We're Fighting More than Flames on the Fire Ground

Approaching the topic of cancer prevention in the fire service seems to be a lot like purchasing life insurance or writing a will; it is something we recognize the need for, and yet cringe at the thought of having to do something about it. To be completely honest, I had little desire on my own to dig deeper into the subject. It took my wife expressing her concerns before I took a serious look at how my daily practices could be affecting not only my own of risk of a cancer diagnosis, but exposing my family to harmful agents as well. I owe it to both my wife and two daughters to consider how I approach this topic.

The IAFF recently hosted a webinar highlighting several studies that have shown firefighters are at a greater risk for numerous cancers than that of the general population. In the case of testicular cancer, it is upwards of two times greater. This probably isn't breaking news for you. It is something that most in the fire service have been told for some time. The difference is that we now have have supporting studies with specific evidences. 

Two In, Two Out

In recent years, safety has been pushed like never before. With this came new phrases that serve as the foundations of what we pass along to others in the fire service. Over and over again, you will hear fire service mantras such as have the "courage to stay safe," "everybody goes home," and "we risk a lot to save a lot; we risk little to save little." 

This constant push towards a safer work environment is a positive thing. I have no doubt that lives have been, and will continue to be, saved as a result. It is important to recognize that each of these campaigns towards a safer work environment were started because of a catastrophic loss.

Get Hooked

From my first day on the engine, it was drilled into my head that I should never get off the rig without a tool in my hand. Sometimes the decision on what to grab is obvious. Medical calls always require the EMS jump bag. Car wrecks call for a high-visibility vest. Fires will need hose.

The issues come when that decision is not so obvious. As experience in a specific call type grows, it will become second nature what the go-to tool cache should be. There is no doubt that our effectiveness on an incident scene is dramatically impacted by the tools and equipment that we choose to bring with us from the apparatus.


Unfortunately, it was not until the last couple of years that I was introduced to a tool that has been on the market for some time, the New York Hook. Bob Farrell, of Fire Hooks Unlimited, was the first to take this tool to market after being developed through his vast experience while serving with the FDNY. The New York Hook is greatly under-utilized in fire service as a whole. I have found this to be especially true in many western states. Here is why it needs to be added to the tools your department carries on its apparatuses: 

While the pike pole has long been used for pulling ceilings, it does have its drawbacks with the modern use of drywall. The penetration that the pike pole provides through older materials like lathe-and-plaster is almost a downfall on drywall. Instead of instantly pulling large sections of ceiling, it often leaves a hole no bigger than the tool itself. This is where the hook's blunt edges make a world of difference. The shape of the head allows for the tool to grab, rather than puncture, when pulling. Also, little is lost in terms of penetration as the top edge of the tool is tapered. As with any tool, technique is still required, but in terms of general effectiveness, go to the hook first when drywall is encountered.

 There are numerous applications where the hook is effective as a prying tool. It was originally created for roof operations and has no issue in pulling hatches, skylights, and the levers created by our saws during vertical ventilation. Unlike the pike pole, the hook has been incorporated into the realm of forcible entry as well. When married with a halligan, the leverage created is well beyond that of what even two firefighters are able to create with conventional irons work. The tool will generally make quick-work of many burglar bars that are encountered. (I do need to stress that the tool must have a steel handle if it is going to be used to pry. Fiberglass versions of tool will likely fail when subjected to large amounts of force. Skip the fiberglass handles whenever possible.)

For those with influence on your department's purchasing decisions, I would highly suggest adding a few hooks to your apparatuses. Bonus points for those who purchase one out of their own pocket. 

We should be continually reviewing why we do what we do. Part of that process includes figuring out whether there is a more effective way to accomplish these tasks. Sometimes all it takes is a slight change in tools we are using. 

The internet is full of videos highlighting the various uses of the New York Hook. For more info, check out firehooksunlimited.net. Our brothers at the Fire Service Warrior also produced a great article on the many uses of the tool. Check it out at http://www.fireservicewarrior.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/NY-Roof-Hook-Final.pdf.

American Hero

It usually takes significant events for us to reflect on the daily sacrifices that are being made on our behalf. Perhaps it is a plane crashing into a building. It might be the celebration of Memorial or Veteran's Day. In recent weeks, a newly released movie has been able to raise awareness on a similar level.

I first heard of Chris Kyle when he released his book, American Sniper. When I finally had the chance to read it myself, the words on the pages left me captivated. He truly carried himself in a manor worthy of the title of "The Legend."

Through the Lock

Forcible entry training is a staple in many departments. In fact, it is often one of the more exciting trainings that firefighters are involved in. It's quite captivating to have the green light to break something. My own experience in these trainings is that the stars of the show are the halligan and the axe, and very little is discussed outside of using these tools. 

The Rookie Mentality

At some point, all of us walked into the fire station for the first time as a firefighter.  For most, this was a nerve-filled, highly anticipated moment when they finally saw some pretty big dreams come true. From that first moment we stepped through the door, we all had to gauge what it was going to take to impress the others, and find out what our role was going to be. The vast majority of firefighters would tell you that they did whatever it took to break through to the other side; the land of being full-fledged, one-of-the-guys. This meant showing up an hour before they had to, scrubbing the station on hands and knees, devouring food in seconds like a starved animal so that no one else could get to the dishes first, being the first to volunteer (even after hours of grueling hands-on training); literally, whatever it took. That is the "rookie mentality!"

For most of us, it was only a matter of minutes before we were known to the crew simply as “Rookie.” While both endearing and derogatory all at the same time, it truly is a badge of honor for each one of us. It means we were accepted into the greatest profession on the planet.