INDIANA FIRE SERVICE NEWS
IF YOU HAVE A NEWS ITEM YOU WOULD LIKE POSTED PLEASE EMAIL INFORMATION TO rbrown@indianafirefighter.com
Edition-2
Special Thanks to
Chief Billy Goldfeder, www.firefightercloseacalls.com
and the Secret List for sharing this
information.
Hey...
A Jamestown (IN) Firefighter is in surgery after a semi truck
struck and ran him over near the scene of 2 others crashes on I-74
near the Boone/Hendricks County line around 1000 hours this morning.
The Firefighter was at the scene of the crashes when the semi hit
him, and after he was hit, he was pinned under the semi for about 30
minutes until he was extricated and transported. The Firefighter is in
surgery now due to multiple serious traumatic injuries. There were reports of
ice in the area where the incident occurred. Updates will follow.
INDIANA APPARATUS RESPONDING CRASH:
And also in Indiana, 4 Pike Township Firefighters were being hospitalized
this morning after their apparatus struck a tree during a EMS run. Initial
reports are that their injuries appeared to be non life-threatening,
The Firefighters headed out on the engine just before 1100 hours on an EMS
run and while responding to the scene, their engine hit ice and the driver
lost control.
Boone
County Firefighter seriously injured while on emergency call with Jamestown
Fire Department.
Fred
Long a member of the Jamestown Fire Department, Boone County was on the scene
of an accident on I-74 on Friday December 26th when an approaching
semi tractor trailer lost control, the semi truck struck and pinned firefighter
Long trapping him under the semi’s drive tires in the ditch along I-74.
Firefighter Long was rescued by on-scene personnel and transported to Methodist
Hospital in Indianapolis. Firefighter Long is listed in Stable Condition
with multiple injuries and several broken bones. Please keep our brother
firefighter Fred Long, his family, and the Jamestown Fire Department in your
thoughts and prayers.
You
can post a supportive message at the following web site:
http://caringbridge.org/visit/fredlong
I
would ask that you consider a financial contribution, which can be made to the
State Bank of Lizton: Attn: Firefighter Fred Long, for branch locations
visit the site or call toll free 866-348-4674
https://secure.bancinternetgroup.com/2155/mirror/a_locations.htm
James
C. VanGorder
Fire Chief
Zionsville
Fire Department
President,
Boone County Fire Chief’s Assc.
317-873-5358 Office
317-733-3022 fax
Emergency Management and
Response
Information Sharing and
Analysis Center
(EMR-ISAC)
CIP Bulletin
14-08 December
29, 2008
NOTE: This Bulletin provides
members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the
protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information,
contact the Emergency Management and Response- Information Sharing and Analysis
Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by e-mail at emr-isac@dhs.gov.
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Voluntary
Standards for the Credentialing of Personnel
The
Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) released its draft guidance for the credentialing of first responders. DHS/FEMA offers the opportunity to the
Emergency Services Sector to provide comments/recommendations for the D R A F T National Incident Management
System (NIMS) Voluntary Standards for the Credentialing of Personnel. Those wishing to provide feedback must do so
by January 21, 2009.
To
open and review this 25-page document, please follow these directions:
1.
Click on the following link:
http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=FEMA-2008-0015
2.
Refer to the second entry for the Document ID: FEMA-2008-0015-0002.
3.
Click on the icon for the PDF format seen under the “Views” column.
·
Comments can
be submitted using one of the following methods:
- Via the Federal
eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov
where you can follow the instructions for submitting documents to the
proper Docket ID (FEMA-2008-0015).
- Via email: FEMA-POLICY@dhs.gov including
the Docket ID (FEMA-2008-0015) in the subject line of the message.
- Via fax: 866-466-5370
including the Docket ID (FEMA-2008-0015) in the subject of the cover page.
- Via mail/hand
delivery/courier:
Send to Regulation and Policy Team, Office of Chief
Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20472
·
All
submissions must include the agency name and Docket ID (FEMA-2008-0015).
Regardless of the method used for submitting comments or material, all
submissions will be posted, without change, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov, and will
include any personal information provided.
·
For further
information the POC is:
Robert Schweitzer, Executive Director, National Preparedness Directorate, FEMA
500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472; (202) 646-3234
Emergency Management
and Response
Information Sharing
and Analysis Center
(EMR-ISAC)
CIP Bulletin
13-08 December
29, 2008
NOTE: This Bulletin provides
members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the
protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information,
contact the Emergency Management and Response- Information Sharing and Analysis
Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by e-mail at emr-isac@dhs.gov.
CDC Fact Sheet: Casualty Management After a Deliberate Release
of Radioactive Material
This document contains recommended immediate
actions for police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel who may be
faced with a nuclear terrorist act.
The
Situation
A conventional explosion has scattered radioactive
material, saboteurs blew up a truck carrying radioactive material, or an
aerosol containing radioactive material has been spread over a large area.
There may be some injured people, and in the latter situation there may be
hundreds of contaminated or exposed people.
Protecting
Yourself
•
Approach the release site with caution. Position
personnel, vehicles, and command post at a safe distance upwind and uphill of
the site, if possible. Ensure your own physical safety. Look for fires, exposed
high-voltage wires, sharp or falling objects, tripping hazards, or hazardous
chemicals. Be alert for changing conditions.
• Wear a mask to reduce the dose from inhalation of
radioactive dust. Ideally the mask should be a full face mask with a HEPA
filter, but even breathing through a handkerchief or cloth will help. There will
be little danger from radioactive gases, so a self contained breathing mask,
while effective, is not necessary unless there are other gasses or toxins
present.
• Dust will collect on your clothing. Remove and
discard it after you leave the area. If you fail to remove clothing you will
continue to receive radiation exposure and expose others. Wear loose fitting
clothes covering as much of your body as possible. Any removable garment that
will prevent the dust from coming into direct contact with your skin will
suffice.
• Open wounds or abrasions must be protected from
radioactive contamination.
• If running water or showers are available, full
body rinsing with lukewarm water is advised. Even a fire hose may remove most
contamination not already removed with the outer clothing.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while exposed to
potentially radioactive dust or smoke. Drinking water may be necessary for
people working in high temperatures with bulky protective clothing. If
absolutely necessary to drink water, drink from a canteen or other closed
container. Beware of heat strain.
• If radiation measuring instruments are available,
place them in plastic bags to prevent their contamination and use them to map
the areas leading up to the highest dose rates. Do not enter the areas of
highest dose rate except to save lives, and then make the entry as brief as
possible.
Protecting
the Injured and Exposed
•
Seriously injured people should be removed from the
source of radiation, stabilized, and sent to hospitals first.
