No Exceptions Leadership

Basic Size Up for Single Family Homes Apr 22, 2020

Just a simple and basic presentation done as a webinar for basic size up. This was done to keep it very simple for those that registered can take it to their departments and insert their unique needs into the program.

EHT Episode 46: Q and A Jan 27, 2019

This episode is a question answer discussion about search and rescue. The bottom line is that we aren't good enough at searching and we need to pay particular attention to our techniques. Additionally, we need to ensure that we are supporting the search at every fire, assume there are victims until WE prove otherwise.

EHT Episode 45-Vertical Vent Part 2 and Overhaul Dec 15, 2018

In this episode Mike Torres brings on a group while driving around in Homewood, IL. Great discussion on the remainder of vertical ventilation and then they shift gears into overhaul. Be sure to rate us on iTunes an leave a comment.

EHT Episode 44-Vertical Ventilation Dec 15, 2018

In this episode the group discusses vertical ventilation on peaked and flat roofs, including commercial versus residential. Tim and Jeff have guests on this episode with great information and experience on ventilation. Tai Rondeau and Beau Espinosa join us with some valuable information and tips on conducting vertical ventilation.

EHT Episode 42: Search Part 3 Nov 10, 2018

This episode we discuss the challenges of victim removal and large area search with our panel. Please listen in and share!

EHT Episode 41: Search Part 2 Nov 03, 2018

In this episode the gang is back with a good discussion on tools and equipment we use to supplement our search skills and techniques.

Be sure that whatever you use, you understand and know its capabilities and limitations of those tools.

TIC's are tools and don't bury your face in these tools, use it as a supplement.

EHT Episode 40: Truck Work Part 6--Search and Rescue Part 1 Aug 21, 2018

In this episode the group discusses some basics of search and rescue. As you can guess, this is a topic that provides a great many avenues and options. The critical nature of this tactic is why we do what we do--to save lives.

What may seem simple and easy is really a skill that must be practiced and trained on as often as possible.

Take a listen and share if you like what you hear!

EHT Episode 039--Truck Ops Part 5--Part 2 of Ground Ladders Jun 29, 2018

Join us again with Part 2 on ground ladders. The group will discuss deployment, ladder choice and some common sense ideas for using ground ladders, no matter the size or location of your department.

EHT Episode 38–Truck Ops Part 4–Ground Ladders part 1 May 26, 2018

This is part one of the use of ground ladders. In this episode we discuss the challenges of where we store them, deploying them and some of the small nuances that can make all the difference in your ground ladder uses.

No matter how large or small your department, you will be faced with the need to deploy ground ladders and this discussion will give you some things to consider when developing your SOG’s and deployment models.

We talk about

apparatus and how we order and store ground ladders.
placement on the building
number to deploy
angles and reach
VES and search
inspection
tie the halyard or not?

EHT--Episode 37 Corrected File-Truck Ops--Part 3 May 23, 2018

EHT Episode 37--Truck Ops Part 3-Forcible Entry May 19, 2018

The gang is back for part three--Forcible entry.

They discuss tool selection and uses along with types of challenges that can be faced from truck company members during working incidents and how to overcome them.

EHT-036-Truck Ops 2 Apr 19, 2018

This episode discusses the transitioning from an engine or other company to the truck company. Your panel discusses the differences you can expect when operating on a truck company as opposed to the engine.

The experience of the panel offers a unique perspective that can be applied to any department. Remember, it's not the apparatus that makes the truck work, it's the assignment and tasks performed.

Be sure to check out Mike Torres of the Chicago FD at FDIC 2018 teaching in the HOT class "It's All About the Saws"

Catch Captain Arthur Ashley in his FDIC 2018 classroom session "Truck Company Operations without the Truck" on Thursday at 3:30 in room 231-233.

If you have questions, feel to contact us at enginehousetraining@gmail.com and we look forward to seeing you soon.

EHT-35 Truck Ops Intro Apr 03, 2018

This is the first in a series of podcasts from Engine House Training, LLC that will discuss Truck Work. We will be creating these series of podcasts on everything operational over the next several weeks and months. So, be sure to stay tuned in for many more informational and fun podcasts on all things firefighting!

