Why carry tools, or even buy them, if you are not going to use them?
It is an honest question that can't be shrugged off with the "you weren't there" anonymous response, or the "quit being such a sally" one as well. It has to do with education. Tennessee firefighters stretch and advance a hoseline at a private dwelling fire. Met with a closed door, it takes eight kicks from three different firefighters to force open a rear door.
In a time when we appreciate as much hands on training as possible, and encourage each other to work smarter not harder, why not break a pane of glass and reach inside?
What does it say about our individual and company behaviors?
Is what you are learning, what you spend money on to be "hands on", sinking in?
See another post and comments of an earlier mule kicking.
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I think that given the "live" nature of the helmet cam that we could also say that this department got a pretty good handle on a decent fire. I also feel that some things could have gone a little smoother/faster.
Mainly, I think that the PPV fan made sure everyone had some fire to play with! The mule kick is self-explanatory (or is it?). While I'm not particularly picking on this video, parts of it have sparked a tangent inside my brain that wants to rear it's ugly head…
I am a true proponent that "professional" firefighter describes a behavior and attitude not a paycheck. A professional firefighter brings three things to every fire; their brain, their tools and their "A" game.
That being said, every CERTIFIED firefighter in America should have gotten the same fundamental fire training that I got. The mulekick and feeding air to fires was not part of it.
After continuously seeing videos like this there are some things that worry me;
1. The lack of fundamental firefighting tactics.
2. The lack of understanding that there is a lack of fundamental firefighting tactics.
3. The willingness of people to post videos demonstrating the lack of firefighting tactics.
My other growing concern/question… is the problem rooted in the fundamental firefighting training or lack thereof?
Any questions, concerns, rebuttals, hate mail can be forwarded to the link below. Thanks