Imagine you're skiing one day. You're on the chairlift, having a great day, when the chairlift stops because of mechanical failure. It could be five minutes until it starts up again, or it could be sixty. Regardless of the time, you realize that it's getting colder. Temperatures are already in the mid 20's, and your hand warmers aren't cutting it anymore. The palms are OK, but the your fingers are already numb. It hurts to move them. What do you do?
Most people would just make a fist around the warmer itself, but this is only a temporary fix. People that are really sensitive to the cold want something that is permanent. This is why the time of day should be given into researching the possibility of finger warmers... little warmers made out of the same material of hand and foot warmers that can be worn over the fingers individually and then placed directly into the ski glove or mitten.
The applications are limitless. There are plenty of people skiing today that are very sensitive in their extremities, yours truly included. No longer would skiers or snowboarders have to take the time out of their day to go back into the lodge for the sole purpose of warning up. They could stay on the trails under they are too tired or are kicked off at the end of the day. These are guaranteed to fly off the shelves, just as hand and foot warmers that have been around for years do every season.
Many will argue there is not enough of a market to warrant such a new product, but when one looks at how many new, young skiers are on the slopes every season who have never been exposed to such cold before, the need for such an innovative product becomes clear.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Might be time for a new topic
While I had hoped to continue with my topic on the FDNY all the way through the end of this course, it unfortunately seems like that won't be happening. The main contributing factor is that the personal testimonials I was trying to get for this blog have not come through yet, and despite my best attempts at getting in touch with these certain people my efforts have not garnered any results.
The recent Wikipedia assignment made me realize as well that many aspects of the FDNY have already been covered. It's a difficult challenge to find something that hasn't been touched upon before. Now, I'm not one to back away from any challenge, however this presents me with an opportunity to attempt a brand new topic, on that I've personally been involved with for the past 18 years: Skiing.
We have four weeks left roughly. In those four weeks, I hope to talk about the technique of downhill skiing, the varying degree of trail difficulty, avalanche skiing, and what advancements can be made in the gear used by skiers themselves (check out elevator pitch #1 to see what I mean). Hope you all enjoy this as much as the FDNY posts!
The recent Wikipedia assignment made me realize as well that many aspects of the FDNY have already been covered. It's a difficult challenge to find something that hasn't been touched upon before. Now, I'm not one to back away from any challenge, however this presents me with an opportunity to attempt a brand new topic, on that I've personally been involved with for the past 18 years: Skiing.
We have four weeks left roughly. In those four weeks, I hope to talk about the technique of downhill skiing, the varying degree of trail difficulty, avalanche skiing, and what advancements can be made in the gear used by skiers themselves (check out elevator pitch #1 to see what I mean). Hope you all enjoy this as much as the FDNY posts!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Chirping Sound of Hope
Emergency Distress Beacon
This hand held device is used in all types of professions and personal outings. It is standard procedure for every member of the FDNY to have one while in the middle of a job. More recently, thrill seeking ski enthusiasts have begun using them as well.
Specs and Applications
Almost every beacon has its own set frequency, depending on how it is to be used. Today, certain ski resorts like Sunshine Village require the use of these beacons if any of their patrons wish to attempt the Delirium Dive trail located on the outlaying cliffs of the mountain range. For those who ski with beacons or avalanche transceivers, the frequency is usually set to 457khz. Beacons being used for different excursions might have a different setting. For instance, pilots today are being encouraged by both NOAA and the FAA to start using a frequency of 406Mhz as opposed to the older 121.5MHz setting.
These frequencies are highly important, as it is the only means of locating a person if they are lost. Once a search party is set, they start looking for the signal of the required frequency on their receivers. The closer they get to the stranded individual, the stronger the signal. If the frequency on the individuals beacon does not match up to their receiver, the chances of being located are diminished.
In the FDNY, a different type of beacon is used. In place of the frequency is a piercing chirping sound that can be activated in tow ways. If the firefighter is conscious, and feels he is in danger and can't get out to safety, he can activate his beacon; helping his fellow firefighters to find him by following the chirping noise. A safety backup is built into this beacon as well. If the firefighter has been rendered unconscious, and has been still for more than 30 seconds, the beacon will instantly activate, emitting the same noise. The battery can allow this noise to operate for days. In the days following 9/11, these same sounds could be heard until those battery backups simply ran out of power.