This episode is dedicated to a brief introduction about truck work. The panel discusses, in general, what truck work is and why it is so important. It's not about the apparatus, it's about the tasks completed to facilitate extinguishment and rescue.

Today, Mike Torres, Tim Schultz, Jeff Weffelmeyer and Jason Hoevelmann offer their options and experiences in this podcast and will be regular contributors to this series.

The next podcast will be live and will allow you to ask questions and to get real-time answers to your questions. All of the members will be happy to respond to your emails or messages.

So, be sure to share this podcast and the rest of them with your friends and departments--definitely use these for training..that's the whole idea!!

EHT--Episode 34--Tom Goran on Leadership Jan 18, 2018

In this episode Chief Reilly and Chief Hoevelmann talk with Tom Goran of the Columbia Missouri Fire Department on his evolution as a leader and creating content for his site Flashover Leadership.

EHT Podcast--033--Command Resources Oct 23, 2017

032--EHT--Sub Level Challenges Part 1 with Adam Hansen Jul 22, 2017

This episode Jason discusses sub-level challenges with Adam Hansen from Milford, CT. Adam has written two recent articles with Fire Engineering and we discuss some of the content.

Be sure to check it out and share.

031--EHT--Double Edged Sword of Loyalty Jul 14, 2017

The Double Edge Sword of Loyalty

There are bad leaders out there, no doubt

“Management reserves the right to manage poorly”

What you should expect:

Fair & consistent treatment

Genuine concern for your wellbeing & development

The tools & support you need to do your job

To be challenged and to be made to demonstrate your proficiency

What your leaders should expect

For you to do your job (Mark Von Alpen Fully Involved)

For you to be engaged in the organization

For you to respect our craft & our profession

For you to respect the right of the leader to make decisions

To ask questions

So when the leaders are not “loyal” ask

Why do I think that?

Exactly what did they do to make me say that?

Can I help to make things better?

How are my skills, it is easy to be critic in the recliner.

Link to Mark Von Appen and Fully Involved

The Leadership Triad Jun 21, 2017

Chief Dennis Reilly and Jason Hoevelmann discuss leadership for firefighters and fire officers specifically regarding being a consistent leader and officer using the Leadership Triad.

It comes downs to a strong moral compass and the firm foundation based on ethics and doing what's right.

THE MORAL & ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS OF BEING AN OFFICER:

Your decisions and actions need to be driven by your own moral compass
Your compass needs to be in line with that of the organization
There should be no question where you stand among your subordinates, your

peers, and your superiors.
Moral & ethically driven people bring consistency and stability to their work

place.

EXPECTATIONS:

If you do not lay out your expectations there is no guarantee on what you will get
Expectations need to be in writing, invest the time now to avoid the “Well I didn’t

know what you wanted” in the future.
At the task level positions, expectations need to center around tasks, at leadership

positons expectations need to include attitudes & behaviors.

MODELING:

You will get what you display as your normal operating mode
What you model is the future for your organization. As an officer, you have a Moral

& Ethical Obligation to leave your organization better than what you found it.
Chief Lasky once aid “Follow ugly kids home and you will find ugly parents”.
What you model is what they will do when you are not around.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

This can be quite uncomfortable but as an officer you must be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
You have a Moral & Ethical obligation to correct unsatisfactory or counterproductive behaviors. We didn’t promote you because you look good, we expect you to do your job.
If you fail to hold your members accountable there is a good chance that your boss will hold you accountable. In some organizations, this is known as “failure to supervise” and can lead to demotion and/or termination.

Link to additional file on Leadership Triad

All driven by the Moral & Ethical obligations of being an officer

Mission First * Do Your Job

Never Forget: Father's Day LODD Fires Jun 15, 2017

Chief Joe Pronesti and Jason Hoevelmann discuss three fires that happened on, or near Father's Day. The fires had a huge impact on many families, as all line of duty deaths do and we felt it appropriate to discuss the lessons and stories of these fires.

Chief Pronesti also has a recent article about these fires in Fire Engineering and the link is below.

Article

Here are some additional links for more information about these fires.

