BATTALION 14 News & Information

On Tuesday, August 29, at 1630 hours Battalion 14 companies responded to a well involved Commercial Building at 6845 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood. Due to the close proximity of the incident to the Burbank Airport, responding companies initially thought the large loom-up may have been caused by an incident involving an aircraft.


Truck 102 works through traffic enroute to the incident. Photo by Mike Meadows

Battalion 14 companies TF 60, TF 89 and LF 102 found a large (150' X 100') metal clad commercial building housing a Cabinet Shop well involved on arrival. Initial attack lines consisted of 2 1/2" hand lines with large tips for better penetration on the deep seeded fire.

Engine 302 sets up to supply handlines and master streams. Photo by Mike Meadows

Firefighters took every effort to confine the fire to the building of origin. One of the obstacles that first responders faced at this incident was the safety hazard presented by charged overhead electrical lines falling over hoselines. There were no serious injuries to Department members at this incident.


Members used 2 1/2" hand lines for initial attack. Photo by Mike Meadows

With the cause of the fire still under investigation initial loss has been estimated at 2.7 million dollars. Many companies who would have normally been assigned to this incident were not available at the time of dispatch due to their committment at a nearby Brush Fire.

Members of 102s and 27s prepare to attack the fire. Photo by Mike Meadows



Master Streams were eventually needed for Knockdown. Photo by Mike Meadows

Fire Video

LAFD BLOG Link

Job well done!

It is with great sadness that we post the following article....

BRONX PROBIE DIES IN FIRE

August 28th, 2006 by RTG

An inferno in a Bronx 99-cent store killed a probationary firefighter yesterday and critically injured a decorated lieutenant after a catastrophic floor collapse trapped the duo and three other Bravest in a smoky hell for nearly an hour.

Michael Reilly, 25, a Marine who served in Iraq and realized his dream of joining the FDNY just last month, died after tumbling with colleagues into a basement when an air conditioning unit
plunged through a burning roof and through the ground floor.

For an agonizing hour, rescue workers from across the city desperately struggled to reach Reilly, of Engine Co. 75, and his colleagues. But it was too late to save the probie.

“He did what he wanted to do and made a difference, whether it was defending the country in Iraq or defending our lives here on the streets of New York City,” a somber Mayor Bloomberg said of Reilly last night.

Lt. Howard Carpluk, a twice-decorated 20-year FDNY vet, was clinging to life last night after he was pulled out of the basement of the burning Mount Eden building.
Doctors managed to revive Carpluk after he arrived at the hospital in cardiac arrest. But sources said he was in dire condition and on a ventilator.

Bloomberg asked New Yorkers to pray for the family of Reilly and for Carpluk’s recovery.
It was the worst tragedy to hit the FDNY since the two Black Sunday blazes on Jan. 23, 2005, that killed three firefighters.One of those fires, in which two firefighters plunged to their deaths from a burning apartment building, took place on E. 178th St., barely a half-mile from yesterday’s tragedy.

The blaze at the Mega 99 Cent store on Walton Ave. started behind a refrigerator around 12:30 p.m., and officials said it did not appear to be suspicious. Shopkeeper Anis Shaibi said he tried to douse the fire with a fire extinguisher, but fled with his workers when the fridge’s glass door blew out and flames shot up toward the ceiling. Firefighters quick.ly raised a second alarm at 12:38 p.m., and a third alarm was called 30 minutes later.

“We saw the fire expanding so quick and stuff falling from the ceiling,” Shaibi said.
Firefighters raced to the store and rushed inside to search for possible victims after determining that there were no flames below them, Bloomberg said. Reilly, Carpluk and the others were directing a hose onto the fire, but the worst danger was above them on the roof, where a large air conditioning unit sat.

With flames licking at the roof, the unit came crashing through the roof and the ground floor - creating a hole that swallowed the firefighters, sources and witnesses said. “It fell through the roof and the roof went with it,” said Jashira Abreu, 25, who watched in horror from her apartment across the street.

In a flash, the five firefighters were trapped in mounds of debris and rubble, surrounded by smoke and flames. “I just kept praying for them,” Abreu said.