• After treatment of serious physical injuries,
preventing the spread of the radioactive material or unnecessary exposure of
other people is paramount. Carry out the following immediate response actions
without waiting for any radiation measurements.
o
Establish an exclusion zone around the source. Mark
the area with ropes or tapes. Reroute traffic.
o
Limit entry to rescue personnel only. Detain
uninjured people who were near the event or who are inside the control zone
until they can be checked for radioactive contamination, but do not delay
treatment of injured people or transport to a hospital for this purpose.
o
Take action to limit or stop the release of more
radioactive material, if possible, but delay cleanup attempts until radiation
protection technicians are on the scene.
o
Tell nearby hospitals to expect the arrival of
radioactively contaminated and injured people.
• Everyone near the scene should be checked for
radioactive contamination. As soon as you can obtain radiation measuring equipment,
establish a decontamination area for this purpose. Decontaminate people whose
injuries are not life-threatening (broken arms, etc.) before sending them to
hospitals. Do not send people without physical injuries to hospitals.
• Record keeping is as important for the long-term
health of the victims as it is for the emergency responders. Use the form
attached to this brochure to record contact information for all exposed people
so they can be given medical examinations later. The Department of Health and
Human Services will request this information later.
For More
Help
In the event of a radiation emergency, you should
notify your state Radiation Control Program Director. Telephone numbers for
each state may be found at www.crcpd.org/map/map.asp.
Notify the CDC Emergency Preparedness Branch at
their 24-hour telephone number: 770-488-7100.
Other
Information
The North American Emergency Response Guidebook
(Publication A70-010) and its Pocket Edition (A70-010P) contain supplemental
information on dealing with radioactive material. These books may be ordered
from:
UNZ and Co
700 Central Avenue
New Providence, NJ 07974
Phone: 800 631-3098
Jackson B, Peterson DJ, Bartis J, LaTourette T,
Brahmakulam I, Houser A, Sollinger J. Protecting Emergency Responders: Lessons
Learned from Terrorist Attacks (NIOSH Workshop Proceedings). Contains important
lessons learned from the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City events. ISBN:
0-8330-3149-X CF-176-OSTP, available at www.rand.org/publications/CF/CF176.
Download
the following form at www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/pdf/radiationmedicalform.pdf
(PDF) to collect information from persons in the affected area.
Additional
Links for First Responders & Physicians
• Casualty Management After Detonation of a Nuclear Weapon In an Urban
Area (www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/casualtiesdetonation.asp)
• Acute Radiation Syndrome (for Physicians) (www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/arsphysicianfactsheet.asp)
Insurer arguing pollution caused fire deaths
© 2008 The Associated Press
Dec. 17, 2008, 5:22PM
HOUSTON — An insurance company is arguing in court that a policy it issued that excludes payments for pollution prevents the families of three people killed in a 2007 Houston office building fire from being compensated because the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation and not the actual flames.
Great American Insurance Co. has asked U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal in Houston to rule that the deaths caused by the smoke, fumes and soot will not be covered by the policy because there is a specific exclusion for pollution and it mentions smoke, fumes and soot.
A court hearing in the case is set for February.
"This is shocking. It's an extraordinary effort by an insurance company to avoid paying on a contract for insurance," Randy Sorrels, an attorney for several families in wrongful death lawsuits from the fire, said in Wednesday's Houston Chronicle.
Great American spokeswoman Diane Weidner said the company does not comment on pending litigation.
Smoke from the blaze killed 52-year-old Jeanette Hargrove of Friendswood, and Houston residents 46-year-old Marvin Wells Sr. and 38-year-old Shana Ellis.
In October, Misty Ann Weaver, a nurse, pleaded guilty to three counts of felony murder and one count of first-degree arson. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Weaver admitted she set the fire to hide that she had not completed some paperwork on time for her boss, a cosmetic surgeon, and feared she might lose her job.
Great American's potential liability in the case is $25 million.
Don Jackson, the Houston lawyer for building owners Boxer Property Management Corp., said the insurance company that has the primary $1 million policy on the building hasn't made this argument.
"We think it is wrong. It's inappropriate for the insurance company to try to run and hide now," Jackson said.
Seth Chandler, a University of Houston Law Center professor who teaches insurance law, said the insurance company's move will test the limits of the law.
"This is pushing the boundaries of the absolute pollution exclusion," Chandler said. "We're going to have a battle between the literal language of the policy and the way people speak of pollution."
From Todd
Parker Phototac.com
Friends,
Please find the link below which will take you to a web page I put
together to highlight or round up what I consider my best shots or
"Greatest Hits" of 2008, so to speak.
Many thanks to the various departments who made this photography
possible. It is an honor and a privilege that I take very seriously to
be able to capture these heroes at work.
Please have a safe and joyous holiday season.
Tod F. Parker
PhotoTac.com
Car #131
(317) 363-5855
http://www.phototac.com/hits2008.htm
ROAD TRIP
Brothers
and Sisters,
Hope you
all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I know
this may seem to be a bit early, but we would like to put some planning in
place for the 2009 NY /NJ Trip as many of us will soon be arranging our
vacation and trade days.
This
email is going to folks that have attended the last two years. With that in
mind I wanted to give a brief description of how this year’s trip went, as we
made a few changes from the 2007 trip.
- Hotel. With 4 people to a
room, we booked a hotel and this seemed to work out much better than
sleeping on cots and sharing one shower, particularly since we took over
70 people this year!
- Busses-we took 2. One went
to the FDNY training academy-then to Battery Park and the other right to
Battery Park to begin sightseeing on Friday.
- Option to stay in NYC for
nightlife. Folks had the option to stay late in NYC. Our hotel was close
to a train station, which provided transportation out of NYC to the hotel
(not included in price).
2009
Trip-the year we take 100 firefighters!
Dates: October 1st to
October 4th
Itinerary:
Thursday-travel out, dinner at Pub 199
Friday-busses to FDNY training facility and Battery Park, dinner at Newton FD
Saturday-march in parade, dinner at Boonton FD
Sunday-travel home
Lodging: We have secured the same hotel
at a great rate. They are currently holding us 40 rooms. We tried to book a
hotel in Newton, but the rates were too high and not by a train station. Trip
price is based on 4 to a room. If you would prefer to have your own room or
only room with one other person we can make those arrangements, but keep in
mind that your trip cost will increase and these arrangements will be based on
availability. *Continental breakfast at hotel each morning included, hotel has
agreed to provide us a meeting room downstairs if we wish to stay up late.
Busses: We have secured 2 busses with
the same bus company with a good rate.
