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Firefighter Mentorship Program

by Battalion Chief Gerald A. Tracy, Battalion 49

The intent of this program is for FDNY members to work on and respond to written drill scenarios during their tours and generate answers and solutions. Before the end of their tour, the Firefighters submit their worksheets to their Officer, who reviews the answers and provides comments and corrections if needed. The Officer signs and dates the sheets and returns them to Chief Tracy. The Chief then compiles the information and returns the data to the members for their review and edification. This facilitates and encourages the veteran Firefighters to share their extensive knowledge and experience with the younger members of the Department.

Goals of this program are to improve and enhance FDNY efforts toward teamwork, interaction, attitude, character building, pride and fire/emergency efficiency. This program encourages veteran Firefighters to mentor those members with fewer years on the job and provides them with a forum and motivation tool. It provides Chief Tracy with an opportunity to identify his members’ strong points and shortcomings and focus on the areas that should be addressed in future training drills and exercises. While there is nothing “new” here because the material already appears in official FDNY procedures, it is another format to reinforce knowledge and takes the critique process a step further.

This second segment provides two common problems that Firefighters might encounter. Answers from Battalion 49 Firefighters follow each problem. Readers should feel free to print this material from their computers, answer the questions and send them to Battalion Chief Gerald A. Tracy via the FDNY Department mail service (“the bag”) at Battalion 49 or U.S. mail at 22-63 35th Street, Astoria, New York 11105. Or, fax your answers to him at 718-932-1378. By sharing knowledge, we all become more competent.

Truck fire on a residential street. Problem #3
You have responded to a reported truck fire on a residential street. On arrival, what information would you consider important to your size-up?

Engine Companies should provide information relevant to them.
Ladder Companies should provide information pertinent to them.

Answers

  • First-to-arrive Engine should attempt to establish a water supply upwind and uphill if possible.--E
  • Second-due Engine may have to protect exposures.--E
  • Is there an immediate life hazard?--B
  • Are any overhead electric wires exposed to fire?--B
  • Position apparatus to protect members from traffic.--B
  • Be aware of placards.--B
  • Hazardous materials may be involved. Transmit the appropriate signal.--B
  • Wear SCBA and all PPE.--B
  • What is the wind direction? People may have to be evacuated.--B
  • Set up a hot zone, if required. Warm and cold zones may be required as well.--L
  • Dike any spills or runoff of water/foam, etc.--L
  • Is the truck secure/stabilized with chocks, etc.?--L
  • Are the fuel tanks of the tractor exposed to fire?--E
  • Consider foam operations.--E
  • While forcing entry with partner saws, sparks may ignite vapors, etc.--L
  • Transported goods may be water-reactive.--E

Waiting for WaterProblem #4
While waiting for water, what should the first-due Engine attack team be doing?

Answers

  • Size up.--B
  • While awaiting water, control/close the door leading to the fire area.--B
  • Suit up with full PPE.--B
  • Bleed the nozzle.--E
  • Flake out line for a rapid advance, assuring members are on the same side of the line, and remove kinks. Provide the Ladder Company with room on the fire floor so members can force entry.--E
  • Ladder Company should force another apartment to provide an area of refuge.--L
  • Chock all doors that must be entered with hose-line.--B
  • Stay low with all members on one side of the line on the same side of the door.--E
  • Coordinate horizontal ventilation to take place when the attack begins. When the wind is a factor, the outside vent Firefighter shall communicate this to the members operating inside and delay venting until the fire is knocked down.--B
  • Monitor handie-talkie communications.--B
  • Look for a secondary means of egress.--B
  • Take a close look at the floor to view the layout of the room, doorways, location of furniture, etc.--B
  • If time permits, take a look in the apartment below for an observation of the room layout.--B
  • First- and second-to-arrive Engine Companies must communicate and coordinate their actions.--E
  • Be aware of units going above and inform them of progress and/or changing conditions.--B
  • Be observant of crowded stairs. Have members back down to prevent crowding the stairwell.--B

About the Author...

Battalion Chief Gerald A. Tracy is a 27-year veteran of the FDNY. He is assigned to Battalion 49. He has had several articles published in Fire Engineering and WNYF. He is a noted speaker on fire service topics.