The Weekly Scrap, Firefighter Podcast Weekly Scrap #164 - Justin McWilliams, Search, Search, Search and more Search
Nov 2, 2022
Joined by search expert Justin McWilliams, the podcast explores topics such as the mindset and approach necessary for being on a fire department team, the UL study on rescue and surge size up HVAC systems, search techniques and victim removal considerations, the importance of data in the fire service, challenging traditional search practices, the impact of words and jargon in the fire service, and preferences between being on the nozzle or first in on V.E.S.
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Change Chiefs' Minds By Addressing Their 'Why'
- Convincing chiefs about search without a hoseline requires addressing their 'why' and safety intent, not just tactics.
- Show orientation, building expectations and small-sample evidence to shift their risk perception incrementally.
Decide Window vs Door Based On Context
- Choose egress method (window vs stair) based on fire location, victim condition, building layout and available ladders.
- Pre-plan ladder placement and EMS staging during training so window removals don't delay care or create hazards.
Shaping Culture Through The Academy
- Justin recounts creating his department's search chapter and academy sequence to control culture from day one.
- He mandates early ladder training and dedicates a week to mindset and search before operational duties.