Vendome Article from Fire Engineering

Boston Fire History

FDNY Father's Day Fire

Article on Kids of Father's Day Fire

Charleston Sofa Fire

Don't Let the Bad Days Win Jun 12, 2017

This podcast is for all of us that struggle from time to time with the opinions of others. In most cases, when we put ourselves out there in any format, whether be as an engaged, energetic firefighter or officer to posting and blogging and writing and teaching, there are those that go out of their way to try and knock us down.

This is my response and therapy. I hope is keeps you going! Do NOT allow those that will never put themselves in a position to be challenged and criticized to affect your motivation.

Keep pushing!

Command Considerations--First Arriving: Part 1 May 19, 2017

Don't over-compicate the roll of command. In this episode Chief Pronesti discusses a simple initial size up option that takes into account the building. This is not the only option out there, just one we discussed in this particular episode.

Size--how do you determine size and define that for your crews?

Use--understand the special hazards that each use group holds for firefighting operations and the members

Type--this requires you to get out and to see buildings and to understand that what we see is not always the facts.

Era--this is a critical piece of the puzzle that is forgotten. Get out and learn about the era your buildings were built in and the characteristics of those buildings.

Commanding the Mayday: Part 1 Apr 15, 2017

Nothing can be so chaotic as a firefighter in trouble that calls a Mayday. The fire service spends a lot of time and resources in training firefighters and task level officers in techniques and methods for calling a Mayday and surviving those situations---as it should be! However, there has been little developed and created in the way of real, meaningful training for incident commanders to hone their skills in handling a Mayday.

This podcast will discuss, generally, about commanding a Mayday. It is part 1 of a multi-part series that will focus on the IC and his/her role in handling the Mayday for a successful outcome.

Our special guest for this series is Assistant Chief Joe Pronesti of the Elyria, OH Fire Department. He speaks from experiences and his in-depth training.

Chief Pronesti will be speaking at FDIC International 2017 on

Size-Up and Command for the Small Department: How to Avoid Being Lost in the Fog of the Fireground

on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 08:00-12:00 in Rooms 132-133.

Below are some examples of what Chief Pronesti is doing and offering.

A lazy boy training of to talk about VEiS go or no go heavy fire on div 2. Practice your command! pic.twitter.com/UuDwcIPckk

— Joe Pronesti (@efdchief3) April 14, 2017

Columbia Memorial Stair Climb Apr 08, 2017

Check out their page at Columbia Memorial Stair Climb

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!! PLEASE JOIN US!!

After you climb 110 stories you will feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Sure, you'll be proud that you finished the climb, but more importantly, you'll take pride in knowing that in this great country there are still hero's that are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep all of us safe. 343 Firefighters, 70 Law Enforcement Officers, and 9 EMS Technicians died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. If you look closely, you will see that the American flag on the back of this shirt is comprised of 422 names. These are the names of the fallen. THIS IS WHY WE CLIMB!

Register to climb before 4.24.2017 and you will receive one of these amazing shirts! Go to www.columbiastairclimb.com to register now.

Surviving the Poor Company or Department Feb 10, 2017

Chief Reilly took some fabulous notes, here they are:

Set your standards, your own code, and then live by them. Do not allow others to define what good or bad is.

Management always has the right to manage poorly

Normally bad assignments done last forever. Don’t do something that will stay with you for your entire career. One of the worst things to be labeled is a malcontent.

Surround yourself with good people, positive energy comes for this.

Stay in your lane. If you are a firefighter in a bad situation, then just concentrate on being the best firefighter you can. If you are a chauffeur or a company officer same thing.

Your ability with two, five, seven years of experience probably is going to be very limited to influence the mind of a 30 year veteran.

How many of the stupid things that management/leadership impact you?

“Oh that’s a stupid rule I would never do that” Well good then you don’t need to worry about it. I can guarantee you that even if you wouldn’t do that, someone else did and that is the reason why they came out with the rule!!!

Don’t worry about making them look bad, let them make you look good.

Remember it is still the best job in the world. If they are putting you in the position where you don’t feel that any more you might want to think about moving on.

