Flames and smoke!!!

[bimmridder]

Yep, there were flames and black billowing smoke. Fortunately it was a controlled fire set by the local fire department to train some of our staff on proper use of fire extinguishers. All of our employees had a quick class on proper use of fire extinguishers, then the chosen few went outside to extinguish a gasoline/diesel fuel fire that was set. Good training for all. Food for thought?

[jvanick]

I think any decent size operation should not only have fire and some limited hazmat training, but also cpr and first aid training for at least the supervisors, if not key employees.

side note.. I wonder if training such as that would help in any way with insurance?

[Printficient]

Hot Dogs.  Hamburgers.  Ribs.  Steak.  Chicken.  Corn on the Cob.  Smores.

[jsheridan]

There will be flames and smoke this evening.. until 2am ish or so then a nice 12hr cook for tomorrow's pulled pork party.

You would think people would know how to use an extinguisher..

Good idea on the training, that's 

[bimmridder]

The thing is, out of the six people involved in the hands on training, only one (me) had ever actually used a fire extinguisher. We are all told how to do it, but when the rubber hits the road, will you? I mentioned an incident we had here a few months ago. Even though there were 6-8 people around, most of them stood there pointing at the fire, while only one or two actually took action.

I guess my point with this post was to remind people to have safety equipment, let people know where it is, and how to use it.

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

A smidge off topic, but there are so many instances in which you think you'd respond a certain way and in the end, it doesn't quite pan out.

I walked into a Quik Trip in Wichita Tuesday morning just this week and staggering out of the bathroom comes a 67 year old man COVERED in blood. He was closely followed by the store manager (pale faced from the shock of it) who was begging the man to sit down and wait for the ambulance. He'd been robbed... bonked HARD on his noodle by a thug with a chunk of cement while he was standing in front of the urinal.

Broad daylight no less, store full of morning coffee and donut buyers. SHOCKED...one and all.

NOone, not even the manager would touch him to help him sit down or even wipe the blood from his eyes or mouth. (Myself included.)

I never dreamed I'd behave like that in such a unexpected, stressful situation. Most everyone just froze.

So, back to fires.... I'd say, in our business....hands-on time with a fire extinguisher on ACTUAL fires is a VERY good idea. Just like experienced police officers urge wise Concealed Carry patrons to get lots of range time on body shaped targets, pop-ups if possible. It isn't good enough to "think it through" one time, and just shove your .38 in a desk drawer.

I know, fires are a little different than self defense situations, or helping a man who might collapse and die without assistance, but the analogy works in my head.

P.S. The victim was admitted in serious condition but will survive.

[jsheridan]

NOone, not even the manager would touch him to help him sit down or even wipe the blood from his eyes or mouth. (Myself included.)

This is a known phenomenon.. an accident happens with lots of people around, doing nothing. Everyone thinks someone else will do something

You have to take action, point at people and instruct them what to do.

don't just yell call 911.. point at a person, You!.. call 911

you.. hold their head

you.. hold their feet

you.. make some space, keep people away

As far as seeing a person covered in blood..  #1 rule is protect yourself before you protect others. Never endanger your own health to bloodborne pathogens without a shield, gloves or something.

[mooseman]

It is always easy to be a Monday morning QB but in the event tis should ever present itself again a couple of plastic bags over each hand can briefly substitute for protective gloves.
mooseman