New History Books From MT Publishing!

MT Publishing has once again impressed us with their latest books. These beautiful, coffee table style books are recommended for any fire library or history buff!

First off is Fires To Remember. This 200 page book, published by the Friendship Fire Assoc., tells the history of the Washington DC Fire and EMS Department through over 350 pictures and captions. The history of the department is broken down chronologically from the 1800s to the 2000s with pictures of major incidents, personnel, posed and working apparatus.

Also new from MT is Badges of America's Heroes. This gorgeous book is the most comprehensive listing of fire badge hallmarks ever! It includes a history of the evolution of the fire badge, a listing of major manufacturers, contributions from notable fire museums and much more. Hundreds of color photos make make this a must have for any collector or historian.

Coming later this month is Remember...Only You! A History of Forest Fire Prevention Outdoor Advertising. Written by Harry "Punky" McClellan, this book creates a documented history of Forest Fire Prevention outdoor advertising. This written history is complimented with over 600 full color photos!

Also, due later this year are Companies in Quarters: A Pictorial History of the Firehouses of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Presented by the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society, it is a pictorial history of LAFD stations. The first fire stations of the 1880’s to the newest stations of today, along with much of the apparatus that occupied them, are featured in this new book which will be a must-have for historians of the fire service, fire buffs, and students of California architecture. It is packed with photos of all of the 106 current and over 120 former fire stations and their “Companies in Quarters”.

On the subject of firehouses, A Photographic Journey Through the Firehouses of FDNY is also due out later this year. This full color book will take the reader on a journey through all 200+ FDNY Firehouses.

Finally, the Hall of Flame will be releasing The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting at 50. Documenting the history of wildland and structural firefighting in the US from colonial to modern times, hundreds of photos show off the museum's collection of firefighting tools.

Other future titles from MT include Northern Illinois Fire Ground Photography, and many fire and police department histories. You can also see all the previously published MT titles here. As always, if you have any questions feel free to email us at support@fire-police-ems.com or call us at (800) 522-8528. And visit us online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com.

New FDNY Book by Paul Hashagen

Wes Causey returns in Paul Hashagen's newest novel, Fire Of God. Much like in The Twelfth Hour, Hashagen uses his unique appreciation of New York City's history and attention to actual fireground detail to create a fast paced and compelling novel.

Paul Hashagen knows a thing or two about FDNY's history. In the newly reprinted A Distant Fire he captures the spirits of the pioneering men and the thrilling intensity of the events that served as FDNY's foundation. Over 90 rare photos and illustrations enhance the impact of these incredibly powerful stories.

He is also the author of the beautiful, and highly collectible, FDNY: The Bravest. This nearly 300 page coffee table book chronicles 137 years of the New York Fire Department's dedicated history from 1865 - 2002. Not only does it cover the history of the department, but it also includes all fire fighters who have been killed in the line of duty.

Any of these books are highly recommended and can be ordered through FSP Books & Videos at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or by calling (800) 522-8528. A complete listing of all of our FDNY books can be found on our website.

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.