Actually, there are a lot of things I don't understand. But one thing in the fire service that I do not understand is why we don't work together in a way that utilizes technology and shares our knowledge for everyone's benefit?
When you join a fire department, you are issued your turnout gear, pager, and some equipment; gloves, flashlight, rope, the basics, and later you build up more and buy more to fit your needs. You get sent off to training at your local fire academy and start going through the various certification courses and get your piece of paper. Depending on the culture of your department, you might continue to consistently train in-house or you might not Depending on the type of calls your department responds to, some of those basic skills and knowledge bits might fade away just because it's not being used. Some departments are able to issue every firefighter a fundamentals/essentials textbook where other departments might only have one or two in station.
Those textbooks have A LOT of information in them as well. Hundreds of pages, some of which might not be applicable to each department.
Here's my question. As a collective effort, there is a lot of knowledge within a single department and even more if one departments works with a couple others.
Why are we not working together to make a type of condensed guide for firefighters? In the past, I have tried to take power points and/or practice tests and rewrite/restyle them into study guides, more or less because rewriting is how I learn personally (as in writing out practice test questions as a statement with the answer bolded or something).
My company is lucky enough to have a couple instructors as officers in our department. But I bet most departments have a mutual aid company with an instructor or two. Although, this isn't something that necessarily requires instructors. If you're taking classes, you can type up your notes or type up parts of the power point for others to use.
And with cloud technology, it's simple to share. Dropbox is great for sharing files and so is Google drive. If you make a group, anyone in that group can upload files. So other, outside training resources could be shared as well.
I created guides for my FFI exam, and I am doing it for my BVR Tech exam. I have also already found resources to help me prepare for the FFII exam, which I hope to take in the spring.
Different people learn in different ways. Some people can see something done in front of them once and they're good to go. Others need to read about it first. I fall into the reading about it category.
I think it's little things like this-with technology, you can have the information at a single touch. I have my guides synced so that they can be accessed from my laptop, tablet, and cell phone. It is a cooperative effort, but I think most firefighters could benefit from it. What's wrong with a little refresher every now and then?
Stay safe.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
The funny thing about firemen...
"The funny thing about firemen is night and day, they are always firemen," is a quote from the movie "Backdraft." And it's true. No matter what, its a job to be loved, regardless of whether the fireman is paid or volunteer. It's a job that requires a lot of work and effort, but that's what makes it great.
The other funny thing about firemen? We make this job a lot more difficult than it needs to be sometimes.
We do things knowing that a simple change in action can make us safer. Or, sometimes, it requires a more complex action or even a series of actions that make the job easier/safer, but we still like to make things more difficult sometimes.
It can be as simple as putting on a seatbelt. Why do we need fire trucks with alarms that go off if we aren't belted in? How simple is it? One click. We're not immortal. We're human. Sometimes, I think some of us like to believe we're above every day safety limits. We're firefighters. Supposed to be heroes to the rest of the world. Stronger.
I don't know about others, but I know that I am not a hero. I am a human doing something not so normal and want to learn. I make sure to hear that click.
Perhaps it is our humanity that derives our weaknesses. Society holds us to a standard. When everyone else is having a bad day, they call us.
There are other things we do-or don't do-which make the job more difficult as well. I preach again and again about training, but what about general exercise? How many of us are out of shape? How would it help us if we took a little bit of time to work out? Some extra cardio could help out in the long run. It is a strenuous job.
Even something like the 60 second SCBA drill, is something people struggle with but may write off. It is something that takes practice. Its repetitiveness at least forces you to be familiar with a key piece of equipment.
Perhaps the one thing that makes this job the most difficult, from human factors at least, is our pride. Sometimes we have issues working alongside each other. That happens everywhere. The difference between others and us is that our job performance can be the difference between life and death. We have to remember our mission: to protect life and sustain property.
Its a unique job, a blessing and an honor. If we each try to drive change that can make us safer and more efficient, we could make a difference in the culture. We all deserve to go home.
Sometimes, the change can seem minor to one, but have a significant impact on another.
I've struggled in the past, it hasn't been easy being away at school and not being able to be involved as much as I would like. I try my best and hope to see it translate in the future. A few weeks ago, I got a random letter in the mail from a fire instructor. He included a a sticker from his training from his training company. I recently put it on my helmet. It shows my whacker side, but that little effort and note really lifted me up from some internal struggle. It was a brief reminder that I'm doing this for a reason, it won't be easy but I can do it. That's what makes this job great. The brotherhood is present. Always.
