STIMULATE YOUR TRAINING WITH REALISTIC

DRILLGROUND PROPS, TRAINING EVOLUTIONS AND

CLASSROOM SIMULATIONS

Stanley Anderson, Battalion Chief (Ret.) and Training Consultant, Central

Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue
Craig Anderson, Lieutenant, Oak Harbor Fire Department

Firefighters want to be challenged with realistic, relevant training evolutions.

Our challenge is how to provide this safely and at an affordable cost. We hope
to provide you with examples of training evolutions as well as realistic,
affordable, training props for use on the drill ground and in classroom
simulation.

INTRODUCTION

How do we cover the basics of our ever-increasing variety of responses without our
training becoming mundane and boring while operating within an ever-shrinking budget?
The most difficult challenge a training officer faces is producing an environment that is
interesting, educating, and realistic. We have all attended training programs at
specialized facilities that are able to dedicate all their efforts and finances into one
specific training field. Frustration occurs when the trainer returns to their department
with a wealth of new information and ideas and attempts to replicate the realistic hands-
on props within their department’s training budget. This presentation will furnish you
with ideas that may trigger new approaches that you can build on.

IDEAS INTO REALITY

Every training officer is faced with the same list of questions when they attempt to
duplicate real world scenarios:

1. What are the cost and space limitation factors?

2. Can the hands-on training evolutions be performed safely?
3. Are the basics being emphasized?
4. Does the challenge persist while providing opportunity for a successful outcome?

Once these four questions have been answered your training ideas can now become
reality.
DRILL GROUND PROPS

A challenge in most fire departments is to build cost effective, realistic and

multi-use training props. In answering our four questions we must continually think out
side the box.

OVERCOMING BUDGET RESTRAINTS

There are numerous ways to overcome budget restraints. Look to your hardware supply
store for donated, used or low-grade materials, or purchasing materials at cost or at
contractors’ prices. Contact on-site contractors for unused or scrap materials. City or
county utility departments all have scrap piles that may contain lumber, concrete, metal
and plastic materials. Wrecking yards all have used appliances and automobiles. (One
man’s garbage is a training officer’s treasure.) Often these same departments that are
allowing you to have their used materials will often deliver to your site. Getting your
materials is only limited to the broadness of your imagination.

SPACE LIMITATIONS

Very few organizations have limitless space; therefore our imagination must fit within the
property borders. Designing a prop which can be changed for multiple uses often is the
answer. Props designed with screws allow us to keep our imagination flexible. For example,
SCBA confidence courses can be easily altered into confined space rescue props. A vertical
ventilation prop can become a collapse void space.

SAFETY IN DESIGN

The safety factor must always be considered when designing and assembling training props.
Always have a person who is removed from the design and construction review the
components of the props at various stages of assembly. Consideration must be given to the
fact that these props will be used multiple times by numerous people of various skill levels.
We want the illusion of realism while providing a safe environment in which a mistake can
be made without damage to equipment or injury to personnel.

TEACHING THE BASICS WITH A CHALLENGE

The props should be designed in which basic skills can be practiced, but as skills levels
advance additional components of a prop or scenario can be added. For example, SCBA
trailers can go from four walls to four walls with entanglements. Basic automobile
extrications become more challenging as soon at the car is placed on its side. We must
continually challenge a person’s skill level without breaking their desire to train and improve.
SEARCH AND RESCUE PROPS

Search and rescue techniques and skills still prove to be one of the most dangerous
aspects of firefighting. With actual structure fires becoming less, and yet the complexity
of the fire fight increasing, the need for SCBA training and confidence is greater now
then it has ever been. Confidence courses can be constructed to varying degrees of
difficulty and from permanent to portable.

1. NAS Trailer
2. ESE Trailer
3. Camano Trailer
4. OHFD Attic Maze
5. OHFD Dog Kennel Maze
6. CWF&R Portable Maze
7. Academy Portable Maze

AUTO ACCIDENT

How many motor vehicle accidents do we respond to that require jaws to be used for
patient extrication that have no damage to the vehicle? Why are we having people train
on undamaged vehicles when learning the art of vehicle extrication? Training scenarios
that involve removing the car from the patient should look like situations found on the
street. Wrecking yards are full of pre-wrecked automobiles. Having the vehicle placed on
its side or roof or into another vehicle possess a realistic challenging training scenario.
Add mannequins or live victims and we now have real world evolution. The rescuer
must now think of fluid run off, patient care, and vehicle extrication. Have a vehicle
placed on the side of a hill and we have introduced vehicle stabilization into the scenario.
Place the vehicle under a flatbed trailer and the evolution possesses yet a new challenge.
All of these scenarios may be accomplished by one donated wrecked vehicle.

