Fire Watch: Volume 15 Issue 1

ROOKIE EDITION VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

Publications Agreement No: 41203011

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 15

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ISSUE 1

IN THIS ISSUE 16

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34

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FIRE WATCH (ISSN 1715-5134) is published by the TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION 14 Cosentino Drive, Toronto ON M1P 3A2 Tel: 416.466.1167 www.torontofirefighters.org E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org CHIEF EDITOR Frank Ramagnano MANAGING EDITORS James Reed, Ken De Jong Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632 E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org

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President’s Message

7

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

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Vice President’s Message

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Chaplain’s Corner

12

Hazmat IQ - Radiation Incidents: Be Glad It’s Rad?

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How to get Fully Involved! Toronto Firefighter Combat Challenge Team

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Experience Groups for TPFFA Members

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Retired Toronto Fire Fighters’ Association

24

Dreams Do Come True!

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Member Profile – Braydin Fairchild

29

Behind the Mask – Positivity vs Negativity

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TPFFA (Social) Media and Public Relations Committee

34

Cookbook Fundraiser

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What the C-Spine!

38

Historical Society - Firefighters’ Belts

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Off-duty and Media Awards

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Never Shall We Forget

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Fit to Survive – Want to do more than Survive a career as a Firefighter?

ASSISTANT EDITORS William Morris, James Kennedy, Mykhail Baehr, James Coones DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Bryan Middleton FIRE WATCH PHOTOGRAPHER Mykhail Baehr & TPFFA Media Team CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL Agreement No: 41203011 PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright © 2021 Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association ADVERTISING Please contact Bill Monson at 416.466.9180 ext. 322 or e-mail monson@torontofirefighters.org Merchant Card Acceptance

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise without prior written permission from the publisher.

FIRE WATCH is an official communication tool of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association.

The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (TPFFA) does not assume responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by any contributor. Comments made by individuals may not reflect the official position of the TPFFA. Acceptance and publication of articles, advertisements, products and services does not indicate endorsement of same by the TPFFA, and the TPFFA assumes no responsibility for their accuracy.

On The Cover Photographer Omar Hassan captures firefighter Andrew Costa, of P133, doing “rookie” work rolling hose at a house fire in May 2020.

For more of Omar’s work, visit www.bluphotog.com

RO OK IE EDI TIO N VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 1

THE OFFICIAL

PUBLICATION OF THE

TORONTO PROFESSIO NAL FIRE FIGH TERS’ ASSO CIATION

Publications Agreeme

nt No: 4120301

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE R ecently, I was contacted by a member who wanted my opinion on things he had been hearing.

He wanted to get information to judge for himself and also to be able to intelligently debate on the issue.

He communicated on how his captain was going on and on about how the association had to conduct a forensic audit on its finances. He told me his captain was telling everyone that this is important so that the members can have an examination of the association books and activities and have the accountant report to the members. The member thought it was a great idea and so did others in the conversation.

He asked his captain, thinking he would know, since he was a relatively new member, what the association currently has in place now. The captain replied nothing, as he was not aware and that is why it needed to be done.

If I felt the association had no processes in place, I would state the same thing.

The interesting thing is, what the captain describes, is something that goes on annually. He described a regular independent financial audit, which takes place on a yearly basis for the association, mandated by our constitution. Over the years, I hear members talk about forensic audits, yet they interchange what a forensic audit is with an independent audit.

Let us look at the differences between these two audits. To start, what is a forensic accountant? A forensic accountant is defined as “someone whose job is examining financial records to help find out whether a crime has been committed or help with a legal case.”

What is an independent external audit?

An independent external audit is an examination that is conducted by an independent accountant. This type of audit is most commonly intended to result in a certification of the financial statements of an entity. The objectives of an external audit are to determine: the accuracy and completeness of the client’s accounting records; whether the client’s accounting records have been prepared in accordance with the applicable accounting framework; and whether the client’s financial statements present fairly its results and financial position.

The word “forensic” is often misunderstood in the context of an audit. Forensic simply means “suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate.”

When you compare that to the

definition of an audit, you will see a major difference between the two. The objective of a forensic audit is to investigate the matter with the intention it will appear in court for some type of trial or mediation.

An external audit, on the other hand, is prepared to be presented to the company’s governing body or owners to discuss the financial health of the organization.

Most forensic audits and forensic examinations are conducted by Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs), or forensic accountants who are normally considered experts in a specific field of forensic accounting.

over the years and we also once had their governing body review the audit for accuracy, which we agreed to. We also moved all of our charity work to a foundation, which requires separate government filings.

Years ago, there was a motion from the floor to investigate a forensic audit. We contacted several companies and they

Budget

Reserve Funds

% to Budget

Building

Asset Per Member

2021

$4,200,000

$2,300,000

55%

$2,500,000

$1,600

2003

$2,340,000

$162,000

7%

$550,000

$237

A forensic audit/examination is designed to focus on reconstructing past financial transactions for a specific purpose, such as concerns of fraud, whereas an independent external audit is typically focused more on compliance and/or the performance of the organization.

Currently, the association has a bookkeeper who is responsible for issuing and receiving all funds for the association. Any outgoing funds must have the signature of two authorized officers. We have a finance committee with members from the floor that help determine policy and procedures. We have an audit committee with members from the floor, whose sole responsibilities are to examine all expenses of the association and ensure that it meets with the policies that have been set up. We provide balance sheets at all union meetings with every transaction since the previous meeting. We follow our members-approved budget and each executive monitors the budgets progress. On an annual basis, we have an independent external auditor that comes in to conduct sample verification, review the financial statements and sign-off to their validity. They report their findings directly to the members. We have never had an audited report with an adverse opinion.

That is what it is called when the auditor believes the overall financial statements are so materially misstated or misleading that they do not present fairly, in accordance with CAS, the financial position and results of operations. It is usually the starting point to dig deeper and start a forensic audit.

We have had three independent auditors

provided quotes. At the time, it was around $100,000 for each year that was to be looked at. It went to the members without a recommendation from the executive, as the board thought it was up to the members to decide. The members at the meeting thought it would be a complete waste of finances. It was the same recommendation from the companies we reached out to.

Regardless, all it takes is for the membership to approve any motion if they want to take that direction. It is the membership that decides the direction of this association.

I was our Secretary–Treasurer for 12 years and have been president for over six. I am extremely proud of how we have managed our finances over this period. We have a professional building that is fully paid for and worth approximately 2.5 million dollars. We have gone to arbitration on a few occasions, and we have launched public relations campaigns, all while never asking the membership for any extra funds. We have built a solid reserve fund, while never budgeting for anything to go into reserve.

We have the lowest dues rate of any of our comparable Toronto unions. I would love to debate this issue with anyone, so please let me know the time and place. It’s easy to get on a soap box when the audience has no facts. It is something completely different when the audience is well informed.

Frank Ramagnano, President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

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SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE

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n January, the IAFF held its first ever virtual convention.

The convention was originally scheduled for August of 2021 in Orlando, and then was rescheduled for December in Las Vegas. Finally, the IAFF asked all affiliates to choose between three options for January: Las Vegas for everyone, Americans in Las Vegas and Canadians in Vancouver, or a completely virtual convention. We voted for the virtual option, which was ultimately chosen. In a normal convention, our budget would not be impacted considerably by any resolutions passed.

This is because they would go into effect very close to the end of our fiscal year.

I needed to budget for these potential impacts this year, as the effects of the changes would be felt over nine months. The changes passed at the convention added $0.365 to our Per Capita. That is 36.5 cents for every member each month. While our numbers do fluctuate monthly, this will lead to an increase of about $1,140 per month or $13,600 annually. I budgeted for an increase of $10,000, and since we are already three months into the fiscal year, I am happy to say that we are right on target.

We issued Union Notice #21-013 calling for requests for sports funding.

Last year, COVID-19 impacted many of the leagues and teams. Many events just did not happen. I anticipate that this year will be similar. Although there is a deadline in early March, we have the ability to be flexible if a team, league or event is able to happen unexpectedly.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if that is the case. We want to be as fair as possible during these unprecedented times.

The new Finance Committee was recently chosen. Matthew Fabbro will join Jonathan Meilach, Chris Sornberger, and me this year. I’d like to thank Vannetta Tustian for her help on the committee last year. The most significant issue that the committee dealt with last year was the discussion around our

ability to increase our reserve. Prior to 2020, our reserve was approximately 30% of our operating budget. We knew that this was low. The savings brought about by COVID last year allowed us to get the reserve up to 50% of the operating budget. We felt comfortable that this would allow us to go a year providing core services if we ran into an issue with the city going into bankruptcy or the provincial government taking away the requirement for removing dues from pay, as is common in IAFF locals in Right to Work states. The Finance Committee is just one of the ways in which we safeguard your dues. We also have an Audit Committee that looks over all monthly spending to ensure compliance. The Audit Committee, like Finance, has members from the floor.

This year Miroslav Demiter and Tomas Girdauskas join Justin D’Aloisio in this important role. These committees, along with an outside annual audit, provide a significant level of oversight to this Association. Of course, as has always been the case, any member is fully entitled to look at our books.

COVID-19 makes that more difficult, but not impossible.

The last issue of this magazine received unprecedented feedback. It seems many loved the idea of a “Old School” theme.

I hope that this “Rookie” edition creates just as much buzz. The idea for themed editions comes from Ken de Jong who has stepped in to help out while our usual team is shorthanded. It should be interesting to see what he comes up with next time.

In keeping with the theme of this edition, I should mention that, looking forward, we have an opportunity for change here on the Executive Board of 3888. Our election should be under way by the time you receive this magazine. I hope that you have been given many choices this year. I cannot think of anything that can make an organization stronger than a robust election! I imagine that this election

will be like no other, in that candidates will unlikely be able to campaign in person. Our recent by-election in East Command had these rules in place and I understand it made things quite challenging. Personally, I look forward to the opportunity to try new methods of reaching the membership. I have written previously about the need to give careful consideration to your vote. The people you elect will be tasked with making difficult decisions throughout their term.

This is your opportunity to choose the people who best reflect your ideals. Most importantly, I would encourage each of you to actually take the opportunity to vote. The East Command by-election had approximately 650 eligible voters.

We received 264 ballots back. That’s only a 40% return rate. In the South Command by-election, there were more than 850 eligible voters. We received 255 ballots, for a return rate of only 30%. Adding a prepaid return envelope makes it as easy as we can to vote. I know members would like the opportunity for voting online. Unfortunately, being part of an International Union comes with some constraints. One of which is the inability of Affiliates to use online voting for the election of officers. The constraints come from a United States law, which is not easy to change. I hope that this is an issue that we could work on with IAFF Canada in the future. For now, this is the best that we can do.

James Reed, Secretary-Treasurer Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

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MSA_CONNECTED_LUNAR_2021_FINDFIRES_FIREENGINEERING.pdf

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2/16/21

8:57 AM

VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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s I began to speak, the large digital clock at the front of the room counted down from five minutes. Members of Council looked attentively back in my direction, while the packed chambers of other deputations and the general public waited for their turn to address the budget committee. The cameras, strategically placed throughout the room, virtually streamed and recorded every minute of the meeting. As the final seconds ticked down, my speech came to an end. I thought to myself, “almost a year of preparation and months of lobbying crammed into five minutes.” For the most part, the deputation is just a formality, the means to document a position. The real work in any budget process starts when the last one ends.

This budget year was like no other; face-to-face interactions were replaced with zoom meetings and masked conversations. Fortunately, the cooperation between the Association and Toronto Fire had grown and could function as union and management - two factions with the desire to work together for a positive outcome. Times have changed. It isn’t effective anymore to present scenarios where the City may burn down; it is all about analytics. Fire management changed the dialogue from “how many trucks” to “comparing response times and the number of firefighters on the scene”, based on NFPA standards. A game of chess played at a high level of sophistication. The union’s counter move was a report created by Eckler, an independent actuarial consulting firm, previously used by the City of Toronto. The Eckler report found over 200 more firefighters were required in Toronto to fully staff its 142 vehicles. The staffing shortages were the result of old hiring practices that have not been updated since the 1998 amalgamation. As two camps, working in synergy, we began the never-ending merry-goround of the budget process.