The firefighters quickly issued Mayday distress calls, drawing more than 130 Bravest, as well as ambulances and other rescue workers from across the city. Smoke billowed out of the dingy one-story building, which also houses money transfer and cell phone businesses. Even as torrential rain pelted them, scores of soot-covered firefighters swarmed the building as rescuers tried to reach the trapped men.

It was a race against time because firefighters are equipped with oxygen canisters that generally last for about 40 minutes. Three of the firefighters were rescued before their air ran out.
But it was harder to get to Reilly and Carpluk.

“They knew where they were, they just had a lot of debris,” said a top rescue official. “The last two, it took a lot of time to get to them.”

The first men to get help were Thomas Auer, 47, of Battalion 17; John Grasso, 45, of Engine 92, and Wayne Walters, 30, of .Engine 75. They were taken to Jacobi Medical Center, where they were all listed in serious but stable condition. “He’s okay,” said Walters’ relieved father-in-law, Frank McKenna. But Reilly and Carpluk were in far graver condition when they were rushed to nearby Bronx-Lebanon Hospital.

Reilly, a Marine Corps veteran who served a tour of duty in Iraq, was pronounced dead at 3:17 p.m. Doctors said they believed Reilly, who was in cardiac arrest when he arrived at the hospital, did not die from burns or smoke inhalation.

Carpluk was transferred to Montefiore Medical Center, where doctors were desperately working to save him as family and firefighters kept vigil.
Back at the scene of the fire, huge klieg lights shone down as fire marshals inspected the still-smoking ruins.

Sources said investigators were looking at whether the store was illegally subdivided and whether there were pre-existing structural problems.

“To see it all burn up, it really hurts a lot,” Shaibi said. “It’s sad.”
(Source:NYDN)

God Bless the Bravest.

To the family and friends of these brave men, and to all of the members of the FDNY, we offer our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers.

Requiescat in Pace, Michael Reilly.

On Saturday, August 26, Battalion 14 responded with TF 73, E 7, E 60, E 84, E 103, E 39, E 83, BC 12, BC 10, DIV 3, H 3, and H 6 to a reported Brush Fire at 4501 Encino Ave. Initial reports indicated a fire near the Encino Resevoir. Companies responding to the fire saw a significant "Loom-Up" enroute.


Loom-Up in Heavy Brush - Photo by M. Meadows

Upon arrival Battalion 14 was assigned to the Hot Flank of the fire - designated Division Z (Zulu) by Division 3 Assistant Chief Roderick Garcia. Division 3 was designated "Encino I.C." Concurrent with their assignment as Division Z Battalion 14 was notified that a home was immediately threatened by the advancing fire on Via Vallarta.

Battalion 14 calls for Structure Protection. Photo by M. Meadows

Upon arrival to the Via Vallarta location Battalion 14 found six homes threatened by the advancing fire front. The fire was topographically driven at this point with the only wind being that created by the fire itself. With no companies at the location, Battalion 14 requested five Engines for Structure Protection with a top priority from Encino I.C.

Battalion 14 confers with Battalion 17. Photo by M. Meadows


Encino I.C., following Battalion 14s notification that structure protection on Via Vallarta and PuertoVallarta was a top priority, coordinated critical water drops near the homes with "Helco". The initial drops by air resources slowed the advancing front near the homes. It was this action that was the primary factor in saving the exposed structures.


Spectators watch as fire advances towards homes. Photo by M. Meadows

As air resources made critical drops on the rapidly advancing fire, ground resources pinched the fire on the flanks and set up for Structure Protection near homes at the top side of the fire. Companies near the Encino Reservoir used Siphon Ejectors layed down a 100' embankment to the resevoir itself to supply firefighting companies with water. With very little wind and moderate temperatures the fire none the less displayed very significant flame lengths and rapidly advanced through the dense brush. The extremely steep slope West of the reservoir was in perfect South facing alignment for pre-heating the fuels that contributed to the spread of the fire.

Heavy-Lift copter makes drop on fire front. Photo by M. Medows


The Heavy-Lift copters provided on lease to the LAFD by Erickson Sky Crane provided critical air support for fire suppression efforts at this incident. Working with smaller copters normally assigned to LAFD Air Operations the Heavy Lifts were able to deliver large amounts of water with a quick turn-around time as they refilled from the Encino Reservoir adjacent to the incident. Watching them make their drops in concert with the pin-point precision drops made by the smaller copters is truly awe-inspiring.

