Fire From Two Windows

Matt and Lou do a little truck bay research. How much force do we put on our ladders when using them as change of directions in rope rescue? These are their findings and considerations. Follow along with a pencil, paper, and aspirin. Edits: x2 - 45lb plates and x1 - 10lb plate totalling 100lbs were used for these experiments.

Matt and Lou received a post from online stating that "nothing showing" should be removed from a size up/onscene report. Listen in to hear what one individual has to say and how it can be viewed as a positive rather than a negative.

"The actions of that first arriving Company Officer in the first five minutes will have more of an effect on the outcome of the fire than what happens in the next five hours."

-Alan Brunacini

Thank you to the men and women who submit commentary, complains, and criticism. A healthy conversation can only start when someone speaks up. The firefighting world needs to hear everyone in order to adapt.

Lou and Matt tackle the challenges between generations. What does it take to instill traditional skills and culture, with modern tactics, to the most recent wave of recruits and probationary firefighters? Tune in to find out how their experiences have influenced their evolution.

Lou and Matt touch the tip of the iceberg in the Technical Rescue Category of the fire service. Teams to crews, everyone can use the reminder to keep it simple. We often train and attend class for advanced techniques, but then over examine the needs at an incident. Use this episode as a reminder to learn the advanced tools, but select what is appropriate for the end user: the victim, the patient, the public's need.

Lou and Matt delve into the true meaning of fitness, emphasizing that you need to be fit for the job, not rely on the job to make you fit. This extended episode is packed with insights into how exercise, conditioning, and eating evolve within the fire service to support long-term career longevity. Fitness goes beyond just lifting weights—discover fundamental movements and essential tools that can help you achieve your goals.

Matt and Lou bring on their first guest. City of Rochester Firefighter, Volunteer Officer, County Instructor, Marine Corps Veteran, and most importantly, Husband and Father: Mike May. Mike shares his experiences of growing up and the path he took to get on the job. As he evolves in his positions, Mike points out his lessons and insights for aspiring firefighters, offering advice on how to thrive and maintain a healthy, successful career in this demanding field.

Instagram: @instructor.mikemay

Matt and Lou explore the concept of search culture and its critical importance in fireground operations. Join in as they break down why developing a strong search culture is vital for any fire department. They share their experiences and strategies for incorporating search tactics into everyday fireground procedures, emphasizing the impact on both firefighter safety and victim rescue.

Matt and Lou discuss the importance of performing an effective size-up from the perspective of the first-due company officer. Lou shares the evolution of his on-scene report.

Listen in to learn:

Lou and Matt share insights on how to prepare for a successful shift. They discuss what has worked well for them and what has not, offering valuable ideas for being well-prepared whether you are clocking in or responding from home.

Lou and Matt discuss fire service training props. Are we training to defeat the prop, or are we looking to develop good habits? Learn why the best prop is the one that you own.