Setting Expectations: Part 1 Jul 22, 2016

This podcast addresses only three components of setting expectations for your members. It is really one of the most important things you need to do as a newly promoted officer, or if you are trying to gain control of a division, shift or crew.

If they don't know what's expected, it's impossible for you expect it from them.

With or Without the Hose Line? Jul 15, 2016

In the last few weeks I posted about being aggressive. In that post I mentioned that we, our department, will search without a hose line. This seemed to raise some eyebrows and concern about what I said.

This podcast addresses what I mean by that and some ways to search without the hose line in your hands.

We train and operate in a manner that allows our crews to search unattached to a hose line. For good reason too because we have trained and drilled and found that we are delaying one tactic or the other when we search strictly off of the hose line while making the attack.

We allow the fire to grow unchecked and we delay the search for victims when we are trying to do both at the same time.

It's critical that you train and operate within your resources and SOG's.

Thanks for listening and take care.

Take the High Road: No Gossip Allowed Mar 31, 2016

This episode discusses the harm and challenges associated with speaking out of turn and partaking in the gossip that can be so ever prevalent. Take the high road, don't participate and get all of the facts before speaking about something or someone. It can be harmful to the person being talked about and to your credibility and reputation.

Be a leader and stop gossip when you can and don't participate.

5 Common Mistakes New Officers Make Mar 25, 2016

Here is a video of a recent FREE webinar about five common mistakes that new fire officers tend make. These are by no means exclusive, but from my experience are committed by many new officers.

-Don’t try to change the world-Don’t have an authority complex-Don’t micromanage-Don’t be a quitter-Don’t avoid discipline

I would welcome others that you might think of or have seen frequently.

https://youtu.be/LlhYJ1kzoY4

Bailout Basics Mar 11, 2016

Bailout is a last option for us when things go bad. We can do all of the right things and still find ourselves in trouble. It doesn't and won't happen often when we train and operate in standard manners, but we have to be prepared.

This podcast discusses some basic concepts that we at Engine House Training, LLC teach and believe in regarding firefighter bailout. I have a also attached the .pdf for the build out of the low prop we use for instructing and mastering our bailout skills. You don't need a tall building.

Be sure to check us out at FDIC 2016 HOT.

Low Bailout Prop Link

https://youtu.be/3TA-KWK41F8

For the Good of Group Mar 10, 2016

This episode discusses our intentions and how, as leaders and fire officers, we need to put the group ahead of ourselves. Servant leadership is real and it makes a difference in your relationships and effectiveness as a leader.

I have four basic priorities for myself and my members when on duty and in this order:

--Citizens

--Organization

--Crew/Shift

--Self

Thanks for listening and share us and rate us on iTunes.

Preparing for the Fight Feb 29, 2016

Captain and Lead Instructor from Engine House Training, LLC, Steve Heidbreder talks about how to prepare for the fight when coming on duty for walking into the engine house as volunteer.

The Sniper Effect Feb 29, 2016

This podcast discusses how difficult it can be work and exist in an environment of people that aren't like-minded. Many of us want to include others in our enthusiasm and pride for our job, and it is not easy to do that.

We have to be realistic in how we gather support and conversion, if you will, of others that not only are like-minded; those are the easy converts. But, rather the conversion of those that are on the fence or non-committal either way.

If we work real hard, are patient and understand the dynamics involved, we can bring along those that were adversarial.

Pick them off one at a time like a sniper. Don't try to move the whole group or change the entire organization at once. One at a time works, but still takes time, but it works.

Over Coming Challenges of Limited Water Areas Feb 02, 2016

This episode we discuss some items to consider when handling limited or no water area incidents. You have to know where these are in your response area and have a plan to over-come the problem. Each has the potential for being a challenge, but this can be easily conquered by preplanning and training.

Be familiar with the capabilities of your equipment and the availability of mutual aid. Review not only your response area but also the area you respond mutual aid to.

Do you practice setting-up draft sites, fill sites, and how to efficiently move water in a limited water setting? These can be make-or-break skills when establishing water supply in a rural setting.

These areas and more will be discussed during the Podcast.

Four Principles for Success Jan 14, 2016

In this episode we discuss four principles that will help the fire officer, or individual in any walk of life be successful and provides guidance in being effective.

