Imagine this: You are the first-in engine on a structure fire. Your officer tells you to pull an attack line and a backup line. You mow over two “Brothers” and grab the Golden Ring. The Knob! Your officer tells you to mask up and attack the fire. Wasting no time, you put on your mask, hood, and helmet. As you turn to retrieve your gloves that you had put down earlier, you notice that they are gone!
Jeff A. Welch, former chief of the Northern Lakes (ID) Fire Protection District, developed the following technique, now taught in engine company operations training at the North Idaho Fire Academy. It will help you know where your gloves are while you are donning your mask, hood, and helmet.
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1. If you¿re the nozzleman, secure the nozzle (photo 1).
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2. Take your gloves and place them under your knee. This will prevent them from being kicked away or moved as you prepare to mask up (photo 2).
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3. After you put on your mask, hood, and helmet, put one glove at a time on (photos 3, 4).
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There are many different ways of keeping track of your gloves; use a system that works for you. Train as you work. ■
■ JERRY J.M. MOREAU JR. is an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) firefighter II and a driver/operator with the Northern Lakes (ID) Fire Protection District.
■ RALPH KRAMER is a lieutenant with the Northern Lakes (ID) Fire Protection District. He is a certified Idaho state instructor in engine company operations and an IFSAC firefighter II and fire officer I.
