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jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinAreas where improvements have occurred in my department due to problems found during critiques, are many. After calls when we discuss where things went well, things went ok, and where things went wrong. We have found many safety concerns, apparatus deficiencies, gear and equipment failures and deficiencies, tactical deficiencies, changes in areas of our zone that need new pre fire plans and so on. It is a great concern and our obligation to constantly improve our safety, response, tactics, equipment and our skills. After many calls we have found different ways to accomplish becoming faster and also safer at the same time. Nothing trains you better than real world experience, but you have to take the time to reflect and discuss what you have learned. When you can learn from other firefighters real world experience the problems only needs to happen once and we can all learn from that one problem, instead of everyone making the same mistakes and learning from them individually.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinThe actions that are required of the first arriving officer at a hazmat incident are as follows. Make a comprehensive size up, assume command, request sufficient resources, identify the products involved, determine the immediate need for rescue and evacuation, establish scene control by isolating the area and denying access, consider diking or diverting escaping liquids, eliminate sources of ignition, if there is ignition, take actions to control or minimize the problem. The first arriving officer and crew have a difficult task of defining the problem. Before the dangers of a product can be established, the product must be recognized and identified. You must be alert for signs of a hazmat, and should seek information from all available sources. The more information that is secured, the higher the probability that appropriate actions will be taken to mitigate problems found, thereby reducing the probability of injuries to emergency responders.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinMy consideration for ventilation for a fire in a supermarket would be, ventilation would need to be accomplished to assist in store evacuation and for firefighting. When confronted with smoke conditions, and when there are occupants still in the supermarket, there will be an immediate need for ventilation to assist in evacuation and rescue to minimize the number or severity of injured occupants. The exact method of ventilation could involve utilizing the built in features such as operable hatches, skylights, the exhaust capability of the HVAC system, etc. The lack of windows may be overcome by attempting cross ventilation by opening rear and front doors. Opening the roof is also an option, if no roof hatches or skylights exist. The IC must recognize that ventilation openings will create flow paths, and if water is not being placed onto the fire, it will accelerate. Trucks and trailers parked in loading zones will need to be removed to maximize ventilation. Removal of large plate glass windows in the front of stores will allow a tremendous influx of air. Wind conditions also need to be considered. Ventilation of the plate glass windows needs to be coordinated with the interior crews.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinThe types of construction found in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are as diversified as are communities. These buildings can be built of fire resistive material and be fully sprinklered, or ordinary, frame, or mixed construction with minimal protective systems. It is common practice in many areas to convert large single family dwellings for this use. Converted structures can contain vertical voids that carry the utilities upward through the structure. These voids are seldom fire stopped, and should a fire extend into these spaces, it will threaten all areas above. Older converted buildings may be designed in a dormitory style with rooms or apartments containing multiple occupants. This layout allows the carelessness of one occupant to threaten the lives of his or her roommates. The different types of construction are type 1, type 11, type 111, and type V. Type 1 offers excellent fire resistance, aiding in evacuation and providing safer conditions for fire crews. However, it may create challenges in locating and accessing concealed fire spread. Type 11 is similar but can deteriorate quickly under extreme heat. Type 111 poses risks of fire extension through concealed voids, requiring advanced training in overhaul and ventilation. Type V is the most vulnerable, often used in smaller or residential style facilities, and demands swift action due to rapid fire spread. Each type requires specific training for fire officers in strategy, risk assessment, and command under realistic conditions.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinAn offensive fire attack in a vacant building can offer both advantages and serious drawbacks. You honestly do not know the building is 100% vacant until the primary search has been completed. One key benefit is the potential to quickly suppress the fire, limiting its spread to adjacent occupied structures and reducing overall damage. It may also provide a real world training opportunity for firefighters. However, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Vacant buildings may have compromised structural integrity, concealed hazards, or unpredictable layouts, increasing the danger to firefighters. Additionally, the absence of known occupants weakens the justification for aggressive interior operations. if injuries occur in such a setting, it can lead to public scrutiny and questions about risk management.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinThe emergency evacuation signal that my department uses is one, air horn blasts from one of the on scene fire apparatus outside of the calls structure. This airhorn blast consists of a sequence of 3 airhorn blasts with a pause then 3 more sequenced airhorn blasts. This sequenced airhorn blast can last up to a full minute. There is also a redundant system of fire com using a emergency tone and calling for the evacuation. After the tone and call for a full evacuation of the structure a par is given by fire com of all interior crews to the incident commander and all exiting crews must notify the incident commander with a notification of exiting the structure and a par of crew. After all crews have exited the structure fire com does a secondary par for redundancy.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinFires in buildings of balloon frame construction present significant challenges due to the unique structural design. In this type of construction, the wall studs run continuously from the foundation to the roof, creating open vertical channels that allow fire and smoke to travel rapidly between floors. This design lacks horizontal fire stops, which means that a fire on a lower level can quickly spread to the attic or upper stories without detection. Additionally, hidden fire spread within these concealed spaces makes it difficult for firefighters to locate and extinguish the fire. These factors increase the risk of structural collapse and complicate ventilation and suppression efforts.