The combination of hard working ground resources along with the air resources is critical in a Wildland Interface fire. Without the air support in the early stages of the fire homes would have surely been damaged or lost at this incident. Ironically, this was the first day that the "Heavy-Lift" helicopters were available to our Department.

Engines in Staging for Encino Brush Fire. Photo by M. Meadows

Battalion 14 B/C Williams (Division Z) worked closely with Battalion 17 B/C Gaffney (Division P) on Structure Protection. Battalion 14 placed E 72, E 88, E 100 and RE 109 on Puerto Vallarta, Via Vallarta and Twilight Lane to protect homes. Additional resources protecting structures and providing Line Construction and Line Support included E 64, E 21, E 47, E 34 and LA County Camp Crews 13-1, 13-2, 15-2 and 8-2.

Fire Video

Thanks for all the hard work, your efforts are very appreciated by Battalion 14!

Battalion 14-C responded to a pair of multiple-patient traffic accidents on Sunday, August 27, 2006.

Three vehicles were involved in an early-morning incident at the intersection of Sherman Way and Laurel Canyon Blvd. Police say a south-bound Nissan Maxima ran a red light and collided with an east-bound vehicle in the intersection.
The Maxima hopped the sidewalk at the southeast corner and ended up in front of the doorway of a tire store. The other vehicle careened into a car waiting to turn left on Sherman Way. TF89 reported a still-alarm TA just north of their quarters and asked Operations Control Dispatch (OCD) for an additional RA for a total of 3. Upon arrival, Task Force 89 Commander Henry Amparan asked for four more rescue ambulances, trigerring BC14's response. RA89 and EM12 set up Communications, while TF89 handled Triage and EM14 was in charge of Treatment. A total of eight patients, including three with critical head trauma, were transported to five area hospitals.


Later, an RV and auto met up at the intersection of Sherman Way and Fulton Ave.

LF102 was first to arrive, with Captain Dale Bayless assessing that both drivers needed extrication. LF39 was second in, and each Light Force took one of the vehicles. From dispatch to final extrication: 14 minutes. Two patients with moderate injuries were transported.

On Thursday, August 24, Battalion 14 responded with a "B" Assignment to a reported Structure Fire at 10700 Victory Bl. in North Hollywood. Initial units responding included TF 60, TF 89, E 77, E 7, RA 60, RA 889 and EMS 14. Upon arrival Battalion 14 gave the Size Up as a 2-Story Modern Garden Style Apartment over Parking with one Unit on the First Floor Well Involved.
(Above) Captain II Ken Brady of TF 60 communicating with Victory I.C.

As "Victory I.C." Battalion 14 gave the following assignments: LF 60 to Roof (Vent/Roof Division), E 60 Fire Attack First Floor, T 89 Roof/Search and Rescue Second Floor, E 89 Floor Above, E 7 Search and Rescue First Floor, E 77 Back-Up Fire Attack, RA 889 assist LF 89, EMS 14 Medical Group Leader, RA 60 Medical Group. (Above) Captain II Brady.

As Victory I.C. Battalion 14 requested one additional Task Force and two additional Paramedic Rescues upon learning of 2 injured civilians. One of the injured civilians was a motorist who was passing by the scene and stopped to give assistance. After stopping he entered the building to see if anyone needed help. Unable to enter the fire unit due to intense heat he located a 92 year old female in the Unit next door to the fire who was in distress due to the heavy smoke. He broke a window to enter her apartment and removed her to safety. (Above) Firefighters Chris Russell, Jeff Ochoa and Ralph Schmuckenputz prepare to place the 35 foot extension ladder.

As the members of E 60 battled intense heat to advance their line on the fire the additional units requested were formed as the Rapid Intervention Component. The members assigned to Search and Rescue reported that their primary searches were "clear". Battalion 10 Commander Joe Foley (additional) was assigned as the Safety Officer and also "reconned" the scene. (Above) The members of TF 60 begin to raise the 35 foot extension ladder.

