When I originally took the Systems Administrator position for the Antarctic program, I never expected to be learning how to put out fires, rescue victims, and drive a zodiac around for rescue missions as part of my job. However, at Palmer Station, since we have such a small staff, we all have to wear a lot of hats around here (as Neal says).
This week it feels like I did more fire and OSAR (oceanic search and rescue) training than actual IT work.
On Monday, we were issued our fire gear and had our first drill. Since I'm on the SCBA team, we have to have two sets of fire gear which include oxygen tanks and masks. One is for the building I live in and one is for the building that I work in. That way, if an event occurs, I can grab the gear closest to me without having to run to a different building. The drill itself consisted of pretending to go into a building that was burning and put out the fire, all this while on oxygen. After the initial drill, we also did a LOT of hose work and testing using sea water pumps and pumping water out of the hot tub. Since I'm on SCBA this also means I get to schlump hose around which can be quite heavy when the line is charged with water. I guess that's the trade-off for getting to wear cool gear.
On Tuesday and Thursday, I also had OSAR training. On both days, before going out on the water, we spent some time with the station doctor learning how to treat hypothermic victims and how to get victims onto a backboard. Once we hit the water, our drills consisted of time at the tiller, docking at islands and towing inoperable boats. While docking at islands, we also changed out the emergency caches (barrels of gear, food and water set out in case anyone gets stuck away from station) which is an annual process. On the second day, there was a lot of brash ice around which gave us good tiller experience in those conditions. Brash ice is an accumulation of floating ice that comes off the calving glacier. This ultimately means that we have to go super slow while in the thick of it.
Even though this training was not originally anticipated, I believe this is the type of training that will stay with me for the years to come. I'm happy and feel lucky to have the chance to learn the things I'm being taught.
Click here for some photos
Hi Carla,
ReplyDeleteI don't want to "nit-pick" but for the benefit of the other critical thinkers out there reading your blog, Those aren't oxygen tanks on your back... Its simply a bottle of pure air. We don't need our own version of of Apollo I mission.
So... based on your pictures of your Firefighter training, here are some pointers... Hope you don't mind. If you're wondering my qualifications to give them, I was a member of a fire department for 8 years, where I achieved the rank of Lieutenant.
When you've got the nozzle in your hand, keep your arms, and the nozzle extended out in front of you. Don't hold it in close your body. You'll have better control of where you are pointing the thing, and gives your greater maneuverability.
Your splitter is known as a "gated Wye" :) But if everyone else calls it a splitter, then its a splitter too. Common terminology, so everyone knows what you are talking about is good.
"Schlumping hose" and hose management is the absolute most important thing for an attack crew to know how to do, to be effective in putting out fires. Move as much around as you can uncharged, but never go onto "the fire floor" with an uncharged line. Always have 25-50 foot of hose near you before progressing into the next area. You don't want to run your hose stretch short. It looks like your doing a good job in your photos.
Keep up the good work!
I'm just glad that I don't smell like bird poo all of the time.
ReplyDeleteGerrit,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the constructive criticism. Good info. I did change schluffing to schlumping...I knew something about that word was off but couldn't think of it.
And Neal...are you sure you don't? :)
Carla, you are a blazing star in the universe of life.
ReplyDelete