The Nozzle Firefighter

As a firefighter on the engine, we all want to be "that guy" - the one on the nozzle leading the charge and putting the knock on the fire. However, not everyone can be tasked with this role and should understand that each firefighter on the line has a critical role to the successes of the nozzle firefighter. In general, the firefighter on the nozzle is considered to be the most senior firefighter of the crew during the initial attack and is tasked with numerous responsibilities.

First and foremost, the nozzle firefighter is considered one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs on the fire ground but it doesn't come without some punishment. This role is exposed to the most heat and fire than any other firefighter so having a solid understanding of fire behavior and fire suppression is vital for this role. Here are some quick tips for the nozzle firefighter.

1. Stretch the first length of hose and nozzle off the engine

2. Prior to making your initial attack, ensure the line is properly flaked out

3. Never forget to bleed the line after it's charged

4. Advance the line in coordination with the engine company officer and the rest of the crew

5. Keep the nozzle out in front. This makes easier motion when hitting the ceiling or sweeping the floor as well as advancement

6. Knock any fire as you advance to the main body of fire

7. Move out of the doorway when entering the fire room. By doing this it'll take some burden off of you as heat and smoke makes its way out

8. Stay low (duck walk, crawl or stay in a crouch position) 

9. Know when, why and how to hydraulic vent and ensure it's in coordination with the truck and IC.

 Please remember, the nozzle firefighter is responsible for not only their own crew but for all crews working inside the structure especially on the floor(s) above the fire so know your job and know it well. Never stop training.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 18 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

Thank You for a Great 2018!

As 2018 comes to an end and we begin a new chapter in 2019, we would like to thank each and every one of our friends and supporters for all of the support and love they’ve shown us this year. It has been a great year as we’ve met with many new people and will continue to work along side them as we continue on our journey. 

We now embark on a new year. With a new year comes new challenges, new friends and new ways to keep our mission going. To all of those supporting us and following us, keep growing each and every day and continue to serve your community with honor, respect and humility. Remember those who have gone before us not just through words but through action. Challenge yourselves to achieve more and in that will come great success. 

Lastly, always remember to work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

From all of us here at The Firehouse Tribune, have a Happy, Healthy & Safe New Year. 

 - FHTribune Staff

Our Christmas Message

As we gather around the table with family and friends this holiday season, let us all remember those who are unable to be home for the holidays. Let us also remember to keep focusing on our goals, to keep training hard and keep staying true to our mission. It’s easy to stray from it all during the holidays but it’s also a time to keep the motivation going as you’re all surrounded by family and friends. 

From all of us here at The Firehouse Tribune, Nick H, Sean, Nick B, Dave & Nick W, have a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! See you all in 2019.  

Until Next Time; Work Hard, Stay Safe & Live Inspired. 

- FHTribune Staff

Tis the Season for CO Alarms

It’s that time of the year again, furnaces in full force, fire places in use and gas appliances being used more so now than outdoor grills. With this season change the higher expectation of carbon monoxide alarms begin to rise. Why is this a concern? Carbon Monoxide or CO, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and flammable gas with it being the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. 

CO, a byproduct of incomplete combustion of fuel sources such as natural gas, wood, propane and coal to name a few, can be found in many areas of indoor and outdoor living areas such as kitchens, laundry rooms, garages and wood burning stoves and fireplaces. Because of this CO can be generated in 3 ways; through a solid, liquid and a gas.

Examples of forms:

Solid: wood

Liquid: Oil, propane, gasoline 

Gas: Natural gas

Further, CO could also be “man made” through motor vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke and cooking appliances yet all use some type of fuel source and generated through a solid, liquid or gas.

Physiological Effects 

Annually, several hundred thousand people are exposed to CO poisoning with 20-40% of survivors suffering immediate or delayed neuropsychological deficits and other health damage. One of these is Hypoxic Stress, which is the reduction of oxygen-carrying capacity of blood leading to inadequate oxygenation of cells, tissues and organs. Our brains are susceptible to hypoxia although subtle effects of CO could prevent us from being aware.

Earlier, we mentioned cigarette smoke being a man made cause of CO. Well, in a non-smoker the COHb levels in the blood is between 0.4% and 1.4%. In smokers who smoke one pack per day have up to 5% COHb in their blood. Due to this, cognitive ability in longer term smokers has been known to decrease.

Symptoms of CO

1. Headache

2. Fatigue 

3. Nausea 

4. Dizziness 

5. Confusion

6. Cardiac palpitations

7. Loss of consciousnesses 

8. Coma 

9. Death

Let’s now discuss CO Emergencies

Upon arrival, the first arriving officer should ask the following to the occupants prior to investigating the dwelling:

1. Is anyone experiencing any symptoms? 

2. What appliances were being used prior to the alarm?

If no appliances that would trigger a CO alarm were used or the occupants can’t retrace their steps, here are a few options:

Try and recreate the situation from what the occupants have done over the last 6-10 hours because it could be a slow leak. 

1. Observe the occupants for signs of CO poisoning and ensure they are in fresh air while the scene is being investigated. 

2. Check the fireplace, the furnace intake, draft hood, water heater and gas-fed furnace.

3. Ensure gas flames are blue and not yellow or orange, this is a sign of CO.

4. Laptops or tablets charging. This is rare but could happen. 

5. Check the batteries 

If the source is still unfound, request the local gas and utility company to the scene. Also, if operating in a multi-resident occupancy, check adoring apartments and buildings. Depending on your area, think outside of the box. Does this occupancy have a shared chimney? Is it a duplex? Shotgun house or an odd renovation style? This all could be indicators for unfound CO due to its building construction. 

Lastly, ensure alarms are in their proper locations in the occupancy and always don your SCBA with readings at or exceeding 9 ppm. 

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor and a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ.