue to attend my traditional explorer meetings which are held every weekend.