There are very few labour organizations with an assigned seat in the gallery at City Hall. However, TPFFA’s Mark

McKinnon has earned one. Firefighters are represented well at all levels of government; municipally being the most important. Years of support and relationship building set the foundation of alliances we have at City Hall. Due to the pandemic, appearances at City Hall were stopped and replaced by zoom meetings.

Your Association met with almost every council member (with the exception of three), their EA’s, the Mayor, the Deputy City Manager and the City Manager. Each conversation started by reassuring city officials that we wanted to be part of the solution. Councillors understood numbers, and the Eckler report provided the supporting proof. We highlighted that the current operation staffing problems were not created overnight but could no longer be ignored: • An outdated hiring process that has not been revised since the 1980s • No mechanism to replace for leaves, such as WSIB and pregnancy/parental • An increase in mental health leaves (WSIB) • An increase in pregnancy/parental leave from 12 months to 18 months • Increases in contractual improvement (vacation) • The current hiring methods, which created gapping, which is a savings to the city • Rather than relying on 40 retirements, the city should look at a projection method • The demographics of our membership are changing; the workforce is aging and there is an increase in leaves.

Statistics were gathered before every meeting. Time was spent explaining to city officials and providing the information to identify the number of apparatus out of service in their ward on a daily and monthly basis. While senior management provided analytics, showing the percentage of times operations almost met the standard, we raised the concern that a standard isn’t a standard unless it is actually met. In many cases, there has been a decline in meeting those standards. Furthermore, the most

recent underwriters’ survey, approved by council, determined the number of vehicles needed to protect the City of Toronto.

This standard is still not being followed. Yet, year after year, the city continues to grow.

Your Association continues to advocate for staffing solutions. We hired a PR firm to gain public interest and maximize our social media platform. We developed a survey to determine how Toronto’s taxpayers felt about their fire service. As expected, the firefighters’ approval rating was high.

More importantly, the statistics gained are being used to strengthen our position with council today and in the future. Our Public Relations Committee works tirelessly to develop the strategies needed to gain support. Messaging was and is important, and all stakeholders decided that our credo - “Courage, Compassion and Service” would be a fitting backdrop for this campaign. What followed was a series of media announcements, interviews, and social media blasts that launched our second tier of offence.

The number of people-hours put into this yearly necessity is enormous. The outside agencies services’ overall expenses were $90,000 for the Eckler report, $90,000 for the PR firm, for a total of $180,000. The work for the Eckler report started years prior, and the total expenses have been spread over multiple years. Aware that this fight was before us, a request was made to the IAFF for political action funding. I am happy to report that we received $90,000.

The financial relief reduced the overall cost from $180,000 to $90,000.

Eckler Report PR Firm.

IAFF Grant Total

$90,000 $90,000 -$90,000 $90,000

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Vice-President’s Message..Continued from page 9

This was spread over multiple years – a small price to pay for the investment into the future. The information builds the new dialogue for future budgets.

As the 5 minutes tick away…

I take a Quote from President Ramagnano’s deputation: 905-401-1217 “On average last year, 13 fire trucks sat out of service daily because we didn’t have enough firefighters to staff them. This means we are constantly moving trucks and firefighters around the City to try and fill gaps and mitigate risk. It’s like playing a game of “whack-a-mole”, except the consequences of making a mistake are far greater.

With fires up almost 13% in Toronto during the pandemic, and the city growing in population, we need to be updating hiring practices and funding so firefighters can be available when needed. To be clear, we understand the financial challenges the city is facing due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, the inflationary proposed increase to fire services, while appreciated, means the staffing shortfall will continue and grow. We know Torontonians do not support this shortage. A Pollara poll taken just before Christmas showed 69% of Torontonians supported increasing the fire services budget at or above the rate of inflation.

Our ask is simple. Should council be successful in securing additional federal and/or provincial funding this fiscal year, we would ask that some of those funds be

Rick Honsberger

dedicated to increasing our fire fighter staffing levels and keeping more of our fire trucks in service, so we can continue to be there when the public needs us most.”

The large digital clock at the front of the room counted down from 5 minutes....letting us know it is now time to start working together, to begin the never-ending merry-go-round of the budget process…again.

rhonsberger@vachoninsce.com

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Kevin McCarthy, Vice President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

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any are saying that our world has changed since COVID-19 interrupted our lives. We have just past the anniversary of “The Great Shut Down” of last March”, as we continue to navigate the pandemic.

As I said in my last article, despite everything going on, we have been given an opportunity to evaluate our priorities. For my family, we followed through on a pre-COVID plan to make some life adjustments. By the end of 2020, those adjustments looked like this: a new workplace, a new address and community north of the GTA, and a new 4-wheeler for my 50th birthday. After spending eight years in downtown Toronto, I was surprised at how much the move impacted me with one experience more memorable than the others. That experience was my first day in a new office in a new community.

We all know those first day jitters.

The first day is often one of the most unforgettable moments in a career. So many emotions and thoughts flood the mind, as everything is new - the gear, the crew, and the surroundings. The first day is invigorating and terrifying

all at the same time, as you try to make a good impression with your crew and captain, and remember all of your training. In the fire department, it is not just celebrating the culmination of training and hard work, but fulfilling a dream and spring boarding a new career. A good friend of mine shared a thought with me shortly after I graduated. He said, “Hats off to the past and coats off to the future”. We tip our hats to the past efforts but now we take off our jackets to what’s before us.

There are many resources that give insight into the first 90 days on the job; things you should do and not do and some things that will equal disaster.

Though there is a broad spectrum of helpful ideas, there is not much written about starting a career during a global pandemic. Despite all the preparation and training, a pandemic is fluid, requiring flexibility and learning on the fly. Considering global pandemics usually occur once in lifetime, it affords a special opportunity to have once in a lifetime training. Part of that education has taught us to be prepared for the unexpected.

Whether you are a new hire starting out shortly before this global pandemic

North Command Rev. Ted Leck 647-461-4047 chaplainleck@gmail.com

or a seasoned veteran, it is wise to recognize that some things experienced on the job will be unexpected.

The nature of firefighting is to meet people in their worst moments and bring a sense of calm and control to their crisis. I’m convinced that rescue is wired into the DNA of firefighters. It is advantageous then, to step back and reflect that some things on the job are out of your control. As a chaplain, I am appreciative of the resources available to all our crews - tools like GS benefits, EAP, Peer Support, us chaplains, and the many wellness seminars made available. Personally, I find tangible strength through my faith as well. It helps me recognize that though I can take control and bring calm to some crises, I cannot control all crises. My faith keeps me balanced with the recognition that I am not responsible for controlling every outcome and that those things I can leave to God. My role is to do what I’m equipped to do in the crisis and hopefully bring a better outcome.

When the uncontrollable happens in your life, on the job or off-duty, it is good to reflect on the tools that you have available. As we round the corner on this pandemic, may we learn every lesson we can in preparation of the next unexpected event ahead.

As always, all our chaplains are here to support all TFS personnel and their families. Stay well friends!

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Hazmat IQ Radiation Incidents: Be Glad It’s Rad?

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BY STUART WEST, TORONTO FIRE ACTING CAPTAIN, STATION 111-B

hen you mention radiation incidents, for most people it conjures up images of Chernobyl, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Fukushima-Daiichi, Three Mile Island or some other frightening incident of horrific proportions. However, radiation is something that is all around us every day. Radiation occurs naturally or can be man-made. It can be found in the soil under our feet, in the air we breathe, in the water we drink and can even be found inside our own bodies. After all, we as humans are simply a configuration of atoms, some of which happen to be radioactive. Consequently, our bodies are accustomed to dealing with low levels of natural radiation with no ill effects. For example, an exceedingly small amount of the potassium atoms found in bananas are the radioactive isotope potassium-40. The amount is negligible and nowhere near enough to add to your yearly dose limits. So, fear not and eat all the bananas you wish!

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Radiation is measured in a variety of ways. One of the most important is the absorbed dose – the amount of radiation that deposits energy in our bodies. The International Standard unit for radiation is the millisievert (mSv). The average dose per person on Earth is 2.4 mSv and 1.8 mSv for the average Canadian. People are naturally exposed to lower or higher doses than these averages, depending on where they live and their lifestyles. For people who work with nuclear materials, an average dose of 20 mSv per year (to a maximum of 50 mSv per year) and no more than 100 mSV in five consecutive years, are allowed under international standards and Canadian regulations.

An average annual dose for a member of the public greater than 20 mSv is likely due to radiation from a medical procedure. When prescribing a medical procedure involving radiation, medical professionals consider that the potential health benefits from doing the procedure outweigh the risk from the radiation dose that the patient receives.

Since a millisievert is rather abstract, another way to think about radiation dose is in comparison to common sources of radiation exposure. For example, one chest X-ray delivers a dose of 0.1 mSv – so the radiation dose for the average Canadian is the same as 18 chest X-rays.

One of the most common sources of natural radiation that makes up most of our yearly exposure is the radioactive gas, radon. There are areas of the country where radon gas can be of particular concern, as it can get trapped in basements and accumulate, which can expose unsuspecting homeowners to doses over and above what is recommended. Radon gas exposure is known to cause an increased risk of lung cancer.

Although radiation incidents do not occur

Vo l u m e 1 5 | I s s u e 1 | F I R E WAT CH 12

with great frequency, it is a subject that is often ignored. Most first responders in North America have extraordinarily little in terms of radiation training. Whether it be a malicious act, such as a “Dirty Bomb” or simply a transportation or workplace accident, first arriving crews should be comfortable with how to deal with these incidents, prior to the arrival of a higher authority, such as a Haz crew. This article is not intended to take the place of formal education and training from a qualified source.

Hopefully, the reader will come away with a bit more knowledge than they started with.

What Is Radiation?

Radiation can be described as energy or particles from a source that travels through space or other mediums.

There are two main types of radiation: non-ionizing and ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation is relatively harmless, has low energy and includes radio waves, microwaves, ultraviolet and infrared light sources. Ionizing radiation is of particular concern, as it has greater energy and the ability to ionize or produce charged particles. Ionizing radiation can create harm within the body by damaging body tissues due to this higher energy. Ionizing radiation includes X-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, beta particles and neutrons.

detectors contain a very miniscule amount of the alpha emitter americium-241.

Beta Particles - Beta particles are lighter than alpha particles. They also have more energy and a greater ability to penetrate other materials. As a result, these particles can travel a few feet in air and can penetrate the skin.

Nonetheless, a thin sheet of metal or plastic or a block of wood can shield you from beta particles. Due to their limited ability to penetrate the body, beta particles are mainly considered to be an external threat.

Gamma Ray and X-Rays - Gamma rays and X-rays consist of high energy waves that can travel great distances at the speed of light and generally have a great ability to penetrate other materials. For that reason, gamma rays (such as cobalt-60) are often used in medical applications to treat cancer and sterilize medical instruments. Similarly, X-rays are typically used to provide static images of body parts (such as teeth and bones) and are also used in industry

Types of Ionizing Radiation Alpha Particles - Alpha particles are charged particles that have an extremely limited ability to penetrate other materials. These particles can be blocked by a simple sheet of paper, skin, or even a few inches of air. Nonetheless, alpha emitters can be quite harmful if inhaled, swallowed or somehow enter the body through a break in the skin. Consequently, alpha emitters are said to be only an internal hazard. Ionizing smoke

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Hazmat IQ...Continued from page 13

to find defects in welds. Despite their ability to penetrate other materials, in general, neither gamma rays nor X-rays can make other atoms radioactive. Several feet of concrete or a few inches of dense material (such as lead) can shield these types of radiation.

Neutrons - Neutrons are high speed nuclear particles that have an exceptional ability to penetrate other materials. Of the five types of ionizing radiation discussed here, neutrons are the only one that can make other objects radioactive. Because of their exceptional ability to penetrate other materials, neutrons can travel great distances in air and require very thick hydrogencontaining materials (such as concrete or water) to shield them. Fortunately, unless you work in a nuclear power plant, it is unlikely you will ever come anywhere near a neutron source, as neutron radiation is primarily found in nuclear reactors, where it is shielded by many feet of water.