Trip
Support: This
year’s trip will be supported by the FOOLS. Indy Metro, I-69, and Michiana.
Northern
Indiana Bus: Our
brothers and sisters in the South Bend (Michiana) area have secured their own
bus and will be meeting up with the 2 Indy busses for dinner and staying at the
same hotel.
Significant
Others: If you
wish to bring you spouse, that will be just fine. Just keep in mind the hotel
arrangements.
Securing
Your Spot: In an
effort to avoid some of the challenges we experienced last year we have made a few
changes. We will be booking one bus at a time, first come / first served. Once
the first bus is full we will begin to fill the second. Rather than a deadline
for the full amount of the trip, we will be collecting a $50 non-refundable
deposit. This will secure your spot on the bus. Then we will set a firm deadline
for the balance of the trip. We will begin accepting deposits immediately!
All
deposit checks mailed and payable to:
Chris Nodine
235 S. Broadway
Pendleton IN 46064
Cost
of Trip: $250
per person. Cost includes travel, hotel, dinner on Friday and Saturday nights,
beverages on the bus, driver gratuity, and plaques / food donations for the
fire departments we visit.
Be
sure to share this information with fellow firefighters that you believe will
enjoy this type of a trip. If you are sure you will not be attending the 2009
trip, please let me know and I will remove your name from this email list.
Hope
you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday,
Steve
White
NEW SOFTWARE PROGRAM
To: All Fire and EMS Agencies
From: Gary Robison, Fire Safety & Risk
Management
Mark Nelson,
Subject: New Software Program Announcement
Beginning
January 1, 2009; the State of
This new
system will allow you to enter your Incident Runs through a state-owned web
server and not have to utilize a software program to do it. No longer will you
have to maintain the software program updates or worry about a backup as these
projects will be completed at the state level.
One
requirement for your department would be an internet connection; a dialup
service will work.
The second
requirement for your department would be to attend a special class on the usage
of the system. The training classes and locations will be announced soon.
This
program is offered free of charge to all Fire/Ems service agencies.
If you are
interested in this program, please email Gary and/or Mark to be placed on the
list.
grobison@dhs.in.gov mnelson@dhs.in.gov
TEST BANK
How
do we create test banks? Subject matter experts (SME) such as you review the
test questions that we purchase. The SME’s come to
Sound
interesting. WOULD YOU want to help in this process? We pay for travel in a
personal vehicle and lodging if overnight is required.
Check
the link below for upcoming meetings to see HOW YOU can help write tests that
are given to Indiana firefighters.
John M. Buckman III, CFOD, GiFire
Chief
Fire
and EMS Certification
302
W. Washington Street Room E-208
Second Semester Application Period
The
For complete
application information, please visit our website at:
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/about/index.shtm
You will find the
current course schedule at:
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/applications/nfacsd/
Additionally, there
is a helpful document that you are encouraged to read prior to your completing
the FEMA Form 75-5 application. You can download Eight Tips for
Completing a Successful NFA Application from the website at:
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/about/attend/apply.shtm
Dr. Denis Onieal
Superintendent
US Fire
Administration
Dept. of Homeland
Security
301 447 1117
Fire and
Based
on the new rules changes adopted by the Firefighters Board of Personnel
Standards and Education the following changes go into effect on January 15th,
2009.
- Applicants will
only be allowed to take the same test three (3) times within a six (6)
month period.
- All Instructor
I and II/III will have to complete six (6) continuing education hours and
turn them into Certifications Department with your request to recertify.
- The Lead
Instructor must be certified at the level that they are instructing.
Example: You can not instruct a Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics class if
you do not hold the certification
- It is mandatory
for applicants to take the practical exam prior to taking the written
exam.
- You must meet
all prerequisites to take any written exam. Example: To take Fire Officer
I exam you must be certified in Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics and
Instructor I.
- Only complete
application packets for certification will be processed by the
Certifications Section. Incomplete application packets will be returned
to the sender.
The
following policy changes go into effect on January 15th, 2009 for
all
- It is mandatory
for
- Only complete
application packets for certification will be processed by the
Certifications Section. Incomplete applications will be returned to the
sender.
- All initial
written tests and retests for any
Policy
changes within the Certification Section that affect everyone.
- Any position
that has a requirement to recertify MUST have the required paperwork
turned into the Certifications Section prior to the expiration date. There
are no extensions given by IDHS staff. The Firefighter
Personnel Standards and Education Board through the variance process or
the EMS Commission through the Waiver process may grant an extension or
recertify an individual whose certification has expired.. If your
recertification has not been received by your certification date you are
no longer certified under the law.
- It is
advised that your paperwork be turned in thirty (30) days prior to
expiration. This will ensure your application can be processed and you can
receive your certification without interruption in your certification.
- If
your
If you have not received a PSID certificate email psidquestions@dhs.in.gov
You will receive your PSID
from this email account within 72 hours.
Questions for certification can be addressed via electronic mail
to: jabraham@dhs.in.gov
John M. Buckman III, CFOD, GiFire
Chief
Fire
and EMS Certification
302
W. Washington Street Room E-208
RESOURSES
The following FEMA link is Full of RESOURSES for RURAL and VOLUNTEER
FIRE DEPARTMENTS
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/rural/index.shtm
Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service
Released
"The need for an understanding of today's modern communications concepts
and technology for firefighter and citizen life safety and operational
effectiveness remains as valid, if not more so today, than it did when this
USFA document was first produced in 1996,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg
Cade. "USFA was pleased to work with DHS SAFECOM and the IAFF on this
study to provide critical information to the fire service."
The new manual, Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service (PDF, 3.8
Mb) <http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/Voice_Radio_Communications_Guide_for_the_Fire_Service.pdf>
, provides updated information on communications technology and discusses
critical homeland security issues and concepts, such as SAFECOM, that did not
exist when the original manual was first published. It also provides a wide
fire service audience with a minimum level of familiarity with basic
communications issues such as hardware, policy and procedures, and human
interface.
"The safety of both firefighters and citizens depends on reliable,
functional communication tools that work in the harshest and most hostile of
environments," said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "The
IAFF was pleased to work with USFA on this important project."
Further information about this partnership effort may be found under the
Research section <http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/safety/communication.shtm>
of the USFA Web site.
REMEMBERING GREAT TRADIGITIES
Today, Monday
December 1st 2008, marks the 50th Anniversary of the
tragic fire that took the lives of 92 School Children and 3 Nuns at The Our
Lady of Angels School in Chicago.
