By: Christopher Brennan APRIL 29, 2010 So I have had a chance to read most of the NIST Staffing Study that was released today (I have not spent a lot of time reviewing all the appendices yet) and I have some initial thoughts. Nothing in this report will come as a surprise to anyone in…
Author: chrisFSW
More Decision Making Thoughts
By: Christopher Brennan A structure fire is a dynamic microcosm; a world in and of itself, where the properties of Chemistry and Physics develop by consuming the structure. As Fire Service Warriors it is our Duty to quench this unrestrained chemical chain reaction. The fireground is a chaotic environment and we must make critical tactical…
Mourning a Brother Lost
By: Christopher Brennan MARCH 31, 2010 BY Last evening, March 30th, Firefighter Brian Carey of the Homewood Fire Department, Homewood, Illinois, died in the line of duty. His partner, Karra Kopas, was seriously burned, and has a hard recovery ahead of her. Brian was a 28 year-old young man; Karra is a 21 year-old young…
Situational Awareness Part 2
By: Christopher Brennan It’s a Team Sport Firefighting is a team sport. We are not operating as individuals, and as such the actions of the Team are vital in our ability to maintain Situational Awareness. We accomplish this through the use of our SOGs, knowing what our teammates are doing based upon the situation. Think…
Situational Awareness
By: Christopher Brennan The fire ground is a dynamic environment that is filled with threats to the fire fighter. These threats exist in a 360° “bubble”, left and right, in front of and behind, and above and below the firefighter. In order to safely operate in this kind of environment we must develop the skill…