Exposure Protection: The In’s & Out’s

A well trained group of firefighters with a solid foundation of a good coordinated fire attack is critical to the success of fireground operations. Plan and simple. Understanding fire attack as well as fire behavior in particular structures also provides a good understanding of exposure protection. Many firefighters if not all firefighters heard of or know the acronym RECEO VS (Rescue, Exposure, Confine, Extinguish, Overhaul, Ventilate, Salvage) which is a critical thinking tool to assist with our tactical decision making based on the situation at hand. This article will talk about the "E" in RECEO VS - exposure. Something that is oftentimes overlooked. 

One third of our fireground responsibilities is property conservation. If we remember, L.I.P. (life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation). This stands true for interior or exterior exposures. Thorough size ups and a well performed search and location of fire will assist our needs of potential exposures and a way for firefighters to get ahead of the fire. One thing we always want to do, is get ahead of the fire before it gets ahead of us. 

A way to get ahead and hopefully stay ahead of the fire is to establish exposure lines in order to protect fire spread through the means of a secondary line(s). By doing so, we are allowing ourselves to stay ahead of any rapid fire progress and putting ourselves in a position to contain the fires forward progress. Fire can and will advance itself in any and all directions based through various ways.

1. Direct flame contact

2. Radiant heat

3. Convection

4. Embers

5. Heat contained in smoke. 

If we can understand where the fire is going, taking into consideration it's speed, type of structure and location to name a few, we can better position ourselves in front of the fire's flow path and cut off any potential exposure problem. 

Interior exposure considerations 

1. The BOX we are working on (4 walls, 1 ceiling, 1 floor). Heat travels up which makes the floor above the fire one of the most critical areas to protect. Don’t forget to check the floors below. Fire can drop floors just as easily as it can travel up floors.

2. Mushroom Effect. Top floors of a structure have a tendency to collect heat, smoke and products of combustion with nowhere to go. A calculated vent will help with reducing this effect.

3. Common cockloft. A hose line, a few pike poles and a TIC can help alleviate fire spread.

4. Interior design. Based on how the structure is designed can determine how fire will spread. Open floor plans present a great opportunity for fire spread since there is nothing to impede heat to travel and fire to spread. Open floor plans are common in both residential and commercial dwellings. Keep a look out for renovations as well. 

Exterior exposure considerations

1.   Structures on the sides of the fire building.

2.   Structures in front of the fire building

3.   Structures to the rear of the building

Note: exposure problems around the exterior of the fire building could be at risk of absorbing radiant heat, therefore hoselines on the exterior should direct their streams to the structures themselves to help reduce the amount of heat they are absorbing and not spray water in the opening between the structures. By spraying water between structures will still allow radiant heat to be absorbed by the exposed structures. 

A group of well trained firefighters in well trained hose deployment techniques allows us to get ahead of the fire before it gets ahead of us.

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

Prepare to Perfrom

We are only as good as our last performance but we are also only as we prepare ourselves to be. Preparation begins long before the call comes in. It even begins before any preplanning is done and crew training. It's done, with one's own self. It's called knowing your job and performing it as if it's the championship game each time you're working. Each firefighter is responsible for their assignments and should know their job better than anyone else. On the flipside, each member of the crew should know their fellow firefighters responsibilities just as well as their own. Without knowing and understanding your role and roles around you even knowing the role above you, success is much harder to achieve and days with lower manpower will impact the rate of success.  

Some will say strategic planning is something for the command and company officers to worry about. I disagree, this is something each firefighter needs to be thinking about in some capacity. Without it, responsibilities cannot be done as efficiently and voids cannot be easier filled. When looking at this in a sports perspective, the great dynasty teams all had one common denominator, great preparation and an understanding of each other's roles. If we take the New England Patriots who won 3 Super Bowls from 2014 until now went by the mantra "Do Your Job" which stood for one thing, know your responsibilities better than anyone else on the field and understand the big picture that is looking to be achieved. By doing this, success will come. The same goes for the fire service. The more each member of the crew knows and the better they prepare, the easier a day on the fire ground becomes.

Here are a few steps on how to prepare to perform.

1. Know your role and own it. Be able to understand and explain to others the ins and outs of your role clearly. 

2. Know and understand the other responsibilities of your crew. This helps become multi-dimensional and can easily back fill other roles should there be a short staff or other circumstances that may arise.

