Koray Korkut
Koray Korkut is the Fire Department Director (İtfaiye Müdürü) of the Karabük Municipality Fire Department, appointed to the position in 2020. Born in 1984 in Karabük, Turkey, he began his career as a Firefighter with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department in 2007, transferred to the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department in 2010 where he served as Firefighter Sergeant and Fire Officer, and was appointed Fire Department Director at Karabük in 2020. He has responded to 1,000+ structural fires and 10+ major incidents including earthquakes, large wildland fires, and hazmat emergencies. He has been awarded the State Distinguished Service Medal of Turkey (Devlet Üstün Fedakarlık Madalyası). He holds an associate degree in Emergency and Disaster Management (Acil Durum ve Afet Yönetimi) and a bachelor\'s degree in Public Administration from Anadolu University. He is a certified Level 4 Fire Instructor and Level 2 Work at Heights Instructor.
Articles by Koray Korkut
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT): How Firefighters Handle Mayday and Firefighter Rescue Operations
When a firefighter calls Mayday, seconds matter. This guide explains how Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) operate, the tactics they use, the equipment they deploy, and how departments train for firefighter rescue operations.
Stroke Recognition and EMS Response: BE-FAST, Cincinnati Scale & Pre-Hospital Treatment
Stroke EMS guide: ischemic vs hemorrhagic stroke, BE-FAST, Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, LAMS for LVO screening, field assessment sequence, pre-hospital treatment, PSC vs CSC transport, stroke mimics, and TIA.
Structural Collapse Rescue Basics: Void Spaces, Search Priorities, and USAR Operations
Structural collapse rescue guide: collapse types and void spaces, survivor priorities, phased search approach, technical search methods, secondary collapse hazards, basic shoring concepts, and Operations-level vs USAR roles.
Trench Rescue: Soil Classification, Sloping, Shoring & Operations-Level Response
Trench rescue guide: why trenches collapse, OSHA soil classification (Type A/B/C), field testing, collapse patterns, protective systems (sloping, shoring, shielding, air shores), initial response actions, secondary collapse prevention, and victim care.
Vehicle Extrication Basics: Phases, Tools, and Safe Patient Removal for Firefighters
Complete vehicle extrication guide: 7 phases of extrication, hydraulic rescue tools, vehicle stabilization, dash displacement, controlled vs rapid extraction, and modern vehicle hazards including EV and high-strength steel.
Wildfire Evacuation Guide: Go-Bag Essentials, Evacuation Zones & How to Leave Safely
Wildfire evacuation guide: how evacuation zone levels work, what to prepare before fire season, go-bag essentials checklist, when to leave (don't wait for Level 3), how to drive out safely, final home prep, pets and livestock, and post-fire re-entry.
Wildfire Structure Defense: Triage, Defensible Space & Home Hardening for Engine Companies
Wildfire structure defense guide: structure triage, survivable vs non-survivable assessment, LCES safety framework, structure preparation sequence, attack tactics, defensible space zones, home hardening, and WUI water supply.
Wildland Firefighter Pack Test: Training Plan, Standards & How to Pass the Work Capacity Test
Complete Pack Test (Work Capacity Test) guide: arduous, moderate, and light level standards, specific loaded hiking training program, 12-week periodized plan, test day pace strategy, and seasonal fitness for wildland firefighters.