Following the "Knockdown" firefighters completed their Secondary Search and determined that there were no civilians inside the Fire Unit or adjacent Units who were in need of assistance. Firefighters knocked the fire down in 13 minutes. (Above) The fire begins to intensify shortly before the Fire Attack Team gets a good hit on the Fire Unit.

The occupants of the Fire Unit were not home at the time of the incident. One Firefighter suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene to return to his duties. The individual Units had recently been converted to "Condos". (Above) E 89 lays a 3 1/2" Supply Line across Victory Bl. on arrival.

Firefighters did an excellent job of containing the fire to the Unit of Origin. Damage was listed at $75,000 to the structure and $20,000 to the contents. The cause of the fire is under investigation. (Above) Truck 60 and Truck 89 raise their aerials for rapid roof access/egress.

Battalion 14 Thanks All Members for a Great Effort!

On 8/24 Battalion 14 responded to a reported Drowning on Mammoth Avenue in Studio City. Although not a part of the initial dispatch Battalion 14 added themselves to the incident when they realized they were approximately 2 blocks from the reported address.

As the first unit to arrive on scene the members of Battalion 14 ran to the reported address to find a 1-year old female who had just been removed from the family pool by her father. The child was found on her back under water. It was unknown how the child fell into the pool.

After a quick assessment by the Battalion 14 members the child was moved to Rescue 88 following their arrival on scene. It was determined that an Air Ambulance would be needed to fly the child to Children's Hospital for treatment.

Battalion 14 designated Studio City Park as the Landing Site for the Air Ambulance (Fire 4). Following their arrival on scene units cleared the Landing Site where approximately 75 people were enjoying a day at the park. After both the child and her Mother were loaded into Fire 4 they were flown to Children's Hospital where the child was treated and determined to be in Good Condition.

Battalion 14 responded to a 2-vehicle T/A at Chandler Bl. X Fulton Ave. today with RA 78, RA 860, LF 88, RA 102, RA 39, RA 239, EMS 10 and EMS 12. Units on scene treated and transported a total of 6 patients with moderate to minor injuries.

We are proud to announce the creation of a new web site that will focus on fire and EMS operations. FireEMS Alpha.com, created by the EMT Bravo Group and NYCFire.net, will feature articles and discussions of interest to all members of the Fire Service.

The creators of FireEMSAlpha.com and the EMTBravo Network.net have been following the Battalion 14 site and have been very supportive of our desire to get the latest info, training tips and lessons learned out to our members.

Although located on the East Coast, the FireEMSAlpha team is attempting to bridge the gap to the West Coast by including articles and info of interest to both areas. To that end, they have requested permission to republish articles from the Battalion 14 site. In addition, keep an eye out for articles by the Battalion 14 authors written specifically for the FireEMSAlpha.com on line magazine.

We have posted a link to FireEMSAlpha.com in our Links section.

Check it out!

Battalion 14 companies recently responded to a report of a traffic accident woth "vehicles over the side" of the South Bound 170 Freeway at Chandler Bl. in North Hollywood. Arriving resources found two vehicles that had been involved in an accident and had come to rest on the side of the freeway embankment.

Members used an 1 1/2" attack line to quickly extinguish a small fire in the engine compartment of one of the vehicles. The drivers of both autos were uninjured and were out of the vehicles when our fire and EMS resources arrived.

Battalion 14 recently responded to a fire in a 1-story Strip Mall at 5408 Whitsett Avenue. Initial dispatch included E 78, RA 78, LF 102, RA 102, E 108, E 60 and EMS 14. Additional resources included E 14, LF 60, E 10, LF 39, DIV 3, EMS 10, Batt. 12, LF 89, RA 89, RA 889, E 88, USAR 88, Batt. 10, H 1, RA 60 and A Unit 2.

All photos by Mike Meadows.

SCENARIO #1

You're fighting fire and you become separated from your crew. You can't find your way out. You know you're low on air because you can hear your Low Air Warning Bell ringing. You need to conserve air but your anxiety level is high and trying to find your way out is just using your air up faster.

SCENARIO #2

How in the hell could this happen. One minute you're fighting fire and the next minute you're trapped under debris from a roof collapse. You're unable to see or contact anyone from your crew and you're running out of air. You have to hang in there until somebody finds you. It's not that hot but it's getting hotter and you've got only one chance for survival - make your air last as long as possible.