The links below provided
by Chief Billy Goldfeder’s Secret List, offer in-depth look into Where, When,
Why, and How this as well as Marshalls Creek, Beverly Hills Supper Club,
Cocoanut Grove, and the Station Night Club Fires Occurred. Some of the links
also provide information on how these events changed not only firefighting
techniques, but also, building construction, Life Safety Codes, Fire
Suppression Systems, Fire Evacuation Drills, and Public Education.
I urge all of you to
take the time to visit some of these sites to see how these tragic events
unfolded and how things compare with today’s tactical approach in dealing with
this type of response.
I would also like to
encourage you to also read the post’s of survivors of these events to gain
perspective on what they went through until help arrived. Some of the Our Lady
of Angels Survivors stories are of true horror and heroism.
Please Stay Low, and
Stay Safe!
EVERYONE GOES HOME!
Randy B.
FIRE HISTORY &
REMEMBERING THE OUR LADY OF ANGELS FIRE:
In alotta cases, we speak
with young Firefighters and bring up some well known (or at least they were to
me) fires....from MARSHALLS CREEK, PA
(June 24 1964: Marshalls Creek FF's responded to a tractor-trailer
fire...the rear wheels of the tractor were on fire. The trailer was not
placarded to warn them of the dynamite carried inside....shortly after their
arrival, the trailer exploded killing three MC FF's and seriously
injuring two others)
Learn more here: http://www.marshallscreekfireco.org/Explosion/Explosion.html
and also learn how that fire changed fire service history.
...and then there was
the BEVERLY HILLS SUPPER CLUB FIRE in
Northern Kentucky that killed 165 persons with over 200 injured. Take a
look at what the SFPE and FIRE ENGINEERING Magazine has been doing
about this fire: http://fefdic.ning.com/group/whatactuallycausedthebeverlyhillssupperclubfire
as well as general details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Hills_Supper_Club
....and looking back 66 years ago
last night, November 28, 1942, was the COCOANUT
GROVE FIRE where approx 492 people died and 166 were injured. Here is a
video about that fire:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SLnzxnsCZY
A recent example of how we
have not always learned from our past, is the Rhode Island STATION
NIGHT CLUB FIRE, February of 2003. Here is an interior and then exterior video as
the fire started-and took off:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcqqCnLa5Ik
For the CG fire, the 1942 Boston
FD transmitted 5 alarms from Box 1521 with the response of 25 Engine Companies,
5 Ladder Companies, Water Tower 2 and all three Rescue Companies. The men who
worked that night never forgot what they saw...and our thanks to long time TSL
member BFD FF Bill Noonan for the reminder.
Old(er) Firefighters need to do
whatever we can to educate the young Firefighters and help them understand
our history-from a tactical standpoint to just general fire history
interest.......
.......and then of course, there
was the OUR LADY OF ANGELS (School) FIRE...that
happened 50 years ago this coming Monday, horrifically killing 92 little
kids and 3 nuns in a fire that started in a stairwell during
that last hour of classes at the Our Lady of the Angels school, in
Chicago on December 1, 1958.
Our sincere thanks to Dave
Statter911 for his excellent coverage and videos to help remind those
who might remember-and educate those who weren't even aware:
http://www.wusa9.com/news/columnist/blogs/2008/11/50-years-ago-lessons-learned-from.html
....here are some additional
links about the Our Lady of Angels Fire:
http://www.olafire.com/
(Website actually dedicated to the fire).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Angels_School_Fire
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 11-29-08 / 1506
hours
INDIANA GRANTS AWARDED
Fiscal year 2008 Foundation awards include:
· City of
Funding will be used for one mobile command post. The mobile command post is a
highly portable work area that can be set up anywhere that has integrated wheel
assembly and retractable handle for mobility. A command pak with tactical
command post, green command post flag, tactical situation magnet marks and an
incident command vest will also be included. The funding for this purchase will
assist in making compliance to National Incident Management Systems much
easier, flow better and interoperability easier among departments.
·
The funding for this project will provide sheriff deputies a public safety
speaker, microphones and leather cases for their portable radios and will equip
their vehicles with chargers to keep the radios operational during extended
events. All citizens in
· Dubois
Funding will be used to purchase two additional 800 MHz radios. These radios
will provide the Dubois County Emergency Management Agency the ability to talk
across disciplines, exchange voice data on demand when needed and as
authorized.
·
The funding for this project will purchase a Stanley Hydraulic Dewatering pump
and concrete core drill. This equipment will provide the IDHS District 5 urban
search and rescue strike team greater ability to locate and remove persons who
have become trapped in heavy debris. These capabilities will not only be used
in District 5, but in the entire State as needed.
· Clay Twp. Volunteer Fire Department: $3,877.90
The Clay Township Volunteer Fire Department will use funding to purchase a
positive pressure ventilation fan and a K-12 saw kit. These items are needed to
remove smoke and other by-products of combustion. The saw will be used to help
extricate trapped victims.
·
Funding for this project will be used to purchase portable generator scene
lighting and a portable smoke machine. These items are essential to ensure the
safety of the firefighters. The grant will benefit the Seward Township
Volunteer Fire Department as well as 12 other Fire Departments through mutual
aid agreements.
· Sidney-Jackson Twp. Volunteer Fire Department: $4,000.00
The funding for this project will be used to outfit a pickup truck for off-road
wild land, field fires and search and rescue. All residents in the
Sidney-Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department protection area, as well as
mutual aid areas will benefit from the funding of this project.
· Orland Community Volunteer Fire Department: $4,000.00
The Orland Community volunteer Fire Department will use funding to purchase 8
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) bottles. To ensure the safety of
firefighters and medics in hazardous situations on the fire ground or around
the hazardous materials, the purchase of these bottles is essential.
· Chalmers Community Volunteer Fire Department: $3,490.00
Funding for this project will purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gear
for Chalmers Community Volunteer Firefighters. This gear will bring the
department up to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code standards and
ultimately keep firefighters safe in the line of duty.
Posted
on 24 Nov 2008 by sbiddinger
John M. Buckman III, CFOD, GiFire
Chief
Fire
and EMS Certification
302
W. Washington Street Room E-208
NTSB TO HOLD 3-DAY PUBLIC HEARING
ON
Washington, DC - The National
Transportation Safety Board will hold a public hearing on the safety of
Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations. The three-day hearing
will begin on February 3, 2009, at the NTSB's Board Room and
Conference Center, 429 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W.,
Helicopter
"We have seen an alarming
rise in the numbers of
The NTSB issued a Special
Investigation Report on EMS Operations in January 2006. The report
involved the analysis of all EMS-related aviation accidents that occurred from January
2002 through January 2005. There were a total of 55 accidents that occurred
during this 3-year window; 41 helicopters and 14 airplanes. These
accidents killed 54 people, and seriously injured 19. Analysis of the
accidents indicated that 29 of 55 accidents could have been prevented with
corrective actions identified in the report.