Be generous

Be constructive

Be productive

Be aggressive

I am also attaching a link to the video and the Powerpoint that was used for the webinar that this podcast was created for.

Webinar Video

Powerpoint Program File

EHT Service and Misc Calls--Podcast Jan 07, 2016

This episode we discuss some items to consider when dealing with service and misc. calls. It's important that we don't take these incidents lightly. Each call has the potential for being a challenge, not matter how it is dispatched or what you think it might be.

For CO calls follow your guidelines for calling out service personnel to double check readings or lack of readings. We have a threshold that requires a call to the gas company for any CO reading of over 10PPM. However, most will call out the gas company for any readings, just to eliminate any margin of error.

We also take advantage of any service call or misc. call by checking and ensuring operation of the smoke detectors and batteries. This has been a great PR technique for us and gets us in the entire house for familiarization.

Additionally, don't dress down for these "check the buildings" calls and other seemingly benign calls. As you will hear in the show, you never know what you're going to pull up on--so be ready and prepared.

Don't talk lightly these calls and expect the unexpected.

Set Specific Goals and Objectives Jan 02, 2016

This episode discusses the importance of setting very specific goals and objectives. Being specific allows us to create a realistic and attainable plan to achieve our goals.

We need to set bench marks and a written record of our progress, successes and set backs. Below is an example of some specific goals and objectives for a fire officer. Some of the objectives could be more specific. Can you pick them out and see where more specific details could be added?

Be sure to be realistic, dreaming and reaching high is very different from fair tales.

Goals

Short-term:

1) Obtain rank of Lieutenant 2) Motivate, lead, and train new and tenured crew members once promoted

Long-term:

1) Obtain rank of Captain 2) Obtain masters degree in Emergency Services Management

Objectives

Obtain Rank of Lieutenant:

-Personal study and training (daily) to improve my KSA’s -Take leadership/company officer training classes -Find current company officer to mentor me for the purpose of becoming a company officer -Participate in next promotional process

Motivate, lead, train crew members:

-Lead by positive example of respect and encouragement -Assess where deficiencies are in my crew’s KSA’s -Develop and implement specific training to improve my crew’s KSA’s and tactical proficiency

Obtain Rank of Captain: -Obtain rank of lieutenant first -Obtain Fire Officer II certification -Continue to take leadership/company officer training classes -Participate in captain’s promotional process

Obtain Master’s Degree:

-Obtain rank of lieutenant first, for purpose of full District tuition reimbursement -Narrow down and select university -Complete program within 2 years of starting

EHT Mayday Basics Jan 02, 2016

This is a short podcast discussing some basics of calling the Mayday. In this episode we discuss the shift from using LUNAR to the three W's.

Who are you?
What happened to you?
Where are you?

With those three questions, as a firefighter we can provide pertinent information and not have to try to remember a long acronym.

We also discuss the importance of radio discipline and keeping units and companies that were operating when the Mayday was called to stay on the tactical channel. This allows crews operating on the scene to hear and know the Mayday is called and to maybe effect the rescue of the downed firefighter well before a RIT is deployed.

Of course this is dependent on several factors and your SOG's.

Command needs to be controlling the scene and getting extra help early during a Mayday. It is the responsibility of the IC to ask additional questions of the downed firefighter and to start adding additional division supervisors to direct operations to assist in reducing radio traffic.

Here are some links to recent events that involved Maydays FDIC 2016

FDIC 2016 Firefighter Bailout Video

Virginia Firefighter Bailout after Flashover

Milwaukee Bailout at Apartment Fire

Firefighter Bails Out in China

Hamilton, OH Mayday Audio

Leadership--Glass Half Full? Dec 16, 2015

In this episode we discuss the motivation of looking at the proverbial glass being half empty as opposed to the glass being half full.

Motivation comes from different places, but looking at the glass half full can lead to complacency and if convinced that half full is okay, the water left will slowly evaporate over time and before we know it the glass is dry.

Looking at the glass being half empty can push us to fill it and have a full glass. Use it as a motivator to keep it above half full.

