bESTology 2017

A Salute to our Military – bESTology Week 13

Each and every day our military works hard to protect us – but how can we protect our military? In particular, how do we protect them from fire?
Engineers applying the skill of thinking outside-the-box, brainstorm, prototype, build and test vehicles, clothing, and equipment associated with our troops. Searching for new and innovative ways to extinguish fires on the battlefield in order to protect our men and women in uniform …

Holding Ones Feet to the Fire – Week 12

Regulating business practices dates back to ancient civilization when they began standardizing weights and measures for gold to be exchanged as international currency. Regulations continued to evolve especially during the 19th century when the United States began creating regulatory agencies to protect the public sector.
Today in the 21st century, fire regulations are abundant. From the flammability of the clothes we wear, the safety of the gas tanks on our …

Money Burning A Hole In Your Pocket? – bESTology Week 11

All things are precious, some more than others – but what are these things worth to you? Whether it’s your home, your school, your car or even your life, how is the value calculated and how do we insure each item?
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, insure is to provide or obtain insurance or to take necessary measures and precautions.
This week let’s explore the types, cost …

Ashes to Ashes – bESTology Week 10

Do you like to solve mysteries? Do you love science? If yes, then you may have the burning desire for a career in fire forensics!
Once the first responders leave the scene, the investigators arrive to study the aftermath using skills, technology, knowledge and science. Using a systemic approach and paying attention to details, a mystery (fire/arson) can often be easily solved.
Fire investigation embodies the scientific method as well as the …

Delivering the BEST in Emergency Care – Week 9

If you get caught in the Crossfire, of any sort, what happens next? In this day and age, a lot could transpire. Just as first responder technologies have evolved, medical technologies have evolved as well. Everything from how a hospital room is cleaned to how medication is administered. In today’s high tech world, everything is different.
This week, let’s take a glance inside of a hospital and how they use …

Here to There and All Around 

Being a first responder may not be a piece of cake, but it can be as easy as Pi. This week we celebrate pi – not pie, but Pi.  International Pi Day is March 14 (3/14 or 3.14), which is also Albert Einstein’s birthday.  
First responders move rescue materials from “here to there” with the help of circles. Moving heavy equipment relies on wheels, propelling water is determined by the diameter of …

Design, Build, Deliver – bESTology Week 7

Design, build, deliver is the slogan of many BEST teams. The same premise applies to the manufacturing industry of emergency response vehicles. Manufacturers listen to the requests and needs of first responders. Then embracing the same skills and equipment used in BEST (CAD, CNC machines, 3-D printers, power equipment) they produce manufacturing marvels. By applying the engineering design process, manufacturers create machines needed to rapidly deploy first responders to a wide array …

The A, B, C’s of Fire – bESTology Week 5 

Water, water everywhere is no longer true in the fire suppression industry. Just as technology evolves, so does the response to fires. Whether you are a first responder to a kitchen fire, forest fire or an industrial fire, it’s important to know your A, B, C’s!
Fires are not all the same. Different fuels create different situations, requiring different types of responses. Keeping in mind the sides of the …

The Importance of Fire and the Science Involved – bESTology Week 4

Whether it’s maintaining a healthy ecosystem or providing heat for homes, fire is essential in countless ways.
Over the years, numerous plants have adapted to protect themselves against fires. When forests burn, leaf litter (the fire’s energy source) is consumed and results in a rebirth of the forest. bESTologists agree, fires are necessary to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem.
Fire is vital in our daily lives as …

Surrounded by Safety – bESTology Week 3
Safety surrounds you – literally. Whether it’s fire resistant clothing, seat belts or the safety cage of an automobile, protecting us from an array of accidents is always on the mind of manufacturers.
But when an accident occurs, more safety becomes involved. First responders must follow rules and regulations to ensure their safety as well. Ready to learn more? Let’s fan the flames of safety!
Resources

Brainstorming and Mind Mapping – video

NOW and THEN there’s Fire and Ice – Week 2
From the Ice Age to the Roman Empire onward to the Middle Ages and now into the 21st Century, fire has been used to heat caves, smelt iron, cook food, heat water and much more. But not until the Roman Empire was a fire brigade established. Using buckets, pumps and poles, the Romans extinguished fires (THEN). Today, fire equipment is empowered by innovative technology (NOW). Imagine how advanced fire equipment …