However, over the past 11 months
the Safety Board has investigated nine fatal EMS Accidents with a total of 35
fatalities. In 2008 alone there have been 7 fatal accidents with 28
fatalities. This is a drastic increase in accidents since the Special
Investigation Report and therefore has prompted the Safety Board to examine
this issue in greater detail by holding this hearing.
There will be witnesses from all
- Operational Structure and Models
- Flight Operations
- Aircraft Safety Equipment
- Training
- Oversight
The hearing will be webcast. An agenda and webcast details
will be posted on the Board's website, http://www.ntsb.gov,
when available.
Special thanks to the MISHIANA
FOOLS and their Newsletter for sharing
this great information!
VEST RULE CHANGES - SAMPLE VEST SOP/SOG
Safety
Concerns Raised by the Firefighting Community Regarding High-Visibility Safety
Apparel Result in Modification to Vest Rule
November 21, 2008 -- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today
issued an Interim Final Rule to address safety concerns raised by the
firefighting community regarding high-visibility safety apparel (see Worker
Visibility Final Rule - 23 CFR Part 634, below).
The Interim Final Rule:
Revises the definition of "worker"
to exclude firefighters when they are exposed to flame, fire, high heat or
hazardous materials.
Exempts firefighters from the requirement to
use high-visibility safety apparel, as defined in this rule, when they are
exposed to hazardous conditions where the use of such apparel may increase the
risk of injury to firefighter personnel.
The Interim Final Rule is available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-27671.htm
Worker Visibility Final Rule - 23 CFR Part 634
A new FHWA regulation (Worker Visibility Final Rule - 23 CFR Part 634)
that goes into effect on November 24, 2008 requires firefighters and other
first responders responding to or working at an incident on federally funded
highways to wear a retro reflective safety vest that meets the Class II or III
standards of the American National Standards Institute/International Safety
Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) 107-2004 publication. The ANSI/ISEA
207-2006 Public Safety Vest standard has also been interpreted as meeting this
requirement. For more information, visit www.ResponderSafety.com or discuss this on the USFA Blog.
Need a
Vest S.O.P for your Fire Department? We've got one for you.
Download a Generic High Visibility Vest S.O.P. and modify it to meet your
needs. Respondersafety.com receives at least one request a day for clarification
on how to deal with the "blackout period" November 24, 2008, the date
the Federal Rule takes effect, and the issuance of the new Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) scheduled for publication in 2009.
The CVVFA Emergency Responder Safety Institute believes that the MUTCD will
include language that clarifies when and when not to wear a high visibility
vest.(See Traffic Vests and High Visibility Issues)
We asked our Chief Instructor Ron Moore to develop a S.O.P. That will assist
fire departments to protect their personnel until the Federal Highway
Administration issues the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD that will supersede the
Federal Rule.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SAMPLE SOPS/SOGS
Safety
Concerns Raised by the Firefighting Community Regarding High-Visibility Safety
Apparel Result in Modification to Vest Rule
November 21, 2008 -- The
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today issued an Interim Final Rule
to address safety concerns raised by the firefighting community regarding
high-visibility safety apparel (see Worker
Visibility Final Rule - 23 CFR Part 634,
below).
The Interim Final Rule:
- Revises the definition of "worker" to
exclude firefighters when they are exposed to flame, fire, high heat or
hazardous materials.
- Exempts firefighters from the requirement to
use high-visibility safety apparel, as defined in this rule, when they are
exposed to hazardous conditions where the use of such apparel may increase
the risk of injury to firefighter personnel.
The Interim Final Rule is
available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-27671.htm
Worker
Visibility Final Rule - 23 CFR Part 634
A new FHWA regulation
(Worker Visibility Final Rule - 23 CFR Part 634) that goes into
effect on November 24, 2008 requires firefighters and other first responders
responding to or working at an incident on federally funded highways to wear a
retro reflective safety vest that meets the Class II or III standards of the American
National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association
(ANSI/ISEA) 107-2004 publication. The ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 Public
Safety Vest standard has also been interpreted as meeting this
requirement. For more information, visit ResponderSafety.com or
discuss this on the USFA Blog.
NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION
Prince Wiliam Co., Virginia Report: LODD Procedures Review and
Recommendations
The
purpose of this special report, prepared by the National Fallen Firefighters
Foundation (NFFF), was to determine if there were viable options or
improvements to Prince William County, Virginia Department of Fire &
Rescue's current Line-of-Duty Death (LODD) procedures. Those same options would
also be incorporated into the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
policies and/or procedures for sharing with all fire/rescue departments.
» Read:
Prince Wiliam Co., Virginia Report: LODD
Procedures Review and Recommendations
NOTICE
All IDHS Fire Training Districts are now online and
can be found here at This following New Web Address:
LOUDOUN COUNTY VERGINIA
DEPARTMENT of FIRE and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
REPORT
This report presents Audio, Video, and Photos throughout a 30 minute
video presentation.
All,
The
Loudoun County, Virginia Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency management
has put together a compelling and extremely well done report
On
the fire on May 25, 2008 that injured seven firefighters, four
severely. It's well worth your time to view. The link follows.
http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=2384
Capt.
Dave
IDHS SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
We
are at the end of distributing PSID certificates.
Over
35,000 PSID certificates will be placed in the mail on Wednesday.
If
you do not receive a PSID certificate you should do the following:
- Check with your
agency/EMS-Fire-Law Enforcement to see if they received the certificate IF
NOT email psidquestions@dhs.in.gov. DO
NOT CALL THE OFFICE.
- Check the IDHS website
to see if it was returned to our office due to a wrong address.
- If you do not receive
a PSID certificate by November 12, 2008 email psidquestions@dhs.in.gov and request a number to be
issued.
PLEASE
do not call the office – use the email system.
John M. Buckman III, CFOD, GiFire
Chief
Fire
and EMS Certification
302
W. Washington Street Room E-208
LAWSUITE
Associated Press - October 23, 2008 12:14 AM ET
MADISON,
Ind. (AP) - A volunteer fire chief in Madison is suing two other departments for
injuries he suffered while recovering the body of another firefighter from a
burning house.
Madison
Township Fire Chief Robert Black's lawsuit in Jefferson Circuit Court accuses
the Hanover and Kent volunteer fire companies of negligence for failing to keep
track of firefighters at the blaze two years ago. Black fractured his right
ankle when he fell from a second-story balcony while trying to recover the body
of Kent Township firefighter Greg Cloud, who died from smoke inhalation.