Be Glad It’s Rad?!

Yes, that is not a typo. Be glad it’s rad. A common refrain heard during lectures given by staff from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Why is radiation good or at least not so bad? There are several reasons why radiation is not so bad. It is a known quantity. Radiation has been in use for decades and its detrimental effects on the human body are well documented, and the ways in which we can avoid exposure are also known. Radioactive materials are highly regulated in Canada and the transport of these materials is also under extremely strict guidelines.

Nuclear energy, and virtually all things involving radioactive materials in Canada, are regulated by The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The transportation of radioactive products is regulated under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, under Class 7. It is also regulated under the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations, contained within The Nuclear Safety and Control Act. Unlike other substances, there are no actual false positives when using most radiation detection equipment. Radiation is either there, or it is not. It is for these reasons that radiation incidents are not to be feared. A healthy respect is needed for the substance as it can be dangerous if not dealt with correctly.

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Three Principles of Radiation Safety

There are three principles of radiation safety: • Time - For people who are exposed to radiation, limiting or minimizing the exposure time reduces the dose from the radiation source. For anyone who has watched the mini-series “Chernobyl”, the liquidator teams on the roof of the reactor clearing radioactive debris gave a great example of this, as they were given approximately 30 second shifts in the hot zone. However, most of these brave souls did not have proper PPE and received massive radiation doses as a result.

• Distance - Just as the heat from a fire is less intense the further away you are, so does the intensity and dose of radiation decrease dramatically as you increase your distance from the source.

• Shielding - Barriers of lead, concrete, or water provide protection from penetrating radiation such as gamma rays and neutrons. Therefore, certain radioactive materials are stored under water or in concrete or lead-lined rooms.

This is also why dentists place a lead blanket on patients receiving X-rays of their teeth. Similarly, special plastic shields stop beta particles, and air stops alpha particles.

Therefore, inserting the proper shield between you and a radiation source will greatly reduce or eliminate the dose you receive.

Incidents involving radioactive materials with no injuries will be dispatched as a Level 2 Hazmat response, unless it is determined to have an aspect of malicious or criminal intent (in which case it would be regarded as a CBRNE event). For first arriving apparatus trained to the awareness level, crews should approach with caution from upwind.

Awareness level responders should concentrate their efforts on securing the scene and attempting to identify the product if possible, looking for any visible placards. The ERG should be utilized for determining an initial isolation zone. If shipping documents are close at hand, they should be reviewed to determine the specific radionuclide present and the activity level of said product. The activity level refers to how many radioactive disintegrations or decays are taking place. This, in other words, is a measurement of just how radioactive or dangerous the product is. In Canada, we use the International Standard unit for activity level, which is the Becquerel (bq). This information can then be relayed to the Heavy Haz on route to the call. The Vo l u m e 1 5 | I s s u e 1 | F I R E WAT CH 14

Heavy Haz possesses meters to determine activity level, dose, and dose rate, in addition to surface contamination and Nuclide identification. If there are any rescues that need to be performed immediately, they can be performed only with full PPE, including SCBA, and keeping the three safety principles in mind. It is important to note that 80% of radioactive contamination can be removed by simply removing one’s exterior layer of clothing. Radiation technical decontamination is not done with water, as is done with most toxic industrial chemicals. Water is not recommended for radiation technical decontamination, as it would only serve to spread radioactive debris and exacerbate the problem.

If the actual product container has not sustained any damage, there is no reason to suspect that the radiation source is exposed. Most times, the source is intact, therefore there is little to no risk. However, each situation must be judged on its own merits and no two calls present the exact same circumstances. The incident commander must decide on the best course of action, while keeping the SOG’s in mind and utilizing the other resources that are available, such as CNSC, Heavy Haz, etc. In terms of rescues, a risk versus benefit analysis must be considered when deciding on the best course of action. Most radiation occurrences are exceptionally low risk. Has the source been exposed? What radionuclide is involved? What activity level is the product? These are questions crews should attempt to answer, if able to do so, without putting themselves in harm’s way unnecessarily.

Although radiation is something that we live with daily, it can be extremely dangerous in certain situations. More knowledge in this area will help crews, should they encounter a rad source at a call in the future. I encourage all crews to review the SOG’s pertaining to radiation/ nuclear incidents.

Litvinenko Case On November 1st, 2006, Alexander Litvinenko, a Russian dissident and former member of Russia’s FSB, was assassinated while on exile in London, England. Litvinenko had become a thorn in the side of Putin’s regime, as he was providing insider information regarding corrupt mob activities involving Russian Oligarchs. Current members of the FSB tricked Litvinenko into a meeting, and while he was gone to the washroom, his assassins slipped a liquefied mixture containing the alpha emitter Polonium-210 into his tea. Although he only had two or three sips, it was enough to ingest a fatal dose. Once an alpha emitter gets inside the body there is no way to remove it and the nuclide irradiates the body from inside creating massive tissue damage. Over the next days and weeks, Litvinenko became critically ill, while the local health authorities scrambled to ascertain what he had been poisoned with. It was only after he finally succumbed to the illness on November 23rd, that lab results came back identifying Polonium-210 as the mystery poison. During autopsy, the polonium levels were found to be approximately five times the lethal dose. Polonium-210, when ingested, is one of the most lethal substances in existence. It is more than 100 billion times as deadly as hydrogen cyanide. Ultimately, the British authorities were not only able to identify the two Russian assassins involved, but they were able to track their movements using the Polonium trails left behind. They were also able to conclusively identify the specific Nuclear reactor in Russia where the material was produced.

Stay safe!

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How to Get FULLY INVOLVED! Toronto Firefighter Combat Challenge Team

BY KEN DE JONG, TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN, STATION 345-A

INTRODUCTION

KEN: What does your team do and what is its history?

ANDREW: The Toronto Fire Combat Team was started back in 1995 by Mark Daniels and stopped competing in 1999 after winning two Nationals Championships. It was restarted in 2002 by Charles McGregor. Our team competes in two-day competitions across North America. Normally, the first day are individual races, with everyone racing on-air. Day two are relay and tandem races, which consist of the same course, split up between the teammates.

KEN: What do the races consist of?

ANDREW: The race begins with running up six flights of stairs with a 40-pound hose bundle on your shoulder. Once at the top, you place the bundle in a bin and start hoisting up a 45-pound donut roll of hose from the ground and put it in the bin. Then, you race down the stairs, hitting every step, where you attack the “force machine”. Using a nine-pound sledge, you hit the force machine until it moves past a green decal. Once that is complete, you run through hydrant cones until you reach a fully charged hose line. You pick up the line and advance it 75 feet, then open up the nozzle and hit a target. Once the target is down, you run to a 175-pound dummy and drag it backwards 100 feet.

This is a series of Q&A articles on Toronto Fire related organizations that can get you more involved in the firefighting community. Some of the best people on the job give back to the fire service in fun and exciting ways. If you find this organization interesting, consider reaching out to them for more information.

In keeping with the youthful theme of this “Rookie Edition”, we are highlighting the Toronto Firefighter Combat Challenge Team and are interviewing the Team Leader, Andrew Verhoeven, Firefighter, Station 445-C.

KEN: What are your techniques or activities based on?

ANDREW: The FireFit course is based on movements and jobs that you would be tasked with at any type of fire call. That being said, there is a lot of technique necessary to every part of the event.

KEN: How do you recruit members?

ANDREW: Normally, we have an open house around April or May, before the season begins, to have TFS personnel come try it out to see if they would like it. We normally post on our Facebook account and our Instagram account. The Association posts the details and dates in a Union Notice as well.

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KEN: What is the commitment for a member?

ANDREW: To be honest, the commitment level is up to the individual on how much they want to train and how many events they want to compete in. A lot of it depends on the schedule for that year and where the events are hosted.

KEN: How hard is it to learn and get good at the skills for your team?

ANDREW: It does take some time to learn the techniques of each stage of the event and to learn how to put it all together on race day. It might look easy, but it is a mental and physical grind. There is a reason why it’s called the toughest two minutes in sports! In order to be good at this sport, you have to train and put some time into it.

KEN: Where and when do you meet for practices and events?

ANDREW: We try to meet at the Academy once or twice a week. We don’t have set dates, as everyone is on a different shift, so we normally send a text out to see who can train on which days of the upcoming week. We also sometimes go to Brampton, Hamilton or Oakville to train, as they have the actual tower and course set up, so we can get the proper training in. Events vary every year, as it depends on what cities host an event. We try to do a couple of regional, national and world events.

KEN: Are there any costs that are the responsibility of the members?

ANDREW: We do charge a fee upfront before the season begins. This helps cover some of the costs for registration of every event.

KEN: What is your most epic event that you’ve done or that you’ve been at?

ANDREW: Our team has been to many great events over the years. For Worlds, we have gone to Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and Phoenix. For Nationals, we have been to Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and Halifax. Our combat team has also put on five or six events of our own. Two stick out in my mind: In 2008, down at the Beaches Waterfront and 2014, which we did at the Honda Indy, inside the racetrack. It was very loud!

KEN: Have you met anyone famous or done any other special events?

ANDREW: When we hosted the Honda Indy event, we got to meet some of the race car drivers while doing some promotional stuff. But I find you get to meet a lot of great Firefighters from across the world and learn how they do their job, which is always interesting.

KEN: What would you say to someone out there thinking of joining your team?

ANDREW: I would say come out give it a try and see if you like it or hate it. Normally, there is no in-between!

KEN: Any final thoughts?

ANDREW: This sport is a bit of a love-hate relationship and it will push you to your limits. It is just as much mental as it is physical.

CONTACT INFORMATION You can message us on Facebook: Toronto Fire Combat Team Instagram: Toronto Fire Combat Team Email: Torontofirecombat@hotmail.ca Or contact Andrew Verhoeven at Station 445-C Vo l u m e 1 5 | I s s u e 1 | F I R E WAT CH 17

BY THE HUMAN RELATIONS AND EQUITY INITIATIVES COMMITTEE

“I love my job. I love the satisfaction I feel when I help the residents of Toronto on a call. I have never had any major issues that pertain to blatant racism or prejudice but there have been biased comments or microaggressions. I never considered raising these occurrences because I didn’t want to cause a fuss. Having the ability to participate in the Experience Groups has created some new friendships and relationships that I did not know were even possible, and more importantly, provided a free space to just be myself and fear nothing. This is the closest my career and culture have co-existed since I have been on the job. It is a great feeling. These groups are important, simply because they allow crucial parts of ourselves to be reclaimed. ”Anonymous TPFFA Member, Experience Group Participant

W

hen the HREI (Human Relations and Equity Initiatives) Committee began to look into the need for Experience Groups for TPFFA members, we knew there would be some questions asked, some issues raised and a few misconceptions about what we were trying to establish. As part of our commitment to the L3888 membership, the committee would like to take this opportunity to explain what these Experience Groups are, and more importantly, what they are not.

The last year has brought us many challenges, as fire fighters, as a community and ultimately, as human beings. Our world moving forward has been dramatically changed from the one we knew just a short time ago. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with a tumultuous social and political environment, created a perfect storm of raw emotion and uncertainty. We have always viewed our 3888 membership as a microcosm of society at large, reflecting a diverse range of opinions but united by our commitment to the citizens we serve. The kitchen table in any fire hall has always been the epicentre of problem solving, rumour spreading, finger pointing and sermonizing.

While each of us takes a turn on either side of the pointy stick, some of our members may not feel comfortable in this environment. It is impossible to generalize and pass judgement upon any individual

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about their comfort level with their co-workers and their group dynamic, but we wanted to try and offer peer groups within our membership an opportunity to share their experiences on the job.

Given the polarized political and social climate in society, the HREI Committee wanted to reach out to specific members to offer an environment outside of the workplace that would be a place where these members could support each other and share their experiences. As a committee, we identified specific groups within our membership that would benefit from this environment.

