Gordon Graham
Category: Fire Service
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for my friends in the fire service, and it’s about what’s in those big pockets on your PPE.
You should already be carrying firefighting gloves, medical gloves, safety glasses, a flashlight, and a radio. But what else should you have, and why?
Your pocket tools should be part of your daily equipment checks.
Let’s begin with a fire service multi-tasker: webbing. It’s lightweight and takes up very little space but can be used for a wide variety of tasks. Webbing can serve as a hose strap or a drag device for fire victim removal. You can use it to control doors during forcible entry or to attach items for easier carrying.
Not all tools are firefighting-specific. For example, no firefighter should be without a multipurpose screwdriver and a good pair of pliers. Their uses range from opening HVAC cabinets to rescuing a child from a locked bathroom.
You might also consider carrying a pair of cable cutters to make quick work of wiring, furniture springs, and flexible ductwork. And grab a utility knife, too. At less than five bucks, they’re a must-have for ventilation and overhaul duties on rubber membrane roofs. A painter’s 5-in-1 tool does an excellent job at forcible entry and is more versatile than a shove knife. It can also pry open windows and create a purchase point for larger tools.
Wedges have multiple uses and are practically free. From keeping doors open to stopping flowing sprinkler heads, their utility is limited only by your imagination.
Your pocket tools should be part of your daily equipment checks. Over time, the items you carry will change based on your needs and your assignment. But always keep in mind that your pocket tools must be relevant, useful, and lightweight. There’s no sense in lugging around something you don’t need or that doesn’t serve a purpose.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
