In 2007, the Poudre Fire Authority in Fort Collins, Colo., conducted a hearing enhancement and protection study that focused on battalion chiefs, captains and driver/operators. What resulted was an incrementally funded project to outfit every firefighter with molded earpieces. The left earpiece is wired to the firefighter's 800-MHz radio, which delivers sound directly into the ear canal at a very low volume. The right earpiece is a custom-molded Hocks noise filter, which limits noise above 85 decibels from entering the ear.

All 148 line personnel are fitted for these earpieces, and all personal protective equipment is being modified to accommodate these new technologies. All components will be protected within the firefighters PPE while in use on emergency scenes.

The training delivery model includes using six facilitator companies to deliver training to the other 30 companies. The curriculum includes properly fitting the earpieces, interlacing the components within the PPE, responding to emergencies with earpieces in place, and managing cognitive load once firefighters can consistently hear their radios. While fire scene communications are the focus for review, the required final practical evolutions also include simulated fire conditions at an acquired structure, where positive-pressure attack and mayday evolutions are involved. No firefighter will receive their components without this training and practical exercise.

The post-training support model chosen for the HEaP project consists of three shift representatives, a captain program manager, and chief officer to provide oversight.

As of April 12, the department has six companies, three engines and three trucks fully fitted with their components. These six companies represent the facilitator companies. They will be live for 60 days, gathering data and sharing lessons learned to be better prepared to deliver classes in June to the remaining 30 companies. As of July 1, the department will be live with all 36 companies.

For more information, call 970-566-8361 or e-mail bsalmon@fcgov.com.