AUTOMOBILE FIRES

Any donated automobile becomes a car fire training prop with the addition of smoke. A
smoke bomb or smoke machine placed in or beside a vehicle allows the user to practice
all the basics of dealing with a car fire. A stripped down vehicle can be placed on an
easily constructed LPG prop and the challenge of a true car fire awaits.

LPG PROPS

Liquid propane gas provides an environmentally friendly way of producing realistic fire
training scenarios. Whether pre-plumbed into a vehicle, a dumpster, a burn room, or a
mock LPG tank, authentic fire training scenarios result. Even with live fire training
taking place, the amount of flames can be controlled through the turn of a valve, thus
creating a challenge for the least experienced to the most advanced fire personnel.
PATIENT TRAUMA

Any time a patient is added to a training evolution the complexity arises. Simply add a
victim to be rescued from a window or a patient to be extricated from an automobile adds
the need to practice the basics of victim removal. A challenge is added when the patient
is impaled on a guardrail or trapped beneath a vehicle. Suddenly the need for extrication
and medical patient care becomes a reality for all firefighters.

SIMULATION AIDS

Realism and the unexpected in any training scenario possess a challenge. This continues
to keep rescue personnel aware of the dangers that could possibly await them in any kind
of situation. There are numerous homemade cost-effective ways of producing realistic
effects.

1. Explosions – Milk Carton, Antifreeze Jug

2. HazMat – Colored liquid, Dry Ice
3. Gas Leak – SCBA Bottle
4. Electrical Fire / Sounds – Laundry Plastic
5. Flash Explosion – Flash Paper
6. Sound Effects – Dogs, Babies screaming, Fire Scene sounds, Fires
7. Smoke – Sugar and Salt Peter

MCI DRILLS

As with any of our props the use is only limited to the imagination of the users. Any or
all of the previous props can be combined for a mass causality incident that can challenge
multiple agencies. Motor vehicles can be crushed and set beside a structure to simulate
an external wall collapse. Debris can be placed on confined space props to simulate floor
collapse. LPG fire props can be moved to the area of the training evolution to simulate a
tank rupture. SCBA confidence courses become confined space entry areas. Remove the
use of a door and it becomes a forcible entry or exit situation. Add the addition of
multiple victims and is becomes a mass casualty incident. Bringing three or four basic
props together and having them all operate at the same time can keep 30 to 50 rescue
personnel challenged for two hours. One such evolution can provide invaluable feedback
and training between fire, EMS, dispatch, and police agencies.

CLASSROOM SIMULATIONS

On-the-job training of fire ground size-up and tactical operations for initial company
attack and the use of the incident command system is a difficult task for many officers.
Fire ground simulations provide officers the opportunity to command a fire scene, and
gain valuable ICS experience without jeopardizing lives or property. The goal is to
provide a safe environment, where if mistakes are made, officers can be provided with
on-the-spot evaluations, and constructive critiques. Using local buildings, response cards,
and department operating procedures will bring about a heightened awareness of the
 dangers that exist in responding to unforeseen incidences in your local area. Mistakes
made under simulated conditions will demonstrate how much we don’t know about
buildings in our own response area. Buildings that were never given a second glance will
now warrant a pre-incident plan review. These simulations can be as easy as marker
drawings on transparencies or as complex as computer generated photos of your local
buildings burning before your eyes. This portion of the presentation will demonstrate
various methods of realistic classroom simulations to include:

1. Overhead transparencies.
2. Digital still photos.
3. Digitally enhanced photos with animated smoke and fire.
4. Video with inserted digitally enhanced photos.

All scenarios include the use of radio communications using multiple frequencies, pre-
incident fire plans, and overheads of local response routes.