3. Consistently train on your responsibilities and rotate through training on other responsibilities as well. By doing so, it bridges any gaps and helps develop a more unified crew. Example using engine company ops: On a 4 man engine, there's an officer (assumes back-up role), driver, nozzle firefighter and control firefighter (also assumes hydrant duty).  This is a prime example of how firefighters are responsible to one role and yet assumes another role. Continually practice in such roles plays dividends when it is used in the field. 

• Use your resources such as google maps to get aerial views, side views and street views of buildings you want to have specific plans for and even use it for the frequent flyers. Never take anything for granted.

• Develop a plan and train on it consistently and then develop contingencies and train on those. 

• Ensure all crew members understand the strategies and tactics and can clearly explain them. This helps show everyone is clear on the assignments. 

Preparation is key to successful fire ground performance. How you prepare is how you perform. Train accordingly.

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

The Engine Company Chauffeur

Arguably one of the most critical assignments in the fire service is transporting firefighters to and from a call…safely. The firefighters in the back of the cab and the officer riding next to you rely on you to get them there safe and sound. Further, should this be the engine company chauffeur they rely on you to provide them water during fire suppression. Not only do these brother and sister firefighters rely on you, so does the other crews responding as well, the IC, the people who called for help and above all the families of yourself and your crew your chauffeuring to the call. If you want to be a chauffeur or are currently one here's a few tips I've learned and utilized when driving the engine.

1. Know your apparatus inside and out. Knowing where tools are, how to operate all equipment and how to maintain the apparatus go a long way. This tells the crew you're confident in your job and can support them while they're at work should anything go bad.
2. Know your district. Knowing your district shows the difference between a "driver" and a "chauffeur". One is someone who is simply driving the firefighters and apparatus to a scene while the other is knowing the inner circle of the role and making it their livelihood.
3. Drive with a purpose but drive safely. There's no rush to get there, take your time but be alert. Just because there's lights and sirens doesn't mean everyone else will move over or see you. Follow all traffic laws to ensure a safe arrival to the scene and back.
4. Know your hydrant locations or have a good understanding of where they might be. This will help with establishing a water supply quickly. Also, with today's modern technology, a lot of departments have tablets with maps showing hydrant locations. Take a look at them so it isn't a scramble while enroute.
5. Know your place. Proper engine apparatus is vital and should be passed the building leaving room for the first due truck. Also, this helps the officer and firefighters going in to see 3 sides of the structure for size ups and fire attack purposes.
6. When on scene, ensure a secure water supply is properly in place.
7. Ensure cross-lay is fully flaked out of the hose bed or static lay is connected.
8. Monitor the radio for instructions from the engine company officer to charge the line(s)
9. Monitor the radio for all radio traffic. This will help assist the IC should any urgent messages be missed.
10. Secondary eyes. Perform a size up of your own and as conditions change let the IC know. Remember, the IC is one person and can only see so much, as a first due engine this is a way to assist with valuable information to help crews on the fire ground.
11. Monitor the panel. Communicate water and fuel levels to the IC as they change.

It may be a lot of tips but this role calls for a lot of work, effort, knowledge and leadership. Remember, for that call, that shift, that moment, all trust and reliability relies on you. It's your apparatus and the trust is all in you. Get them there safe.

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.

The Engine Company Doorman

As we know each position on the engine company is an integral role to the success or failure of the job at hand. Each role is unique and plays an important part in the grand scheme. Like chess each firefighter is just as important as the other and how they're utilized is most important. In this case, it's the Door Man. A role that isn't spoken about much and like many departments today, is often times combined with the roles of back-up firefighter due to staffing limitations yet the responsibilities are crucial and play large parts during fires.
Here are some quick tips for the door man.

1. Back-up the hydrant firefighter. Ensure the cross-lay is emptied from the bed or assist with the static lay connection.
2. Know your hose estimates. Should the static lay be used, estimate the amount needed before connecting to the engine (better to go more than not enough)
3. If there is a back-up firefighter, assist in flaking out the line from the front to the back-up firefighter.
4. Prevent kinks in line. Choke doors as the line goes through.
5. Eyes on the structure. Monitor fire conditions at the doorway(s) and/or stairwell(s) and report any deteriorating conditions.
6. Next man up. Should the nozzle firefighter need to be relived, it's your job to step up.