Brotherhood keeps us going at times. We have to be there for one another because in some ways, we are the only ones who understand.
Its a funny job. People think we are crazy. But I've never met a firefighter who hated the job.
Stay safe
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Puzzle Pieces: Some Truck Basics
Training, training, training. This cannot be stressed enough. What is amazing to me is realizing how many departments don't train. It is not easy to schedule around for everyone else, but not even planning a drill? That scares me. Practice like you play. If you don't practice, what happens at game time? Will you be combat ready?
Now, training does not always have to be complex. At the root of it all, firefighting can be pretty basic. And even when you consider the complexities and specializations, those are built UP from the basics. It's a foundation. Considering the puzzle that is firefighting, the basics are the end pieces. You have to have that in place before you can build into anything else.
Today, I am going to discuss truck operations basics. Whether you are a truckie or an engine guy, these are all skills that the combat ready firefighter needs to be aware of. Understanding and being competent in these skills is important because it allows the firefighter to have a more developed situational awareness, which can result in improved safety.
Enough about that. Let's talk about the truckie's job and skills.
I got the idea for this piece from this article. First, if you click on the link, please note that the website is called firefighting BASICS. Take away the basics and what do you have? You don't have much. Can you be too prepared for a fire? I don't think so. Preparation covers your bases; hoping for the best but expecting the worst. By having equipment available, you are "combat ready." You are considering your safety and the safety of your crews. So why does Boston throw so many ladders? Because it is a basic skill that provides a safety net and can make a significant difference if that ladder is needed. I know that on RIT calls, one of the first things to consider should be ladder placement because that determines location of egress. It's funny because engine and truck guys like to get on each other's nerves sometimes, but these practices allow for the engine company is alter their operations knowing that they have that egress option in place. This article is really good, I'll just sum it up with two quick quotes before moving on: "The best RIT crew is the one you never need," and "So the bottom line is the same for everything else on the fire ground; call for the equipment, put it in place, if you don't need it you can put it away. I'd rather have it and not need it." Firefighting can be complex, but sometimes the answers are just as basic as throwing a ladder.
So lets talk about ladders. I like this because, just like anything else, you have to be familiar and comfortable with it in order to correctly utilize it in the fire ground. Now, the purpose of the ladder is pretty obvious: a tool to get from Point A to Point B. One of the most important aspects of ladders is knowing them. Train with them. Get comfortable with them. Know your limits. I have experienced this before. I am not the strongest. Ladders definitely forced me to look at this aspect. So, I recognized my weaknesses and got my ass to the gym. Another interesting aspect is that while there are some safety concerns with ladders, it's common sense that can prevent that-foot that ladder. Consider the angles you are placing the ladder at and how that can affect the base and where the tip is placed-this affects the egress techniques as well. Practices throwing ladders can be a simple drill to throw together-you just need a building. If you have a chance to go somewhere else other than your station house, go for it. But even with your station, you can practice different angles. Practicing throwing ladders is kind of like practicing the 60 second SCBA donning drill-the more you practice, the more it becomes second nature.
This article is a great resource about common tools used for truck operations and their roles. This also offers a great perspective: "The tools we live with are basically the same; its the mindset that's different." That is an excellent point. We know what tools we need to complete these tasks, but for different situations. And all of these tools can be used in different ways. How effectively and the variety of ways it can be used depends on your personal skills. It goes back to the Halligan Bar post awhile back; you can use both ends of a Halligan for forcible entry, one side just tends to get used more often than others. Training leads to improvisation opportunities. This article also offers different training suggestions. Training doesn't have to be expensive. Get some plywood. I think I might be the in the minority on this one, but one way that I learn is by taking the tools in my hand. We preplan, don't we? Why not consider the different or off the wall situations we might have to use a tool in? Improvise, overcome and adapt.
Do routine maintenance on your equipment. Make sure it is in good condition. The tool is only as good as the person using it. Make sure you know it.
These post covered a lot of different things. I hope that the articles linked offer more insight as well. The point I was trying to make here is that the basics are more important than we sometimes give them credit for, and it also plays a role in our situational awareness while on scene.
Practice like you play. Everyone go home. Stay safe!
Now, training does not always have to be complex. At the root of it all, firefighting can be pretty basic. And even when you consider the complexities and specializations, those are built UP from the basics. It's a foundation. Considering the puzzle that is firefighting, the basics are the end pieces. You have to have that in place before you can build into anything else.