References
Web:
1. http://www.ehow.com/about_4672931_what-equipment-do-firefighters-use.html
2. http://www.telemarkski.com/html/how_beacon_select.html
3. http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/emerbcns.html
Print:
4. 9/11 Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes: NYC - The First Battle in the War Against Terror!
5. WTC: In Their Own Words
6. Last Man Down: A New York City Fire Chief and the Collapse of the World
This hand held device is used in all types of professions and personal outings. It is standard procedure for every member of the FDNY to have one while in the middle of a job. More recently, thrill seeking ski enthusiasts have begun using them as well.
Specs and Applications
Almost every beacon has its own set frequency, depending on how it is to be used. Today, certain ski resorts like Sunshine Village require the use of these beacons if any of their patrons wish to attempt the Delirium Dive trail located on the outlaying cliffs of the mountain range. For those who ski with beacons or avalanche transceivers, the frequency is usually set to 457khz. Beacons being used for different excursions might have a different setting. For instance, pilots today are being encouraged by both NOAA and the FAA to start using a frequency of 406Mhz as opposed to the older 121.5MHz setting.
These frequencies are highly important, as it is the only means of locating a person if they are lost. Once a search party is set, they start looking for the signal of the required frequency on their receivers. The closer they get to the stranded individual, the stronger the signal. If the frequency on the individuals beacon does not match up to their receiver, the chances of being located are diminished.
In the FDNY, a different type of beacon is used. In place of the frequency is a piercing chirping sound that can be activated in tow ways. If the firefighter is conscious, and feels he is in danger and can't get out to safety, he can activate his beacon; helping his fellow firefighters to find him by following the chirping noise. A safety backup is built into this beacon as well. If the firefighter has been rendered unconscious, and has been still for more than 30 seconds, the beacon will instantly activate, emitting the same noise. The battery can allow this noise to operate for days. In the days following 9/11, these same sounds could be heard until those battery backups simply ran out of power.
References
Web:
1. http://www.ehow.com/about_4672931_what-equipment-do-firefighters-use.html
2. http://www.telemarkski.com/html/how_beacon_select.html
3. http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/emerbcns.html
Print:
4. 9/11 Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes: NYC - The First Battle in the War Against Terror!
5. WTC: In Their Own Words
6. Last Man Down: A New York City Fire Chief and the Collapse of the World
The how-to of CPR
It goes without saying that CPR is one of the most important tools we can learn today. It's not just meant for those in the FDNY, hospitals, NYPD, etc. My older brother of 30 years old works at UBS and is certified in CPR. He's thankful the hasn't had to use it yet, but its glad he has that knowledge at his disposal. So, how can CPR be performed properly?
First, you need to examine your patient.
1. Ask if they're OK. If they respond "no", or there is no response, immediately have someone contact 911.
2. Examine their breathing. Are they even breathing at all?
2. Determine an age (infant, adult).
3. See if you can get a pulse.
If the person in need still has a pulse but is not breathing, mouth to mouth may be the more appropriate action instead of chest compressions. Should both techniques be required, the following steps need to be followed:
1. Make sure the individual is laying on their back.
2. Pinch their nose shut.
3. Tilt their head back a bit so the chin is facing up. This helps open the airway. Keep the heel of one hand on the person's forehead, and the other on the chin to maintain the tilt.
4. Create a seal over their mouth with your own.
5. Give two full breath's into the person's mouth, each breath lasting for one second. Their chest should rise with each breath.
After the two breaths, if there is no change in the person's condition, chest compressions are then the next course of action. Remember, pressure is needed, but not too much. If you press too hard on their chest, you could risk breaking their ribs and causing more damage.
1. Kneel at the person's side
2. With your middle and index finger, locate on their chest the notch of the breastplate in the middle of the lower ribcage.
3. Place the heel of your hand next to this notch on the sternum (center of the chest), and place your other hand on top of it. Interlace your fingers.
4. Press downward, remembering to KEEP YOUR ARMS STRAIGHT. If this isn't done, there force of your resuscitation is not as strong.
