Volume 2, Issue 1
January,2012
Training Tablet Update
Tr a i n i n g Ta b l e t
As we begin volume 2 of the MTFR Training Tablet , we have seen some success and growth
with the project over the last 7 issues. As a result we will try to make some changes with
the content of the Training Tablet. With the start of Volume 2 we would like to make the
content of each issue more standard. We could liken it to a magazine where each month the
Tablet will cover some specific training categories that are important to MTFR members.
This will help us add content, expand the Tablet and provide more training information to
the MTFR members.
Each month will include a section on What’s new in the first due, firefighting operations,
EMS or QRS, firefighter health and safety and HAZ MAT. To do this and to provide the
best publication for our members we need help. Members that are interested in writing articles for the Training Tablet are welcome to do so. We have had some great submissions that
have been used in previous issues. If you are not a writer but have ideas for articles, please
forward them to DC Borry. We place all ideas and submissions into an idea bank to help
fill the Training Tablet each month.
Did You Know: trivia to impress your friends with
1866 - As the result of large loss fires, the National Board of Fire Underwrites is formed. They provided
promotion of fire prevention and fire protection until 1965. They merged and became the American Insurance Association. Later they changed their name to the Insurance Service Office (ISO).
1922 - President Calvin Coolidge proclaims the first Fire Prevention Week to commemorate the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire.
1949 - First American burn injury facility was created at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas.
1950 - “Sparky” the Fire Dog was introduced by NFPA as a national symbol for safety.
1973 - Special Commission appointed by President Nixon presents a report entitled
“America Burning”. It outlined the current and future fire concerns of our country. It
led to the creation of the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy at Emmitsburg, Maryland.
1976 - Factory Mutual Research Corporation begins developing and testing residential
sprinklers.
1978 - NFPA publishes the first annual firefighter death/injury study. Imitation of Firefighter Safety and Survival training on a nationwide basis.
What's New in the First Due
New construction projects in Manheim Township
The national used car chain, CarMax, has opened a franchise at 1457 Manheim Pike. The facility is locate on the site of the former Treier property. This facility encompasses approximately 6 acres and includes 3 buildings. The facility is in its final stages of
construction and should be open for business soon.
View from intersection of
Plaza Blvd and Manheim
Pike.
CarMax is made up of 3 buildings. A sales and service building, a main service building, and reconditioning building. All buildings are sprinklered.
Sales
Recon
Main Service
What's New in the First Due
New construction projects in Manheim Township
Access to the facility is made through 3 gated entrances. 1- at the main entrance along the access driveway coming from the traffic light at Plaza/Manheim. 2- at the rear of the main parking lot along the access driveway. 3– at the rear of Cloister Car Wash
on Arcadia Rd. Gates 1 and 2 have key boxes attached to them. Inside are all keys/cards needed to access the entire facility.
Gate 3 does not have a key box. There is a code required key box at the entrance to the sales building but it will be left empty.
All keys will be available at the gates. However, the fire alarm annunciator for the whole facility will be inside this door.
Gate 1– at traffic light
Key box
Key box
Gate 2—rear of main lot
Gate 3-Arcadia RD
Water for the facility comes off the Manheim Pike. It is located between El Rodeo and National Battery. This area has a curb cut
and is the old driveway for the former Lancaster Building Supply. Meter and main shutoff is located in the pit. Electric to buildings using high voltage equipment can be shut off with disconnect marked on the outside. A transformer is located outside the
main service building.
Water pit
Side A/B Main Service
Building parking lot
What's New in the First Due
New construction projects in Manheim Township
Natural gas service is located in all buildings. There is a shut off on the sales and reconditioning building. The main gas meter is
located on the main service building. Signs at the sales and reconditioning shutoffs direct you to the main meter at the main service building.
-Sales shut off Side D
-Recon shut off Side A
Reconditioning
s
e
l
a
-Main Service meter
Side A
S
Main Service
Fire lanes are marked on the parking lots to keep clear access for fire department units. Another safety aid is a shut off switch located near the gas pump located on the wall between the sales building and the main service building.
eL
Fir
an
e
Shut off
What's New in the First Due
New construction projects in Manheim Township
Sprinkler connections are marked on all 3 buildings. Some are protected by bollards. The bollards have removable covers that
can be pulled off to make some room for FD hoses. On the sales building connection, there is an issue with the gas service. The
sprinkler connection has been turned to protect the gas service from the hoses.
s
e
l
a
Reconditioning
S
Sales located on side D
Service located on Side A
Recon located on side B
Main service
What's New in the First Due
New construction projects in Manheim Township
Fire hydrants are located in three locations.
