Attachment C
Victowille
FIRE
1926 NEWSLETTER
EST.
FIRE VOL. 17 SEPTEMBER 2024
Welcome
The Pallage
Big Bear Lake California
TECTORE
Vetowille
Chief Anthony Kastros
Victorville Leadership Training
Recently, the Victorville Fire Department embarked on a transformative journey through a comprehensive leadership and team-building training program. Designed to address the evolving challenges faced by our personnel, this training aimed to enhance communication, foster collaboration, and develop effective leadership skills within our team.
With the fire service currently navigating a leadership pandemic characterized by a generational gap and increasing retirements among experienced leaders, our department recognized the urgent need for effective training. We partnered with a well-regarded training provider that has successfully delivered workshops to over 250 public service agencies across the United States, including fire departments in Los Angeles, Miami, and Seattle.
The training consisted of two key workshops: "Mastering Leadership: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" and "Mastering Team Building for Maximum Results." Each session was tailored to fit the specific needs of our department, ensuring relevance and engagement.
Hands-on Learning Experiences
Mastering Leadership: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
This workshop emphasized practical, real-world
applications of leadership rather than relying on outdated theories. Participants engaged in dynamic role-playing
exercises, simulating various scenarios that they might encounter in the field. These activities included:
Conflict Resolution Exercises: Teams practiced navigating interpersonal conflicts, learning techniques to address disagreements effectively.
Real-World Leadership Case Studies: Participants
discussed credible case studies, exploring the nuances of leadership challenges and strategies for motivation and goal setting.
Mastering Team Building for Maximum Results
The second workshop focused on building
cohesive teams and enhancing
collaboration. Using the U.S. Air Force
Thunderbirds as a model for effective
teamwork, the session highlighted the
importance of shared vision and
communication. Key activities included:
Meyers-Briggs Personality Assessments: Team members identified their personality types and learned how these traits influence team dynamics. This insight helped participants understand their strengths and how to better support their colleagues.
Communication Exercises: Engaging activities demonstrated the impact of clear communication, allowing team members to recognize and mitigate misunderstandings.
Throughout the training, participants were encouraged to embrace change and enhance their interpersonal skills. By fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect, we aimed to strengthen our team's cohesion and overall effectiveness.
One notable exercise involved role-playing common scenarios that can lead to conflict within the department. This practice not only equipped participants with conflict resolution techniques but also emphasized the importance of supporting one another, akin to a sports team working towards a common goal.
As we integrate the lessons learned from this training into our daily operations, we look forward to the positive impact on our department culture and community trust. The support from the Executive Team in facilitating this initiative is greatly appreciated, and we are excited about the future of the Victorville Fire Department as we continue to grow and evolve.
Discipline is not a Bad Word...
About the Instructor
Anthony (Andoni) Kastros is a 34-year veteran of the fire service and Battalion Chief with Sacramento Metro Fire District (ret). He is the best-selling author of the Fire Engineering book and video series, Mastering the Fire Service Assessment Center - 2nd Edition. It is used widely throughout the United States for officer development.
Also, Chief Kastros co-wrote Mastering Fireground Command - Calm the Chaos! This new NIMS/ICS, NFPA and FESHE-compliant textbook was released in 2024 at FDIC International in Indianapolis, focusing on fireground strategy, tactics, and ICS.
In addition, Kastros authored the video series, Mastering Unified Command - From Hometown to Homeland. The video is focused on bridging the gap between fire and law for a true unified response and command platform to face the "New Normal" that is prevalent in America today. The video features many experts from around the United States, including former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta.
Kastros is an FDIC-International and Firehouse World instructor, was the Keynote Speaker at FDIC 2013 and is the recipient of the 2019 George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award from the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and Fire Engineering. Anthony hosts The Command Show, a monthly blog radio show through Fire Engineering. As a USAR Team Manager with Sacramento Task Force 7, he deployed to Ground Zero on 9/11. Anthony spent 4 years with a Type 1 Incident Management Team.
Anthony's faith and family are the most important things in his life.
Well Fire Department Thank
you!
Chief Kastros
and to all who
attended!
A|D MIN
AFSS South
Fire Management Technician Chrystal Lane and EMS Management Technician Mallory McPherson-Blas attended the Cal-Chef Administrative Fire Services Section (AFSS) quarterly training hosted by Pismo Fire in Pismo Beach on September 12th. They learned valuable information about Artificial Intelligence for Administrative Professionals, and how it can benefit the administrative team through streamlining workflow, document management, enhanced data analysis and automation of routine tasks.