5. You should perform 30 compressions for every 2 breaths.
6. Repeat the pattern of mouth to mouth and chest compressions until the paramedics arrive or the person responds.
And there you have it - a crash course in basic CPR. It's definitely a great tool to have. It's one of those things where you don't want to have to use it, but are grateful you are able to if the unfortunate circumstances arise.
First, you need to examine your patient.
1. Ask if they're OK. If they respond "no", or there is no response, immediately have someone contact 911.
2. Examine their breathing. Are they even breathing at all?
2. Determine an age (infant, adult).
3. See if you can get a pulse.
If the person in need still has a pulse but is not breathing, mouth to mouth may be the more appropriate action instead of chest compressions. Should both techniques be required, the following steps need to be followed:
1. Make sure the individual is laying on their back.
2. Pinch their nose shut.
3. Tilt their head back a bit so the chin is facing up. This helps open the airway. Keep the heel of one hand on the person's forehead, and the other on the chin to maintain the tilt.
4. Create a seal over their mouth with your own.
5. Give two full breath's into the person's mouth, each breath lasting for one second. Their chest should rise with each breath.
After the two breaths, if there is no change in the person's condition, chest compressions are then the next course of action. Remember, pressure is needed, but not too much. If you press too hard on their chest, you could risk breaking their ribs and causing more damage.
1. Kneel at the person's side
2. With your middle and index finger, locate on their chest the notch of the breastplate in the middle of the lower ribcage.
3. Place the heel of your hand next to this notch on the sternum (center of the chest), and place your other hand on top of it. Interlace your fingers.
4. Press downward, remembering to KEEP YOUR ARMS STRAIGHT. If this isn't done, there force of your resuscitation is not as strong.
5. You should perform 30 compressions for every 2 breaths.
6. Repeat the pattern of mouth to mouth and chest compressions until the paramedics arrive or the person responds.
And there you have it - a crash course in basic CPR. It's definitely a great tool to have. It's one of those things where you don't want to have to use it, but are grateful you are able to if the unfortunate circumstances arise.
From childhood fantasy to reality
Think back to when you were 5 years old or so. Did anyone ever ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up? If they did, was the response the cliche young child answer - a fireman or a policeman? For many, this is the only time they say they want to be part of those departments. For others however, its the first stepping stone towards a larger life.
You may think to yourself, why would anyone, man or woman, want to run into a burning building? Why lead that kind of life? Well, there's your answer right there. These men and women do this job not only for the experience, but the life itself.
In the coming days, I'll be updating the blog with testimonials from members of the FDNY I've put in contact with; sharing their thoughts on the job and what they've been able to take away from it. I can give you a little taste of that now though.
Yes, you have the thrill of the job, the sense of inner gratification that you're doing something to help others in need. It's much more than that however. It's the idea that you're part of the brotherhood of the FDNY. Your crew is your family. There is no tighter bond. You respect one another, you're there for each other no matter what, and you see what you can become when looking at the older members of the crew. You have a goal to achieve. What could be better than that?
Once I (hopefully) get the testimonials from my contacts, there will be more insight into this. For now though, think about this: do you get the same type of satisfaction and inner happiness with your job?
You may think to yourself, why would anyone, man or woman, want to run into a burning building? Why lead that kind of life? Well, there's your answer right there. These men and women do this job not only for the experience, but the life itself.
In the coming days, I'll be updating the blog with testimonials from members of the FDNY I've put in contact with; sharing their thoughts on the job and what they've been able to take away from it. I can give you a little taste of that now though.
Yes, you have the thrill of the job, the sense of inner gratification that you're doing something to help others in need. It's much more than that however. It's the idea that you're part of the brotherhood of the FDNY. Your crew is your family. There is no tighter bond. You respect one another, you're there for each other no matter what, and you see what you can become when looking at the older members of the crew. You have a goal to achieve. What could be better than that?
Once I (hopefully) get the testimonials from my contacts, there will be more insight into this. For now though, think about this: do you get the same type of satisfaction and inner happiness with your job?
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Devil's Advocate
OK, so when I first saw the words "play The Devil's Advocate" I couldn't help but think of the movie with Al Pacino. Call me a victim of multimedia, but it's just the first thing that popped into my mind, especially his monologue at the end of the film. This wasn't exactly a bad thing though. His character mentions "setting the rules in opposition". Opposition is the keyword here.