There it is, quick tips for an often overlooked position on the fire ground however a role that plays dividends to the success of the fire suppression team.

Until next time; work hard, stay say & 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, 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.

The Hydrant Firefighter

 As an engine company firefighter, we all want the nozzle. Nothing is more rewarding then going in, attacking the fire and hopefully preventing any fire spread. However, there are many other roles that without them the nozzle firefighter cannot do their job as efficiently putting strain not only on their job but all the other jobs on the fire ground. One job that goes mostly unrecognized but highly important to the effectiveness of the engine company and success of all crews on the fire ground is a strong and valuable Control Man or also known as Hydrant Man. 

The role of the hydrant man isn't exactly the most glorious but probably one of the most crucial next to the engine company driver. The firefighter assigned to the hydrant is tasked with establishing a water supply to the engine. Seems simple right? Well, under normal circumstances this role is relatively easy yet under stressful situations this job can become a bit nerve-racking. If you want to be a proficient hydrant man here are a few steps in doing so.

1. Practice, practice, practice.

2. Don't take this role for granted. Know your tools, know the hydrants in your first due response area and have an understanding for the hydrants in your secondary areas as well should they be different.

3. Before establishing your connection to the hydrant, open the steamer and cap(s) and check for debris inside the hydrant and flush it.

4. For forward lays, secure the supply line to the hydrant and open the hydrant once instructed by the driver.

5. Follow department policies for what type of connection will take place (off the steamer or side connection).

6. Once complete assist in removing kinks from the attack line starting at the apparatus to the front door and assist with hose advancement

7. Should for any reason the backup firefighter need to be relived, assume the role.

Tools:

1. Radio

2. Flashlight

3. Hydrant bag (hydrant wrench, spanner wrench, gated ball value (if part of policy)).

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.

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.

The Back Up Firefighter

As a firefighter riding in the engine we all want to be on the nozzle, fighting the fire head on, producing a solid fire attack to the fire and getting cheers from our fellow firefighters for a quick solid knock. However, not everyone can always be the nozzle man and get to be face to face with the fire. Sometimes we need to be the backup or the setup man if you will. It's not pretty or glorified but in this line of business someone has to do it and at one point in time many of us get that assignment. The assignments may be cumbersome but a solid, ready to fight backup firefighter is critical to a successful and aggressive interior fire attack.  

As the old saying goes, "the fire goes as the fire line goes" and without an experienced backup firefighter, the advancement, fire suppression and a long day at the office will prevail; not to mention a not too happy nozzle man. 

Here's a few tips every backup firefighter on the line should consider.

   1. Ensure there are no kinks in the line, especially the first 50 feet behind the nozzle. Kinks will be detrimental to a sufficient fire flow and delay hose advancement.
2. Hit the hydrant and establish a water supply to the engine. If there is a short crew, this may be the job of the backup firefighter. Ensure your hydrant skills are efficient and ready to go. Timing is everything.
3. Force the door. If the engine is first on scene, ensure the line is stretched and be prepared to possibly force the door if needed.
4. Search off the line. Perform a primary search if no truck company is in place yet. 
5. If needed, be the second or third set of eyes and ears for the nozzle man. Watch the fire's behavior and carefully monitor conditions in the room and update the nozzle man and officer if there's a sense conditions are deteriorating and a flashover and/or collapse is imminent.

If you're assigned as the backup firefighter get ready before the call comes in (physically/mentally)and ensure all PPE and equipment is ready to go. A successful fire attack is counting on it so get ready and stay ready.

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, 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.

Why a RIC Team is Important in Today's Fire Service

Life safety on the fire ground is top priority not only for the citizens affected by the incident but also us as the first responders on the scene. By establishing that priority early on, it sets the tone for how firefighters can operate at that given scene. Each of us want to be safe and ensure we go home to our families and so do the ones overseeing the scene, they want and expect the same for us and themselves. Unforeseen circumstances could always arise in this line of work while working in an immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)atmosphere that could injury, trap or cause a firefighter(s) to go missing and because of this a dedicated team of specially trained firefighters or what we know as a rapid intervention crew (RIC), are to be established and maintained to rescue a fellow firefighter in distress. Going even further than that, this team must be incorporated into their incident management system and accountability system as per NFPA 2014. So what is the reason for this dedicated crew to standby incase a firefighter goes down?