Thus far, we have established three experience groups – a women’s group, an LGBTQ+ group and a group for members that are black, indigenous or people of colour. This list is ever evolving, and we have been in discussions about opening the floor to more groups, including a WSIB experience group and a PTSI experience group. The committee is always open to suggestions from the membership for further expansion. Each individual group is autonomous and sets its own agenda and timetable for each meeting. The 3888 executive has a role in promoting the meetings, but outside of a union notice, they are strictly hands-off. Meetings under COVID have been limited to virtual via the Zoom platform. As the pandemic declines and more intimate social gatherings are permitted, we hope that these meetings will revolve around fun events and causes. Meetings have included guest speakers from various backgrounds, and some have even opened the doors to fire fighters from other departments in the province and across the country.

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all participants and any discussion in these groups; however, we do want to be clear that the groups do not promote censorship, nor do they manufacture consent. These groups are not designed to be an echo chamber for any particular ideology or norm.

The people in attendance at these meetings have the freedom to discuss any issue and share any experience, without fear of judgement or persecution.

These meetings are a safe environment for any self-identified individual who wishes to participate.

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Words of Wisdom

from the Retired Toronto Fire Fighters’ Association

BY AL FALKNER, TORONTO FIRE DISTRICT CHIEF (RETIRED)

I was tasked with reaching out to several retirees to ask for some words of wisdom or suggestions that we, as retirees, would like to pass on to a recruit or a junior firefighter. There are also some quotes that have stayed with us for many years and are reprinted with permission.

“In the heat of the battle, you don’t remember very much.

You don’t think very fast. You act by instinct, which is really training. So, you’ve got to be trained for battle so that you will react exactly the way you did in training” - Admiral Arleigh Burke, US Navy

Admiral Burke’s quote is one of my favorites. I used to start a RIT or high-rise power point presentation with this slide. It sums up the importance of participating in training.

Because of Covid, the number of opportunities to socialize has been very limited. People have lost touch with friends and the occasions to get out and see others and have some “shop talk” have dried up. There are guys that I met 35 years ago that I still enjoy seeing and hanging with. One of the annual trips I have organized for more than 25 years is a mid-week February ski trip for a few days in Ellicottville, New York. We would spend a couple of days hitting the hills and then many hours recalling the characters we have worked with, the fires we have fought, and all the other memorable calls. They were the same stories every year!

Last summer, I was able to send a note out and invite several guys up to my cottage’s golf club for a day of social distancing golf and beers. These are guys I have known and worked with for 35 years. Why would I want to retire and drift away? We all enjoyed it so much we did it a few more times before the end of the golf season.

Here is some of the feedback I received from the retirees.

• “Surround yourself with good, positive people.”

• “You’re either a positive or a negative. You add to your team or you steal from it.”

• “Ignore the negative comments and any whining around the station.”

• “Participate in every training session you can.”

• “The fire service is constantly changing. Change with it.”

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• “Take the PIR’s (AAR’s) seriously.

There is a lot to be learned at them.”

•“Practice a good wellness/healthy lifestyle.

It is so very important later if you get sick or injured - which you probably will.”

• “The job is hard enough, don’t make it harder by being out of shape.”

• “Stay active” • “Participate in FF activities. There are lots of sports available: - Pickup or House League or Competitive Hockey - Pickup volleyball - Curling - Ski trips - World Police & Fire Games” • “Stay connected to 3888 charity and social committees.

There is always a need for FF’s to help out at charity events.”

• “Attend Ceremonial functions, parades, funerals, memorials, retirement parties.”

• “It’s great to get your dress uniform on and go out and represent the department. It’s very social and a good way to see friends you haven’t seen for a while and make new ones. Plus, the public loves to see us parading.”

I received the following letter recently from Rob Lethbridge. Rob and I started about the same time and were posted to 142 (old NY 14) on different platoons. They were some of the best officers and FF’s I ever worked with.

I was very fortunate to start my career there and stay for 12 years.

A letter from Rob Lethbridge (TFS Retired): Hi Al, I was reflecting back on some amazing times in my career after our conversation yesterday. I was very fortunate to work with great guys that enjoyed being at the fire station.

Maybe that was one of the secrets of station 142. Fred Peterson was my Captain, an amazing leader who loved the job right up to his last day. This is one of his quotes he shared with me as a recruit: “The four F’s: Fair, Firm, Friendly, and Flexible.”

At the start of every shift, Fred would ask me to memorize what was in one cabinet on the fire truck. Roger Martin was my senior man; rest his soul, another great fire fighter who taught me a lot. We would pull up to a working fire. Roger and Jimmy Lee’s demeanor never changed, so calm. One thing Roger and I did before we entered the Vo l u m e 1 5 | I s s u e 1 | F I R E WAT CH 20

building, we did a 360 on each other and made sure we had all our PPE on and all straps done up. I’ve seen seasoned FF’s, as I’m sure you have, go into a building with no helmets, face pieces, and coats wide open, crazy!!! When I went down to help out at the academy, I remember mentioning this to the recruits. It’s not my intention to keep you young, it’s to make sure you grow old.

“You should never run to your death.” (Navy Seals’ famous quote). I tried to learn early in my career that taking that extra time to look at a burning building from the outside can give you the confidence you need to do the job and hopefully not burn it down or get injured. I always had a plan B. I still live my life that way today. Plan A is the ideal plan. Plan B keeps you safe. This was one of my favorites. “You can’t teach experience, you can only live it.” Each call we run, good or bad, is an experience I can use at the next call. I tried never to stop learning and taking courses and sharing with the guys I worked with. The fire department gives you so many opportunities to build that toolbox, so you can grow old my friend.

Good health buddy.

Rob Lethbridge, TFS Retired

Whatever community you decide to settle in and raise your family, your neighbors will get to know that you are a firefighter. They may never know your last name, but your identity will become “Joe the firefighter that lives over there.” So, you need to represent the fire service well. I was told a long time ago by the Fire Chief that anytime I am in uniform, at the Fire College, or at a conference/seminar, that I should consider myself “On-Duty”. I need to represent TFS well, and my behavior should reflect that.

If two recruits start the job together and one has a good positive attitude, always works at busy stations with good fire fighting crews, participates in extracurricular activities, sports, social and charity events, embraces all training opportunities and represents the department very well, and the other does none of these activities and has a bad attitude each day he is at work – at the end of their careers, the first guy will have had a lot more fun and likely, a far more fulfilling career.

I had a five-year firefighter tell me he likes to come in and do all of his required hall duties in the morning and then he does one more thing. Perhaps he would drag the floor mats from the front door out onto the apparatus floor to hose them down and scrub them with a deck brush, then hang

them to dry. Or perhaps he would get some Windex and clean all the windows across the front of the hall.

Just one extra thing. That’s a good habit to have.

That’s a good way to keep up with hall maintenance.

Any habits that are developed at a young age will stay with you. I always felt it was so very important for myself and other senior firefighters to try and set a good example for the other firefighters in the station. “Everything that a senior guy says and does around the station will be repeated by the junior guys later.”

• «“Be careful what you put on social media. It could come back to bite you.”

• “Never forget that it is a privilege to be a firefighter.”

• “There is no substitute for experience.”

• “Equipment failure will happen at the most inopportune time. Checking equipment at the start of the tour is critical.”

• “Know every inch of the trucks in your station.”

• “Take pride in the fire station. Clean it as you would your own home.”

• “Train like your life depends on it. Because it does.”

• “Good enough isn’t good enough.”

• “Never back up the truck unless very necessary.”

• “You have two hands. Carry two tools.”

• “Commit yourself to lifelong learning and remember if you really want to learn and excel, you have two ears and one mouth - so listen twice as much as you talk.”

• “I always told new guys I met to remember that the people they choose to follow as mentors early in their careers will determine what kind of leader they become later. Choose wisely.”

• “I always told new people...decide for yourself what someone is like and don’t rely on the things you hear in fire halls about anybody.”

• “When you find a good crew and/or a good officer, treat them like they’re going to save your ass one day, they very likely will.”

• “Get a picture of your crew each time there is a personnel change. You will appreciate having these years later.”

• “When all else fails, try doing what the Captain suggested.”

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Hazmat IQ...Continued from page 21

Paul Halls is a retired DC from Car 31. This is a document that he put together several years ago to be handed out to new recruits and then sat them down to discuss.

A great idea…

Advice for New Recruits—Paul Halls CARE - Never Disrespect the Job by Not Caring; - It’s an honour to be a FF. - Respect what FFs who came before you created & the sacrifices they made (LODD, injuries, etc.).

- Complacency disrespects ALL FFs & the profession.

- Demonstrate YOU care on every call & every shift by embracing every aspect of the job - not just the glory ones.

- Remember your true objectives - become a valued TEAM member & help people!

- It is the greatest profession - treat it that way!

- Be proud - have pride in yourself, your team and the department.

Lead by Example - Even as a Rookie; - Add energy, enthusiasm & positivity to your team every day (every team is better by adding these qualities).

- Be hungry to learn - train, train, train so you become a go to team member.

- Pay attention to absorb knowledge - truck, tools, streets, station duties, district buildings, etc., etc., etc.

- CARE about everything, especially people - ALL citizens, no matter economic status, culture or race, treat them all like you want your family treated.

- Arrive early & get to know FF’s on the other shifts - you may depend on them at a call one day.

LEARN - Become a Lifelong Learner; - Learn from every FF & Officer - pay attention because one day you will be in their boots, so take the positives to determine NOW how you would lead.

- Develop deep knowledge (know every detail) as your life depends on it - PPE, SCBA, truck, tools, equipment, streets, SOG’s, SOP’s, TN’s, etc.

- Learn from past emergencies - these will create a database of information that may save your life one day - review close calls,

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post incident reviews, TFS & other fire services (online resources are available).

- Never stop learning & stay current - changes in building materials, construction, automobiles, etc.

So read, read, read.

Develop Personal RESILIENCY; - Take the job seriously, not yourself - be able to laugh at yourself & not be fragile. Have fun & be enthusiastic - it’s contagious. A good sense of humour = survival of your spirit & motivation through thick & thin, as well as stronger bonds with your team.

- Personal problems occur to everyone - learn to compartmentalize - leave your problems at home when you report for duty, as your full focus is required to stay safe & be a professional FF. - Embrace the attitude that we try to save everyone but know that we aren’t always successful. We can only control what we can control - train & respond at the highest level, but know that can only save the “saveable victims”.

Enjoy the saves & don’t dwell on the losses - we didn’t light the fire - we are responding to help in every way possible, but sometimes that’s not good enough, due to many factors - learn to accept those incidents & don’t allow the negatives to take you down. Instead, use appropriate ways to deal with your feelings, examine lessons learned & get back at it with your team.

Remember - stay consistent - never too high (cocky & arrogant) & never too low (not engaged, withdrawn & depressed). “The Next Call” is the one that matters Stay FOCUSSED! Safety Advice; - Don’t go to work tired.

- Fight COMPLACENCY everyday.

- Determine who you want to be like - select who is the most professional FF, Captain or Chief that you want to model yourself after.

- Get to know who you can trust your life on.

- Stay calm & cool (if your adrenaline is racing use self-talk to control it) so you can breathe, focus & perform safely.

- YOU size-up every incident - your officer will size up to

determine the plan of attack, but you need to size up to determine means of egress, structure details, etc. & one day your crew will use your information.

- ”Peel the Onion” - pay attention to details instead of just looking at the fire - ask yourself quickly - what’s really going on & what is the best & worst case scenarios, BUT then listen to your Officers, because they have skills, knowledge & experience you don’t have YET. - Train to learn every truck & every evolution - only then you will know the capabilities of your truck(s), equipment and teammates .

- After probation period, get involved with the union - start with Health & Safety, as you will learn a lot and add more to your team.

Select Your Close Job-Friends Wisely; - Evaluate other FF’s - Who are the best people?

- Who are the best FF’s?

- Who are the most respected & trusted & why? vWho are the best Team People?

- Who do you want to be like?

Take Pictures of Every Crew & Truck You are Posted to; - Your career will fly by & you will value this tip.

- You will review with fondness (I hope) the great memories.

