Training With New Equipment
August 22, 2007
Firefighters from all three shifts at both stations completed training with new rescue equipment recently. The equipment, known as the Res-Q-Jack, is used to help stabilize automobiles after they have been involved in collisions. Although the new Res-Q-Jack equipment is used for dozens of situations, the most common scenario would involve an automobile on it’s roof or side. Also, the Jack’s can be used if the terrain the cars end up on is unstable. Even though the equipment looks awkward in photos, it is very easy to set up and is able to be deployed in under 6 minutes on average. Although the firefighters will have to get used to the new equipment, we are excited to have another tool available for the citizens. At this time, Jollyville, Cedar Park, Leander, and Hutto are the only departments in the Austin metro area carrying some version of the Jacks.
75 FF’s have lost thier lives so far this year!
August 9, 2007
On Monday, August the 6th, Jollyville ‘C’ shift firefighters and volunteer staff participated in training on what to do if they become lost or trapped during a fire. The training started out in the classroom, Chief Kiracofe discussed recent firefighter deaths and showed some brief videos of fires where firefighters lives were lost. Chief Kiracofe also explained the Jollyville SOG on what to do should you become lost or trapped during a fire. It was emphasized that a firefighter must report a MAYDAY situation as soon as possible even if they think they can free themselves from the lost or trapped situation. The training then moved outside so that Jollyville firefighters could experience what it is like to be lost or trapped during a fire and use the techniques taught by Chief Kiracofe. The firefighters masks were lined with wax paper to simulate a no visibility situation and then were sent to the tread mill to get their heart and brething rate up. After the tread mill it was into an obstacle course where they had to navigate small spaces, free themselves from entanglements, and even change out their SCBA cylinder if they ran out of air all in conjunction with calling a MAYDAY at the appropriate times. The training opened the eyes to everyone involved, most of which had never put been into a MAYDAY situation.
National Night Out
August 7, 2007
Both stations and several volunteers and off-duty personnel participated in National Night Out this year. Along with cul-de-sac and block parties, large gatherings were held at the Town and Country Optimist Fields and Rataan Creek Park. Jollyville Fire Department personnel handed out information pertaining to fire safety in the home, as well as showing any interested parties the equipment that the department uses. Along with Jollyville Fire units, personnel from the Texas DPS, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and Williamson County EMS were also in attendance.