April Tradeshow Report
Fired Up In Indianapolis
2007 was a tough year for American firefighters, and not only
because nine South Carolina comrades died while fighting a fire in
June. Preliminary data from the U.S. Fire Administration shows there
were 115 on-duty firefighter deaths in the United States during the
year, up from 106 the previous year. Although slightly down from 51
percent of the total in 2006 to 47 percent in 2007, heart attacks and
strokes continued to be the leading cause, with 54 deaths.
When the data were released, U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade said
2007 would be "remembered by the entire fire service as one of the most
tragic years for firefighters in recent memory." He then reaffirmed the
agency's commitment, along with the International Association of Fire
Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, International Association of
Firefighters, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, to
ensure 2008 is not a repeat of 2007. With the same goal in mind,
manufacturers, firefighters, and numerous associations and
organizations are meeting this month at the FDIC 2008 Fire Department
Instructors Conference, which will take place at the Indiana Convention
Center in Indianapolis (April 7-12).
Billed as the world's largest firefighter training conference and
exhibition, the event's 340,000-square-foot expo has 38 outside demos
scheduled this year and every kind of product, from ambulances and
pumpers to PASS devices, and wheel covers. Some 28,000 firefighters are
expected to attend.
Hands-on Training
This nearly 80-year-old, annual event
is set to draw more than 28,000 firefighters and 200+ industry leaders,
and it will host live demonstrations and more than 150 classroom
instruction sessions. More than 50 Hands-On Training (H.O.T.)
evolutions and workshops are planned all day April 7-8. The four-hour
evolutions offered cover a wide range of practical instruction, such as
vehicle stabilization techniques, proper use of a 100-foot-plus drill
tower, using a thermal imaging camera under live fire conditions,
getting the most out of self-rescue products, training strategies for
fixed burn building instruction, and more. The eight-hour H.O.T.
workshops will offer several sessions for every level of firefighter,
whether they are basic, intermediate, or advanced. A waiver form for
H.O.T. participations is online at
http://fdic08.events.pennnet.com/fl//; participants should bring it
with them to the conference if they did not mail it in by March 31.
Basic-level firefighters can choose to receive instruction in the
roles and responsibilities of the health and safety officer or learn
strategies for firefighting in multiple dwellings; intermediate-level
firefighters can choose to attend sessions on aerial apparatus
devices--such as rear mounts, tractor-drawn aerials, platforms, and
quints--or learn strategies for firefighting in multiple dwellings.
Advanced-level firefighters can learn to face the challenge of
high-rise buildings or study the intricate properties and
characteristics of different kinds of smoke.
Honor and Valor
This year's Opening Ceremony and General
Session, being held April 9 and 10 from 8:30 to 10 a.m., promises to be
a moving and motivational experience. A tribute will be held for fallen
firefighters, and awards will be presented to recognize the
contributions of living firefighters.
The awards presentation includes the "Ray Downey Courage and Valor
Award," so named by the Fire Engineering Courage and Valor Foundation
to honor the memory of FDNY Fire Chief Ray Down, a 39-year veteran who
lost his life during rescue operations at the World Trade Center after
the 9/11 attacks. Also presented will be Fire Engineering's "Lifetime Achievement Award," to be followed by a look at previous winners, and the "Tom Brennan Training Achievement Award."
With thousands in attendance, there's no better chance for fire
department personnel to display their honor and pride than at the
Annual National Fire Department Honor Guard Competition, which will
take place in the Sagamore Ballroom 3-4-5 on April 12 at 8 p.m.
Competing teams will have a chance to display their station flags in a
drill displaying etiquette and military precision during the
presentation of colors. The competition is graded using the demerit
accounting system as judges look for uniformity, neatness, cleanliness,
and military bearing. After posting their colors, teams will regroup to
demonstrate flag folding and presentation.
Someone Will Get a Ticket to Ride
Attendees will have
extra incentive to walk the expo floor this year as they fill their
stamp card for a chance to win in the Harley-Davidson Giveaway. To win
a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, participants must get their entry
cards stamped at participating sponsors' booths and turn them in before
the random drawing on April 12.
This article originally appeared in the April 2008 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.