September Events
• September 4th - Lakeview Leadership Academy: Back to School Night • September 8th - Sunrise Church honored First Responders • September 11th - CIMS 9/11 Memorial
• September 20th - Girl Scouts station tour at FS314
• September 23rd - Granite Mountain Charter at FS311
• September 25th - Youth Group station tour at FS312
Please also give a warm
welcome to Deputy Fire
September 19th and 20th - Hook Jr. High EMS
Marshall Jeremy Kosick
career insight
who will be working under
Firefighter/Paramedics Grande and Cotton, along with EMS Specialist David Vega, the Building division, and
recently visited Hook Jr. High to provide career insights. They taught hands-only CPR, demonstrated our LUCAS CPR device, and answered students' questions. leading Fire Prevention.
The team also gave the students a tour of the rig, helping them gain a better understanding of our work.
EMS
DIVISION
IV Fluid Shortage
As we navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it is crucial to communicate the challenges our EMS division faces regarding supplies and operations. The hurricane caused substantial damage to Baxter International's manufacturing plant in North Cove, North Carolina, which produces a majority of the IV fluids used across the country including our fire department. The storm has disrupted various supply chains, affecting critical medical supplies and equipment that our EMS division depends on for daily operations.
Increased Demand for Limited Supply: With Baxter's facility offline, the available supply of IV fluids has drastically decreased. Our EMS operations rely heavily on these fluids for patient stabilization and treatment during emergencies. The current allocation protocols mean that we must strategically manage our existing inventory to ensure that we can meet the needs of our community.
Strict Allocation Measures: To preserve the limited supply of IV fluids, manufacturers have implemented strict allocation measures. As a small purchaser, Victorville Fire Department has not been able to receive any IV solutions in any form. This means that our EMS division will not receive the typical stock levels we require, leaving us without essential resources to meet community needs during critical situations. These allocations will remain in place until Baxter and other manufacturers can recover and ramp up production.
The interdependence of suppliers means that disruptions in one area can create ripple effects throughout the entire supply chain. As we work to secure necessary resources, we may encounter delays and shortages of other essential medical supplies. We hope to resume purchases as soon as efforts are underway to return operations to normal.
Did you know?
David Vega
EMS Specialist
The Importance of Utilizing a Pelvic Sling in Pelvic Fractures Pelvic fractures are critical injuries often associated with high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle collisions or falls from significant heights. These fractures can lead to severe complications, including massive hemorrhage due to the high vascularity in the pelvic region. A pelvic sling, or binder, is a straightforward yet vital tool used in prehospital and emergency settings to stabilize pelvic fractures and reduce the risk of further internal bleeding.
Recent evidence underscores the effectiveness of pelvic slings, both in terms of patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates. A study published in the "Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery" in 2019, emphasized that the application of a pelvic binder can effectively stabilize the pelvis and minimize internal hemorrhage which is crucial during the initial stages of trauma management. The study highlighted that patients who received a pelvic sling in the prehospital environment had a higher chance of survival and showed a decrease in morbidity rates compared to those who did not.
Another study, featured in "Emergency Medicine
Journal" in 2021, further validated the clinical benefits of pelvic binders. This research focused on the
prehospital application of pelvic slings and indicated
that early pelvic stabilization leads to a significant
reduction in hemorrhagic shock incidents and
improves overall management of trauma patients.
The use of a pelvic binder also facilitates safer
transport by reducing the chances of additional
injury during movement to a medical facility.
EMS Continued
The application of pelvic slings is supported by their simplicity and immediate impact. They come as adjustable devices that can be quickly placed around a patient's pelvis, providing circumferential compression. This compression effectively reduces the pelvic volume, aiding in the stabilization of fractures and controlling potential bleeding sites.
In summary, the utilization of pelvic slings is a crucial intervention in the management of pelvic fractures in trauma patients. Supported by recent evidence-based studies, pelvic slings help improve patient survival rates and outcomes by offering early stabilization and hemorrhage control. As such, they are an indispensable tool in the EMS toolkit, contributing to improved trauma care and patient safety.
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**Cited Sources:**
1. "Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery," 2019. Study on the effectiveness of pelvic binders in reducing mortality and morbidity.
2. "Emergency Medicine Journal," 2021. Research on the benefits of early pelvic stabilization in prehospital settings.
A Message to
intons Staffi
WELCOME HOME TO ALL OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS WHO
WERE DEPLOYED ON STRIKE TEAMS LAST MONTH! WE ARE
SO GLAD TO HAVE YOU BACK WITH US.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SERVICE AND
DEDICATION DURING YOUR DEPLOYMENT. YOUR HARD
WORK AND COMMITMENT ARE TRULY APPRECIATED BY
EVERYONE ON THE ADMIN STAFF.
THE LINE FIRE
This month, in addition to deploying a single resource on a strike team, we also mobilized several additional strike teams and assigned two Battalion Chiefs to lead their efforts.
BC Sprague recently served as a strike team leader for ST 6828C during a significant wildfire incident. The team, comprised of five OES Type 3 engines from Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Apple Valley, and Redlands, was tasked with perimeter control around the community of Running Springs. Over the course of 14 days, Sprague and his team worked tirelessly, putting in 24-hour shifts and attending multiple briefings to coordinate their efforts effectively.