1– Sales building, Side A/D corner. 2– Rear of Reconditioning building along Route 283. 3– Rear of Cloister Car Wash on Arcadia Rd.
Arcadia RD
Sales
Re
co
n
dit
ion
ing
Long Community at Highland
The Long Community at Highland is now open and has residents living in its 32 personal care and 52 independent living units. As a
reminder, the address for the this facility is 600 E. Roseville Rd. The buildings on the campus are numbers by building. With building 2000-Brightwood being the occupied building and buildings 1000 and 3000 under construction. Please take time to read the pre
incident intelligence publication that was sent out the stations on January 13th for more information. Additional tours and drills will
take place in the future.
What's New in the First Due
New construction projects in Manheim Township
A new single family home is under construction in the area of Walnut Street and Pleasure Road. The home has been given an address for Pleasure Road. However, there is a problem. The home has been numbered out of order with the other homes on Pleasure Road. As you can see on the photo below. The intersection of Pleasure Road and Walnut Street is actually in the 1500 Block of
Pleasure Rd. The new home has been addressed as 1453. Also note that there is no building on the parcel addressed as 1501 Pleasure Road. To enter the home at 1453 Pleasure Road, units must cross Walnut Street as if entering the Lancaster City Water Works
Facility. There is a driveway to the house that runs to the left of the main driveway in the area just before the bridge that crosses the
Conestoga River.
Firefighter Health and Wellness
Hypothermia and Frostbite, what are they?
What is frostbite?
What is hypothermia?
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite
causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat
the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanentfaster than it can be produced. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects ly damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation.
the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well.
This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may
not know it is happening and won't be able to do anything about it.
What are the warning
signs of frostbite?
Hypothermia occurs most commonly at very cold environmental temperatures, but can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold
person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold waor protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the
ter.
following signs may indicate frostbite:
What are the warning
signs for hypothermia?
Adults:
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a white or grayish-yellow skin area
skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
numbness
Note: A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points
it out because the frozen tissues are numb.
shivering/exhaustion
confusion/fumbling hands
memory loss/slurred speech
Drowsiness
What should I do if I see
someone with warning
signs of hypothermia?
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What should I do if I see
someone with warning
signs of frostbite?
If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine
whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia, as described previously. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires
emergency medical assistance.
Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.
If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it.
What is the wind chill
Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groineffect?
Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do
NOT give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an As the speed of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from your
unconscious person.
body much more quickly. When there are high winds, serious weather
 After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and -related health problems are more likely, even when temperatures are
wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
only cool.
 Get medical attention as soon as possible.
For a Wind Chill Chart (shows the difference between air temperature
A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not
seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the victim and perceived temperature and amount of time until frostbite occurs),
gently, and get emergency assistance immediately. Even if the victim Wind Chill Calculator, and information on the updated Wind Chill
Temperature Index, see www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill.
appears dead, CPR should be provided. CPR should continue while
the victim is being warmed, until the victim responds or medical aid
becomes available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to
be dead can be successfully resuscitated.
Firefighter Health and Wellness
How to avoid Frostbite and Hypothermia
Before you are caught on a long incident in seriously cold weather, take the following steps to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
Stay Warm and Dry With Three Layers of Clothing
 An outer layer made of water-repellent and wind-proof material
 A middle layer of wool or synthetic fabric to absorb sweat and retain insulation
 A synthetic layer (eg, polypropylene ) closest to your skin to wick away moisture from perspiration
It is just as important to stay dry as it is to stay warm, including keeping sweat away from your skin.
Cover Up
Cover your head, face, and neck with a hat and scarf or a hood. Since mittens are warmer, but gloves allow more use of your
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to hypothermia. Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine because they can
dehydrate you.
Buddy System
A friend can help you if you get tired and keep an eye on your face, cheeks, and ears for signs of frostbite. Do periodic checks
for cold, wet, and numb areas, especially your face, feet, and hands.
Watch The Weather
Temperatures below freezing (32°F) and slightly higher temperatures accompanied by wind chill effects are risk factors for hypothermia and frostbite.
Monitor Your Energy
Fatigue can contribute to hypothermia, so be aware of your energy level and rotate work assignments accordingly. Rest when
necessary or frequently if you are uncertain about your stamina.
Eat for Heat
Your body needs food to fuel your exercise and to generate body heat. Bring along plenty of snacks, like trail mix and energy
bars.
Hazardous Materials
Responding to Carbon Monoxide alarms
The following is information copied from MTFR SOG 503.03, Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Winter
weather usually sees an increase in this type of response. Please review the procedures outlined to
ensure crews make a proper investigation and operate safely at these types of incidents.
