Specific event analysis and implications

¶ … operations contributed to this incident?

The first factor would have to be the 71-day training program. This is not enough time to cover theory and practice when learning something as important as rescue and fire safety. Smoke inhalation kills people much more than the actual fire itself. The firefighters could have died from smoke inhalation or loss of oxygen from going up the stairs and not having enough air to breath while wearing their gear.

It takes a certain level of knowledge of both theory and implementation of theory (experience) to know where to go and how long to take in order to get out of a situation like in the case study safely. Although the older firefighter was more experienced, he was also slower than the less experienced firefighter. In addition, since the less experienced firefighter would follow the more experienced one, they would go at the older one's pace. It was clear by the end of the case study that neither firefighter had turned on their PASS or personal alert safety system device.

Going at a slower pace, not having the PASS on, and not paying attention to oxygen levels contributed to the two firefighter's death. Why would these firefighters make such a mistake, especially the one with 21 years of experience? What of the one with 6 months experience. He is new enough to remember such an important part such as turning on his PASS device. How is it that both would forget? This is certainly something must be analyzed deeper as the training program does not seem useful for new recruits if they forget something as fundamental as that and is not useful for veterans who might get too comfortable and forget some of the vital and crucial parts of being a firefighter.

2. As the safety and health program manager, what recommendations would you make in order to prevent similar incidents?

Several recommendations would be made based on evidence-based practice. I would make two recommendations. These recommendations are preventative as well as help during actual time of crisis.

The first recommendation would be maintaining a high fitness level. This is crucial especially for older fire fighters. Although they may know based on experience how to handle fires, they may not have the physical wherewithal to handle physical stress as a younger recent recruit can. Therefore every person, regardless of age and experience, should pass an annual physical exam where their fitness levels are tested in order to assure they can handle being in fire rescues. Since over half of injuries sustained by firefighters are fire-ground injuries, and most of these injuries are strains, incorporating higher levels of fitness and stretching may enable minimization of such injuries. "The leading types of minor injuries were: strain or sprain accounting for an annual average of 6,200 injuries or (26%); pain only, accounting for 3,095 injuries (13%); thermal burns only, accounting for 2,625 injuries (11%); cut or laceration, accounting for 1,985 injuries (8%)" (Carter, 2013).

The second recommendation would be consistent and continually progressive training programs done at least annually though recommended bi-annually. Forgetting to turn on the PASS device is a very rudimentary mistake that a training program should have instilled in firefighters not to do. If the training program is not continuously evaluated for errors nor is it given repeatedly, people like the experienced firefighter will forget, and the new ones like the 27-year-old firefighter will not even think about it. "The members must stay proficient, comply with policies and procedures, utilize proper PPE and train accordingly. Equipment and PPE has to be properly utilized, maintained and trained on. Train with it, use it and maintain it. Do I need to say more?" (Iafc.org, 2015).

3. What standards and regulation, if any apply to these types of operations?

There are several standards that support physical fitness and maintenance of said physical fitness.

"10.2.1 The fire department shall develop physical performance requirements for candidates and members who engage in emergency operations.

A.10.2.1 Fire departments should consider use of the recruiting, mentoring, and training process found in the physical performance requirements referenced in the IAFF / IAFC Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Manual" (NFPA.org, 2015).

Then there are standards that explain the importance of PASS and PASS devices.

7.15.1 Explains that all PASS devices must meet standard requirements set by NFPA.