Blog 16: Advisory Meeting #2

EQ: What is the best way for a team of firefighters to limit injuries and fatalities while fighting structural fires? 

Answer #2: The best way for a team of firefighters to limit injuries and fatalities when fighting structural fires is by conducting routine equipment checks. A firefighter's equipment is their first line of defense and is also critical for being able to fight structure fires. Their personal protective equipment, ladders, ropes, and trucks should be constantly being checked in order to insure a safe day at work.

Support 1: Personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of a firefighters coat, pants, hood, helmet, boots, gloves, breathing apparatus, and personal alert safety system (PASS). As explained in "The History of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment" by Paul Hasenmids, PPEs are a firefighters first line of defense against heat and exposures. I was also told, while conducting my 3rd interview, that most firefighters start off their day by checking their personal equipment and later learned how a little act can make such a big difference. 

Support 2:  A self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is a device that all firefighters use in order to receive breathable air when put in dangerous atmospheres. As I learned from being part of an explorers program, there a nine different components that make up an SCBA. I was also told that this piece of equipment needed to be cleaned and inspected daily and after each use.

Support 3: In the article "8 Ways to Protect Against Cancer with PPE" by Grace Stull I learned that personal protective equipment does not only protect a fireman from heat, but it also helps reduce the risk of obtaining any disease. This article specifically focuses on cancer, but I've also heard about the effect that other chemicals can have on the health of firefighters, such as carbon monoxide. From conducting research checks I've learned the importance that PPEs can have on a firefighter's health and why it's crucial to make sure they are always in working condition. 

Research Sources: 

Jeffrey O. and Grace G. Stull. "8 Ways to Protect Against Cancer with PPE." Firerescue1.com. Firerescue1.com, 28 January 2014. Web. 6 February 2014.

Hasenmeier, Paul. "The History of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment." Fireengineering.com. Pennwell, 16 June 2008. Web. 6 February 2014.

McCromack, Jim. "A Guide to the Daily Equipment Check." Firefighter Nation. Firefighter Nation, 1 Mar. 2011. Web. 21 Feb. 2014.

Concluding Sentence:

The best way for a team of firefighters to limit injuries and fatalities when fighting structural fires is by conducting routine equipment checks.