By William Shouldis
Lately, you can hardly read a fire service publication without the mention of a serious injury or fatality. It is not surprising that most after-action reports stress the importance of a risk assessment policy—a procedure that is practiced by everyone at an incident scene. Personal safety must become part of the thought process of every firefighter, paramedic, and emergency worker. Res-ponders will always be challenged by numerous variables at any operation. The impact factor must be life safety.
On July 4, 2002, in the small town of Gloucester City, New Jersey, there were many surprises—mainly that firefighters and civilians were killed in a dwelling fire. The initial “size-up” report indicated that three children were trapped inside a burning semiattached frame dwelling. Career and volunteer members worked together. Fire chiefs, company officers, and firefighters mounted an offensive attack when, suddenly, the three-story structure failed. The intense fire weakened the bearing wall, and gravity acted on the supporting structural members. A physical force of nature pulled the structure to the ground. Unfortunately, an adjoining property toppled onto the burning dwelling. The fire flared. The debris field was massive. The void spaces were almost nonexistent. The tomb was sealed. Once again, the legend of “big things happening in small places” was reinforced.
The Philadelphia (PA) Fire Department was asked to provide mutual aid. The department sent two on-duty chiefs and a heavy rescue unit that specializes in these difficult extrications. Sadly, the rescue efforts were not enough. There was only the grim task of body recovery. Three firefighters and three children were dead. Packaging the deceased for a proper removal was important. Members of Philadelphia Fire Department stood in silence and watched as their New Jersey colleagues carried flag-draped stretchers bearing the fallen brothers. That day will be remembered for the impact of six lost lives.
As emergency responders, we must understand the risk/reward ratio. Remember that firefighters have been dying for decades in the same manner—burned by a rapidly spreading fire, disoriented by heavy smoke, and crushed by the weight of a structural component. It is time to develop a safety plan that will have an I.M.P.A.C.T. on reducing surprises.
I—Integrate information management into prevention and suppression activities so that sensible decisions can be made before, during, and after an incident.
M—Make a difference. Many believe that the newer members of the fire service belong to the “me” generation. Make our motivation focus on training in safe scene evolutions.
P—Professionalism means a knowledge of performance and prescriptive codes. New technology has resulted in advancements in early detection and fire suppression systems. Prepare a sprinkler ordinance for long-term community life safety.
A—Aggressive and action-oriented individuals are needed in the fire service, but the fireground accountability principles can never be ignored.
C—Command post communication is a challenge. Command must be in constant contact with companies and crews operating in high-hazard areas.
T—Technically effective and safe operations are not a dream. Training and teamwork can make this a reality.
William Shouldis is a deputy chief and a 30-plus-year veteran of the Philadelphia (PA) Fire Department. He is an adjunct instructor at the National Fire Academy and teaches courses on fireground operations, health and safety, and fire prevention. Shouldis has a bachelor’s degree in fire science administration and a master’s degree in public safety. He is a member of the Fire Engineering editorial advisory board and has spoken numerous times at the FDIC.
