A good library reference source for fire fighters is a must to keep current while on the job or with an on-going self training program. To have a place to refer to on basic fire fighting techniques can make the difference between getting a task done and done correctly or not getting it done which could result in someone having a very bad day on an emergency scene.
Though the many state fire service classes conducted and emergency first responder classes you gain knowledge by taking them as well as acquiring a lot of books, manuals and other reference materials. A fire fighter could use YouTube, the web itself, or hopefully this blog TFPFP as reference sources also. One only has to attend a class, turn a page or do a few clicks on the PC, and there you have it...INFORMATION. The information within the reference library will refresh and give a review on something you already know or enable one to gain new knowledge. Either way you become a better fire fighter in doing the job when the bell/alarm rings to respond.
The "Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations" is a very good first book for anyone entering/joining a local voluntary fire department to refer to, and usually the first book used on that first state fire class. For New York State though they have their own version of fire fighting essentials that’s basically the same in nature if you ask me. Why New York has to be different then a national standard I have no idea…no idea. Pretty much the same information if you ask me, just different formats I guess in presenting it.
Jones & Bartlett Publishers in conjunction with NFPA and IAFC, recently released the book "Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations." Written by Rob Schnepp, Assistant Chief of Special Operations, Alameda (CA) Fire Department, and a principal member of NFPA's Technical Committee on Hazardous Materials Response Personnel (NFPA 472 and 473), the book provides emergency responders with the skills necessary to stay safe while mitigating hazmat incidents. Based on the 2008 editions of NFPA 472 and 473, the book also provides responders with information related to the recognition and identification of hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction, and what their roles are in the response plan. Contributing authors include Glen Rudner, Hazardous Materials Response Officer for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and Ed Allen, Emergency Management Coordinator and SWAT Tactical Operations Coordinator with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office (FL). Mr. Rudner and Mr. Allen are also principal members of the NFPA 472 technical committee.
Having an established library to refer to is a good idea and it’s best to start with the basics then build on it. Before you know it you’ll have a collection that can becomes very important to you. The NFPA, IFSTA, and IAFC are just a few very good places to go to and stay current on what’s going on in the fire fighting service.
Source: NFPA, IFSTA, IAFC
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
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