Section: Specific Operations
Issued: October 14, 2008
No.: 503.03
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Revised:
Approved By:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to identify the incident objectives for Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
A. General
1. Upon arrival, the first in officer shall assess the alarm activation for suspected problem or source through the
following methods:
a) Discussion with occupants (outside of the premise).
B) Entry into structure (only with full PPE with donned SCBA and utilizing the appropriate atmospheric monitoring device.
2. Only after the CO levels are below published exposure limits shall personnel or occupants be permitted
to re-enter the structure without full PPE and SCBA.
B. Investigating Sources
1. Monitoring methodology of interior spaces should be considerate of CO’s slightly lighter than air vapor density.
2. The following elements should be investigated as potential sources of CO accumulation:
a) Furnace or chimney flue.
b) Appliances that use petroleum products (natural gas, kerosene, oil, etc.)
c) Space heaters
e) Fireplaces / wood stoves
f) Indoor operations of gas grills / cooking appliances.
Seepage from other sources (garages, storage sheds, etc.)
g) The officer does not have to limit his/her investigation to these items.
3. If monitors record levels in excess of the monitors capability, it shall be assumed the interior levels are
within the explosive range and:
a) Initiate dispatch of a state-certified hazardous materials response team for additional monitoring capabilities.
b) Take actions for a potential fire situation.
Hazardous Materials
Responding to Carbon Monoxide alarms
C. Actions
1. If it is determined that levels exceed published limits or levels are within 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit, the following
actions can be taken:
a) Evacuate and secure the involved structure(s).
b) Ventilate structure(s) and affected surrounding areas.
c) If possible, remove, de-power, or disconnect source of hazardous environment.
d) Continue atmospheric monitoring within the structure(s) and the surrounding environment.
e) Advise owner/occupant not to use suspected source until serviced by a qualified technician.
f) The MTFR fire companies will not attempt any repairs or alterations to any appliance or other device. Notification shall
be made to the appropriate agency should the problem involve utilities.
D. Medical Services
1. For incidents initially dispatched without illness, Emergency Medical Services should be requested immediately if any of the occupants are symptomatic of CO exposure to include dizziness, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, facial discoloration, or difficulty breathing.
2. A triage area will be set up in a safe zone until EMS arrives.
Extreme Winter Response
Tips
1840 Municipal Dr.
Lancaster, PA 17601
Fire Chief
Rick Kane
569-6406 x 134
Deputy Chief
Adrian Borry
569-6406 x 140
Training Committee
in
really
cold
weather
Winter is here and so far it has been mild. However, we can be assured of at
least a small window of harsh cold and snow sometime before spring. Preparing
for cold weather responses can help keep crews comfortable and apparatus in
service. Here are a few tips to use when the cold weather arrives:
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Capt. McCardell
for firefighting
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Firefighters, pack and carry a personal bag that contains extra cold-weather gear. A
cold weather bag typically includes a stocking cap, some type of balaclava made
from polar fleece or Under Armour-type fabric, a sweatshirt or long-sleeve turtleneck, extra gloves, mittens with liners and heavy socks.
Make sure you know how to use On Scene Explorer or other aids to find hydrants
that could be covered with snow. Keep sturdy snow shovels on the hose bed or close
to the supply line for removing snow from around hydrants.
Keep pumps and drain lines dry. Be sure to close them before leaving the warmth of
the station, or they will freeze open and you will have water everywhere.
Open all compartment doors and inlet and outlet caps, and make sure they’re dry.
Don’t wash apparatus during extreme cold weather.
Constantly re-circulate water in pumps at the scene. To prevent freezing and damage, any lines not being used should be left partially open or drained and rolled on
scene.
Give careful consideration when responding to areas with steep or sloping terrain.
Do you approach from the top or bottom of the hill? Make sure you turn the wheels
into the curb when you park. Don’t forget to chock the wheels.
Turn off retarders during slippery road conditions.
Keep sand or salt on every apparatus to reduce slippery surfaces.
Carefully monitor weather conditions and incident duration. Send staged apparatus
back to the station until needed, or are they left on high idle?
Keep your mind open to new ideas. Examples:
1. During extreme snow emergencies, emergency response task forces, made up of a
snowplow, police unit, ambulance and fire apparatus, could be formed and housed at fire
stations.
Capt. Bender
2. Plastic toboggans make great aids to help move equipment and hose in deep snow
when apparatus must park a distance from the scene.
The 7 Habits by
Covey
D/C Slaymaker
How To Be Effective
Habit 5: Seek first to understand, Then to be understood
Use empathetic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take
and open mind to being influenced by you. This creates an atmosphere of teamwork, service and respect.