Company Planning at Buildings Dec 15, 2015

Weekly Company Drill

Building Familiarization

This drill is a size up and familiarization drill. It can be broken up into several parts and get as much information gathered as possible.

The objective of this drill is to identify specific hose length stretches for large complexes or buildings that may test the ability of your typical 150' or 200' pre-connect hose line. Share your information with the other companies.

Instructions

Gather some utility or search rope. We use three, 100 foot sections of 9mm search rope in a bag. Park where you would normally park if there were an incident. Tie off at the truck and stretch to the most remote area you can access. We tie off knots every 25 feet to help us figure out how far we are. Document distances going up stairs, over hand rails, special considerations, etc. Stretch to the back simulating a large blitz line.

Special Considerations

Access issues for apparatus
Water supply location and challenges
Forcible Entry
Floor plan challenges
Rear and remote access points
Utilities
Friction loss and flow rates
Ventilation considerations
Occupancy type and demographics
First due resources
Construction type and associated challenges
Proficiency with deployment of dead or static loads
Get the permission of the property owner

Special note: If we cannot get into an apartment, we take the distance to the front door of the apartment and then measure the full length of the apartment from the exterior, approximating the interior stretch.

Leadership Leading UP--Core Values Dec 09, 2015

This episode we discuss the importance of core values when creating your mission plan for progressing and improvement.

The core values are our cornerstone about what we are about and who we are. They are not negotiable.

Below is an example of some core values.

Core Values

Professionalism: In and out of the firehouse, on and off-duty

Respect: For each other and for our public

Excellence: Providing the highest level of Fire/Rescue/EMS to the public.

Safety is Paramount: Everyone goes home.

Problem solving: Define the problems that immediately confront my profession and my crew---create and implement solutions.

Positive Attitude: My attitude towards work, training, and other members will be infectious to coworkers. Ethical Behavior: I will do the right thing at all times, honoring the great responsibility to our citizens.

Ground Ladders--EHT Dec 08, 2015

This episode is a discussion about ground ladders. It's a basic piece of equipment that has such a huge value to us on the fire ground, but in many cases, get's forgotten. They're forgotten until they are needed, and then it could be a life and death situation for firefighters and victims.

We talk briefly about some very simple aspects to keep in mind regarding ground ladders. Here are few bullet points to think about when considering ground ladder use and the picture of the building that I mention in the podcast.

Consider where the ladders on the apparatus. Don't park too close to the rear or thru-the-tank storage and think about what's on the side where the ladder rack may be lowered. (Mailboxes, cars, trees, etc.)
Lower the ladder racks as soon as possible. If they are out of site, they are out of mind.
We recommend placing ground ladders to just below the sill for any use. You can still ventilate or use a hose line, but it is already for egress, which is the primary purpose.
Give yourself a little less of an angle if possible, it provides a better working angle for balance and gravity.
Know what end to bring first when dealing with roof ladders: butt end first for parapet walls and hook end up first for pitched roofs.
All multiple story buildings get ladders; assign it if it's not done.
Extend above the roof line about chest high, it keeps you from having to bend over to get back on or to grab tools.
Practice in areas that have obstructions and challenging configurations (with permission, of course.)
Check the heat tags and inspection tags for maintenance.
Practice single person as well as multiple-person raises, you never know when you may be alone but still need to raise a ladder for a Brother.

I'm sure I have left something out, please add your thoughts and experiences. Thanks for listening and keep training.

Have a Vision Dec 02, 2015

In this episode I discuss the importance of having a vision. We must have a vision to be able to get where we want to go in life and in our professions. It is imperative that we see where we want to be and create an actionable plan for getting there.

That starts with creating a mission and vision statement for ourselves. This is the beginning of the process for following a self development plan.

When you start to have a vision and act upon it, you have some that want to blind you and to make you second guess yourself. They will try to make you feel guilty for moving forward, for working hard and for getting better! DO NOT let them keep you from your vision!

Below is a sample mission and vision statement from a student from one of my officer development classes. It its geared for the fire officer, but it is applicable for anybody.

Thanks for listening and take care,Jason

Vision Statement

“To obtain the rank of Company Officer with the ...........Fire Protection District. In doing so, use the position of Company Officer to positively motivate, lead, and train both new and tenured employees.”