TRAINING EVOLUTIONS

Developing new and challenging training evolutions while not losing sight of the
repetitious practice of the basics is a difficult task for any Training Officer. Continually
donning a SCBA or raising a ladder becomes tedious work even to the most dedicated
firefighter. We must develop a variety of creative methods that emphasize basic
techniques while providing an exciting and competitive team-building atmosphere. Skill
sheets and written scenario evolutions will be used to show how to train on the basics
without the drill becoming basic. These evolutions include:

1. Pump operations and driving.

2. SCBA training.
3. Hose training.
4. Equipment usage.
5. Basic Firemanship.
6. Officer Development.

The continual challenge for the fire service is to provide realistic hands-on training that
emphasizes basic skills. By thinking outside the box and maintaining the attitude
“Whatever It Takes”, we will develop the skills firefighters need in the real world. If it’s
dreamable, it’s doable. We would like to leave this final thought to all training officers
“The man with imagination is never alone.”

If training officers would like a copy of the props, evolutions, and simulations or would
like to contact us about anything please do so.
Dr. Stanley Anderson
Box 460
Coupeville, WA 98239
360-678-4074
E-mail stanande@whidbey.net

Lt. Craig Anderson

855 East Whidbey Ave
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
 RESOURCE PAGE

Web Sites (send me more to add – stanande@whidbey.net)

All will begin with www. Unless otherwise noted and you don’t need to
capitalize the first letter as it is below

Petelamb.com
Excellent site with weekly commentaries and training topics. If you only go to one site
this is the one. Also has quotes

Simreasearch.com
Pump simulator material

Pafirefighter.net
Safety Powerpoints, games kids training, sog’s, etc.

Pafirefighter.net/ems.htm
A wealth of EMS material

Vincentdunn.com/dunn/newsletters/drills.html
Newsletters, strategies and tactics challenge, re search assignment, fire command
and control e-magazine

Kuce.org/fst/
Study guides for Firefighter I and II

Sautech.edu/AFA/afa.htm
Lesson plans for firefighter I and II

Board.tec.we.us/fire/
Preparation manual with reading for firefighter I and II certification

Iland.net/~jbritton/index.html
Knots

Oregonvos.net/dpsst/fr/fr_home.htm
Oregon lesson plans, standards and certification, and guideline for live fire
training 2002

Board.tec.wi.us/fire/default.htm
Firefighter I and II certification preparation guide and pages for study
Firehousechef.com/
Firefighters cookbook online

Defrance.org
Everything then some on ems

Extrication.com
Good articles to read on extrication

Emsvillage.com
Material

Firemarshals.org/links/sfmsites.html
Firemarshals sites

Harrycarter.com
Good thought provoking commentaries

Fireheadquarters.com/fire_dept_links.htm
Links to fire departments by state and country

Princetonfire.org/powerpoint.htm
PowerPoint lessons

Ill-fireinstructors.org
Training material

Rapidintervention.com/media
Past monthly training topics, picture of the month, rit instructors, rit drills, tips

Mainefiretraining.net
FAST guide

Scottart.com
Cartoons

Techrescue.org
Humor, scenarios, articles, quizzes

Fire-rescue village
Lesson plans, quiz, Crossword puzzles
Firecenter.mnscu.ed/handbook
Fire chief handbook with live fire manual

Fwfd.net
Physical standards, citizens fire academy, screensavers and wallpaper

Firefighting.com
Fun games, software

Fire.org.uk
Entry to sites in England

Firenuggets.com
Very good online magazine

10-75.com
Lesson plans, software, etc.

Workingfire.net
Good informative artricles

Jems.com
Articles

Fire-eng.com
Articles, etc

Firehouse.com
Articles, etc

Mfri.org
Lesson plans, quizzes

Cfdonline.org
SOPs, fire safety material, training material

Cdc.gov/niosh/facerpts.html
Firefighter deaths investigations

//WARHAMMER.MCC.Virginia.edu/cars/download.html
Good downloadable training (other available if you go to bottom of page and
click on to back to main page click on back)
Meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/GrossAnatomy/cross_section/index.html
Good cross section pictures of anatomy

Interfire.org/index.html
Fire investigation

www.earlham.edu/~peters/knotlink.htm
Knots

Theideabank.com/
Fire safety information

www.igs.net/~hwt/
Medical acronyms

//feti.Isu.edu/useful_links/fire_service_training.html
Useful links

CLIP ART, BACKGROUNDS, ETC.