- One day you are the recruit & the next thing you know, you are a seasoned vet who others are asking, “When are you going to retire?” This happens because firefighting is such a great career - the time flies by & it doesn’t feel like work. It is a calling!

- If you are so inclined, take notes of every emergency response during your career & review it prior to writing a best-selling book (LOL). The challenges, team events, humour, wins &

losses will all be special & are all steps in the ladder of this great profession.

Once You Complete Your Probation Period & Get Your Legs under Yourself, as a FF - Set Your Career Goals; - Consider your possible career goals—Captain, DC, PC or maybe join the Association - Try to keep all options on the table.

- Keep all career paths and options open by continuing your education development by considering University Degrees/ courses or Association education/involvement.

- Try to set short, medium & long term goals by answering the questions, “Where do I see myself in 5 years? 10? 20? 30?”

To Spark your Development & FF Growth; - Review your personal growth on every anniversary to hold yourself accountable - determine how much you have progressed in the last year or two by evaluating; - Your Fire Service Reputation?

- How do others perceive you? What would your crew & Officers say about you? Work ethic? Dedication?

Human Interactions? Team player? Integrity? Respectful?

Calm & Cool?

- Consider transferring to different stations every 5-7 years to challenge yourself, by learning new disciplines, tools, evolutions, trucks, crews, streets, etc. This will allow you to expand your base of skills, knowledge and experience as well as learning to work with a wider group of people.

That’s enough for now. Perhaps later if more “Words of Wisdom” get sent to me I will submit them to our next issue of the Fire Watch magazine. They always make for interesting reading.

Stay well.

RTTFA membership drive is continuous, if you’re interested in becoming a member, feel free to contact us at active.retired@ torontofirefighters.org . The dues ($25.00) are payable annually on the 1st of May and we will be holding two general membership meetings each year. One in the spring, where you can sign up and/or pay your dues in person, and another in the fall. Meetings will involve food and fellowship, what could be better! Come join us and be well.

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In the previous edition, we let the old-timers share stories about the old days. Now it’s the rookies’ turn. We asked them, “After a few years on the job, what is something that stood out for you about firefighting that was different than your impressions when you first got hired?”

Here is what they said:

“I was impressed with how the Captains and crew members would eagerly take me under their wing. There is a steep mountain of information to learn, and they took the time to show me the skills I needed. They wanted me to be successful. People helping me kept saying, “We were all there once,” which to me, demonstrated their empathy and willingness to serve.

Sam Kim, 235-A

“Toronto is one of the most unique cities I have ever seen. From North York to downtown, to Etobicoke and Scarborough, there is a wide variety of neighbourhoods that we serve, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so every day.”

David Zeppieri, 133-D “I expected to make close friendships on the job, but I feel more like I have a second family now that always has my back. Also, I’m impressed with the opportunities that Toronto Fire offers both on and off the job from clubs, sports teams, HUSAR, and volunteering”.

Katie Barron, 442-A

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“It’s cliché, but it really is like being on a team. It doesn’t matter your size, skill set, or gender. When you have a good crew, the strength comes from being a unit, and not just individuals.”

Shantelle Malawski, 345-B.

“I was amazed at how the community has so much trust and faith in us. A new mom will hand over her newborn baby to us without a seed of doubt.”

Andrew Costa, 133-C

“I’ve been happily surprised by the eagerness of everyone to help me develop as a firefighter, by giving me the experiences of running the nozzle or forcing doors and by teaching me little tricks. I find myself often grinning ear to ear riding around on the trucks responding to the unique calls Toronto has to offer.”

Vinny Frasson, 314-A

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Member Profile on

BY TONY MACDONALD, TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN (RETIRED)

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ast issue, we profiled our longest serving member. This issue, we are meeting our youngest and newest member.

Braydin Fairchild started with Toronto Fire on August 12, 2019, and he was 20 years of age at the time. He was aware that most fire departments don’t often hire candidates younger than 21, so he felt very fortunate. Braydin says, “I knew that this wasn’t just a job, but a lifestyle that I really wanted to become a part of.”

When he was still in high school, Braydin had a co-op placement with the Cambridge Fire Department. “I was very lucky to see great role models there, who steered me in the right direction to help me get into the fire service. They showed me that being a part of your community, and volunteering to help others was what the fire service was all about”.

While still in high school, he started working for a scuba diving shop in Tobermory. He began there by cleaning wet suits at the back of the shop, but within five years, he had worked his way up to becoming a boat Captain for vessels up to 60 gross tons on the big water of Georgian Bay. This license requires the applicant to have passed exams dealing with chart work and navigation. A Transport Canada examiner then tests the applicant as they handle the boat through various normal and emergency situations, including a man overboard, and a shipboard fire. Further licenses are required for marine VHF radio operations, marine basic first aid, and MEDA3, which deals with marine emergency duties. The last requirement is a minimum of 60 days of sea time crewing on a large boat.

Anyone who has spent any time out on Georgian Bay, knows how fast the weather can change. A beautiful, calm, sunny day can become rough and stormy in an hour or two. Braydin quickly learned to trust his training, and also how to solve problems in stressful situations. “When you are responsible for a boat full of people, in heavy fog, big waves, and lightning, and then hear on the radio that the Coast Guard is busy responding to a capsized vessel, you have to trust your instruments and instincts to get your crew and your passengers safely home. After

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Braydin Fairchild my probation period in Toronto, when I started driving the trucks, it felt familiar, since the daily truck checks were similar to our boat checks, and you are taking on a huge responsibility to operate safely for all concerned.”

When he was still at high school, he assisted his community by performing first aid services at bike and running races. After high school, he enrolled in the Pre-Service Firefighting program at Fleming College.

While learning at Fleming, he also joined the Otonabee Volunteer Fire Department in South Monaghan Township. Between these two placements, he learned to drive trucks, got his DZ licence, and also received his OFM Firefighter certification. “A few other students in the school program were also volunteer firefighters. We lived close to the Volunteer Station, and every day after school, we would go to the hall and clean the trucks, floors, and service the equipment. We would also sit with other volunteers and the Fire Chief to pick each others’ brains, to learn as much as we could.”

They trained every second Tuesday. “We would train on everything from basic medical calls and truck maintenance, to auto ex and ice water rescue. It was great being on a rural department because we had to train on different operations than urban departments do. We would train on operations such as how to set up a tanker shuttle efficiently, and how to find water supplies. We also had a large lake that we covered, and houses on islands where we would need to use the fire boat.

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Member Profile...Continued from page 27

We trained on using the on-board fire pump. I was very appreciative with how much effort the officers put in to make sure we were always learning something new”.

“With the varied experiences from the jobs each guy held, we found that our Captains were good at implementing our various talents. This made for an awesome ability for our crew to get jobs done. I learned so much from them all and I truly want to thank them!”

After college, while still working as a boat Captain, Braydin got a job with a patient transfer business, and another job where he performed confined space work. “These jobs definitely helped me get on the fire department because there were firefighters working for both of them. They helped steer me in the right direction. I also found that I needed to improve on how I communicated with patients, so transferring patients daily really forced me to improve my communication skills with patients and their families. The confined space rescue job allowed me to keep my hands on the tools and gain more experience.”

“The day I found out that I had an interview with Toronto Fire, I was extremely excited, but also very nervous! After writing tests for many different cities, this was my first shot to interview, and it was for one of the busiest fire departments in North America!

I knew that at my age, it was unlikely that I would be hired, but I felt that this would provide me with a great insight into the interview process that could assist me in future interviews.”

A week later, Braydin received an e-mail from Toronto Fire offering him the job! “I had to read it

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over multiple times, because I didn’t think it was real! I can’t express how excited I was that I had been offered the best job in the world!”

After completing basic training, Braydin was assigned to Station 325, on B Platoon. “I knew that all rookies have to prove themselves, but with my young age, I felt that I would have to work even harder to fit in.

Fortunately, Toronto Fire started a three-hall rotation system for new recruits. After a busy month on Rescue 325, I moved to Station 143 on the pump, where I was able to take part in ice water rescue training. It was inspiring to see all the training that the Squad and Squad support trucks are always doing. It seems like the learning never stops! After those two great halls I received my final placement at 131 on the Aerial.”

“This truck was soon decommissioned, so we became the Highrise crew in the north at Station 114. This truck has a lot of interesting equipment on board, such as specialty nozzles, lots of electric tools, four SKED’s and an International Stretcher. We also carry six electric PPVs, two electric smoke ejectors, and two fans that are even more powerful! We can move a lot of smoke, but also move people too, since we carry four stair chairs, including one electric stair chair.”

“Since I’ve been on the job, I have been told many times that this is the greatest job you can have! In my short year and a half here I would totally agree, and I would encourage others to pursue this career!

I was lucky to have gotten onto the trucks for a few months before Covid-19 hit. I got a short opportunity to experience how things typically worked before all of the changes were made to manage Covid-19!”

“I would definitely encourage anyone trying to get on the job, to volunteer as much as possible and get involved with your community. Once you start down the volunteering path, you may find that you continue these pursuits. I have met many firefighters who spend a lot of their time and money assisting others.”

“I have been lucky to be assigned to great crews, where everyone is always jumping in to help me, and energetic to train. I have learned so much from them already, not just about firefighting, but also about life!”

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Letter from the Editor…

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Lynn Sciberras

n this issue of Behind the Mask, I think it’s quite appropriate to have a look at positivity vs negativity, especially as we continue to be amid the pandemic. It can certainly seem easy to lose sight of what is positive a year into COVID, though like anything, there is good in everything and sometimes we just need to keep an open mind and look a little deeper for it.

we’ve found value in other things and put more time into them – new hobbies/crafts, some people work all day in pyjamas, drive less of a distance and fewer times to work, be outdoors more often, work remotely, be around family more regularly and help others, including some of the most vulnerable in our community.

In general terms, let’s take COVID as an example. We are still employed (many have lost their job), have maintained health (many have passed away), been safe (in a high risk work environment), have technology to stay connected with family and friends, seek support and be supported, be outdoors during what I think has been a sunny, milder winter, with snow still covering the ground (all while even at work) and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, given vaccines are imminent.

It has certainly been a whirlwind - a definite game changer, a different way of life for each and every one of us and for something that has negatively affected the world’s population, there is still goodness/positivity that has surfaced. As Mike writes… we can also be great at catching what’s going right in situations and appreciating it. Much of it is our mindset or the way in which we look at the world.

We have come to recognize that life and what we do with it is precious, and yes, unfair sometimes, given current circumstances like postponing some of the things we value most – travel, social circles, and the gym. On the other hand,

❍ Positive thinking/glass half-full/tackle challenges through problem solving/build goals/plan for success/focus on the things that go right. ❍ Negative thinking/glass half-empty/anxious/worry about current status and/or what’s ahead/avoid/focus on what’s gone wrong.

Which category do you fall into?

Even though I have used the current pandemic as an example, the element of positivity/negativity can be applied to all things. So, I challenge you to think about your view and come up with new and different ideas to be more positive.

I now invite you to read on for some considerations, other ways to think and some ways to keep us thinking positively.

TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 1 | FIRE WATCH

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By Mike Sehl

Positivityvs Negativity

Many of the greatest thinkers have said the physical world exists only through opposites, the ying and the yang. There is black and white, hot and cold, dry and wet, etc. That it is only in the non-physical world that we can “transcend” our limitation to “one or the other.”

In this view of positive vs negative, I wanted to go beyond the idea of someone being happy vs someone being unhappy. I wanted to look at every aspect of “positive living” vs “negative living.” I wanted to look at it from a whole mentality and see for myself how it plays out. I’d love to know what you think of this. Is there anywhere you can identify the beliefs of others or even yourself?

Some Ideas We Explored:

1. What’s missing creates a fix or fill situation, which says, “I will be happy or whole when.” It creates conditions for happiness.

2. Can we boil all decisions down to, “Is this life giving or is this life taking?”

3. What type of person do you believe creates “life giving” habits. I believe it is those who feel the most joy and purpose in what they do.

4. Can we identify and structure our lives around what we live FOR vs what we live against?

5. As firefighters, we’re trained to find what is going wrong and to fix it, but can we also be great at catching what’s going right and appreciating it?