The
suit alleges that Cloud remained in the burning house for about 45 minutes
before firefighters determined he was still inside. It also alleges the two
departments did not make certain all firefighters used respirators, failed to
maintain communications among firefighters and did not provide proper training.
Information
from: The Madison Courier, http://www.madisoncourier.com
IDHS
Frequently Asked Questions
10/12/2008
Question
- My
EMT-B certification expired on October 1, 2008. I turned in my in-service hours
on September 25, 2008 when will I get my certificate showing I am renewed?
Answer
– you
can expect it to take 4 weeks to process and verify the information, print and
mail the certificate to you.
Question
-
In July 2007, my EMT-B certification expired. Due to my job (not as an
EMT), I was unable to get my continuing education hours needed to keep my
certification current. Can you tell me if I would have to go through an
entire training program again to be re-certified, or can I just take exams and
re-apply? I am changing jobs, so I will now able to keep up the
continuing education hours. What do I do?
Answer
- You
would have to apply for recertification to the State certification section for
permission to take the written test. You would also have to successfully
complete all of the practical skills examination. (Re: 836 IAC 4-4-2)
Question - I've been an
Instructor II/III forever. I am certified thru 2011, just recertified. So
what am I allowed to teach and what can I proctor? I am certified as
Master FF but never did the FF1 or FF2 crossover.
Answer
– As
an Instructor II/III you are allowed to teach any class you desire. As an
Instructor II/III you are allowed to teach any certification class you desire
and believe you are competent to teach.
You
are not allowed to serve as an evaluator unless you have expertise in that
area. Example if you are not a rope person you should not do an evaluation of a
rope rescue technician course. As an Instructor II/III you may serve as a
proctor for any fire certification written test. (Re: 655 IAC 1-1-6.1)
Question
- Our
county has an active trainers association and I'd like to pitch in a little
more, even at my advanced age of 49. But, I want to do it right. How do I
get involved?
Answer
– Your
county trainer association is a local organization. The State is aware many of
these organizations contact the local trainers association to see how they need
help.
Question - I've got a firefighter
who went through the 1-2 class last fall. He passed all skills exams, but
did not pass the test on the first or second try. By my calculations,
he's got one more chance to take (and pass) the written test before he has to
retake the whole class. My question is on the last written test, what is
the timeframe in which he has to take it by? Also, does his skills exams
"expire"?, or are they still good? If his skills are still
good, can he just challenge the test without retaking the whole class? I've tried
searching through the code to find answers to my questions, but I'm having a
hard time finding them. My apologies, I'm a fairly new instructor and just want
to make sure I get things right. More importantly, I don't want to screw
things up for this firefighter who's trying to get his cert.
Answer – He must take the test within 90 days in order to fall under the
original course number. When the student is preparing for the next written test
makes sure the firefighter candidate studies the objectives and find the
answers to the chapter objectives. Each test question is validated to the book
and to the objective in each chapter. Skills examinations are valid for 90 days
from the date you took the skills examinations. The student does not have to
retake a class until he fails the written test for the 3rd time. (Re:
655 IAC 1-1-12)
Question - I'm a former firefighter master certified in 3
disciplines. For some odd reason, which I ask myself everyday why, I left
the state in 2002 to come down to
Answer – the First Class and Master
certifications remain valid under Indiana law. The local jurisdiction will
determine if they accept the State Master certifications as part of an
employment application process. If you want current certifications that would
enhance your ability to gain employment you would have to at the minimum pass
the practical examination and attain a score of 70% on the written test. (Re:
655 IAC 1-2.1-5)
To regain your EMT-P certification you must
complete a update course/48 hours; hold valid CPR, ACLS and trauma cards, PHTLS
or BTLS certifications. Once your update hours are complete, Note: the hours
you need to obtain the listed cards can count towards the update hours, send
our office a copy of your cards and the documented update time. We will check
to confirm your former certifications and write you a letter of confirmation.
This letter, your cards and your update time will allow you to test with the
National Registry at the EMT-P level. Once you have successfully passed the NR
examination, you will need to send us a copy of the newly issued NR card. You
will then receive your ALS application. This must be completed by an
appropriate Indiana Certified EMT-P provider or an Indiana Certified EMT-P
supervising hospital.
Question
- Where
is my certification? I mailed in my certification last week and still have not
received it.
Answer
– at
this time it is taking about 4 weeks from the time we receive your course
information. That time is impacted by many factors that includes have the
Instructors completed and submitted all of the paperwork. If you have not
completed your practical skills then your written test results will not be
posted.
Question
- I
need an extension on my EMT-B certification. The Medical Director is out of
town and my book will be late. What can I do?
Answer
– there
is no legal basis to grant an extension of your certification. If you are
operating in the field after your expiration date and you have not submitted
your renewal certification you are violating
Question
-
I am a Primary Instructor. I have finished my testing but I do not have my
certification. When will it be arriving?
Answer
– After
you submit the complete list of pre-requisites your PI course application and
completed internship. The amount of time it takes to complete this will depend
on the affiliation criteria of your training institution and the pace that you
move thru their minimum standards. You must complete one year of teaching under
the supervision of a Primary Instructor. (Re: 836 IAC 4-5-2)
Question
-
I submitted my criminal documentation and that was 6 months ago and I have not
heard anything yet. When will I get an answer?
Answer
– If
you checked the box that indicates you have been convicted of a felony an
investigation is conducted that may take at least a month to start. You should
not wait for any longer than one month if you have not heard from us or
received written communications from us. (Re: 836 IAC 4-4-2)
Question
-
I am writing because I sent my first responder in service re cert form
(Certification number is LP FR*****) into your department the last week of July
of this year. I used USPS the form was delivered at 10:06 AM on
July 25, 2008 in
Answer
– if
you have not heard from us after submitting an application for certification or
recertification within six weeks you should email the office at jbuckman@dhs.in.gov
Question
-
Can you confirm that you received my in service hours and that I am in good
standings so I can submit them to my provider so I can continue to serve my
community. I am sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate you assistance
with this.
Answer
– we
will not confirm that you have submitted you’re in service hours. If
maintaining your certification is critical to your continued employment you
should submit the application for recertification at least six weeks before the
expiration date. YOU should keep a copy of the in-service sheets you submitted.
Send the sheet(s) certified mail with a return receipt. Keep the copy and the
receipt together and available until you receive your updated status from us.