Geocities.com/daves_gallery

//freehome.firefighting.com/ffhome/LadyFF/

Firegraphics.org

//community.webshots.com/album/5607585J (has others sites of art along

side)

TESTING SOFTWARE

Knightlite www.knightlite.com
Rapid Fire - www.disisit.com
Fire Instructor Testing Software – www.firedept.net/fits

FIRE SIMULATION SOFTWARE

Fire Studio – www.digitalcombustion.com

Emergency Services Interactive Simulators - www.firesimulator.com
SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE FOUND USEFUL

Adobe 7.0 Photoshop $699 www.adobe.com

Adobe Photoshop Elements $95 cheaper version of Photoshop
MS Picture-it $50 Microsoft
ScreenShot Delux 4.0 $20 www.learningco.com saves shots of monitor screen
Blue Squirrel ClickBook $30 www.bluesquirrel.com useful for making booklets
Hp Photosmart S20 Photo Scanner $499 www.hp.com scans photo, slides, negatives
Coral Draw
Alien Skin’s Eye Candy $169 www.alienskin.com fire and smoke filters for
photoshop
Video Editing
VideoWaveIII www.videowave.com
Dazzle MovieStar www.dazzle.com
Pinnacle Studio www.pinnaclesys.com This is probably the best and
easiest to use
PC to Video
Grand Ultraview
Grand Magicview www.grandtec.com see compusa.com, or either sources from
below
Avermedia Averkey 500 Pro www.avermedial.com can obtain from 2.warehouse.com for
$209 or cdw.com
Incident Management Simulator
8-monitor simulation system with total image control – INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
TRAINING SIMULATOR - Approx $1900.00. For information – John Lapsansky, 19819 Jewell
Rd., Bothell, WA , 98012. Ph. 206-755-0599

Printer Ink www.inkfix.com This is a good trustworthy site for

printer ink. You can bUy good new ink
cartridges for 5-7 dollars a cartridge. I
have used it for 2-3 years with no
problems

If you have any questions, comments, or new simulations or props. Anything,

contact us
Dr. Stan Anderson
Box 460
Coupeville, WA 98239
360-678-4074
e-mail stanande@whidbey.net
Lt. Craig Anderson
855 East Whidbey Ave.
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
e-mail craigand@whidbey.net
 TIPS AND TRICKS

SCBA MASK BLACKOUT METHODS

1. SHOWER CAP – These can be purchase in drugstores, grocery stores, etc. When
you purchase make sure will not let images through. Some have cloth liner which
will make opaque. Most will let light in but will look like in deep smoke condition
and no image will show through.
2. BLACK PLASTIC – You can buy plastic bags and cut into squares that are larger
than the viewing area of you face pieces. Some of the bags are thin and images will
show through. Contractor bags are made of a heavier plastic and will not let light in.
Some plastic rolls are thick enough to stop light. You can cut a number of pieces to
fit the face piece and hold them on with # 84 rubber band. These can be purchased
in bags in most office supply stores. This is a very cheap and quick method of
blacking out your mask.
3. HOODS – You can turn your hood around and pull over the face piece to black out.
Some of the hoods are thin enough to allow some image through. For these you can
use blue painters tape in the center of the face piece to block light. This tape will not
leave a residue on the mask and comes off easily. You can cover the whole face piece,
but with the hood covering an area of 6x3 inches on the outside of the lens will be
sufficient.
4. BLUE PAINTERS TAPE – You can tape the lens completely. Tape on the outside of
the lens. This tape will come off readily and leave no residue.
5. WAX PAPER – Cut to size and hold on with #84 rubber band. This simulates a
good smoke situation where you can see some shapes, light outlines and light.

HAZMAT SIMULATIONS

AIR HISSING: Place SCBA bottle slightly open in a barrel. Make sure that there is a cap
opening on the barrel and it is open or the barrel could explode if the air does not have an
outlet.

SMOKE OF FOG COMING FROM A CONTAINER: Placing a small amount of water in a

barrel and dropping dry ice in the water will produce a fog coming from the container.
Leave an opening in the barrel for the fog to exit.