I tried to think what I could write about with this in mind and take the other side. In regards to the FDNY, I still can't narrow something down. Sure, I could talk about the so called rivalry between the FDNY and NYPD and all that, but honestly, that's a subject I don't want to touch upon. Not only do I not have all the facts, but I also have too much respect for both departments to be unbiased in my response. So I'm taking a break from that for today. However, there's another rivalry that I feel I'm more qualified to talk about at the moment: Skiers vs. Snowboarders. So, let the 500 words of opposition begin...
I've been a skier ever since I was five years old (twenty-three now). I've been to slopes located both domestically and internationally. And it never fails that with each mountain I go to, there's always trouble with at least one group of boarders. Last March was the turning point for me. So here's my new outlook on this winter sport: give each group their own section of the mountain with a choice to ride the slopes together if they want. Does that sound harsh? Maybe a little, but here's the reasoning behind it.
The code of the mountain, as well as common sense, dictates that you are to keep a constant eye on your surroundings and the people around you. You never cut people off, you give a wide birth, and you follow the rules as set forth by the powers that be. Plain and simple, right?
Well, there's always a few idiots out there who refuse to do the right thing. My brother Jim and I were skiing in the Canadian Rockies, attempting a trail that is considered ski at your own risk. Being located in avalanche territory, it isn't something you want to joke around with.
The attempt started off badly. In front of us on the lift was a group of four snowboarders. Now, I understand they still need to clip in one of their boots after getting off the lift, but give me a break; there's no reason to stop in the middle of the drop off zone and force people to weave in and out of you. Move out of the way, and don't curse us out for trying to get by.
That was the lift aspect. The best to come was on the trail. Because it was so steep and the cloud cover was thick, Jim and I were taking our time. In the end, it took us about 45 minutes to get down. Of course, the boarders we passed at the lift had an attitude with us decided to follow our every move, following way too close, taunting us, and finally cutting us off.
That last aspect is what really pissed us off. On our right was a huge rock face with a powder base. On our left, a pretty far drop that would warrant at least a broken leg. These four boarders decided to screw with us rather than be safe. Jim and I were forced to bail out next to the rock wall, getting a few scrapes along the way, while the boarders gave us the finger and kept going.
That's the worst experience we've had. There have been minor ones in the past, but this one trumps all. Am I still bitter about it? Yes. Do I think every single boarder is like this? No, but I've been witness to enough idiots on boards to think that they should just have their own separate area on the mountain, unless they really know how to be safe.
End rant. Final word count? 497. I hope I didn't ruffle any feathers with this post. The experiences are real, but the final true thoughts on it aren't as harsh. Remember, just playing the Devil's Advocate here :)
I tried to think what I could write about with this in mind and take the other side. In regards to the FDNY, I still can't narrow something down. Sure, I could talk about the so called rivalry between the FDNY and NYPD and all that, but honestly, that's a subject I don't want to touch upon. Not only do I not have all the facts, but I also have too much respect for both departments to be unbiased in my response. So I'm taking a break from that for today. However, there's another rivalry that I feel I'm more qualified to talk about at the moment: Skiers vs. Snowboarders. So, let the 500 words of opposition begin...
I've been a skier ever since I was five years old (twenty-three now). I've been to slopes located both domestically and internationally. And it never fails that with each mountain I go to, there's always trouble with at least one group of boarders. Last March was the turning point for me. So here's my new outlook on this winter sport: give each group their own section of the mountain with a choice to ride the slopes together if they want. Does that sound harsh? Maybe a little, but here's the reasoning behind it.
The code of the mountain, as well as common sense, dictates that you are to keep a constant eye on your surroundings and the people around you. You never cut people off, you give a wide birth, and you follow the rules as set forth by the powers that be. Plain and simple, right?
Well, there's always a few idiots out there who refuse to do the right thing. My brother Jim and I were skiing in the Canadian Rockies, attempting a trail that is considered ski at your own risk. Being located in avalanche territory, it isn't something you want to joke around with.
The attempt started off badly. In front of us on the lift was a group of four snowboarders. Now, I understand they still need to clip in one of their boots after getting off the lift, but give me a break; there's no reason to stop in the middle of the drop off zone and force people to weave in and out of you. Move out of the way, and don't curse us out for trying to get by.
