“FIVE OR DIE” (90 minutes)

Sadly, the fire service experiences an average of 100 Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) each year. At FAST Rescue Solutions, LLC, we are dedicated to being part of the solution to reduce this number. This 90-minute presentation focuses on the critical topic of the MAYDAY event and firefighter rescue, with the goal of equipping fire service personnel with the knowledge and tools to improve safety and response.

Using data from Chief Don Abbott’s PROJECT MAYDAY, we will review the leading causes of MAYDAY situations and discuss strategies for preventing these events. Special attention will be given to the current state of NFPA 1407 and its impact on fire department operations, offering insights into how these standards affect rescue operations and firefighter safety.

The course will also examine what we refer to as the “Five or Die” scenario—one of the worst-case situations for any fire chief: a firefighter down, unconscious, and not breathing in an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environment. We will discuss how to be better prepared for such emergencies through candid self-assessment and effective training strategies. The key takeaway is that firefighter rescue starts with the firefighter standing next to them.

We will explore rescue techniques, both with and without Hasty rescue devices (HRDs) like the FAST Board, and focus on overcoming common obstacles in firefighter rescue, such as weight, force, and friction. In addition, we will engage in an open discussion on how fire departments can conduct self-assessments to gauge their readiness for an “incident-within-an-incident” when one of their own is in a true “Five or Die” scenario.

This presentation is suitable for all levels of the fire service, but it is especially valuable for officers and department leadership, as it provides critical insights into preparing for and managing firefighter rescue operations in the most extreme circumstances.

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