So let’s go back and recap some of things we discussed in the first two parts.  One was how we (the JFRD) got into the SCBA business.  Unfortunately it was due to a line-of-duty death, Lt. Eugene Johnson.  How have we change in the last forty years of fighting structure fires?  Due to the increasing protection offered by today’s PPE, we’re actually fighting fires more aggressively and going farther into the structure for longer than ever before.  But what about after the fire is out?

 

Look at Rescue and the effect that blood and air borne pathogens had on EMS.  First, Universal Precautions came out, followed by more stringent Body Substance Isolation procedures.  The patient can’t  even burp today without some type of EMS worker protection for it.  Has it worked?  For the most part yes.  Whereas yesterday’s EMS workers were facing myriad diseases, today we recognize the hazard and adjust ourselves accordingly.  Blood is no longer seen as cool to get on you much less any other type of fluid. 

 

But what about fires?  Do we still find it cool to gets products of combustion all over us even though we know carcinogens are present? 

 

Who governs what response?  If it’s a hazmat call, then federal laws kicks in and we respond accordingly.  If it’s a structure fire, then national standards are expected to be followed, but not under the weight of law.  But are structure fires really hazardous materials events?

 

According to OSHA's definition of hazardous materials, any substance or chemical which is a "health hazard" or "physical hazard," including: chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic agents, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers; agents which act on the hematopoietic system; agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes; chemicals which are combustible, explosive, flammable, oxidizers, pyrophoric, unstable-reactive or water-reactive; and chemicals which in the course of normal handling, use, or storage may produce or release dusts, gases, fumes, vapors, mists or smoke which may have any of the previously mentioned characteristics. (Full definitions can be found at 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1200.)

 

DOT defines a hazardous material as any item or chemical which, when being transported or moved, is a risk to public safety or the environment, and is regulated as such under the: Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 100-180); International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code; Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Air Transport Association; Technical Instructions of the International Civil Aviation Organization; U.S. Air Force Joint Manual, Preparing Hazardous Materials for Military Air Shipments.

 

EPA incorporates the OSHA definition, and adds any item or chemical which can cause harm to people, plants, or animals when released by spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping or disposing into the environment. (40 CFR 355 contains a list of over 350 hazardous and extremely hazardous substances.)

 

We talked about hazardous materials releasing from their containers (nobody thinks of their car, home, or workplace as a hazmat container, but it is, just catch it on fire)  such as houses, cars, buildings, warehouses, brush, etc…

 

I also talked about the NFL and Offense and Defense.  So let’s stay along those lines.

 

We historically are one of the best and most aggressive Fire Departments in the country and have enjoyed that reputation for years.  But our ( the Fire Service) approach to managing fires and the perception of overhaul is literally hurting us.  We’ve been playing a game with an Offense only, no Defense and the numbers are catching up to us.

 

First let me preface this by saying we have a lot of work to get there. We have to rewrite numerous SOP’s SOG’s and Rules & Reg’s such as Comm SOG, Sig 25, Overhaul, IC, and Rehab to name a few.  They all have to be on the same page in order for this to work.  But that doesn’t mean we have to wait to begin implementing some of these ideas.

 

So what use to take us 2 hours and one alarm for a simple house fire may now take 4 hours and two alarms to handle safely.  If that’s the case, so what, if it means we can all retire healthy, why wouldn’t we?

 

So here is what I’m suggesting: let’s put the Defense in for the second half of the game and get you out of it.  What do I mean?  Two responses for each structure fire; an Offense and a Defense.  Once the signal 77 is close to being given,  the IC will notify Fire Comm of what is needed for the second  response.  For example, if two engines and one ladder are contaminated from fighting the fire, and you need one engine and one ladder for overhaul, then the second response would be the same but from a different district (don’t deplete one district for each fire).  If you needed three engines and two ladders, so be it, call for it and they will be dispatched.  The Safety Chief manages the changeover process (from Offensive to Defensive).

 

Once you leave the Hot Zone and come out of your SCBA and bunker gear you are in essence, done.  Go to Rehab, get your first set of vitals and if within normal limits, take your CYA (Rehab) form, your SCBA and gear and return to the station (but possibly not in your truck).  You will take a disposition code (maybe Hotel) which will put you out of service for a minimum of thirty minutes to Decon (take a shower and put on clean clothes) and rehab at your station.  Basically, go back and take a shower and rehydrate at the station.  You are not available for runs during this time. It’s here where you will finish your second set of vital signs and send to Tom Fonger. After the thirty minutes is up, notify Fire Comm of your availability.  This will go for anyone who entered the Hot Zone and became contaminated with products of combustion.   Next I want you to tag and bag your gear for cleaning.  Here’s where the tricky part comes in;  the easiest way to do this is through a second set of Bunker Gear, which to outfit the entire department would be a little north of 3 million un-budgeted dollars.  So what do we do?  Drop off loaner gear while yours is being cleaned?  Clean yours at the station until the next shift can get cleaned for you?  Chief Williams brilliantly suggested we mount one of our gear extractors in a box truck and bring the loaner gear and washer to you!  If there’s a will, there’s a way and we’ll figure that one out.

 

We talked about swapping trucks…here’s what I mean:  Set up a staging area for the relief response.  If Engine 1 can’t drive back to the station because of 5” hose, hand lines out, etc., then they would return to the station in Engine 19 (if they were on the second assignment).  Engine 19’s crew would be responsible for picking up the hose for Engine 1 ( I know, makes you a little uncomfortable, I get it)  The same would go for truck companies too.  Maybe if the engineer isn’t involved in the hot zone, he stays with the unit the whole time…maybe not, it would depend on the situation. 

 

In order for this to work  a few things must happen.  First, we have to get you out of the ‘ownership game’ meaning it’s your fire so your first on scene and last to leave.  Next, all of you have to understand why cancer rates are afflicting firefighters ( overhaul and contamination of your skin and PPE) all over this country and have to have a desire for it to stop.  Third, a strong command presence at fires from our district and battalion chiefs.  Remember you’re the race horse, they have to be the jockey’s to protect you from yourself.  Last but not least, fresh, new, and innovative ideas from all of you on how to make this better.  I’m handing the football to you, now run with it.

 

I’ll end with this:  The important part is we can work around any logistical issue. 

What is the goal?  To get us out of the cancer game. 

What are the objectives?  To provide a defense for our structure fire assignments, provide rapid Decon, fresh PPE, and rehab for our crews at our hazardous materials events. Oops, I meant structure fires.

 

Very Respectfully,

Kurtis R. Wilson

Chief of Operations
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department