Further reading: Almost all of this information is from my idols, Wayne Dyer and David Hawkins. If you found any of this interesting or enlightening, I would highly recommend their material.

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TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 1 | FIRE WATCH

Positivity:

Negativity:

•what’s going right/well and how can I repeat it?

I begin to look for and expect it.

•what am I for and how can I support it?

•what do I love and how can I expand it/create more of it?

•Perpetuates and becomes a version of what they are FOR. I love lovers.

•aligned with what I’ve identified I love.

•I’ll discover myself and align that with what I do in my life •I am responsible for all parts of my life •creator of new ways •brings solutions to problems •I am an extension of God. I can create miracles.

•Beliefs are meant to be empowering •I can. Finds ways to make things possible •finds opportunities •creative, imaginative •energetic/enthusiastic •what’s here •there’s enough to go around, I have enough •abundance •so I can help others •psychology of arriving. I am it all already. I live my goals and purpose everyday. Based on impact, health, happiness.

Broken down into what I can do to work on them daily.

I set myself up for success everyday.

•I’m perfect and can grow with what’s here and in what I love •growth motivated •generous/giving •happy •certainty •faith •no erroneous zones •living on purpose •life is happening for me •hero •lives inside - out •not succeeding = learning, encouragement, try again with what you learned •focuses on what they want to expand. “I want to be fit.”

•communicates in positives. “This way,” “I love when you do that.”

•catches people doing things right.

•servant leadership •I want to see you succeed •sees themselves in everyone •we are all one •finds the miracles in everyday life •believes we are spiritual beings having a human experience.

The invisible shapes and creates the physical •partakes in “life giving” activities and habits because I need my health and energy. Life is amazing.

There’s so much I want to do.

TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER

•what’s going wrong? How can I catch when this happens?

I begin to look for and expect it.

•what am I against and how can I be heard?

•what do I hate and how can I destroy it?

•Perpetuates and becomes a version of what they are AGAINST. I hate haters.

•misaligned. I identify what I hate/am against.

•I’ll stay the same and expect the things around me to change •I complain, blame, criticize, justify, and rationalize.

It’s not my responsibility •destroyer of current ways •finds problems with all of the solutions •God is separate from me. I am waiting for a miracle vBeliefs are either 100% true or false vI can’t. Finds ways things aren’t possible •finds obstacles •“realistic” •tired/frustrated vwhat’s missing vthere’s not enough to go around, I don’t have enough •scarcity vso I help myself •always striving and never arriving in life, futurizing, idealizing, huge goals, not broken down, around what’s missing because what I have is so far from enough/what I want, floating targets, perpetually out of reach. I set myself up for failure everyday.

•life is not perfect. I am not perfect and I have to work on what’s missing •deficiency motivated •greedy and hoards •sad •doubt •fear •ego, edged God out •living by circumstance/by accident •life is happening to me •victim •lives from the outside in •not succeeding = failure, discouragement, quit because you learned you can’t do it •focuses on what they don’t want to expand. “I don’t want to be fat.”

•communicates in negatives. “Don’t go that way,” “don’t do that.”

•catches people doing things wrong •authoritarian •system is set up for us to fail •there’s themselves and then everyone else •it’s everybody for themselves •is expecting a huge miracle to hit them •believes we are just physical beings. Values physical objects and possessions. Materialistic.

•partakes in more “life taking” activities and habits because what’s the point? Life sucks anyway. I don’t care.

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 1 | FIRE WATCH

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A thousand words, give or take, to provide a summary background concerning the use of social media as it pertains to our overall media communications and public relations strategy?

Hmmm…where to begin?

W

hen I took over as Chair of our Media and Public Relations Committee in 2015, it was with the simple and clear goal of improving how we communicate with the public as an association, using all available tools at our disposal, within the constraints of our resources and budget. While we certainly don’t have an unlimited budget or the resources to do all the things we’d like, we have the good fortune of benefiting from the talents of our executive and our membership. This allows us to do a lot with a little, including the ability to produce our own award-winning, custom-designed media content (graphic design, video, photography, etc.) in-house. If we punch above our weight, media-wise, it’s a testament to the hard work and expertise of all who’ve contributed to our efforts over the years.

Through the use of social media platforms, a cheap (read: free!) and powerful way of directly communicating with the public we serve, as well as communications via traditional mainstream media (TV, radio, newspapers, newswire, etc.), we made it a priority to focus on our target audience. We did this by regularly communicating with the citizens we serve in a clear and honest fashion, in order to build on our goodwill and strengthen the trust they’ve placed in us as a fire service and as a labour union. Over the years, we’ve been able to do just that, by leveraging the expertise of our membership to showcase our profession and our association in the best possible light.

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Our More Than Fire (#MoreThanFire) social media campaign was one of the primary communication strategies we developed early on, and one that we continue to focus our attention on. The goal was to regularly educate the public and elected officials about the various services we provide as a fire service, in addition to fighting fires. We continue to be dismayed by the level of ignorance we still experience in relation to the public’s lack of understanding regarding the full scope of our capabilities and expertise. Over the years, we’ve been able to produce solid content, including videos and infographics, which have helped bolster our public education campaign messaging. We’ll continue with this education campaign so that citizens and elected officials have a better understanding of our wide range of skills and services as Toronto’s only all-hazards emergency service. Naturally, we’ll continue to highlight our firefighting efforts, along with the rest of the great work our men and women perform serving our communities each and every day, on-duty or off.

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‘Vertical City’ (#VerticalCity) is another early campaign we produced, and continue to communicate, in an ongoing effort to educate the public and elected officials about the inherent and increasing challenges that vertical growth puts on our fire service. This includes the increased risk for citizens and firefighters alike, in regard to fires in high-rise occupancies. As every fire service professional knows, high-rise occupancies present specific challenges and increased risk that require additional resources to effectively mitigate, as compared to residential and low-rise occupancies.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, surely, you’ve noticed that Toronto’s high-rise construction boom exploded some time ago and shows no signs of slowing down. Through the use of infographics, videos, and other messaging, we’ve focused on addressing high-rise fire concerns, while educating the public about high-rise fire safety and firefighting standards such as NFPA 1710, as they relate to effective personnel and resource requirements.

We’ll continue to point to the science backing our concerns, such as Underwriters Laboratories and NIST fire science studies, including reports on residential and high-rise fire ground field experiment studies, among others.

Please connect with us and encourage others to do the same.

Our Toronto Firefighters monthly e-newsletter can be found here: https://paper.li/e-1515341551#/ Please subscribe (link provided in the newsletter) to receive a free monthly edition directly to your inbox if you haven’t already and encourage others to do the same.

Please be sure to acknowledge and congratulate all of our 2020 TPFFA Off-Duty and Media Award winners as well. We’ve uploaded photos to our Facebook page, highlighting all of our amazing winners, including those who were also awarded IAFF Media Awards here: https://bit.ly/3s57KlV Note: nominations for our 2021 Off-Duty and Media Awards are being accepted until April 30th, 2021.

Ultimately, the ongoing professionalism our members display in their actions serving and protecting our communities is the best, most honest public relations we, as Toronto Firefighters, could ever ask for. We’re thankful for the exemplary service our men and women provide each and every day. It’s reflected in the continued support we receive from those we serve. Keep up the good work!

Stay safe, and please continue to look out for each other.

In solidarity, Dan Vieira - Executive Officer, TPFFA - IAFF Local 3888 Chair, Media & Public Relations Committee

We continue to build relationships with media professionals, community groups, and various charitable organizations, to further strengthen our bond with the communities we serve, and we consistently share messaging to that effect. Our members and volunteers have helped tremendously with these endeavours and we thank all who’ve stepped up to lend a hand.

We’re also mindful to do our best to post curated content every day, across multiple platforms, including fire safety messaging, emergency scene photography, local fire-related news, safety recalls, and other pertinent local concerns, such as the COVID pandemic we’re all dealing with.

If any of our members are interested in assisting us with our media and public relations efforts, and want to know more about the specific content we aim to share with others (i.e. charitable endeavours, station tours, community events, Toronto fire services history, etc.), please contact any of our committee members. Constructive feedback and tips regarding community initiatives are always welcomed.

Please connect with us if you haven’t already, and help us amplify our reach by liking our Facebook page, as well as liking and sharing our content.

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COOK BOOK Fundraiser

BY VICKY SURA, CHARITY COMMITTEE MEMBER

E

ach year, the Charity Committee raises funds to support various organizations throughout the city. You may have seen us at different events, boot in hand, collecting money to help support these organizations that truly mean so much to all of us and those that we support.

In 2020, we had to take a different approach. We could no longer rely on boot drives outside Scotiabank Arena during the Pink campaign; interacting with the bustling crowds at Union Station to support Muscular Dystrophy; or working side-by-side with our friends from “Come From Away” during the Pink and Movember campaigns. While online sales of merchandise during these campaigns brought in much needed support, we certainly missed being out and about, interacting with the public, and supporting incredible organizations like The Princess Margaret Hospital, Muscular Dystrophy

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Canada, Michael Garron Hospital, William Osler Hospital, and many more!

The idea of creating a cookbook, with recipes submitted by both current and past TFS members, was brought to the table in early 2020. At this time, we could not have predicted what the future would hold. Regardless of the circumstances ahead of us, we wanted to incorporate TFS tradition into a timeless cookbook that would be enjoyed for many years to come. Not to mention, it gives us something we all love - food!

We received many submissions. It was obvious right away that these recipes were tried and true, prepared with pride and enjoyed by many!

The cookbook will be packed with recipes that will appeal to everyone. Everything from savoury breakfast dishes, delectable desserts, and a wide variety of main courses.

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Here’s a sneak peek at a recipe that will be included in the cookbook:

Pinky Pasta

S U BM I T T E D BY: TR EVOR PI N K ERTON

Ingredients - 4 cloves of garlic - 1 package of fresh basil - 2 x 210 mL jars of sun dried tomatoes in olive oil - 796ml can of tomatoes, doesn’t matter (whole, diced, stewed etc.)

- 1 Block of Parmesan cheese (approximately 140 g) - 2 packages of penne (900g each pack) - 1 package hot sausages = 1.5 hot sausage per firefighter (may need more)

Directions

Preparing Time

15 minutes Cooking Time

10 minutes Prepared for

8-10 people

Step 1 Blend the garlic, sun dried tomatoes plus olive oil, basil leaves and can of tomatoes together (Hot pepper flakes to taste if desired).

Step 2 The hot pasta will heat the sauce DON’T HEAT THE SAUCE! Step 3 Cook pasta and drain.

Step 4 BBQ sausages, then cut into 1/4” slices Step 5 Pour blender mixture on the hot pasta.

Step6 Add meat to the pasta.

Step 7 Add half the container of Parmesan cheese (Roughly 70g).

Step 8 Serve with remaining Parmesan cheese on the table and pepper flakes.

ENJOY

Stay tuned for more information regarding the release of the cookbook and purchasing options.

We hope you will enjoy, and we sincerely thank everyone who submitted recipes to make this cookbook come together.

Proceeds from the sale of the cookbooks will go to the Toronto Fire Fighters Charitable Inc. and distributed among our charitable initiatives.

We thank you for your continued support!

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What the

C-Spine!

S

pinal Immobilization protocols have been a mainstay in modern paramedicine since its inception several decades ago. This is for good reason, as 10-25% of patients with C-spine injuries will deteriorate if not immobilized (Hong, 2014). For years, these protocols have sought to improve patient outcomes by minimizing further spine and spinal cord damage by using in-line manual stabilization, a cervical collar and adjuncts (backboard, scoop stretcher, KED, etc.).

Historically, these standards have emphasized mechanism of injury (MOI) as the major determinant in whether or not the procedures are implemented. For example, a motorcycle accident may indicate c-spine protection regardless of patient condition or risk.

Over time, research has begun to look at the resulting patient outcomes, leading to evolving protocols in both in-hospital imaging (X-Ray) and prehospital care regarding spinal motion restriction (SMR). It became abundantly clear that the previously perceived benign process of using a backboard and cervical collar had real world consequences.

