Incidents Involving Electricity

November 29th, 2010

Electricity is not only eerie, but can also cause quite a spectacle. The Bergweiler Fire Department was involved in two incidents that dealt with a torn power line. Both incidents occurred in a winter landscape setting, which can certainly evoke romantic feelings. Still, one should be aware of the dangers that go along with firefighting incidents.

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Review of the Firefighting Book “Interior Attack Emergency Management” by Ulrich Cimolino

November 19th, 2010

Rapid Intervention Teams

Interior attack emergencies are some of the most demanding and stressful missions for firefighters. In his new book, Ulrich Cimolino talks about possible solutions for keeping rapid intervention teams (RIT) organized and dispenses practical tips for rescuing firefighters who have been in an accident.

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Car Recovery – Always Think One Step Ahead

November 5th, 2010

Picture: Munich Fire Department

I came across an interesting situation while reading the incident reports of the Professional Fire Brigade Munich. Imagine you are the local fire chief…

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Drill Yourself

October 15th, 2010

Picture: istockphoto.com / paladex

Many firefighter missions are stressful and come with a high level of psychological pressure. It really helps to have a clear head so that you can concentrate on what’s important. Just a few minutes after each training or during the ride back can help make your movements feel more like second nature.

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Help! My Firefighter Team Is so Unmotivated

September 24th, 2010

Motivated and committed operational units are essential to a volunteer fire department. But many supervisors don’t deal with the topic of motivation, which leads to many comrades continuously minimizing their commitment or leaving the fire department altogether.

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Dachau Fire Department – Thanks for Some Awesome Times!

September 16th, 2010

Heißbrandausbildung Container

About three and a half years ago, I left the Munich Downtown Fire Department for the Dachau Volunteer Fire Department. Now that I am once again Allgaeu-bound and have to therefore also leave the Dachau VFD, it’s time to take a look back at the last few years.

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The Attack Hose Basket – Everything’s Always Within Reach

August 11th, 2010

Interior Attack Basket
Picture: Wernau Fire Department

When I think about all the gear interior attack teams carried with them 15 years ago and what they have with them today, it’s worlds apart. The Wernau Fire Department had similar thoughts, which is why they developed the aitttack hose basket. It is intended to relieve the interior attack teams and carry important tools.

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Firefighter Tattoos – It’s Skin-Deep

February 17th, 2010

Not all countries do things alike. Particularly in North America, firefighters are highly respected. This is why a lot of them openly display their solidarity for their fire departments, even on their own bodies.

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