Fire
| 04/26/2010

Industry news for Spring 2010

HAZMAT
Glenn Clapp | 07/25/2010

Hazardous materials personal protective equipment (PPE) is one component of the hazmat response that is often taken for granted. Civilians, for instance, think that a fully encapsulating vapor protective suit (often referred to as a “moon suit” by persons not in emergency services) is a veritable suit of armor that will protect responders against any chemical threat. We as Hazardous Materials Technicians should know that is not the case, however do we know as much as we really need to about our PPE? In addition, do we train as much as we should on PPE and receive as much “suit time” as we should on a regular basis? And think carefully about this one - Is there such a thing as a “Level A” hazmat suit? We will encounter each of these topics as we journey through the following article.

Dale Stewart | 01/26/2010

I believe people and agencies that responded to the Haitian earthquake of January 2010 went in with certain expectations to provide help, comfort, supplies and services to the people of Haiti.

Health and Wellness
DAVID GREENE | 01/11/2010

We will spend this article examining an issue that no one likes to talk about on the fire ground. Rehabilitation or “rehab” used to be a place where exhausted firefighters who could not continue to function were sent.

Rehab continues to have negative connotations associated with its use. We may be disappointed to learn that our favorite movie star or celebrity has entered rehab in order to battle an unwanted addiction. Likewise, in the fire service, years ago, the incident commander sending you to rehab was synonymous with your mom sending you to your room.

Fire
KEN NEWELL | 01/11/2010

The recent economic downturn (or disaster, depending on your point of view) has resulted in some of the best construction prices in years. Construction bids for stations are anywhere from 25 to 40 percent lower than they were only three years ago. If your department is serious about building new or renovating, NOW is the perfect opportunity. Don’t count on ever seeing construction prices this low again.

David Pease | 10/21/2009

Several years back, I wrote about the Rescue Jack stabilization struts. Now they have introduced a new line of struts that only improve on previous ones. The new X-Struts will give rescuers more stability, capability and versatility.

EXTRICATION EDUCATION
David Pease | 07/25/2010

When you read this, summer will be upon us. We will have already suffered through several close to record-breaking heat waves. With vacations and the heat, it is just hard to get folks to train much during the summer months. The first weekend in June, we did a heavy vehicle rescue class in Lumberton through Robeson Community College, and it was hot then. We stopped several times during the practical work to make sure everyone was able to cool down and get hydrated. If you are training this summer, make sure you provide some shade for cooling your folks down, plenty of water and Gatorade, and keep an eye on folks so you can catch a problem before it occurs.

From the Editor
Sherry Brooks | 10/18/2009

In this edition, we feature expanded coverage in the area of Hazmat. It is such a vital area of the Fire Rescue EMS world, and we’re pleased to bring it to you.

We welcome Glen Clapp, president of the North Carolina Association of Hazardous Materials Responders (NCAHMR), and his expertise on all things hazmat. In this issue, Clapp covers the Annual Hazmat Competition, along with some amazing pictures from Michael Porowski. Read his feature article on the challenge of chlorine railcar enhanced fittings.

HazMat
Peter A. Kirk, II | 10/18/2009

The proper tools and equipment are imperative for professionals of all kinds to do their jobs safely and effectively. But the obvious differences are many when comparing pencil pushers to those out in the field who engage in changing and uncertain environments. Hazmat professionals form a unique fraternity of men and women that heavily relies on one of their most essential tools -- their hazmat suits -- for safety and protection.

Financial
CHARLES FLOWERS | 04/26/2010

For many, the funding of a Roth IRA has not been an option for saving for retirement. However, since January 1, 2010, a new opportunity is available for those interested in a Roth IRA. New IRS rules are making it easier than ever to convert to a Roth IRA. All taxpayers are now eligible to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, regardless of income or filing status. In addition, individuals can convert some types of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, governmental 457(b) plans, and 403(b) plans. A Roth conversion allows individuals to convert future taxable income to future tax-free income.