Additional Post 7: 55th Class Graduation

Two weeks into the month of March post ten and I attended L.A. County's 55th Explorer Graduate Academy. It was a great ceremony that was packed with several other explorers throughout the county. Four people from my post graduated that day. The ceremony itself lasted about two hours and afterwards there was a demonstration. During the demonstration a car was blown up and a helicopter swarmed the area. It was quite a scene! All in all that day was great and I left leaving proud to be an explorer. The picture below was taken during the demonstration.

Blog 18: Answer 3

EQ Answer #3:
 After Action Reviews

1st Detail:
After Action Reviews are used as debriefing methods after an incident. An example could be a team of firefighter coming together to talk about a structure fire that they just came back from.

2nd Detail:
In after action reviews a set of questions are asked. An example of a question is "What went well or what didn't during the incident."

3rd Detail:
After action reviews are used to improve on mistakes make at previous incidents. An example is a firefighter who once failed to communicate well with a team but after conducting AARs, he talked with the team more.

Concluding Sentence:

By conducting after action reviews, firefighters can improve their skills and avoid future injuries and fatalities. 

Blog 17: Fourth Interview

1. What is the best way for a team of firefighters to limit injuries and fatalities while fighting structural fire? 
2. How can a fireman help protect themselves, as well as their partners, while on duty? 
3. What would you recommend a lesser experienced firefighter to in order to cope with high stress situations? 
4. Can you explain to me the importance of conducting a proper scene size up?
5. What are some steps to take when conducting a scene size up? 
6. What do you do to prepare your equipment each day? Is there anything specific that you check and make sure is working?
7. In your opinion, what equipment is more useful to you and your safety? 
8. Can you explain to me how an After Action Report(AAR) is usually done? 
9. How important are AARs to you and your station? What are some pros? 
10. What do you do in order to stay physically and mentally sharp?
11. How can being in optimum shape help you in the fire service? 
12. How do you stay mentally sharp and constantly train your skills? 
13. What are some major precautions that you and everyone else in your station take while working?
14. What are some other common injuries that tend to happen in the fire service? 
15. How can this seemingly normal injury be prevented? 
16. Can you tell me about some uncommon injuries that you find in the fire service? 
17. How can these types of injuries been avoided? 
18. Can you tell me about an injury that you, or someone you know, has gotten while on the job?
19. What is the most important factor that could be used to prevent injuries and even fatalities? 
20. Is there any aspect of the fire service that you would change in order to increase the safety of you and your fellow brothers?