HAZMAT PLACARDS – You can find pictures of placards in the DOT Emergency
Response Guidebook. If you will scan the picture into your computer, you can enlarge it and
print it in color. You can also change the material identification number to what you want
before you print the label. You can then place it on the containers or vehicle you want to
use in your scenarios.
LIQUID LEAKING FROM CONTAINER – Place plain or colored water in a container
and make small hole in container or place the cap on lose. Place container on side so will
leak out. Use water colors if you want to make the water colored. Dye – LIQUID POWDER
TRACING DYE – NORLAB, PO.BOX 380, AMHERST, OH. 44001, TEL:1-800-247-9422.
It is non toxic and washable.

GENERAL

OLD CLOTHES - Gather old clothes (might obtain from a thrift store or solicit from
members). Keep a supply to use to dress dummies or victims. This will protect the dummy
and can be used to cut away from victims.

AMPUTATION – To simulate a crushed or amputated arm or leg, use the arm or leg from
an old cpr annie. Have the victim place his arm inside a shirt or jacket and use the dummy
arm with the rest of the sleeve of the clothing. For a leg, dig a hole and have the victim
place foot in hole. Use the lower part of the dummy leg with the appropriate clothing as the
victim’s leg.

WRECKED AUTOMOBLES – Most auto we obtain from junk yards for extrication
purposes are just standard cars. How many times do you find a auto like this when we do
an actual extrication. There are several methods you can use to make it more realistic:
1. Use a front end loader to crush the top or sides. Possibly a contractor or your
county or city shop will help you out.
2. Find something like wrecker or loader to drop ecology block (large cement
blocks) on the top and/or sides of the auto
3. With enough manpower, you can roll a vehicle on its side or top.
4. If you want to use a dummy in the exercise, place in the can and seat belt in
before crushing.
5. If you have a slight incline you can toll several cars on top of each other.
6. Use a front end loader to lift and dump off.

WOOD – Contact your city shops or contractors. At city shops can get 4x4s that are from
traffic signs that have the base rotted off. The contractors throw away wood you can use to
build props.

FURNITURE – Contact your furniture stores. They haul off furniture from homes where
they deliver new furniture. They are happy if you take it off their hands instead of hauling
it to the dump.

TARGETS – Use milk jugs or plastic bottles. You can fill with water mixed with food
coloring to improve visibility if the bottle is clear. Another target is a toilet seat flipped up.

VOMIT – in an ems situation the victim can start with a mouth full of dry oat meal and
raisins. After a time it will simulate true vomit.
ELECTRICAL SHORT – Use sparklers. You can tape together to make last longer. You
can lay on a simulated breaker box or insert.

FILL A HOSE WITH AIR – In a situation where you want to use hose for searching or
taking into a building but do not want to get anything wet, fill the hose with air. Place a
closed standard nozzle on one end and a cap with an air filler tapped into it on the other
end. You can use an air compressor or air bottle to fill the hose with air. The amount of air
psi determines how stiff the hose will be. Use caution if using an air bottle without a
regulator on it. To have a regulator use the set-up from an air chisel or like tool.
The air filled hose can also be used to make boundaries of a search or prop or to lead
people while doing a search.

LPG TANK PROP

IMPROVED APPLIANCE FOR LPG TRAINING

How often do actual LPG fires resemble the “Christmas tree appliance” type of massive
training fire with a convenient valve at the base? Not very often