Possible Outcome of Unnecessary Cervical Collar and Spinal Board use Cervical collar

Increase risk of aspiration • Increase intercranial pressure (ICP) •

Spinal Board

Cause pressure necrosis Reduce respiratory capacity • Cause neck and backpain in asymptomatic patients • •

Delay’s Transport Exacerbate Respiratory illness • Conceal injuries • •

(white et al, 2014) (Vaillancourt, 2011) (Sundstrøm, 2014)

Additionally, studies began to emerge that not only are the adjuncts potentially worsening patient condition, in some cases the act of packaging patients to be immobilized actually increased spinal motion when compared to patient self-extrication (Dixon et al, 2014).

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BY BRIAN KING & SHAWN MCCORMICK, EMS COMMITTEE

Given these insights, prehospital medicine has been moving toward the goal of ensuring that high risk patients have the appropriate spinal immobilization, whilst simultaneously avoiding it in those at low risk. A protocol was developed to accomplish this issue called the Canadian C-Spine Rule. It allows emergency responders to rule out patients who would have otherwise needed spinal immobilization by allowing them to systematically consider MOI, patient condition and patient risk of C-spine injury. This has been shown to substantially decrease unnecessary spinal immobilization while also being extremely accurate at identifying true spinal injuries (Hong, 2014).

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - Basic Life Support (BLS) Emergency services in Ontario operate under the oversight of the MOHLTC and their guidelines. More specifically, the BLS contains the expectations of medical care for Firefighters and Paramedics in Ontario. This document was updated in 2017, where many of the issues are addressed in the Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR) Standard. This document mimics the Canadian C-spine rule by considering MOI and patient risk when considering the use of SMR. BLS Spinal Motion Restriction Standard

Mechanism of Injury (MOI) One of: • Any trauma associated with complaints of neck or back pain • Sports accidents (impacts, falls) • Diving/submersion injuries • Explosion injury • Falls(e.g. stairs) • Pedestrian struck • Electrocution • Lightning strikes • Penetrating trauma to head/neck/torso

A N D

Risk Criteria One of: • Neck or back pain • Spine tenderness • Neurologic signs or symptoms • Altered level of consciousness • Suspected drug or alcohol intoxication • Distracting injury • Anatomic deformity • High energy injury (100 + km/hr, large truck, fall >3 ft) • Age >= 65years old including fall from standing

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Example Scenarios

Penetrating Trauma Exemption If patient has penetrating trauma to the head, neck or torso, determine if the patient exhibits ALL of the following (even if they meet MOI and Risk Criteria above are met) a. No spine tenderness b. No neurological signs or symptoms c. No altered level of consciousness d. No evidence of drug or alcohol intoxication e. No distracting painful injury, and f. No anatomic deformity of the spine Other key points from the BLS • The Standard does not allow paramedics/firefighters to “clear the spine” for blunt trauma patients, but rather; it identifies patients where the mechanism of injury in combination with the absence of risk criteria means a spine injury does not have to be considered • Spinal boards should be considered primarily as an extrication or lifting device • If patient is unresponsive/uncooperative, apply manual c-spine immobilization until appropriate SMR is applied • Cervical collar should be applied prior to movement if possible (Basic Life Support Patient Care Standards – version 3.0 Section 1 – general standards of care 30-32)

What does this mean for firefighters?

Though these changes certainly have had an impact over the last few years on the way some blunt trauma patients are assessed and moved to a stretcher by the paramedics, the responsibilities of a firefighter first on scene are fundamentally the same.

1. Apply Manual c-spine/coach patient to be still and continue assessment 2. Utilize MOI/Risk criteria to determine if SMR required - Reference page 27 TFS Medical directives book 3. Have collar sized and ready to apply if necessary (e.g. moving patient) - Always assess neck before applying 4. Upon paramedic arrival, report findings/transfer care/ assist paramedics In summary, though paramedicine has made progress in utilizing research to more accurately determine and appropriately treat C-spine injuries, not much has changed with regards to firefighter patient care for C-spine immobilization. We utilize manual C-spine, cervical collars when necessary, and assist paramedics with extrication, using familiar adjuncts (KED, Spinal board, Scoop stretcher).

We have created three objective scenarios to provide examples of what we as firefighters can do for spinal immobilization, keeping the Canadian C-Spine Rule in mind.

In summary, though paramedicine has made progress in utilizing research to more accurately determine and appropriately treat C-spine injuries, not much has changed with regards to firefighter patient care for C-spine immobilization. We utilize manual C-spine, cervical collars when necessary, and assist paramedics with extrication, using familiar adjuncts (KED, Spinal board, Scoop stretcher).

Scenario 1 You are dispatched to Highway 401 for a 30-year-old male patient who has driven head on into an off-ramp crash cushion. Upon arrival, you notice the airbags have been deployed and the damage to the front end of the vehicle is significant, indicating that the car could have been traveling at >100km/h. Access to the patient is limited, extrication is needed, and there is no access to the patient by paramedics in the ‘hot zone’.

In this scenario, a high-risk factor is met, being the dangerous mechanism MVC >100km/h. Since extrication is needed and paramedics cannot access the patient in the hot zone, manual C-Spine immobilization and application of a collar by firefighters is indicated.

Scenario 2 You are dispatched to an intersection with a 4-way stop sign on a side street in your running area for a simple rear end MVC. A 45-year-old female patient in a car has been rear ended by another car, driven by a 30-year-old male. Upon arrival, the 25-year-old male is ambulatory and has “no neck pain”. However, the 45-year-old female patient is complaining of neck pain and has no other signs or symptoms.

In this scenario, since it is a simple rear end MVC, and since the 25-yearold male was ambulatory and has no neck pain, if after palpation of the neck there is still no neck pain, the CCR indicates asking the patient to voluntarily move their head 45 degrees to the left and right. If there is still no neck pain, C-Spine Immobilization is not indicated.

However, since the 45-year-old female is complaining of neck pain, spinal immobilization is indicated. Manual C-Spine immobilization is preferred unless the patient needs to be moved. It is highly likely that the paramedics will apply a collar to the patient and have them walk to the stretcher.

Scenario 3 It is a cold Canadian winter’s day, and you are dispatched to a park in your running area for a 70-year-old male patient who has slipped, fallen and hit his head on the ice. Access to the patient is complicated because the firetruck cannot drive on the walkway, leaving the responders a few hundred meters from the patient. Upon patient contact, you notice the patient has an obvious bump on his head, is not complaining of neck pain, and is still laying on the ice where he fell.

In this scenario, the CCR indicates C-Spine immobilization because the patient hits a high-risk criteria (age > 65 years old). Since there could be a risk of hypothermia, with the patient laying on the ice for a prolonged period of time, it would be preferred to move the patient. A collar being applied by firefighters would be indicated if paramedics were not yet on scene. Obviously, caution would have to be exercised while moving the patient by putting salt on the ice and supporting him while moving him off the ice, while holding his head in-line with the collar applied.

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Media Awards

Best Print Article, Circulation Over 100,000 Thirty years later, many Toronto rooming houses operate without scrutiny.

Emily Mathieu - Toronto Star In a world of fast-breaking news it sometimes seems that historical perspective gets lost in the shuffle, but, when reporter Emily Mathieu tackled the story of a rooming house fire, it was all about history. Emily took on the story of the Rupert Hotel rooming house fire of 1989 with an eye towards modern regulation governing such structures, and was able to capture the immense tragedy that killed ten Torontonians while asking the question, ‘Could it happe again?’. Emily’s well-researched article included interviews with those who were there, giving the reader a firefighter’s perspective of a tragic scene that many in the fire service will never forget.

Best Print Article, Circulation Under 100,000 Four-alarm fire breaks out at ESL school.

Joanna Lavoie - Beaches East York Neighbourhood Voice Small local newspapers often capture the comings and goings of their particular neighbourhoods best. The Beaches East York Neighbourhood Voice is one such publication. In May of 2019, a visually spectacular four-alarm fire was the talk of the town in East York. Joanna Lavoie filled-in all the background of this fire in her article on May 9th, speaking with local residents and with Toronto Fire officials, painting a picture of just how hard a major emergency incident can impact a neighbourhood.

Best ‘Live’ News Story, Web-based Multiple Injuries at Louvain St. fire.

Beatrice Vaisman – CP24 In a world of fast-breaking news, it takes a quick-thinking reporter to deal with the often chaotic environment of a live news hit. CP24’s Beatrice Vaisman did an outstanding job reporting live from a fire incident in York that injured an occupant and two Toronto firefighters. After breaking the news that a second firefighter had been transported from the scene along with the injured occupant, Beatrice kept viewers updated with a live interview with TFS Deputy Chief Jim Jessop at the scene. Under the pressure of a chaotic fireground scene, Beatrice’s reporting exemplified the skills of a true pro.

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Media Awards

Best News Story, Radio Chief says urban density makes fighting fires more of a challenge.

Matt Galloway - CBC Metro Morning Matt Galloway hosted CBC’s ‘Metro Morning’ radio show until Dec. 2019 before taking on hosting duties for CBC’s ‘The Current’ in early 2020. In an interview with Toronto Fire Services Chief Matthew Pegg which aired March 5th, 2019, Matt dug deeper into a fatal fire incident which occurred the day before, recognizing that the basement apartment in which the fire occurred was emblematic of the larger issue of urban density and demands on housing. The interview covered the topic with an emphasis on how the urban environment also poses challenges to firefighting operations. Anyone listening certainly came away with a clearer understanding of the issues at hand.

Best News Story, Web-Based “We’ll be bonded forever”

Zayn Jinah – CTV Kitchener One of the feel-good stories of 2019 was the story of Toronto firefighters Rob Connor and Mike Wolf, who shared a kidney in a transplant operation. Zayn Jinah at CTV Kitchener, with help from colleagues at CTV Toronto, reported on the story and how it all unfolded – a touching account providing insight into the bond that firefighters share.

Best Media Representation by a Toronto Firefighter ‘We’ll be bonded forever’

A/Capt Rob Connor and FF Mike Wolf Firefighters share a bond, the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service.

Toronto firefighters Rob Connor and Mike Wolf now share a much stronger bond, which seems unlikely considering the two had been co-workers but not friends until only recently. When Rob was told by doctors he needed a kidney transplant and that time was running out for a match, the TPFFA got involved in helping to find him a donor. Mike stepped up and offered his own kidney after it was deemed he was a suitable match. We’re glad that both Mike and Rob are back to full duties after a successful transplant and wish them both a long and prosperous career.

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Media Awards

Best Fire Watch Article Telling Stories: Where There is Smoke

FF Julie Petruzellis Fire Watch is TPFFA’s self-published magazine for Toronto firefighters and active retirees. In a 2019 article, Toronto firefighter Julie Petruzzellis gave members insight into the ‘Where There’s Smoke’ initiative, an audio installation by female firefighters designed to engage others in a creative exploration of their work.

The installation was a culmination of the Women Firefighter Visibility Project — a series of 12 arts workshops for women in the field. Thirty women from Toronto, Hamilton, and Waterloo, participated and shared their experiences through writing and recorded interviews. Julie was intimately involved in contributing to the project and bringing it to fruition, and we’re thankful for her article for shining a light on the endeavour.

Best Photo by a Toronto Firefighter Fatal 5-alarm at Bathurst & Richmond

FF Mykhail Baehr Toronto firefighter Mykhail ‘Bear’ Baehr is no stranger to our photographic award categories having won the award for Best Photo by a Toronto Firefighter several times in the past. In a collection of photos taken as a member of our Membership Communications committee, Mykhail does another amazing job of capturing Toronto firefighters hard at work in the process of extinguishing a 5-alarm fire on March 4, 2019 Sadly, two individuals were rescued from this fire with significant injuries, one of those individuals later dying as a result of their injuries.

