Passing of a Fire Legend :Dennis Smith

[Cidertom]

One of my "Hero's" has passed away: Dennis Smith. Author of 'Report from Engine Co 82'. While many were made aware of rescue and Firefighting by the TV show "Emergency" , I really think that many of us growing up in that era were influenced by this mans work. He went on to found a magazine: Firehouse. And to write 15 more books. His writing communicated the environment of Firefighting whether paid or volunteer. And many of my generation were influenced to participate in the greater good by his writings.

Much of his writings depicted what we (snow cats) do frequently: We place ourselves at risk to protect others, regardless of race,creed,religion,or political party.

If you have never read his books, please find a copy of 'Report from Engine Co 82' it may give a glimpse of those of us "This we do, so others may live"


Meet you on the top floor FF Smith

 

[EastTexFrank]

I was not familiar with Dennis Smith or his work but I will make a point of reading 'Report from Engine Co 82'.

Many years ago, when I worked in the North Sea, I had to take mandatory Firefighting and Offshore Survival Courses every 2 years. I was a lot younger and fitter back then but both those courses were hard work. I never realized how tough it was to clear a 5-storey mockup, in the dark, with all kinds of trash and debris strewn everywhere. On the first time through that course I gained a whole new respect for firefighters. I also learned a whole helluva lot about fires, how to put them out and how to get out of burning, smoke filled buildings.

 

[GMoose]

I loved watching Emergency 51 when I was a kid, good stuff. When I was 18 I became a volunteer firefighter for 26 years, there were great experiences with that. It was so nice when we could save a home or property, but there were also very low times when we lost a home. I had never heard of Dennis Smith or 'Report from Engine Co 82', but I think I will look into it and read it.

 

[FrancSevin]

As a former firefighter Paramedic, I can relate. As for the TV show "Emergency 51" I drove the exact same model Dodge Power Wagon as used on the show. My nickname was "Robin" and my shorter, more rotund, partner was Gage.

Our favorite pastime at the house was to critique the procedures and meds used during the "emergency call" on the show. The writer's got it wrong, a lot. But then their business was not so much portraying an education service but selling auto insurance, beer and Viagra.

NOTE: Do not perform CPR as seen on TV.

I was a Firefighter Paramedic volunteer turned full timer in Bolingbrook IL for five years. After moving to St Louis, I was a volunteer for 11 years more. I do miss those days, and the nights, helping people on what was, often, the worst days of their lives.

 

[Lenny]

NOTE: Do not perform CPR as seen on TV.

Can you explain that or is there a link on the internet that shows the right way? Thanks

 

[FrancSevin]

Can you explain that or is there a link on the internet that shows the right way? Thanks

The actors cannot actually do it right without putting someone in danger. So, they bend their arms.
One's arms should never flex at the elbow when performing CPR.

Also, it is often done on a bed. Put the patient on the hard floor or a backboard. Otherwise, you will not get effective compressions.

 

[Lenny]

The actors cannot actually do it right without putting someone in danger. So, they bend their arms.
One's arms should never flex at the elbow when performing CPR.

Also, it is often done on a bed. Put the patient on the hard floor or a backboard. Otherwise, you will not get effective compressions.

That makes sense. Thank you.