Throughout the operation, the
team laid down several thousand
feet of hose lines to establish a
defensive barrier against the
encroaching flames. Sprague's
leadership and commitment to
safety ensured the protection of
both the community and his fellow
firefighters, showcasing the vital
role of teamwork and preparedness
in wildfire response efforts.
More about the Line Fire...
LINE FIRE
In response to the escalating Line Fire
igniting in Highland, a dedicated
strike team was deployed to protect
homes while stationed in the
community. The team, consisting of
Captain Derek Sutton, Fire Engineer
Grant De Rose, and
Firefighter/Paramedic Miguel
Hernandez, faced a rapidly growing
blaze that began on Thursday
evening. Fueled by dry conditions
and strong winds, the fire expanded
quickly, posing significant challenges
to firefighting efforts.
When the wind changed and the fire
approached the backs of several
structures, the team's readiness was
instrumental in saving homes.
The strike team remained on high alert, prepared to tackle ongoing challenges and support local firefighting efforts. Their deployment highlighted an unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property amid this significant wildfire.
As the Line Fire intensified and spread toward the Big Bear area, the strike team was strategically relocated to provide critical support. By Saturday afternoon, the fire had grown to approximately 7,122 acres with 0% containment. Their swift response and expertise were crucial in positioning resources effectively to safeguard both the community and vital infrastructure.
The Impact of
the Line Fire
on Victorville
and
Surrounding
Hesperia
Victorville
Barstow
Areas
Residents of Victorville and the surrounding High
Desert region faced the harsh realities of wildfire
season as multiple fires erupted in all directions. The most significant of these, the Line Fire, ignited in
Highland on a Thursday evening and quickly
escalated, raising alarm across the community. Air
quality sensors in the Victor Valley registered
concerning levels of PM 2.5, which posed health
risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
The Line Fire had expanded to approximately 7,122
acres with 0% containment at this time. Evacuation
orders were issued for certain mountain
neighborhoods, while others remained under
evacuation warnings. Smoke drifted over the San
Bernardino Mountains, significantly affecting air
quality and visibility in nearby communities.
The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District
(MDAQMD) issued an air advisory due to the impact
of wildfire smoke, predicting potentially poor air
quality. As firefighting efforts continued and
weather conditions evolved, this advisory had the
potential to be extended.
Shortly after this day, the Line Fire spread into the
Big Bear area, where we had a Strike Team deployed
at this time.
THE BOISE FIRE
SBE
WHAT DOES MOP UP MEAN?
BATTALION CHIEF WASHINGTON TAKES ON
LEADERSHIP ROLE AT BOISE FIRE
Battalion Chief Washington recently deployed to the Boise Fire in the City of Orleans, as a Strike Team Leader Trainee (STEN-T). Upon arrival, his team was assigned to Division R, where they focused on preparing the fire line for a
potential burning operation. Their efforts included clearing brush, setting up water tanks, and laying over seven miles The term "mop up" refers to of hose throughout the division. Later, Washington and his the process of extinguishing team transitioned to Division U to assist with mop-up any remaining hot spots or operations in areas with significant hot spots. embers after the main fire
has been controlled or put The Boise Fire, which ignited in early September, burned for out. This phase involves over two weeks, ultimately burning approximately 5,000 thorough checks to ensure acres. Initially sparked by lightning, the fire required a that the fire is completely coordinated response from multiple agencies to contain extinguished to prevent re- its spread and protect nearby communities. Washington's ignition. Crews may use hand leadership and proactive approach played a crucial role tools, water, or fire retardants in managing the challenging conditions during this during this phase, and it often extensive wildfire operation. includes removing debris and
ensuring the area is safe. It's
a critical part of fire
management to protect
against flare-ups.
USAR Training
Victoracte
The NFPA has established several standards for
swift water rescue, specifically outlining swim test
requirements in NFPA 1670 and 1006. These swim
tests are crucial for the certification of swift water
rescue technicians, as they evaluate a firefighter's
proficiency in essential skills.
.--.
The certification process asks for critical requirements that our staff adeptly fulfilled:
Treading Water: Each team member demonstrated their
ability to tread water for a full 15 minutes with the first 2 minutes with hands out of the water. This exercise is
crucial for maintaining stamina and positioning while
waiting to assist others or during an active rescue.
Swimming Distance: Participants swam a minimum
distance of 150-meters continuously. This requirement
tested their endurance and comfort in the water, essential attributes for any rescuer.
Rescue Simulation: This year's training included a
realistic simulation involving a victim trapped in water, utilizing the "tension diagonal" method. This technique requires coordination between two rescuers and a boat,
emphasizing the teamwork necessary in real-life
scenarios. Staff members practiced safely approaching a victim and executing the rescue with the proper
equipment and techniques.