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinThe considerations to determine the number of hose lines needed and where to place them at an occupied apartment building are as follows. Protection of life. The protection of life being one of the most important considerations. Preforming an offensive-exterior attack. Reaching the seat of the fire. Protection of the stairs and preventing upward extension of fire, protecting a means of egress for victims and firefighters. Protection of search and rescue crews. Prevention of horizontal spread of fire. Protection in the rear of the structure. Protection of roof ventilation crews, and controlling roof fires and fire extension to other buildings due to roof ventilation. Protection of exterior and interior exposures. Backup lines stretched for any of the discussed areas. Master streams set up as a precaution should the interior lines need to be abandoned.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinIn firefighting decision making, classical decision making and cue-based decision making represent two distinct approaches. Classical decision making is structured, analytical process where responders assess all available options, weigh outcomes, and select the most rational choice. It is ideal for predictable environments but often too slow for the fast paced, high risk situations firefighters face. In contrast, cue-based decision making, often associated with naturalistic decision making, relies on experience and recognition of patterns or cues in the environment. Firefighters use intuition and past knowledge to quickly assess situations and act decisively. This method is faster and better suited to dynamic, high-pressure incidents.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinUnity of command is a fundamental principle in firefighting that greatly enhances safety by ensuring each firefighter reports to only one supervisor. This clear chain of command prevents confusion during high pressure operations, reduces the risk of conflicting instructions, and allows for better coordination. When everyone knows who is in charge and follows a structured command hierarchy, decisions can be made quickly and efficiently. It also ensures accountability and improves communication, which is critical in rapidly evolving emergency situations. Unity of command helps maintain order, manage resources effectively, and ensures that safety protocols are consistently followed, ultimately reducing the risk of injury or loss of life.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinBackdrafts are extremely dangerous events that can occur during structure fires. They happen when a fire in an enclosed space consumes most of the available oxygen, causing combustion to slow while heat and flammable gases continue to build. If oxygen is suddenly reintroduced, such as when a door or window is ventilated these gases can ignite explosively, resulting in a violent blast. This can cause significant structural damage and serious injury or death to firefighters and others nearby. To prevent backdrafts, firefighters must assess conditions carefully before ventilation, look for signs like smoke puffing from openings, blackened windows, or no visible flame, and use controlled ventilation tactics to release heat and gases safely.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinHello my name is Ed Shadoin Im a Firefighter paramedic with the city of lighthouse point. I started with the fire department in 2014 and was promoted to Driver Engineer in 2024. At my department im also tasked with being a station mechanic, which entails maintenance and repair of just about anything I can handle with the tools and parts available. Off duty I live a very south Florida outdoors life style, fishing, diving, and airboating, Im taking this course to further my knowledge to prepare myself for a leadership roll as a step up captain. I hope we all learn a great deal and are able to apply our knowledge practically during our careers. Stay safe.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinWhen firefighters respond to a wide area incident there are many precautions that need to be taken into consideration, such as, clean water availability and distribution, natural gas distribution, electrical energy distribution, public communication services including landline, public radio, cellular service, Emergency services communications, voice and data transmission services, including voice over internet protocol (VoIP) The fire department must work closely with the appropriate agencies when utilities are lost or damaged. There also must be in person surveys of infrastructure after an incident to determine the availability of accessibility features including roads and bridges. The staging of equipment is also something that needs carful consideration, it needs to be in a safe place in the parameters of the incident in order to evaluate the condition and availability of resources.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinAccess roads especially those for construction, agricultural and private use can come with a range of restrictions and obstacles depending on where you are and what the road is for. Depending on the condition of the roads and the environment, emergency vehicles may not be able to directly access the building. Restrictions and obstacles associated with access roads include, Debris and raw materials, vehicles staging on the road as they are loaded and unloaded, construction worker’s vehicles parked in unauthorized locations, Damaged roadways from weather and heavy construction equipment, construction of the final road may affect the temporary access, and excavations that make access difficult and hazardous. For the owner or company responsible for the access roads they have to follow zoning laws, obtain the proper permits, follow easement laws and also follow wetland or environmental regulations. For example building through wetlands, floodplains, or protected habitats require special permits and environmental assessments.
jonathan shadoinParticipantjonathan shadoinHigh rise buildings rely on multiple fire protection systems to ensure safety. Two essential systems are automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems. Automatic sprinkler systems are the first line of defense against fires, designed to detect heat and release water to control or extinguish flames. These systems are strategically installed throughout the building, ensuring coverage of high risk areas. They are highly effective in preventing fire spread and reducing damage. Fire alarm systems include smoke detectors, heat sensors, and manual pull stations. When activated, they trigger alarms to alert occupants and emergency responders. Many high rise buildings integrate voice communication systems to provide evacuation instructions.