Mission Statement

“To serve the ............. residents and employees with the highest level of professionalism and respect.”

Winter Operations Dec 01, 2015

Attached is an outline we used for a quick winter operations class at work. I ran across this the other day and thought it would be appropriate to post now. The podcast is here for this topic as well. Feel free to add and use this as you see fit. If you have some great tips on operating in the winter, please share with everybody, as I'm sure we missed something that could be very useful.

Water Supply--

Frozen Hydrants/Snowed In--make sure we have a shovel and insure that booster tank is full in case there is a delay in obtaining water supply.
Can thaw frozen FDC and hydrant connections with road flares or torches
Monitor ice forming from leaking water and carry salt for slippery surfaces
Identify alternate hydrant locations in the event that the closest hydrant is unable to be used.

Apparatus Considerations

Use Jake Break/Exhaust breaks appropriately for the weather
Keep in mind the restrictions of chains, on the ambulance, speed limits, etc.
Keep salt and or ice melt on the truck for slippery surfaces and for truck tires
We are draining pumps
Use recirculating valve when sitting on scene

Hose Lines

Let nozzles bleed water when not in use during freezing temps
Try to direct draining water away and off of walking and driving surfaces
Hose may need to be taken back to house to thaw before repacking
Blow out hose reels

Ladder Truck Operations

Be aware of snow banks and ices conditions when setting outriggers. Cannot short jack the side your working off of.
Think about ice and the possibility of the truck sliding if on grade and in use
Increasing ice load onto building and ground surfaces from water flow

Ground Ladder Use

Rungs may become slick, three points of contact
Roof surfaces will be slick and dangerous. Guttering may be ice covering causing the ladder to slide laterally.
Lock in and use harnesses or ladder belts when working off of
Ground surfaces may be snow packed or ice covered making butting the ladder difficult and important. Getting proper working angle may be a challenge

Service Calls

Ice and snow can cause electrical lines to break and come down. Be aware of surroundings. Trees may break causing the downed line.
No electric may mean no heat for vulnerable patients. Unapproved alternative heating methods may be used causing fires and CO emergencies.
Broken water mains may cause water supply issues during a fire.
Be familiar with relay pumping and make sure your booster tank is full.

Chimney Fires

Consider best roof access, ice, snow, roof height and slope
Be aware of the condition of the chimney, use caution when working around the chimney, they can fail.
Be sure to check attic spaces and concealed spaces between floors for extension.
The fire box should be emptied to eliminate further heat and fire.
Avoid water in the chimney, it will crack the flue liner.
If dropping dry-chem bags or other extinguishing agents from the top, close fire box doors first.

Winter Loads

Be aware of the loads being placed on a building by ice and snow. The weight coupled by fire attacking the structural members and the fire flow will increase likelihood of collapse and the collapse will happened faster.
Carports and large open span buildings are especially susceptible to collapse
Ice hanging off of structures can break loose and injure a firefighter.
Monitor conditions above us in regards to falling ice and snow sheets off of buildings.

Episode 7: Be Thankful for the Hard Things Nov 25, 2015

In this episode we take fall in line with the season of Thanksgiving and discuss being thankful for not only the things that are good and enjoyable in our lives, but also the things that are challenges or perceived failures.

We can learn and grow so much more from the hard things than the good things. The fun and good times can make us complacent and allow us to let our guard down.

It's the tough times that we should be thankful for, they are what will define us and our success and legacy.

The Jason Hoevelmann Podcast: Leadership Leaning UP Nov 23, 2015

Throughout our lives we have challenges, frustrations and failures. There is no way to avoid them and we have to learn how to deal with them. Certainly, we try to do all we can to minimize them and avoid those situations, but life happens!

This Monday Mantra addresses being resilient. We must be resilient and have the ability to move on in a productive way from these challenges and especially our failures. Nobody is perfect and the most successful people in any profession and in life have had and will continue to have set backs and failures. What separates them from others is their ability to be resilient.

Stock up on the lessons from those moments that are trying and frustrating and disappointing and pull them off of the shelf later down the road when a similar challenge arises.

Learn who to deal with these challenges and be resilient in everything we do.