Best Weblog Mental health moves into the mainstream

Fire Fighting in Canada Many in the fire service will remember a time when it didn’t feel right to openly discuss a call you were struggling with. Today, organic conversations around how firefighters feel are starting to flow. In a Fire Fighting In Canada podcast, Toronto’s Fire Chief Matthew Pegg discusses the fading stigma of mental illness with host Tom DeSorcy, the fire chief in Hope, B.C. The also discuss the impact of media coverage in the aftermath of tragedy and the growth in open conversation around occupational injury and stress.

We’re proud to acknowledge Fire Fighting In Canada with this award and encourage others to help keep the conversations going.

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Barry White Award

Off-Duty Awards

Keith Hanley The Barry White award is presented annually to the volunteer of Box 12 or Support 7 for their outstanding and dedicated service to Toronto professional firefighters Association members at emergency calls.

From a very young age when he chased fire trucks on his bike, it was obvious to anyone who knew Keith Hanley that he would in some way be involved with the Toronto Fire Service.

In 1975, Keith, along with a number of other fire buffs, founded the Metro Toronto Multiple Alarm Association, a fire buff group which eventually became the Greater Toronto Multiple Alarm Association.

In 1985, he also joined the Box 12 Association. He took on key leadership roles at Box 12 leading major initiatives such as securing its current quarters, working with the TPFFA on the design of the current Box 12 vehicle, and working with a supplier to pilot cooling chairs for use at a fire scene. He held several executive positions at Box 12 including Chief and Deputy Chief. On top of this, he ran many calls at any time of day or night.

In 2019, Keith retired from a 35 year career at CTV News. He recently started a Vintage Toronto Fire Dept. group on Facebook to reconnect firefighters from the pre-amalgamated City of Toronto Fire Department.

Al Pearsall Award A/DC Gordon Chabot The Al Pearsall award is awarded to the Toronto firefighter who contributed time, energy, and ability, toward the improvement of their community, while off duty.

There are those who dedicate themselves to one particular avenue of community service, making it their life’s work. Then there are individuals like Gordon Chabot, who applies his community spirit in a variety of different ways, helping out countless people along the way. Gordon is a member of the TFS Honour Guard, a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Health Center, a former member of the Movember Toronto committee and one of the initial organizers of Toronto firefighters’ Movember efforts, a former chairman of the TFS Fire Prevention Division golf tournament that raised significant funds for Camp BUCKO and other causes, and was a Scout Leader for many years, all while also being an instructor at Sheridan and Seneca college in his spare time. Fitting all of these commendable endeavours in with his fire service career is an impressive task; one that Gordon has always been willing and eager to take on in stride.

Bernard (Ben) Bonser Award FF Silvio Tucciarone The Bernard ‘Ben’ Bonser Award is presented annually to a Toronto Firefighter who, while offduty, distiniguishes themselves by performing a rescue or being involved in saving the life of a citizen.

This year’s award is presented to Silvio Tucciarone. In February of last year, Silvio was at his gym when a man collapsed in the sauna room. Silvio and another bystander removed the man to a safe environment, and Silvio tended to him until he regained consciousness. Amazingly, in the same week, Silvio helped injured occupants in two separate vehicle collisions. Some people are just born to help, and Silvio certainly fits the bill.

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Off-Duty and Media Awards...Continued from page 43

Off-Duty Awards

Roy Silver Award FF Craig Waites & FF Patrick Doyle The Roy Silver Award is presented annually to a Toronto firefighter who distinguishes themselves by performing CPR on a citizen while off duty.

On June 30, 2019, after having returned home after shift earlier that morning, firefighter Craig Waites performed CPR and administered an automatic external defibrillator device (AED) to a male patient who collapsed unconscious on the side of the road. The incident took place across the street from Craig’s residence. Upon arriving on the scene firefighter Waites took over CPR from a civilian, and with the assistance of a bystander administered 3 shocks to the patient upon the arrival of an AED. While being loaded into an ambulance, the patient had regained their pulse. It was made known to all of the individuals on scene that the patient had to receive a quadruple bypass the following week and that he had made a full recovery.

Pump 131 crew was dispatched to respond to a male patient, vital signs absent, at the intersection of Avondale Avenue and Yonge St. According to bystanders this was a witnessed arrest and the patient had collapsed in the middle of the roadway. Before Toronto firefighters arrived, off-duty Toronto firefighter Patrick Doyle, along with another bystander, came across the scene and began performing CPR on the individual. Upon arrival, Toronto firefighters took over the scene and a defibrillator protocol was initiated. The patient had regained pulse on patient transfer to paramedics. P131 Captain and crew had no doubts that had the efforts of off-duty firefighter Doyle not been performed, the patient would not have survived.

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November 22, 2020 – March 8, 2021 Retired Chris Chmielewski August 7, 2020 Barry Ian Martin November 26, 2020 William (Bill) John Larsen November 29, 2020 Harold (Hal) William Lapp December 9, 2020 John James Fogarty December 14, 2020 Allan William Herron December 30, 2020 Charles Bradley (Brad) Donner January 1, 2021 Frank Gibson Purves January 2, 2021 Alistair Francis Maclean January 5, 2021 Eli Scardaoni January 5, 2021

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Ray Green Kenneth Charles Brunton Victor Clair Dunn Paul Laanvere Roderick Jimmy McGrath Ronald James Merriman Raymond (Ray) Cook Warren Charles Young Robert (Bob) Earl Symington Joseph Underwood

January 6, 2021 January 7, 2021 January 11, 2021 January 13, 2021 January 15, 2021 February 2, 2021 February 13, 2021 February 17, 2021 February 17, 2021 March 8, 2021

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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

GLENN GRIEVE

July 12, 1943 - May 4, 2020

Glenn Grieve, after a lengthy and courageous battle with lung cancer, passed away on May 4, 2020. Born in Toronto, to loving parents Albert and Margaret on July 12, 1943, he was married to Joan for over 43-years, together raising four amazing children, Michelle, Derek (Tammy), Andrea (Ryan) and Leslie (Grant). Glenn leaves behind his beloved wife Joan, sister-in-law Judy Knowles, brothers, Barry (Jean, predeceased), Ross (Donna) and was predeceased by brother Lorne (Carol), sister Lorraine (Ron, predeceased). Glenn was also fondly remembered by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Glenn was a proud Toronto Firefighter for over 20-years. He will be forever missed by our Firefighter family, his friends in Ontario and his friends in Florida, where he spent his retirement years.

GLENN SHERWOOD

July 23, 1961 - February 20, 2021

Glenn Sherwood, at the age of 23, started his career with the East York Fire Department at Station 224 on August 27, 1984, and took on the role of an on-shift training officer. Glenn’s career took him all across this city to Stations 321, 322, 333, 313, 312, 415, 231, 332, 111, and 114, working in all commands and on all platoons. Our brother, Glenn Sherwood became an Acting District Chief on January 1, 2009, then promoted to District Chief on July 29, 2013, then on June 22, 2015, became an Acting Platoon Chief on Car 11 running out of station 111, and at station 116, while Acting as Platoon Chief 10 out of Station 114.

Glenn had a passion for hockey, playing in several leagues as a goalie, including but not limited to, the Toronto Firefighters Hockey League and the Toronto Firefighters Old-timers League.

Glenn will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years, Kristy; sons, Kevin and his wife Heather, Kristofer and his partner Konica; grandchildren, Shane and Andrew; his father Evan; brother, Brian and his wife Susan; and numerous family members and friends.

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Fit to SURVIVE

The fire fighter’s guide to health and nutrition

WANT TO DO MORE THAN SURVIVE A CAREER AS A FIREFIGHTER?

BY ALEX BOERSMA, TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN, STATION 426-D

Five Wellness Tips to Help Rookie Firefighters Thrive

C

ongratulations! You are now a representative of one of the world’s finest and most noble professions. You probably feel like you just won the career lottery!

Not so fast though. It’s not all valour and glory. This job has some serious down sides, and if you don’t prepare yourself for them, you may quickly find yourself succumbing to their consequences. Did you know that, as a firefighter, you are more likely to die of a heart attack while at work than someone in any other profession? Or that your chances of cancer mortality are 14% higher than those of the general population? That you are at much higher risk of mental and behavioral health issues like depression, PTSI and alcohol or drug abuse? Or that you are much more likely to sustain a significant musculoskeletal injury while at work?

But it doesn’t have to be like that. Lifestyle habits you establish now can and will make the difference between thriving or fading into retirement 30 years from now. Below are five of the most important ones.

conversation. (For more on aerobic training for health see Fire Watch Volume 14, issues 3 and 4) • Anaerobic Training – At least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. It should be difficult to form full sentences while performing this kind of training.

• Resistance Training – At least 2 sessions per week, focused on lifting moderate to heavy weights. These sessions will be essential for optimizing muscle mass and bone density (these exercises can be part of your anaerobic training, especially if you perform them in circuits).

• Physical Literacy Training – These sessions should focus on mobility, stability, balance and movement practice. If you don’t learn to move well, you are much more likely to become injured. Sprinkle this kind of training in with your other sessions or perform dedicated sessions a few times a week. (For more on mobility and stability see Fire Watch Volume 13, issues 1, 2 and 3)

1. EXERCISE There is no single thing you can do that will have as profound an effect on your healthy lifespan as sustaining a balanced exercise routine throughout your lifetime. Exercise has been proven to effectively prevent and/or treat cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, multiple varieties of cancer, as well as behavioral and cognitive disorders including depression, PTSI, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Lack of exercise, on the other hand, increases your risk of all these conditions.

An exercise program optimized for longevity will consist of: • Aerobic Training – At least 150 minutes per week of continuous (30 minutes or more) moderately elevated heart rate. You should feel a little breathless if you try to have a full

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2. MINIMIZE SEDENTARY TIME You may have heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking”.

Recent research indicates that general inactivity is bad for you, independent of whether or not you exercise. You may meet the exercise guidelines listed above, but if you spend the other 23 hours of every day sitting on your butt, the benefits of the exercise sessions will be blunted. The more often you can move in a day, the better your health will be for it.

Some tips: • In this case, frequency is probably more important than volume. Walking for five minutes, ten times per day, will probably be more effective than going for a 50-minute walk.

• Effort levels do not need to be very high. Just getting up and moving for five minutes every hour will probably do the trick.

3. WATCH YOUR WAIST LINE By now we should all know that excess body fat has a detrimental effect on both health and longevity. But there is a specific kind of fat that is particularly detrimental. Visceral adiposity, or fat that accumulates around your belly (anyone know a firefighter with this issue?) is highly associated with multiple metabolic disorders including heart disease, diabetes, cancers and various forms of dementia. The simplest way to keep track of visceral fat is to measure your waist to hip ratio. Just measure the narrowest part of your belly after breathing out (should be measured just above the belly button) and the widest part of your hips. Then divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement. The result should be less than 0.9 for men and less than 0.85 for women. If it is higher, then you have some work to do:

This means: • Get a sleep test early to find out if you have any sleep issues.

• Prioritize sleep hygiene.

• Don’t over-schedule part-time work or other responsibilities. (for more on sleep, see Fire Watch Volume 13, Issue 4)

5. BEWARE TOXINS Part of your job is to go into toxic environments when everyone else is leaving them. But that doesn’t mean you have to succumb to the toxins in these environments. There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from the negative effects of toxins: • Wear and wash your PPE. Wearing PPE properly and keeping it clean will minimize the number of toxic particles that actually get absorbed into your system.

• Maintain your health. Your body has natural ways of dealing with toxins. When your body is healthy and thriving, it will be better able to perform this function. By following the four tips listed above, you will optimize your body’s ability to detoxify.

• Don’t smoke. If your body is busy trying to detoxify from smoking, it will have less capacity to detoxify other molecules.

• Moderate your alcohol consumption. Alcohol also consumes detoxification capacity. Keep your alcohol consumption under two drinks per day, and, especially, avoid binge drinking.

• Increase your level of exercise and activity (see above) • Find a way to eat less (for a brief overview on nutrition strategy, see Fire Watch Volume 14, issue 2)

4. SLEEP WELL During sleep, our bodies and minds build and rebuild. When we don’t sleep well, our bodies and minds slowly unravel. Firefighters, almost by definition, do not sleep well. If you want to thrive through a 30+ year career of firefighting, you must prioritize sleep.

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