Here’s are 5 tragic events that changed the course of the fire service and opened the eyes for the need for rapid invention implementation.

1. Columbus, Ohio on July 25, 1987. One firefighter fell through the floor into the burning basement, as conditions deteriorated and several rescue attempts using hoselines, ropes and ladders failed, rescue attempts were halted and this firefighter perished. The “Nance Drill” was then created from these events after it claimed the life of Acting Officer Firefighter John Nance.

2. The Hackensack Ford Fire in Hackensack, NJ on July 1, 1988. Five firefighters get lost and trapped while fighting a fire in the car dealership after the truss roof collapsed and ultimately claiming their lives.

3. Denver, CO on September 28, 1992. One firefighter became separated from his crew and due to a collapse, intense heat and heavy smoke this firefighter was trapped in a storage room with an aisle only 28 inches wide. Firefighters quickly setup ground ladders and removed window bars but it was ultimately too late. This firefighter perished on that day. The “Denver Drill” was then created from these events after it claimed the life of Firefighter Mark Langvardt. 

4. Passaic, NJ on May 9, 2001. One firefighter became trapped while searching for victims on the second floor of an apartment building.

5. Philadelphia, PA on August 20, 2004. Two firefighters were killed and a third was injured after becoming trapped in the basement of a one-alarm fire.

All 3 of these tragic events had no rapid intervention crew established. 

There are many reasons a rapid intervention crew could be activated on the fire ground and unfortunately this team of specially training firefighters are entering probably the most dangerous area of the structure; the place where a firefighter(s) is in distress and calls for help, otherwise known to the fire service as a “MAYDAY”. The reasons for a “mayday” vary but each one should be acted upon quickly and efficiently. 

Reasons for a “MAYDAY” and the activation of RIC.

1. Firefighters run out of air. Possibly due to large areas being worked in.

2. Excessive heat which could cause a heat stroke or a cardiac event.

3. Lack of visibility leading to crew separation and firefighter disorientation.

4. Crew separation due to the possible complexity of the floor plan.

5. Structural collapse 

At any given moment one of these could be messaged over the radio to the Incident Commander and the activation of the rapid intervention crew will need to take place. In order for RIC to be readily available to go to work, a few things need to take place in the anticipation something could go wrong at any moment. 

1. The first 10-15 minutes of a fire is most critical. Have RIC established early on and the RIC officer meet face to face with the IC for any pertinent information that could assist them in their efforts should they be activated. Establishing RIC from the start will help them with deployment and setup time. Also, most RIC established are outside agencies and will need time for travel.

2. The RIC officer should establish a staging area for the crew and all their necessary equipment along with devising a game plan should they be activated. 

3. Develop your own size up of the structure and make it continual throughout the duration of the job since things change. 

4. Determine how many crews are in the structure and the number of manpower on each crew. This will help with your S&T if you should be put to work. 

5. Assist with egress. Take a proactive approach and setup ground ladders for crews operating on upper floors. 

6. Time is critical. Stabilizing the situation quickly is the goal and working with the IC to develop a game plan for efficient firefighter removal (quickly yet systematically) before entering the structure will assist in those efforts. 

7. Bring the tools that are warranted for the situation. As mentioned earlier, RIC has a staging area for crew and tools so it is possible and necessary to stage more tools than you’ll need to go in with yet having excess tools readily available is just as important. 

Tools of RIC

1. Staging tarp for tools

2. RIC Pack – rescue SCBA

3. Forcible entry tools such as a Halligan bar or other pry tools

4. Stokes basket

5. 150-foot search rope

6. Wire cutters

7. Saws (i.e K-12, chainsaw)

8. Thermal imaging camera

9. Box lights

10. Strobe light to identify egress 

11. Life-saving rope/life belt

While there is no viable proof that having an established RIC in place will prevent firefighter fatalities on the fire ground, it is necessary in having one established and ready to go as a way to assist with the rescue and removal of a down fellow firefighter in hopes of a successful save. Any time departments are working on large structures, it is best to have rapid intervention crews on each side of the structure for quicker deployments with hopes of mitigating firefighter fatalities. Further, having an established RIC is a fire service best practice for all scenarios with firefighters working in an IDLH environment. May the lives of the firefighters mentioned in this article and the lives of all the firefighters who have gone before us in the line of duty, may they rest in peace. 

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, 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.

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.