SCENARIO #3

You're involved in the unthinkable. An explosion has occured at a large warehouse. You're lost, disoriented and remember the I.C. telling everyone to get out of the building shortly before the blast. You also remember hearing a radio message saying something about Hazardous Chemicals in the structure. You find a hoseline and are trying to get out but you know you don't want to run out of air with all of the wierd colored smoke in the building.


Can you imagine being in these situations? You better. It could happen on your next response.

At a recent RIC drill members were asked if they knew what it was like to run out of air. A statement was made that each and every member should practice "running out of air" in a non-emergency situation in order to develop a plan based on that experience.

Please take the time to read the post below and consider the information.

Remember: The first time you run out of air while wearing a Breathing Apparatus should not be at an emergency!

As detailed in a recent post (see below) Battalion 14 recently conducted an RIC Drill. In conjunction with that drill a discussion was held regarding the use of Breathing Apparatus. As a result of that discussion the members of Fire Station 60 "B" Platoon conducted an informal in-house test of their individual Breathing Apparatus. Details of that test along with some Lessons Learned and Issues Raised follow:

OBJECT

On August 8, 2006, the members of Light Force 60, along with the Battalion 14 Command Team, suited up in their Breathing Apparatus in order to:

1. "Run out of air" in a controlled, non-emergency situation.
2. Determine the best method to "conserve" the BA air supply.

RESTRICTIONS

Members were placed into three groups as follows:

Group 1 was "on air" while exercising and was allowed to attempt controlled breathing
without manual manipulation of the BA.

Group 2 was "on air" while exercising and was allowed to attempt controlled breathing
with manual manipulation of the BA.

Group 3 was "on air" without exercising and could take any measures to conserve air
including sitting or laying down, controlled breathing and/or manual manipulation of
their BA.

RECORD KEEPING

The starting air pressure in each members air bottle was recorded and all members started at the same time. Times were recorded for all members along with the personal observations and notes of the members.

The results of the test, although certainly not entirely scientific, are significant and should be
of interest to all members:

HOW LONG DID THEY LAST?

The time of the member who ran out of air the quickest was 53 minutes. This member started with 4061 pounds and was in Group one. (Exercise/No manipulation)

The time of the member who ran out of air the slowest was *94 minutes. This member started with 4060 pounds and was in Group 2. (Exercise/Manipulation) *This is significant!

The time of the member who ran out of air the slowest in Group 3 (No exercise/Manipulation) was 88 minutes. This member started with 4495 pounds.

POUNDS PER MINUTE

The average amount of air used by members ranged from a high of 76 pounds per minute to a low of 43 pounds per minute.

AIR USED AFTER LOW AIR WARNING

The Low Air Warning Bell starts to ring when approximately 1150 pounds of air remains in the air bottle.

The average amount of air used by the member who lasted the longest before the low air warning triggered was 52.9 pounds per minute. After the Low Air Warning began that member, using manipulation of the BA and controlled breathing, was able to lower his average air usage to *26.7 pounds per minute. *This is significant.

HOW DID THEY DO IT?

The members who manipulated their BAs in order to conserve air shut their air bottles off at the bottle between breaths. The members who were able to stop the Low Air Warning Bell from ringing saved the most air. This was done by the member slowly taking a breath with one hand on the shut off. The breath was terminated by the member shutting off the air bottle.

This technique stops the Low Air Warning Bell from ringing and the resultant loss of air to the outside atmosphere. This technique is not easy and takes practice. If perfected the amount of air that can be conserved is very significant and in one case made the member's air supply last for 1 hour and 34 minutes!

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Some of the Lessons Learned and Issues Raised include:

1. You would assume that a member who was standing still (laying down or sitting) from the start of the test would last the longest. This did not happen. The member who lasted the longest was exercising.

2. The combination of controlled breathing and manual manipulation of the BA worked the best.

3. A very significant amount of air is lost to the atmosphere when it is used to power the Low Air Warning Bell.

4. It is significantly harder to draw a breath through your facepiece when using manual manipulatinion. This is a trade-off because your air lasts longer.

