Massachusetts Fire Promotional Exams (and study advice)

Massachusetts Civil Service has released the released the promotional reading lists for both municipal fire departments statewide and for Boston. The list are:

Massachusetts Statewide Lieutenant:
Company Officer, 4th ed.
Inspection & Code Enforcement, 7th ed.
First Responder 8th ed., Brady
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed.
NIMS FEMA 501, 2008 ed.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd ed
Building Construction Related to the Fire Service, 3rd ed.
Engine Company Fireground. Operations, 3rd ed.
LadderCompany Fireground. Operations, 3rd ed.

Massachusetts Statewide Captain:
Company Officer, 4th ed.
Inspection & Code Enforcement, 7th ed.
First Responder 8th ed., Brady
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed.
NIMS FEMA 501, 2008 ed.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd ed
Collapse Of Burning Buildings
Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground, 2nd ed.
Supervision Today, 6th ed.

The Boston reading lists are the same, just without Pumping Apparatus and NIMS FEMA 501. Discounted packages for all four reading list are available from us at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or by calling 800.522.8528.

They say nothing is free these days, especially when it comes to promotional exams, but here is some free advice we've learned throughout the years.

1. Should I use study guides? Some people swear by them, other people can't stand them. I usually recommend them. When being promoted can come down to a point or two, any edge you can get could prove to be the difference. Between software and print study guides there is something for almost every book!

2. Do I need to buy the texts or should I only use the study guides? If nothing else, buy the texts! The questions come from the texts. If you choose to only use the study guides, you could miss something. Again, only a few points can make a big difference. Even if you decide to only buy and tackle one text at a time, if you're taking the exam seriously you need the textbooks.

3. Whats the best way to study? If you have friends or associates (or people you barely know) on other departments who are also taking the test, for a study group. Discussing the books, answering each others questions, and debating points can bring to light information you may have missed. A dedicated study group can be a huge benefit for all involved. Everyone has to be dedicated though and make each meeting. No excuses!

4. What if I don't have time? Easy answer. Find the time. I know its not easy, but it can be done.Waiting around at the DMV? Bring a book. Visiting the in-laws? Bring a book. Going fishing? Bring a book. Or bring the whole study group! (Just leaves the beers in the cooler until after the books have been discussed). Use a text for bathroom reading. Read the children bedtime stories out of the texts (many people have said they're great for insomnia). Be willing to read and highlight any time you have some free time. Which leads to...

5. Notes and highlighting. Even if its just jotting down key ideas on a piece of paper, taking notes helps a lot of people. Make sure you understand it first, but going back and highlighting or taking notes gives you key ideas to look over on that big final review before test time. Plus, a study group can share notes to see what everyone found important.

Do you have nay other study tips? Let us know what has worked for you in the comments section.

Ace your EMS Practical Exams

Knightlite has released 3 DVDs to help prepare for any level of EMS testing. Each DVD has testing stations broken in to four distinctive parts:

• A brief introduction of the station
• The actual station being performed
• A review of the National Registry Skill Sheet
• A review of the station's Critical criteria

The Ace Your Practical Exam series includes EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic. Paramedic Instructor Gary Havican will teach you how to relax and move smoothly through each station. You don't want to wait until the last minute to start preparing for your practical exam. These DVDs are a valuable resource for anyone taking the exam or teaching a prep course.

All 3 DVDs, plus many more EMS resources, are available from FSP Books & Videos at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or by calling 800.522.8528. If you have any questions our friendly customer service reps are there to help! Either give them a call or email support@fire-police-ems.com.

2 New Ambulance Books

Iconografix recently released two new books on ambulances. Like usual with Iconografix these books are well written, gorgeous, and highly recommended!

First is Weller Brothers of Memphis. This Memphis, Tennessee based conversion business built three types of professional cars - straight ambulances, hearses and combination coaches which could be used as either an ambulance or a hearse. Weller was unique in the fact that they did conversions on any vehicle supplied by the purchaser. These include Chevrolets, Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Fords, Mercurys, Dodges, Chryslers and Plymouths.

This books is a complete history accompanied by a remarkable collection of black and white photos.

Also from Iconografix is Miller-Meteor: The Complete Illustrated History. This is the complete story of three companies, the A.J. Miller Company, the Meteor Motor car Company, and the Miller-Meteor Division of Wayne Works Corporation.

Using many never before published original factory photographs this book describes three fiercely independent, yet interwoven companies and their unique products which secured their place in history.

Both books are highly recommended and can be purchased from FSP Books & Videos at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or by calling 800.522.8528.

What's new in EMS?

2010 has already been a pretty big year for EMS related titles. A quick browse through our new books listing shows a number of them (more than I even realized) so we wanted to touch on a few for you.

First, from AAOS and Jones & Bartlett, comes Preplanning For EMS. Preplanning has been used for years by the fire service to ensure responder and civilian safety and to maximize the effectiveness of the responders. This text encourages EMS departments to become involved with preplanning by: researching local facilities and events and identifying hazards, developing a response plan, coordinating with other response agencies and gathering supplies and recruiting help.

