This drill is size ups from an engine perspective, objective is to given a picture of a structure (with or without fire) to do
a size up per the parameters on the size up card. All fires will be laying out from a random street, to get them in the mindset to lay out, and to drive home the concept of communicating to the 2nd due engine. This can be made more intensive if you give addresses in your still district and have specific locations of hydrants as well.

Tonight we didn't that involved.

Here in Harrisburg, not every rig has an officer riding the right front seat, so size ups and decisions are placed upon the firefighters shoulders.

For each mode of operation have the senior man or officer do a size up so the student gets an idea of what you are looking for.

Example:
Wagon 3 on scene
3 story garden apartment
Fire showing alpha side 3rd floor We are laying out from 1st and elm We going offensive with an 1.75 line

On the radio looking for clarity, volume, correct information for picture given. And correct operating mode.

After each picture we will have a few moments for feedback from the group then move on to the next.

We used an iPad for the guy doing the size

ups and scrolled through the pictures one at a time, giving a size up of each one.

Our rookie was in the right front seat and was talking on the radio(talk around channel). We had a guy at each of our city firehouses listening and had a group chat on our phones to give feedback after each size up.

We discussed using the 'Google hangout' app to make the communications/pictures easier to view for everyone involved.

It was a good drill and you could see the progression of comfort and it got everyone on the same page as well.

Idea from Capt. Brian Bastinelli who originally did a PowerPoint last year for our rookies, and was augmented to give a 'real feel' inside the rig. Also the hands on portion of this drill was 100% derived from Josh Chase 's post on communication, much appreciated.

Pictures from Squad 8's Facebook page, Capital City Fire Photos, FF Byron worner's (HBG) helmet cam, and Chief Ricky Riley.