5. All of the members commented that their anxiety level went up significantly at two points:
a. When the Low Air Warning Bell started to ring.
b. When they knew they were only "a breath away" from running entirely out of air.

6. The manipulation of the bypass feature did not help to coinserve air.

7. There was concern by all members that there was no "air hose" available to stick in their coat or through an opening to the exterior when out of air. This was compounded by lack of our Emergency Air Cannisters.

8. When manually manipulating the BA the visual readout is unusable. This happens when the air bottle is turned off. This another trade-off that conserves air but may raise the members anxiety level because it is impossible to determine how much air is left.

9. All of the participating members felt the test was beneficial and that it could definitely help them in an actual emergency situation.

CONCLUSION

Although this test was informal it yielded some basic information that was very significant and could benefit all members. It was once again agreed and graphically illustrated that each and every member who uses a Breathing Apparatus needs to develop a plan to address a situation that involves running out of air at an emergency. This plan must include having a thorough understanding of how your Breathing Apparatus functions, its' limitations and capabilities and a practical exercise that addresses running out of air in a controlled, non-emergency situation.

Battalion 14, along with TF 60, RA 881, LF 102, TF 39, RA 78 and EMS 14 recently responded to a reported structure fire at 11946 Saticoy in North Hollywood. First arriving companies went to work on a one story Single Family Dwelling with exposures that were well involved on their arrival.

Here are some photos of the fire. The Battalion 14 commanders thank all members for their efforts at this incident and also thank photographer Mike Meadows who took these outstanding photos and contributed them to our site.

On Tuesday, August 8, Battalion 14, along with Task Force 60, RA 60, RA 860, Task Force 89 and EMS 14 responded to a reported structure fire at 6542 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood.

Due to the significant "loom-up" visible to responding companies and the fact that it was reported to be an apartment house, Battalion 14 requested one additional Task Force. (LF 102 and E 77)








The initial company on scene (LF 60) reported a 1-story single family dwelling that was fully involved. In addition they reported exposures including two 40 foot pine trees well involved, an adjacent vacant lot with over 1/2 acre of grass
involved and a 2-story apartment house directly exposed to fire that would soon be involved without quick protective measures.

Following the placement of the initial companies on scene by LF 60, Battalion 14 assigned additional companies to support fire attack and protect the exposures. The fire was confined and knocked down in 21 minutes.

E 60 did an excellent job of protecting the exposure with help from LF 89 and together they were able to stop the spread of the fire to the apartment house moments before it would have become involved.




Thanks to all of the members for a job well done and a special thank you to Mike Meadows for the outstanding photos. Look for a profile of Mike along with some additional pics in a future post.

The Battalion 14 Commanders are soliciting input for RIC ops. If you have any comments on the post below please post your comments and/or suggestions.

To leave a comment:

1. Go to the end of the post and click on "Post a Comment".
2. Go to the "box" at the right of the page and type your comments.
3. Go to the bottom right of the page and click on the circle for "Anonymous".
4. Click on the "Log In and Publish" bar. (Note* You will not have to "Log In")

We welcome your comments on this and all of our posts. We want to bring you the most up to date info on all of our activities and training and welcome all of your suggestions regarding any subject matter you would like to see on the site.

Thanks!

Yesterday's RIC drill afforded every company in Battalion 14 the chance to either demonstrate or observe standard RIC operations. During the classroom portion of the exercise many aspects of Rapid Intervention were discussed including the following:

1. The scenario given was "Worst Case" - A member who was missing and presumed down. The member was not communicating, had not activated his PASS device and it was unclear where he was last seen.

2. There were two hoselines going into the only entry point with both lines heading in opposite directions. RIC companies were forced to make a choice on which line to follow based on very limited information that was given by the firefighting company on scene.








Lessons Learned included:

1. The speed of the operation determines whether it will be a body recovery or a successful rescue.

2. RIC teams must periodically pause their operation for a short time to listen for the downed member. (Stop/Look/Listen)

3. It is the responsibility of SOD officers and members to make sure that they have a solid RIC plan and operation at the beginning of every shift.

4. Do not pull the firefighting hoseline tight on the initial search. The downed member may be adjacent to the hoseline and pulling it tight may pull it away from him.

