Past, Current, Return
What you learned long ago, may not hold true today. But a return to the past, might be for the better.
A simple set of statements that covers so many topics. Farming, food, grocery bags, cars, communicating, family values, education, on and on. Especially in the fire and emergency services.
Look at all the different changes in what the fire and rescue service has adapted to or dealt with in the last few decades. Trucks, nozzles, gear, building construction changes, furnishings in homes and offices, car components, communications, firefighting tactics, just to name a few.
The basic premise is still there. Customer service to the safest, best of our ability, with what we have available.
An old farmer was asked about his old tractor and equipment. It still gets my crops in and out of the field. And it’s paid for. That works for me.
Change is usually intended for the better. Modern fire trucks have seen some great strides. Air actuated control valves instead of pulling a handle; computer pump pressure control instead of twisting a throttle; bigger pump capacity to push more water; air packs in our cab seats to get ready quicker.
Like so many adaptations, we thought they were better and needed to adjust. But, many times or over time, some changes have challenges of their own.
Can you adjust those control valves as easy? Do you still know how to run a pump if the computer isn’t working? Can your water supply usethat big of a pump? Are you buckled up while travelling? What hazardous items are you bringing into you cab after a call?
Is that new, energy efficient house on fire more or less dangerous to enter?
What you learned long ago, isn’t the same, because it ISN’T the same.
Should we vent with windows or get on the roof? Research is going back to windows. But areas with hurricane resistant windows were having trouble breaking the glass. But then, today’s roof trusses and sheathing fail faster than a 75-year-old house. New roof coverings are trapping heat and fire without showing evidence of it.
Most importantly, our gear that is protecting us can create a false sense of security. I don’t feel the heat, but the heat may already be damaging my equipment. We have all heard the issues with the PFAS/PFOS and forever chemicals in our foam and gear. But field tests without it have reported a definite change in firefighters sensing high temperature. So, is that bad?
I was involved in a discussion about required training for fire departments. The topic of structure fires was brought up. Some said their departments don’t have structural equipment, so why require structural training? Then base your training and tactics off of what you have, and what you would do if a structure was on fire. If all you would do is cover exposures or stop the spread of fire from turning into a wildfire, then that’s what you train to do.
Training does not have to be hot and sweaty. There are plenty of topics, strategies, laws and regulations, and changes in what we may dealing with that can be learned in a classroom or online session. It is easier, today, to find ideas that might be just what your department is looking for to fit your needs.
State Fire School is a great opportunity to learn some basic and advanced ideas. No matter what level you are in the service. If you think there is nothing for you to learn, then you should come and find out what you didn’t know.
Jeremy Walla and I went to Washington DC for the NVFC Spring Conference. A review report is in the paper. We always spend a day “going to the hill” to talk to our congressional delegation.
We got caught in a morning traffic issue, which led to a rescheduling of our visit with Senator Mike Rounds’ staff. We were fortunate to maintain our personal time with Senate Leader John Thune and Representative Dusty Johnson to discuss fire service issues that directly impact South Dakota departments. We expressed the value of the various grant programs, especially the wildland volunteer fire assistance grant, that are utilized by small VFDs each year. They all had questions concerning changes to gear and foam products.
They expressed new found interest when we informed them of the Soybean Association fire foam product, availability, and continued testing. Seen as a direct benefit to South Dakota agriculture and the fire service, it was a topic they wanted to know more about.
The SFA will be hosting the NVFC Fall Conference in Rapid City on Sept. 21-24. Anyone may register to attend. Check the NVFC website and watch for more information.
Father’s Day is coming. For all of you that have the privilege of being a father, dad, papa, pops, the Old Man, or whatever nomenclatures you go by, Happy Father’s Day.
Looking forward to seeing you in Watertown for State Fire School. Stay safe,
Charlie Kludt,
SDFA President