That was the lift aspect. The best to come was on the trail. Because it was so steep and the cloud cover was thick, Jim and I were taking our time. In the end, it took us about 45 minutes to get down. Of course, the boarders we passed at the lift had an attitude with us decided to follow our every move, following way too close, taunting us, and finally cutting us off.
That last aspect is what really pissed us off. On our right was a huge rock face with a powder base. On our left, a pretty far drop that would warrant at least a broken leg. These four boarders decided to screw with us rather than be safe. Jim and I were forced to bail out next to the rock wall, getting a few scrapes along the way, while the boarders gave us the finger and kept going.
That's the worst experience we've had. There have been minor ones in the past, but this one trumps all. Am I still bitter about it? Yes. Do I think every single boarder is like this? No, but I've been witness to enough idiots on boards to think that they should just have their own separate area on the mountain, unless they really know how to be safe.
End rant. Final word count? 497. I hope I didn't ruffle any feathers with this post. The experiences are real, but the final true thoughts on it aren't as harsh. Remember, just playing the Devil's Advocate here :)
Friday, September 9, 2011
Make sure your heart is in it
So, what do you do if you want to apply to be a member of the FDNY? The initial process itself isn't too foreign actually. First and foremost, there is an age requirement. You must have reached your 21st birthday by the time of the examination period, but must not be over the age of 29. Under or over and you are no longer eligible.
Once the exam dates are open, anyone from the public that has met the age requirement will be required to take two exams. The first one is computer based (CBT). This one will test you on certain aspects of the department and duties involved in being a firefighter: reading comprehension, problem solving, spatial recognition and applying the rules of the FDNY to general concepts (knowing when to vent a ceiling, what each aspect of your gear is meant for, the process of a floor to floor, room to room search, etc)
IMPORTANT: You need not have any prior knowledge of the department to take the test. Anyone can take it. To advance however, you must obviously achieve a passing score.
If you pass the CBT, you will be given a civil servant list in preparation for the next phase: the physical examination. This isn't your standard run of your mill "turn and cough twice" test. This is a challenging test that is run in four stages, all of which test your fitness capability. Let there no illusions. If you make it this far, you will be tested to your limits. Lugging upwards of 75 lbs of gear on your back is no easy task.
Following the completion of the physical examination, you will next be asked to complete a psychological and medical (turn and cough twice) exam, all of which continue to test your capabilities. Drug screening and background checks are also required. Pass all of this, and you just might become a probationary firefighter. That title though of "probie" may not happen for awhile though, as those eligible candidates are called as needed.
So there you have it. It may not sound like much on this blog, but it is indeed a very strenuous and hard process. In the end however, it is very fulfilling. As a member of the FDNY, you will be on the front lines of emergency after emergency, risking your neck to save others in need. It takes true guts to do this job. Do you have what it takes?
Once the exam dates are open, anyone from the public that has met the age requirement will be required to take two exams. The first one is computer based (CBT). This one will test you on certain aspects of the department and duties involved in being a firefighter: reading comprehension, problem solving, spatial recognition and applying the rules of the FDNY to general concepts (knowing when to vent a ceiling, what each aspect of your gear is meant for, the process of a floor to floor, room to room search, etc)
IMPORTANT: You need not have any prior knowledge of the department to take the test. Anyone can take it. To advance however, you must obviously achieve a passing score.
If you pass the CBT, you will be given a civil servant list in preparation for the next phase: the physical examination. This isn't your standard run of your mill "turn and cough twice" test. This is a challenging test that is run in four stages, all of which test your fitness capability. Let there no illusions. If you make it this far, you will be tested to your limits. Lugging upwards of 75 lbs of gear on your back is no easy task.
Following the completion of the physical examination, you will next be asked to complete a psychological and medical (turn and cough twice) exam, all of which continue to test your capabilities. Drug screening and background checks are also required. Pass all of this, and you just might become a probationary firefighter. That title though of "probie" may not happen for awhile though, as those eligible candidates are called as needed.
So there you have it. It may not sound like much on this blog, but it is indeed a very strenuous and hard process. In the end however, it is very fulfilling. As a member of the FDNY, you will be on the front lines of emergency after emergency, risking your neck to save others in need. It takes true guts to do this job. Do you have what it takes?
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