5. One of the RIC teams top priorities is to get the downed member "on air" at the earliest possible point.

6. Use the building features to assist in the rescue. In this scenario once the member was found he was taken out through an adjacent rolling steel door that was forcibally opened rather than carried back approximately 100 feet to the entrance portal.

7. The assigned RIC team(s) should coordinate with the company(s) assigned to complete forcible entry/exit. Working together they can accomplish more.

8. Once it is determined that a member is in trouble two things need to happen (in addition to the RIC team ops) 1. F/F ops, including ventilation, must continue or even intensify. 2. Exterior members must make every effort to open every exit, or make additional exits. Consider breaching walls, removing windows, doors, etc.

9. Continually sweep the exterior perimeter and look for signs of Self Rescue. The trapped member may have kicked a wall and you may see a hand, foot, or piece of equipment in a hole that could indicate his location. Look in windows and just below windows if possible.



















Steps that members can take to peform "Self Rescue" or increase their chances of being found were discussed including:

1. EARLY RECOGNITION. All members need to recognize when they are in trouble, or may be in trouble, at the earliest possible moment and take the appropriate measures. There is no shame in activating your PASS device or hitting your Emergency Trigger. Better safe than sorry. A young member may fail to do so simply because he doesn't have the knowledge base or experience to recognize a bad situation. The veteran may fail to act, even though he recognizes a bad situation, due to a false sense of security based on getting out of similiar situations in the past.

2. LOCATION AWARENESS. Take a moment to get your bearings periodically during an incident. Find a wall, memorize your path, have an exit strategy in case you do get in trouble.

3. 6th SENSE. We all have it. It will develop as you gain experience. Basically if something doesn't feel right to you....it isn't. If you're with someone tell them. If you're alone your're already in trouble and should join your company or exit the building.

4. EQUIPMENT CHECK. Full bottle. Fresh radio battery. Proper radio I.D. . Proper PPEs worn correctly.














Once a member is in trouble the following steps should be taken/considered:

1. Activate PASS. Call for help on TAC Channel. If possible, activate Emergency Trigger. Communicate your Name, Company I.D., Location, Condition, Hoseline and anything else that will help the other members or RIC team find you.

2. Stay on the hoseline. This is where the intial search will concentrate. If you can get to a wall take the hoseline with you.

3. Make every attempt to stay calm. Keep your facepiece on. Control and slow your breathing because your life depends on it.

4. Turn on your Flashlight and/or Helmet Light. Listen for the RIC team or other members and tell them that you hear them over the radio or make noise by banging on something so they can find you.

5. Attempt Self Rescue. If you can kick through an exterior wall, even enough to get a hand or foot out, do it. Keep the line with you.

An important discussion was held involving the importance of controlling and slowing your breathing and how it can dramatically improve your chances of survival including:

1. The first time you "run out of air" should not be at an incident. EVERY member needs to suit up and "run out of air" in a controlled/non-emergency situation. Members need to know exactly what this feels like and better prepare themselves for this situation ahead of time. THE FIRST TIME YOU RUN OUT OF AIR SHOULD NOT BE AT AN EMERGENCY!

2. A former member of Fire Station 60 was able to get nearly 2 HOURS out of a 30 minute air bottle using equipment manipulation and breathing techniques. Look for a post in the very near future that will detail this operation.

3. Once communication is established the I.C. should tell the member in trouble that "Help Is On The Way" and to "Stay Calm". Lowering a member's anxiety level should help the member to control their breathing and improve their chances for survival.















It was agreed by all members that when it comes to RIC operations the following holds true:

"THIS IS NOT EASY"

It was also agreed that although there a number of ways to accomplish the goal of a successful rescue all companies should: (as a minimum requirement)

"HAVE A PLAN"


Note* Light Force 60 is working on an RIC operation that takes full advantage of new equipment available to the field. An RIC rescue of a downed member in the basement of Drill Tower 89 at the exercise using the new operation took only 7 minutes from time of entry until the member was brought out to street level. Look for a future post detailing this operation following additional testing and development in the near future.

The Battalion 14 commanders would like to thank all of the members who attended this training for their contributions. If you were not there ask them about it or contact the Battalion 14 office for information. We are developing a Powerpoint summary that we will be happy to make available to all interested members based on the exercise.

Stay safe!