Question
- I
am a 15 year Advanced EMT with the State of
Answer
–
(Re:
836 IAC 4-4-2) (g) An individual wanting to reacquire a certification
shall: (1) complete an emergency medical technician recertification training
course as approved by the commission; and (2) successfully complete the state
written and practical skills examinations as set forth and approved by the
commission. If the individual fails either certification examination, the
person must retake an
Question
- I'm
certified as an Advanced EMT but currently am not working anywhere. Does that
mean I default back to a Basic? I wanted to join a volunteer fire dept but I
believe they are only a basic non-transport provider.
Answer - You can operate
at the EMT-B level until you affiliate with a provider that provides Advanced
level care. You can operate at the EMT-B level only because t he affiliated
organization does not have the certification or equipment to function at the
EMT-A or EMT-I level.
John M. Buckman III, CFOD, GiFire
Chief
Fire
and EMS Certification
302
W. Washington Street Room E-208
Direct
317-417-3695
Email jbuckman@dhs.in.gov
President Declares Major Disaster For Indiana
Release Date: September 24, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-226
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms and Flooding
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Indiana. The assistance will supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on September 12, 2008, and continuing.
FEMA Director David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state of Indiana by President Bush. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Lake, LaPorte, and Porter counties.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Paulison named Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr. as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. DeBlasio said that additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
IDHS TRAINING BULLETIN
Hello
fire service trainers, instructors, and interested parties. The Indiana
Department of Homeland Security, Fire Training Branch has been given an
opportunity to provide on line FF I/II classes through an agreement with Jones
and Bartlett Publishers out of
The way
the process works is this: you the instructor/trainer e-mail me a request of
how many students you want to train on line. I, in turn get the licenses from
J&B and they send the license numbers direct to you and class starts
whenever you deem appropriate, all through the internet. The
maximum time allowed for the class is 18 months, most finish much
quicker. The instructor/trainer must still conduct the hands on testing
portion in order to complete the check off for certification for the State.
Once
again, I would encourage any instructor/trainer needing to get students
certified, especially if time or distance is an issue, this is a great tool to
use in order to accomplish this task. If there are any questions on this
program or any other training issue please feel free to contact me.
Thank
you,
Brian
Mayo
Section
Chief, Fire Training Branch
Indiana Department
of Homeland Security
317-650-4385(M)
A Message from IAFC
Victory!
Residential Fire Sprinklers Proposal Approved Today at ICC Hearing
Fairfax, Va., Sept.
21, 2008...
A committed and united fire service accomplished a significant feat today in
the fight to save lives and property. At the International Code Council (ICC)
final action hearings in Minneapolis, the proposal to change the International
Residential Code to require residential fire sprinklers in all new one- and
two-family dwellings passed with a strong majority—73 percent—of the
governmental members of the ICC present and voting. The vote was 1,282 for the
code to 470 against.
Fire service personnel showed
up in force as part of a unified effort with others from more than 100 public
safety organizations, including the IAFC and IAFF. They came prepared with
incontrovertible evidence that residential fire sprinklers save much more than
property; they save the lives of the public and the lives of fire service
personnel who protect them.
Director Alan Perdue, the
International Director of the IAFC’s Fire and Life Safety Section, expressed
the tremendous sense of accomplishment felt by all after the long and arduous
process to get this requirement into the codes.
“For more than 30 years, the
fire service community has worked toward the goal of saving lives and reducing
fire loss by installing residential fire sprinklers,” he said. “By bringing all
aspects of the fire service together for a common cause, today we have
concluded the first monumental step of requiring residential fire sprinklers in
the model codes. It is imperative, however, that we continue our collaborative
efforts to protect both the public and our firefighters on the front line by
working to make certain that these requirements are also adopted into state and
local codes. I want to personally thank every individual and organization that
was involved in making this a reality and know that your continued commitment
to this initiative will save thousands of lives in the future.”
-end-
PSID
QUESTIONS
Fire/EMS/EMA/SAR
staff members
We have established
a singular email address for PSID questions – psidquestions@dhs.in.gov a staff
member is assigned to respond to that email daily.
If you use this
email address you can get a written response and maybe a quicker response.
If you are a
medical person who needs certification and waiting on us to print certificates
email the psidquestions@dhs.in.gov
and we will get you a response so you can take a letter to your employer
showing you are certified.
We are trying to work
faster and smarter in this process.
John M. Buckman
III, CFOD, GiFire
Chief
Indiana Firefighter
Training System
Fire and EMS
Certification
302 W. Washington
Street Room E-208
Indianapolis, IN
46204
IDHS
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently
Asked Questions 09/11/08
I
need to know if honorary members need to have the mandatory certification. I do
not think they do but the chief’s wife is insisting they do. We have several
members that are disabled and cannot do the practical's, they are listed as
honorary on our roster. I would appreciate a clarification on this.
The answer really lies within the department and how they classify
this member. If they are classified on the roster as volunteer firefighters
they would need to be certified at the mandatory level. If they are classified
as auxiliary members, they would not need the certification. Auxiliary members
do not engage in any emergency response duties. They may assist by providing
food, rehab services, pump operator on scene, but they cannot enter the fire
ground (hot zone). There is one issue with auxiliary members that you need to
check with your insurance carrier. Auxiliary members usually do not have the
same coverage as volunteer firefighters. Auxiliary members shall not be issued
a blue light card.
A
student certified as an EMT must successfully complete to the standard each of
the stations established for that particular course.
Does
the State still send out letters indicating that a student has passed a written
exam?
No,
we don’t. We only send out a letter to the student when they have failed a
test.
When
the student sign-in sheets are submitted to the State does it have to be the
original?
No,
you can submit a copy of the sign-in sheet.
What
should I do if I get two PSID certificates with different numbers?
Send
an email with the name of the individual and the PSID numbers. We will merge
the records and email you back with the appropriate certificate to keep. Email psidquestions@dhs.in.gov
I
heard that if you are driving a fire truck and encounter a stopped school bus
with lights flashing and/or STOP arm extended while responding emergent that
the fire truck can proceed past the stopped school bus. Is this true?
No,
not true, absolutely not true. Have a I made it clear?
Should
I use my PSID number when completing a
Yes,
if you have one you should be using it whenever you are asked to report your
certification number.
Frequently
asked questions 09/04/08
Why is the Indiana Department of Homeland Security creating a
Public Safety Identification (PSID)?
One reason is this is part of a state and federal initiative for
public safety credentialing system
Another reason is that we had a database system that was about 18
years old and needed to be updated
What are the advantages of the new database?
A big advantage is that there is now one database used by several
certifying agencies that includes law enforcement, fire,
Can I maintain my old certification number?