Also from AAOS and Jones & Bartlett comes Principles of ALS Care. The text provides a succinct and comprehensive review of essential concepts in ALS. This book is perfect for use as a refresher, a supplement to an ALS course, a field reference or a study guide to prepare for an exam.

Brady has released Prehospital Emergency Care, 9th ed. This complete resource for EMT-B training uses of the case study model, state-of-the-art scans, algorithms, protocols, step-by-step explanations with comprehensive, stimulating, and challenging material to prepare users for success.

AAOS celebrates the 40th anniversary of their "Orange Book Series" by releasing the 10th edition of Emergency Care And Transportation Of The Sick And Injured. Based on the new National EMS Education Standards, the Tenth Edition offers complete coverage of every competency statement with clarity and precision in a concise format that ensures student comprehension and encourages critical thinking.

Finally, I wanted to touch on EMT-Basic Exam for Fire Fighters, published by Learning Express. This exam prep book contains 4 practice exams, expert test taking advice, information on the advantages of obtaining EMT certification—from getting hired to benefits that span across your career as a firefighter, and state certification requirements and EMT agencies.

You can find a complete listing of EMS books at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com. And if you can't find the title you're looking for, or don't know exactly what you need, contact us and we'll give you a hand.

Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics

The Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics has always been a favorite and is considered by many a "must read" book for all firefighters, and a valuable addition to any fire library. Its a simple, well written guide for any firefighter or fire officer who has already learned the basics and is looking for methods on handling specific situations. Fire Engineering has taken the handbook to a new level. Not only have they released the text and study guide, but they now have audio, software and a DVD series to supplement the text.

The audio book can be played on any CD player, or can be uploaded to an MP3 player allowing you to take it anywhere you choose.

The study guide includes multiple choice and short answer questions, and includes a page reference from the text with the answer key. It also includes a 100 questions final exam. The same is true for the software study guide, which also includes various elements of fireground situations for a more realistic approach.

Finally, Fire Engineering has released DVDs for every chapter of the text:
v.1 General Principles of Firefighting
v.2 Sizeup
v.3 Engine Company Operations
v.4 Hoselines
v.5 Water Supply
v.6 Sprinklers
v.7 Standpipes
v.8 Ladder Company Operations
v.9 Forcible Entry
v. 10 Ventilation
v. 11 Search & Rescue
v. 12 Safety & Survival
v. 13 Private Dwellings
v. 14 Multiple Dwellings
v. 15 Store Fires
v. 16 High Rise
v. 17 Buildings Under Construction / Fire-Related Emergencies
v.18 Structural Collapse
v.19 Terrorism and Homeland Security (coming soon)

As if all that wasn't enough, both Knightlite and Rapid-fire have released study software for the book as well.

As always, everything is available at FSP Books & Videos (www.Fire-Police-EMS.com). If you have any questions, the friendly sales staff can help you out. You can call them at 800.522.8528 or email support@fire-police-ems.com.

Two New Fire Apparatus Books!

The first of the recently released fire apparatus books is Ford Fire Trucks. Arguably the most recognizable name in the American commercial auto manufacturing is Ford. This book covers the evolution of Ford fire apparatus with vivid pictures. It pays homage to over 150 years of fire apparatus manufacturing and includes the Model T, the F-Series, the C-Series, the Louisville-Line, and many more. Iconografix packed over 350 color photos in this 144 page book!

Also from Iconografix comes Oren Fire Apparatus Photo Archive. Oren developed as an offshoot of the Roanoke Welding and Equipment Company. Its light duty small town pumpers were so well received that by the early 1940's the fire apparatus became the company's principal product. The photos in this book were carefully selected to create a magnificent history of Oren rigs. the book also features were never before published photos, including the very first aerial ladder and unusual one of a kind rigs.

Both books retail for $34.95. And can be ordered through FSP Books and Videos, online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or by phone at (800) 522-8528.

Building Construction

Just a quick post on building construction for the fire service. Two new books have been released in the past month covering this important subject.

First, from Delmar Cengage learning, is Knowing Your Buildings. This illustrative reference guide is designed to improve safety and performance on the fireground. It has a chapter dedicated to risk management and building construction basics that emphasizes safety. It also has an A-Z illustrated terminology reference guide.

Also IFSTA has released the 3rd edition of their Building Construction Related to the Fire Service. This new edition provides firefighters with basic instructions about building design and construction, and how that relates to emergency services. The 3rd edition also includes new photos and illustrations and case histories. It also emphasizes firefighter safety and newer types of construction, along with "green" construction principles.

Previously released book include 2008's Building Construction Methods and Materials for the Fire Service from Brady, and Francis Brannigan's Building Construction For The Fire Service 4th ed. This edition honors Brannigan's motto of "know your buildings" by using plain language to deliver technical information about different building types and their unique hazards.

To order any of these books please visit us at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com. And feel free to email us with any questions at support@fire-police-ems.com.