DRILLS

[nagrag2362]

NEW TRUCK COMPANY LT LOOKING FOR DRILL IDEAS VERY BUSY DEPT. SOME OF MY MEN ARE SOFT PLEASE HELP

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[Dalmation90]

Personally, I'd recommend an cordless drill...shouldn't need to much tourqe to go through some soft troops, and it's so much easier not dragging around an extension cord.
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[SBrooks]

Ground Ladders, Ground Ladders, Ground Ladders, Ground Ladders. Carry them, Throw them, climb up them (with stuff)

Also, learn how to put somebody in a stokes basket securely.

[e33]

Drill on survival skills, RIT tactics (especially simple stuff like the handcuff knot), HAND TOOLS! (carry alot and learn how to use them), i suggest the new book, "Hand Tools for the Fire Service", by Richard Fritz. Carry alot of hooks with heads that suit your needs. Ladders of course, also searching techniques. You may also want to practice size-up, communications and simulataneou fire attack senarios. Good luck.

[Dalmation90]

Ok...I'll put my serious hat on for a moment..
I've always liked starting drills with a little story/scenario...especially if it was recent and working out from their. Even better if it was POSITIVE...you know, we did a pretty good job at the fire at so and sos last December because ____________ and I want to make sure we do as well again in the future!
Emphasize the job of the Truckies (Vent it, enter it, and search it!) And search more than anything means FIND THE FIRE. Those poor engine slobs would be lost without the Truckies leading the way http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif
Start with practical skills, and then intergrate -- show them how to operate the saw. Then have a couple evolutions at the end of it. For example, 5 firefighters. One starts the saw, one grabs a roof ladder, three raise a big ladder to the roof, then the roof ladder and saw head on up and get into position. Break down, rotate, and try it again. If you have a couple of crews...get a little competition going between 'em.
Matt

[oldtimer]

We still have some airpacks stored in boxes inside compartments. I started a competition to see who could get into complete PPE in the shortest time. They start in the day room with all their bunkers on the floor in front of them in a pile. I do a complete inspection of the participant and add 20 seconds for each fault. All snaps,hooks, zippers etc must be right. The best time noted at the time we place an order for new bunker gear gets first choice.
Its good practice, and funny as hell.
401

[morriss]

Cover the basics. Ladders, hose advancement, ventialtion, forcible entry, etc. The real challenge is to keep it interesting. I have used the competition theme for many drills. Set up a maze and time each person. Award a prize for the fastest person. Combine skills into an "obstacle course" with hoisting, chopping, climbing, etc. Play jeopardy with topics on bad weather days. These are just a few ideas. There is a book for sale on the Fire Engineering list for drill ideas.