cover story How Social Media Is Changing Incident Command When large incidents happen, most fire departments are used to mitigating them first, then establishing a public information role to inform the public. In this article, Bill Boyd argues that such a response is no longer effective when the public expects instant information via Twitter and other social media resources. He explains how ICs can and must integrate social media into response plans. of by Bill Boyd cover story Understanding Stress First Aid in the Fire Service Bill Carey challenges what the fire service knows about traditional critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and introduces the concept of Stress First Aid for fire and EMS personnel. of by Bill Carey cover story How to Select a Learning Management System Frank Lipski offers five key considerations when selecting a learning management system for your fire department. of by Frank Lipski An incident such as the one shown here can explode on social media. If your department and incident commanders aren't aggressively using social media to communicate with the public during developing incidents, you're falling behind. Image courtesy Bill Boyd Feature Story How Social Media Is Changing Incident Command When large incidents happen, most fire departments are used to mitigating them first, then establishing a public information role to inform the public. In this article, Bill Boyd argues that such a response is no longer effective when the public expects instant information via Twitter and other social media resources. He explains how ICs can and must integrate social media into response plans. By Bill Boyd Facebook, incident command, social media, Twitter The 7 Cs work in a fluid delivery to break down stigmas and negative social elements associated with stress, and become the bridge—not the final solution—to wellness. Each “C” works in a manner that helps ensure safety, reduces risk of additional stress, and promotes returning to full function. Image Courtesy U.S. Navy Feature Story Understanding Stress First Aid in the Fire Service Bill Carey challenges what the fire service knows about traditional critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and introduces the concept of Stress First Aid for fire and EMS personnel. By Bill Carey AAR, behavioral health, LSI #13, NFFF behavioral health, stress, Stress First Aid Photo iStock Feature Story How to Select a Learning Management System Frank Lipski offers five key considerations when selecting a learning management system for your fire department. By Frank Lipski CentreLearn, Jones & Bartlett, Kaplan Fire & EMS Training, learning management system, LMS, Target Solutions When accessing occupants trapped in a stalled elevator car, remember to send a member into the car prior to allowing the occupants to jump out. If needed, place the occupants in a harness and use a safety/belay line to secure them. Photo Andy Speier Rescue Training Elevator Rescue Operations Do you have elevators in your response area? Andy Speier gives a detailed account of elevator rescue operations for the three basic skill levels: awareness, operations and technician. By Andy Speier car top removal, electric motor elevators, elevator keyholes, elevator mechanical room, elevator rescue operations, elevator technician, hoistway, hydraulic elevator, poling technique Survey on Firefighter Health Fears The NVFC and Cardioviva teamed up to conduct a seven-day online survey of 478 active volunteer firefighters and EMTs in order to determine how public safety officials perceive heart-related health issues. By Jane Jerrard Cardioviva, Change of Heart, exercise, healthy eating, heart attack, LODD, NVFC, survey Safety Training for Operations in the Hot Zone It’s sometimes not clear how to define the “hot zone.” Here, Jason Hoevelmann offers his description of the hot zone for various types of incidents and offers safety tips. By Jason Hoevelmann building fire, hazardous materials, hazmat, hot zone, technical rescue, training evolutions, vehicle fire, vehicle rescue, water rescue Thermal imaging cameras detect emitted heat energy through a variety of filters and can detect energy emitted through a door or wall. Photo Gert Zoutendijk Fire Attack Thermal Imaging Cameras: Potential & Practice For years, firefighters have wanted to see through smoke. Now, with improvements to thermal imaging, super-human sight is possible. By Greg Jakubowski cameras, NFPA, smoke, standards, technology, thermal imaging, TICs This shelf was designed to store the lift bag hoses and adapters in their own cushioned space. Responders increased the ability to quickly identify the accessories by labeling each one. In-Depth Extrication Storing Lift Bags Correctly Ensures Easy Accessibility Do you know where your lift bags are and if they’ll work when you arrive on the extrication scene? By Les Baker extrication, lift bag storage, lift bags, organization, storage Near-Miss Reports Communication & Personnel Accountability for ICs In this Near Miss Report, Deputy Chief John B. Tippett Jr. examines communication breakdowns and the role of personnel accountability for ICs. By John B. Tippett Jr. accountability, communication, IC, incident command, near miss, personnel The “firefighter fitness truss" consists of strength development, auxiliary activities, functional training both with PPE and without, flexibility, cardiovascular training, sound nutritional programs, solid “pre-covery” and recovery programs, and mental health. Just like a truss in a roof system, if any piece is missing, we may have a failure of the entire system as it relates to firefighter fitness. So each piece supports another, and there are many options for how to perform each one. In addition to the “fitness truss” programs, we now have other programs like Heart Fit for Duty that use diagnostic tests on firefighters to determine where they need improvement. Survival of the Fittest Firefighter Fitness Programs & Fitness Accountability What does your department do to ensure the health and fitness of its firefighters? Monte Egherman discusses the issues plaguing firefighter fitness, calling on all departments to actively pursue fitness through basic but continued exercise programs, proper leadership and accountability. By Monte Egherman firefighter fitness programs, firefighter fitness truss, fitness accountability, herd fitness, peer fitness program AND MORE

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