Another day another pain

I would love to know how you can go to sleep at night with no pain and then wake in the morning to find a sharp pain in your knee.  As I have stated before my only explanation is that some where there is a witch doctor holding a doll that looks like me and who enjoys inserting needles into the joints at random times.

So once again a bit of pain to deal with for the day.  By mid-afternoon the knee felt much better so it was time to get a workout in.

45 minutes on the stationary bike, hill climb, level 12.  Max HR 109,  Max R 22    I felt very good after the training session and made sure to hydrate a bit extra.

So how about a bit of fire fighter slang explained...

Box Alarm:  The term box alarm originated from the days when most alarms in large cities were transmitted by pull box.  Box alarms were just that, an alarm transmitted from a street box.  Modern box alarms are preplanned responses to reported structure fires.  Locally a Box Alarm would have 3 companies dispatched on a first alarm Box.

Worker or Working Fire:  "Working Fire" is a designation made by either the initial arriving company officer, or a Chief Officer.   It is likely that all units on the initial dispatch will be going to work.  "Worker" is slang used by firefighters.  "It sounds like we have a Worker!"

Size up:  The first arriving officer on the scene will "give a size-up" over the radio.   First, the officer confirms the address of the incident to insure other responding units know exactly where they need to go.  Second they provide a description of the building or structure and finally they provide an initial plan of attack.   For example; "Chief 57 is on scene of a working fire at 123 East Main St.  We have an 80 by 100 three story standard brick taxpayer with fire showing from the second floor, side Alpha.  Engine 57 conduct a quick attack.  Ladder 57 conduct Vent, Entry & Search.  Engine 58 lay in from the hydrant at Main & Water and have your crew stretch a second line and back up Engine 57.  Engine 50 establish a water supply and report to command as RIT. "

Taxpayer:  This is the fire service name for a structure that has a business on the lower floor and a residence on the second floor and or third floor.

Side Alpha:  The side of a building or structure that faces the street.

RIT:  "Rapid Intervention Crew" or "Rapid Intervention Team" This will be a crew who is established strictly for the purpose of rescuing emergency personnel. Some form of RIT is required by NFPA 1500 and CFR 291910. They will assemble a collection of rescue tools and spare breathing apparatus.

Hope that was enough for tonight, more to follow.

See you at the Top!

John