In rural areas, the standard gas emergencies are a ruptured service line, a burning service
line or relief valve, or a ruptured and burning household-size LPG tank. The normal size is about
500 gallons. With this in mind, the Georgia Fire Academy went to work on engineering a better
gas training appliance.
Lynn Pardue and Larry Williams of the Georgia Fire Academy got Ossie Delay, a part-time
instructor, interested in the project. Delay then got in touch with other members of the Cherokee
County fire departments, including Grady Pearson and Larry Collett, who both work with the
Doxol Gas Company in Canton, and are members of the Ball Ground Volunteer Fire Department
and the Circle 5 Fire Department, respectively. They in turn got together with Carl Popham of
Ball Ground, J.T. Whidby of Circle 5, and Danny Hester of the Holbrook Campground Fire
Department to decide what was needed. Plans were drawn up for a safe but effective training
appliance that could be operated at a fire scene and give some variety to the training exercise.
The Doxol Gas Company donated 500-gallon tank and the project was underway. The
Georgia Fire Academy purchased about $470 worth of gas valves schedule 80 piping and various
fitting needed for the operational piping.
A hole approximately 3 feet square was cut in one side of the tank, both for access and to
make sure a BLEVE would not occur during the training operation. The hole is on the back of
the tank away from the student attack on the flaming gas. The relief valve, regulator and the line
to a simulated rupture hole are manifolded together 30 feet from the tank itself, when an
instructor operates the variables.
As noted on the diagram, either gas or water/air mixture is available. The water/air mixture
allows students to approach the tank in a vapor cloud but with out risking actual ignition. To
control the vapor cloud, the regular service valve must be shut off.
The operator also has the option o having a burning service line and suddenly opening the
valve feeding the relief valve so that burning gas goes straight up. A third line feeds the
simulated rupture in the side of the tank, which is 1/8 inch by 1 fool This line should not be
opened with students near the tank. It shoots gas out parallel to the ground about 15 feet any
could injure someone, as a real rupture
could. If the training attack is to be on a ruptured gas tank, then it should be burning prior to the
suppression effort. Its operation valve has a safety pin to prevent accidents.
The simulated rupture area is cut into the wall of the tank on the students' side. Behind
this split or rupture, a leak box was constructed of 4-inch channel iron. The box measures 1 inch
deep, 4 inches wide and 12 inches long to cover the entire split length. This box was then welded
to the interior of the tank, with the split/rupture centered in the 4-inch width. Piping was then
attached to the box and extended to the control manifold.
The spring was removed from a standard tank relief valve, and the travel of the relief
valve was restricted to 3/e inch. With the relief valve stem threaded and a lock nut arrangement
used, the valve can be adjusted for clearance and the gas opening controlled as needed. Gas
piping was mounted to the relief valve inside the tank and extended to the control manifold.
Piping was also run to the standard service valve, with a bleeder and vapor equalizer
valve from the interior of the tank. This valve must be operational, since the students will be
using it to shut off the burning fuel.
The service line connection on the valve is equipped with a piece of 1/2-inch copper tube, as is
normally used on these installations. After a few tests on the appliance, it was noted that this line
must be secured down to the side of the tank or the flow of gas will cause the line to bend and
whip around. The easiest solution was to use a piece of tube long enough to go down under the
side of the tank, around the foot and then extend up the side of the tank about 12 inches to an
open end.
The tank is engineered with all threaded piping so that
it can be easily dismantled and moved for other
training classes. The threading will also allow parts to
be interchanged as needed due to normal wear and
tear.
The appliance was first used in October 1981
at a Ninth District Fire School in Canton. All
operations went well but the operator took a beating
from the heat. And the students soon learned that if
they watched the operator they would be aware of
when a relief valve flare-up was going to occur. This
took away some of the planned surprise element of the
training appliance. Soon the operator was behind a
temporary barricade, and students were then watching
the tank rather than the operator.From these initial
operations it was also learned that the length of the
piping between the manifold and the tank should be
increased to keep the operator farther away from the
heat and from the immediate vision of the students.
With that exception, the entire operation went well and
gave much more realistic training. The usual
Christmas tree appliance will consume about 30 to 35
liquid gallons of propane a minute, while the gas tank appliance consumes about 10 to 17 gallons
per minute. This depends on whether all gas valves are open to the rupture, service line and relief
valve. Therefore more burns can be made with the new appliance on the same amount of
propane.
The Doxol Gas Company supplied the fuel for the initial session and the Petrolane Gas
Company of Cummings the fuel for the next session. Petrolane made available to the academy
for a token fee a straddle buggy so that the appliance can be transported throughout the state for
other district and individual department fire schools.

Additional information on this tank appliance may be obtained from Larry Williams or Lyn
Pardue at: The Georgia Fire Academy, 1112 Clay Street, Marietta, Ga.
30060;(404)424- 7315.0 0
This articled appeared in the October 1982 issue of Fire Engineering

HOSE DUMMY LAYOUT

Use tire chains fastened in
the middle. Do not fasten
tight so they will shift when
dummy is moved. It will also
add weight

BLOW-UP PARTS

LPG CAR FIRE PROP

 LPG NOZZLE PARTS

LPG NOZZLE 1½“X½“

FITTING
¾“ X ½”
BUSHING
COUPLING

2–½“
CAPS
DESIGNED BY DR. BOB BERNARD
TESTED AND SLIGHTLY MODIFIED BY 1 ½ “ PLUG
CENTRAL WHIDBEY ISLAND FIRE & ½” X 1 ½”
CONNECTOR
RESCUE

