FGS - Background

Question 1

History

Answer 1

For the past 200 years:
• Dangers that fire fighters were exposed to were considered part of the job.
• Risks of injury and death were what fire fighters were paid for.
• Protection of property was considered more important than the safety of fire fighters.

Question 2

Changes

Answer 2

Since World War II, progress has been made:

• The safety engineering profession was created and has grown.
• Fire departments have faced litigation for unsafe work practices.
• OSHA was created and has mandated changes.
• The moral and legal priorities of fire fighting strategies and tactics have been defined.

Question 3

Current Priorities

Answer 3

1. Protection of Life (Civilians, Fire Fighters)
2. Fire Containment
3. Protection of Property

Question 4

NIOSH LODD Investigations (WTRAPS)

Answer 4

Need better training on the fire ground survival procedures:

• When to call a Mayday.
• Team continuity.
• Radio discipline.
• Actions to take while waiting to be rescued.
• Proper pre-planning and size up.
• Self-survival procedures.

Question 5

Adequate Staffing

Answer 5

NFPA Standards:

• Both engine and truck companies shall be staffed with a minimum of FOUR on-duty personnel.
• Some companies shall be staffed with a minimum of five or six members in certain jurisdictions.

Question 6

NFPA Summary Death Trends

Answer 6

Drop in non-cardiac fatalities outside at structure fires dropped, then rose again

Increase in deaths due to traumatic injuries while operating inside structures:

• Smoke inhalation 62.1%
• Burns 19.1%
• Crushing/internal trauma 16.5%

Question 7

Lessons Learned

Answer 7

Fire Ground Survival starts with Preventing the Situation and Learning From the Past.