Picture the last incident you responded to. Now imagine you had no means of communication, no radio, no cell phone, nothing. How much more difficult and dangerous would the fire scene become? Communication is key on the fireground and must be conducted properly. When using a radio, it is important to use clear and concise language to ensure your message is heard correctly. If you receive a call, repeat the information to the other person to ensure you heard it correctly, especially if it is vital. For instance, if the fire behavior has changed and you are now required to escape, you will want to hear this information clearly. In the event this does happen, you need to be aware of how to protect yourself by deploying a fire shelter effectively and efficiently.
In 1994, a tragic wildfire spread across Storm King Mountain, claiming the lives of 14 brave firefighters. Those who survived share their experiences, what actions may have saved their lives, what they feel went right, and what went wrong. We can take case studies like these and learn much from them to make a safer fire environment for future firefighters taking on the challenge. Since the case study incident, equipment and approach methods have been developed to aid efforts to suppress the flames. While our equipment and approach may be modernized, we are still at risk of falling victim to the dangers of the wildfire scene. It is important to utilize the available tools as they are meant to be used and avoid unnecessary injury.
Course Type: Full-length Course
Course Duration: 90 mins