No
I am leaving for active military duty – what will happen if my
fire or
All certifications that expire while an
I am an EMT and have been injured for six months – I can’t work
and therefore can’t complete the in-service requirements to recertify. What can
I do?
An individual who has a physical disability that prevents the
completion of the skills required for recertification will be granted an
extension for up to 12 months based upon producing a written document to the
certification section
The PSID certificates have a number and a name, but no level of
certification or expiration date?
That is correct as these only indicate the PSID number not any
certification levels
With there be a separate PSID card showing certification levels?
No
Will individuals receive PSID notices at home as well as well as
at their FD,
No they will only receive a PSID notice at one location
I have not received a PSID number
There were over 110,000 names in the database
How do I update my address in the certification database?
The process has not been established at this time but within the next
30 days it will be setup to be done electronically
I am an active (career or
volunteer) firefighter, age 50
It will depend
I am an
You must file for a variance from the Board of Firefighter
Personnel Standards and Education
Can I challenge my failing score on a written test?
You cannot challenge a test for the score received
You cannot challenge the score, but you can appeal the decision to
deny you certification based on the written score
Can
I have all of my certifications (fire/EMS) changed so that they expire on the
same date?
That
option will be available in early 2009
Will
we be getting another card with the PSID number on it showing that we are a
Paramedic, EMT, etc. or is this all we get?
When
you recertify you will get a certificate, wallet card and personnel file card
just like in the past
I am the systems operator for the Fire Department and take care
of all of the records for the whole department
Not at this time
What happens if the department receives a PSID certificate for a
former or deceased member?
Return the certificate to the certification section
With
the new system will there be anyway to look someone up without a PSID or do a
print out by department as before?
Yes
Where can I find the training calendar on the IDHS website?
https://oas.in.gov/hs/training/public/calendar.do
I
am an EMS Primary Instructor is it possible to obtain a
Yes
but it does require a written test and effort on your part.
Reciprocity
candidates for EMS Primary Instructor (PI) are accepted from:
- Other states
EMS Instructors
- Licensed
- NOT from CPR,
NOT from National Safety Council, NOT from ACLS, BTLS, PHTLS .. or other
“canned courses” ..
The
candidate needs to send a letter to the certification section chief stating
that they would like reciprocity; they need to include a copy of the level of
certification they currently hold and it is one of the 3 listed above.
- Certified as an
EMT-B or higher for at least one year.
- Delivered
pre-hospital emergency medical care for at least one year.
- GED or HS
diploma or higher.
- Pass the EMT-B
written exam within the past year at 85% or higher.
- Pass the EMT-B
practical skills exam within the past year.
- Pass the PI written
exam within the past year at 80% or higher.
- Complete the PI
affiliation form and internship checklist.
- Affiliate with
a certified EMS Training Institution.
I
want my personal copy of the 2008 ERG book – will the State of
No,
we provide a copy to the first responder agency and public safety
organizations. We don’t sell copies either. There are several bookstores in
If you have a question that needs to be answered in the FAQ bulletin
– send an email to jbuckman@dhs.in.gov. IDHS reserves the right to edit
questions for brevity.
John M. Buckman III, CFOD, GiFire
Chief
Fire
and EMS Certification
302
W. Washington Street Room E-208
SEPTEMBER 11th 2001 REMEMBERED
Seven years have past, since America was attacked on what started out to be a beautiful morning in the City of New York. In a flash life was changed around the world. The world watched as the tragic events of that day unfolded at the World Trade Towers, The Pentagon, and in a Field in Pennsylvania.
The world watch as HEROS emerged from every aspect, Civilians, Fire Service, EMS, and Law Enforcement responded to the scene of these events. The world watched as many of these HEROS Died in the performance of their every day duties.
As we add distance from the date of September 11th 2001, normalcy returns and bad memories are push away to make room for life’s more current events. Each year, less and less public attention towards remembering this tragic event and is played down by the media. The largest loss of life on our soil gets buried under the same old, same old evening news, pushed to the back pages of the news papers, and the promises made by the politicians are still just broken words.
HOWEVER, for many of us, We Swore On Our Fallen Brothers Grave, that WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER, and WILL NEVER FORGET those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and died in the Line of Duty on September 11th 2001! We also remember all those brave men and women who have gone before us!
As we reflect on our fallen heroes, let us also honor them by keeping their spirits alive. Let us remind the news media of this tragic day and why we mourn our losses, and why we celebrate their lives! Let us remind the citizens that we serve, that we remember this day, and will never forget that our fellow brothers and sisters were protecting their own community’s citizens, just as we protect them, when they died in the Line of Duty.
I AM MY BROTHERS KEEPER!
GOD BLESS
Randy B.
NOMEX SAFETY ALERT
From:
"Williamson, Jb C. (JSC-NS)[MEI]" <jb.c.williamson@nasa.gov>
Subject: [EPARADE] FW: NOMEX Safety Alert
It has
come to the attention of the NASA Institutional Safety Branch that garments
made of NOMEX have their flame retardant capability severely
compromised
when DEET is applied directly on the fabric. This warning applies to
workers exposed to Arc Flash hazards, Fire
Fighters,
and any sparking devices. If there is an absolute need for protectant
(DEET) it is recommended that it be applied underneath the garments (please
consult the manufactures requirements) . Please read the enclosed
document from DuPont on this potential hazard for further details.
DuPont™
NOMEX®
Flame Resistant Clothing
FLAMMABLE INSECT REPELLANTS AND FLAME RESISTANT CLOTHING
Garments made of DuPont™ NOMEX® brand fiber provide outstanding inherent (built-in) flame
resistance. Applying flammable contaminants to these, or any FR garments, will
reduce the thermal protection and is never recommended.
Some insect repellants, including those with N, N-diethyl-M- tolumide
(DEET) and Picaridin are flammable contaminants. Treating FR fabrics with DEET
and Picaridin will impact the flammability of the FR clothing and should be
avoided regardless of brand.
The USDA Forestry Service, in 2005, did a study to understand the
impact of DEET and other insect repellants on their FR clothing. Based on the
number of wildland firefighters outfitted, they studied NOMEX® fabrics and concluded that DEET negatively impacted the flame
resistance of NOMEX® fabrics. For further information, refer to the USDA Forestry
Service July 2005 Tech Tips.
For further information about NOMEX® and other
safety and protection offerings from DuPont, visit our web site, www.personalprotection.dupont.com
or call 1-800-931-3456.
JB Williamson,
CFPS
Fire/Emergency Services Manager
NASA/Johnson Space Center
NS25/Bldg 25 Fire Station
Office 281.483.5324
Fax 281.244.5169
Cell
713-504-6793