Leadership Leaning UP: Episode 5 Nov 18, 2015

This episode is a discussion about the power of humility for leaders. All of us need to be and could demonstrate more humility in our daily and professional lives. The kind of humility I"m talking about isn't deflecting compliments, although giving credit where it's due is important and nobody likes a bragger, we need to be humble when challenged.

I talk about how important it is to be humble enough to put away pride and ego when our faults and deficiencies are pointed out. Look at it as an opportunity to grow and learn from these experiences.

Getting mad, getting defensive does not entrust your team members to be honest with you and others when the conversations and circumstances are difficult.

Don't get hung up on yourself, have humility and get better!

Episode 4: The Monday Mantra Nov 16, 2015

In this episode discuss the challenges we are confronted with everyday. Some of those challenges are at work, at home or in other organizations or functions we participate in. The can be from the things we love to do or in the form of things we don't like to do.

In any event, we need to rise above them, keep our focus on the goal and objective and persevere. We can't allow these challenges to throw us off the tracks and to discourage us. We must keep everything in perspective and to find ways to overcome them.

Persevering doesn't always equate to achieving the goal, but may be just overcoming an obstacle on the way to that goal.

Only one person has control over whether or not you preserve, and that is YOU! Get your mind right, pump yourself up and get ready to persevere!

Episode 3--Tackling Problems Nov 11, 2015

This episode with Jason Hoevelmann addresses and discusses the issues and challenges with solving large problems and putting those problems in perspective.

Jason shares a story about his son moving desk on his own, and realizing that when he takes the drawers out, the desk is significantly lighter and easier to move. It was a great analogy for solving and dealing with large problems.

Break you problems into smaller, more manageable pieces and tackle them one at a time. Don't get overwhelmed by the challenges and problems that you may face each day.

Attack your problems and cut them down to size to successfully deal with them.

As always, please share and tell your friends about our podcast.

Also, we want to mention that the intro music is from podcastthemes.com and they have many options for you short music needs.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @jasonhoevelmann

As always, thanks for listening and following and Exceed Expectations!

Leading Under Fire: Episode 2, The Monday Mantra 1 Nov 09, 2015

Every Monday I will post a new podcast from Leading Under Fire to give you a little boost to get your week started. I will provide inspirational quotes, helpful tips and just straight encouragement to have the best week you can. This episode focusses on Exceeding Expectations.

In this episode we discuss that meeting just the minimum is setting us up to be just the minimum. I don't anybody wants to be considered as just the minimum. No matter what we are doing, not matter what job we do and no matter what we are involved in, we should strive to exceed expectations!

Write down just one thing, one task or one challenge that you want to exceed in. Look at it an believe that you can be more than the minimum this week.

Think about how you will do this and pass it on to others.

Be excellent! It's really your choice.

As always, we thank podcastthemes.com for the intro music and be sure to check us out on Twitter at:

@leadunderfire

Leading Under Fire on Facebook.

Thanks for listening, share with your friends and have a great week!

Jason

Leading Under Fire: Episode 1 Nov 03, 2015

This first episode describes the goals and objectives for presenting and creating this podcast. Jason provides a background and lays the foundation for his leadership principles by sharing his failures and a few of his successes. Jason provides some examples of how failing can be used to catapult you to greater success and improving your outlook.

Please share and review this podcast. The intro music is provided by podcastthemes.com, be sure to check them out.

podcastthemes.com

All the best, Jason

Lead From the Right Seat Oct 31, 2015

This podcast has in roots in fire service leadership. However, this was established and is published as a tool to help individuals who may, or may not, be in supervisory roles to be more effective leaders. My goal is to offer effective techniques and methods, along with proven principles to make great improvements as a leader in your professional life and your personal life.

Having been a fire service leader for over 20 years, I have found that many of the principles that have been effective and proven in the fire service are also very applicable in the 'real' world. I look forward to offering tips and conversations that anybody can use and to have esteemed and successful guests from all walks of life that can offer great insight into achieving goals and wants.

So, as the Company Officer of a fire truck rides and directs his crew from the right seat, we will talk about how to Lead From the RIGHT Seat!

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