NOT SHOWN – 9” X 9” X 3/16” METAL PLATE

 WELD TOP CAP TO
METAL PLATE

WELD AT THIS POINT

AFTER WELDING
CAP TO PLUG AT
THIS POINT, WELD
THE TOP CAP TO
THE METAL PLATE

FINISHED
LPG
NOZZLE
NAVY CONFIDENCE COURSE

OAK HARBOR FIRE DEPARTMENT CONFIDENCE MAZE

CAMANO ISLAND FIRE AND RESCUE MOBILE CONFIDENCE MAZE
RUNNING A TACTICAL OPERATIONS SCENARIO
 Command has everything at the table that would be present at an actual scene such as
prefire plans, command board, etc. and a portable radio
The computer is hooked to a projector or a tv set in front of the command table
The overhead projector displays a plot plan or area plan on the magnetic dry erase board.
Officer of each apparatus have a magnetic engine cut-out, portable radio and dry erase
marker (different color for each apparatus).
Dispatch has at table a portable radio and something to use to keep track of all
transmissions ( note pad, pen/pencil, and possibly a tape recorder)
For distractions, you might have a radio/tape deck in the center of the room playing fire
scene sounds.
 The computer operator has a powerpoint presentation of the fire scenes and printed pictures
of the fire scenes.

Play:
The person assigned command is brought in and seated. A dispatch is given. We then play a
video we produced of looking from the driver’s seat that would be seen while responding to the
scene. At certain points in the video we show a still picture of what he would see toward the fire
scene at that point. The video ends with command in the command post position and a scene of the
fire that would be seen at that time.
Apparatus arrive in a logical time sequence. The officer for the apparatus places the
magnetic cut-out on the board where command has directed. The officer will trace the crew’s
actions and hose laying with the dry erase chalk for that apparatus.
All contact is with radio unless a face to face is requested. At that time the officer can go to
the command table to confer.
Command must have a person at the other side of the building for a report to be made from
that area. When a report is requested, a photo of that side which corresponds to the view of the side
command is observing, is given to the officer so a report can be given.
Dispatch handles all traffic and records what is going on and all radio traffic.
The computer operator runs the fire scenes and changes them as the situation unfolds.
Afterwards a critique is held.
It is not unusual for the officers to be going through the buildings that were used in the
scenarios and discussing how to fight various fires in them.

I Wantabee A Firefighter Game – How to play and construct

1. 1-3 contestants at a time can play and an audience is necessary.

2. If more that one contestant, have pads and markers to that each can write the letter of the final
answer down.

3. Each contestant gets a POLL THE AUDIENCE, 50/50, AND TALK TO A FRIEND.

4. Poll the Audience – Which ever contestant(s) use this can turn around and observe the audience.
The host asks the audience to raise their hands when he gives the letter of what they think is the
correct answer.

5. 50/50 – Whoever uses this looks at the screen while the others look away. A click of the mouse
covers the first wrong answer and a second click covers the second wrong answer. If no one wants a
50/50 on the question then click on the next slide action button.

6. Ask a Friend – The contestant who requests this can select a friend in the audience and discuss
the correct answer in private for 30 seconds.

7. Whoever is still in the game at certain points gets a prize. We use:

1000 points - a cookie
 32,000 points – A candy bar or small pack of crackers or cookies.
1,000,000 points – Enough candy bars for their company or station

8. Test banks where you can get the questions are listed on the information sheet, or you can make-
up your own.

PRODUCING THE GAME

1. Use the template included.

2. Type questions and answers on the first slide. Then select all and copy them. To the second slide
and paste.

3. After pasting on the second page, erase all answers but the right one. At the bottom of this page,
make a text box and type in the reference for the answer (if you choose to use one) and then return
to the first question page

4. On the first page draw an arrow over each question you want to block-out if 50/50 is chosen.
Place an action button on the page that takes you to the next page.

5. Go to the custom animation and make so when click the question comes in, at the next click the
answers come in, at the next click the first arrow comes in from the right, and at the next click the
second arrow comes in to cover the answer.

6. To run the game:

for question – click
for answers – click
for 50/50 next two clicks
If 50/50 not chosen use the action button to advance to the answer slide after the final answer
is chosen by the contestant(s)

7. Templates are included for the firefighter and officer games.