SUPRESSION IS HERE!!!

The moment I've been waiting for, the start of supression, is finally here. Our first lectures will consist of Fire Behavior and Firefighter Safety. Friday starts SCBA's, which is the breathing apparatus that we use to breath in any IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environment. Next week will consist of SCBA practicals, and other fun stuff. Our first day in the burn building is just around the corner (May 5th).

Also, I'm sure many of you are wondering the results of my EMT-B state test that I took last Thursday. Despite all the stress that I brought on to myself (as I am apt to do), I passed both my practical stations (trauma and medical), and achieved a 95% on my written test. So what does this mean? I am now certified as an EMT-B in the Commonwealth of Virginia until 2011, when I will have to recert. This is one step out of the way, and opens the door to supression (can you tell I'm excited about suppression?).

On a more somber note, on Monday morning, a Prince William firefighter was killed in the line of duty. It is the first line of duty death in the history of that department. He was a 24 year old firefighter, only out of the fire academy about 9 months. Despite not being from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, he is a member of the firefighter family. Please keep his family in your thoughts.

R.I.P. - Kyle Robert Wilson
May 25, 1982 - April 16, 2007
Technician I
Prince William CountyDepartment of Fire and Rescue

Swamped!!!

So EMT-B is a pretty intense course of study. But there are only a few days left. The state test is next Thursday (Apr. 12). So as for my lack of updates, it not for lack of want, it's more like lack of time. I'm not sure supression is going to be much better, but I'm going to try... As a side note, SCBA stands for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. Kinda like SCUBA without the underwater part. Hope this clears things up for those that were wondering. Until next time...

-Karl