r/Firefighting • u/karazykid Karazy TX FF • Nov 17 '13

Armchair Quarterback Video - Week 3

This video popped up on my recom'd videos today and thought I would share it with everyone. This video is helmet cam footage of an apartment fire, and you can view it here. Please remember to stick to the rules, and keep your posts civil.

Do you have a video you would like to submit for the disccusion? Send it to me /u/karazykid, or message the mods!

While I have your attention, you will notice at the top of /r/firefighting there is now a few drop down menus. This is where you can find the previous/current weekly vids, there is also Fire Depts, and Recommended subs. If you have any links that need to be added to the menus let me know.

11 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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3

u/CxArsenal Firefighter Nov 17 '13

I've seen this video a couple times. All in all there isn't much to critique about these guys, Truth be told I think they did a pretty good job. If I had to say something I would say the improper turnout with that guy not wearing his hood the proper way. But yet again I can kinda side with him, when you hear multiple victims screaming and the structure is fully involved your hood is the least of your worries. (Don't get me wrong, it's number 1 priority) but with the adrenaline pumping more and more and heart rate picking up, it's the small things that slip our minds.. Stay safe!

3

u/turkfeberrary Career FF AZ Nov 18 '13

The hood thing confused me as I, and everyone I know, typically throws the hood on first or right after the pants. The post above says that they were coming from another call, so that may have been the issue.

We don't know how long the first engine was on scene, but it felt to me like it took a little longer than it should have to get supply set up, but if they had the info that there were people on the balcony it makes perfect sense not to leave a guy to hit the hydrant.

I think the biggest problems were that pile of spaghetti and the radio traffic, but all in all, they got the rescues, and knocked the fire down quickly. Damn fine job.

2

u/ofd227 Department Chief Nov 17 '13

Seen this video many times including in training. Its a great example of when to use the vent, enter, search method. There is a lot stuff that could have obviously been done different. I really do feel for the guys in this video because they have a huge task in front of them with not a lot of backup right off the bat. Multiple people trapped with a fully involved first floor. Really a worst case scenario. My biggest "critique" is how unprepared they where with their turnouts. These guys where coming from another call, they should have already had all there gear on properly! The guy with the hood on outside and his neck showing is just asking to get burned.

3

u/karazykid Karazy TX FF Nov 17 '13

I have worked a couple of house fires, none with anybody trapped, and watching this video and hearing all the screams, and then when he walked in the apartment and people were yelling back, it made my heart skip a beat. I just hope when the time comes that I have to do a rescue, my training will pay off, and I can get everyone out safely.

1

u/rocfaxon Nov 18 '13

These guys where coming from another call, they should have already had all there gear on properly!

Oh yea? You wear full turnout to AND from EVERY call? Doubtful

2

u/dontbthatguy Shoreline CT FF/EMT Nov 18 '13

Right off the bat I love that the first due engine laid in. That is an SOP in my department and is strictly followed unless the closest hydrant is past the house.

A neighboring town first due goes right to the house with 2nd due making up the supply, and it's burned them (no pun intended) a few times running out of tank water.

So many things can happen as companies arrive. Radio confusion on who is 2nd due or improper size ups could lead to watersupply not being established.

One critique is the spaghetti next to the truck. It urks me when people are insufficient in flaking out line. It is so simple 1 guy can do it though it's easier with two.

Just grab the nozzle and 4 folds of hose (should give you 50ft +/- a few feet) and tuck it under your arm.

Then grab a random fold in the middle of what is left and pull it off WITHOUT letting go of the random fold.

Walk to the fire door and when the random fold your holding gets tight, let it go. (this should flake out from the bed, to fold you were holding in a straight line.)

Now you have the nozzle and the first 4 folds with you. Keep holding that and walk right to your point of entry.

Drop the bundle you have. find the coupling and place it right at the entry point. (You may have to flake out from the fold you were holding to the bundle at this in a zig zag if there is hose left over.)

Now walk away holding the nozzle till the line is straight then walk back. You will have the coupling and nozzle at your knees as your masking up and calling for water. Bleed the line entirely out while checking your stream (do this long enough so the pump operator has time to set his pressure.) Now all you have to do is chase out any kinks and your ready to fight fire.

I see a lot of guys just grab the nozzle and go. When you begin your fire attack, you are now dragging all of the hose when you move. If you use the first 50 ft method, you are only dragging around that first 50 inside the structure.

I hope I explained that somewhat clearly. If anyone knows what I am talking about and can explain it better please do. If anyone has any other questions I will do my best to answer them.