Today, I am going to discuss truck operations basics. Whether you are a truckie or an engine guy, these are all skills that the combat ready firefighter needs to be aware of. Understanding and being competent in these skills is important because it allows the firefighter to have a more developed situational awareness, which can result in improved safety.
Enough about that. Let's talk about the truckie's job and skills.
I got the idea for this piece from this article. First, if you click on the link, please note that the website is called firefighting BASICS. Take away the basics and what do you have? You don't have much. Can you be too prepared for a fire? I don't think so. Preparation covers your bases; hoping for the best but expecting the worst. By having equipment available, you are "combat ready." You are considering your safety and the safety of your crews. So why does Boston throw so many ladders? Because it is a basic skill that provides a safety net and can make a significant difference if that ladder is needed. I know that on RIT calls, one of the first things to consider should be ladder placement because that determines location of egress. It's funny because engine and truck guys like to get on each other's nerves sometimes, but these practices allow for the engine company is alter their operations knowing that they have that egress option in place. This article is really good, I'll just sum it up with two quick quotes before moving on: "The best RIT crew is the one you never need," and "So the bottom line is the same for everything else on the fire ground; call for the equipment, put it in place, if you don't need it you can put it away. I'd rather have it and not need it." Firefighting can be complex, but sometimes the answers are just as basic as throwing a ladder.
So lets talk about ladders. I like this because, just like anything else, you have to be familiar and comfortable with it in order to correctly utilize it in the fire ground. Now, the purpose of the ladder is pretty obvious: a tool to get from Point A to Point B. One of the most important aspects of ladders is knowing them. Train with them. Get comfortable with them. Know your limits. I have experienced this before. I am not the strongest. Ladders definitely forced me to look at this aspect. So, I recognized my weaknesses and got my ass to the gym. Another interesting aspect is that while there are some safety concerns with ladders, it's common sense that can prevent that-foot that ladder. Consider the angles you are placing the ladder at and how that can affect the base and where the tip is placed-this affects the egress techniques as well. Practices throwing ladders can be a simple drill to throw together-you just need a building. If you have a chance to go somewhere else other than your station house, go for it. But even with your station, you can practice different angles. Practicing throwing ladders is kind of like practicing the 60 second SCBA donning drill-the more you practice, the more it becomes second nature.
This article is a great resource about common tools used for truck operations and their roles. This also offers a great perspective: "The tools we live with are basically the same; its the mindset that's different." That is an excellent point. We know what tools we need to complete these tasks, but for different situations. And all of these tools can be used in different ways. How effectively and the variety of ways it can be used depends on your personal skills. It goes back to the Halligan Bar post awhile back; you can use both ends of a Halligan for forcible entry, one side just tends to get used more often than others. Training leads to improvisation opportunities. This article also offers different training suggestions. Training doesn't have to be expensive. Get some plywood. I think I might be the in the minority on this one, but one way that I learn is by taking the tools in my hand. We preplan, don't we? Why not consider the different or off the wall situations we might have to use a tool in? Improvise, overcome and adapt.
Do routine maintenance on your equipment. Make sure it is in good condition. The tool is only as good as the person using it. Make sure you know it.
These post covered a lot of different things. I hope that the articles linked offer more insight as well. The point I was trying to make here is that the basics are more important than we sometimes give them credit for, and it also plays a role in our situational awareness while on scene.
Practice like you play. Everyone go home. Stay safe!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Admitting
This blog has been really useful for me in a variety of ways. It has allowed me to explore different aspects of firefighting, and I feel as if I have learned much from researching and writing for this blog as well. It has made me excited to get back into firefighting, full time so to speak, once I graduate college and move back home.
But the other day I realized I was actually terrified.
This semester has been an interesting challenge for me, and I have not gotten to go home as much as I have the past couple years, or when I was home it was for specific reasons. All in all, I haven't been to the station very often. I've had a lot going on with my family, and they know that (seeing as my dad and two brothers also belong haha). But with the way my schedule has been, I have not been able to work out as much as I would like, and a hospital visit/injury pushed back my strength and conditioning workouts. For the past year, I have been using lifting (heavy lifting that I never thought I would do, not only has it been great for working out, it's also a confidence booster-if you can think it, you can do it) to keep in shape while I am at school, since I'm not home training, pulling lines, packing up, throwing ladders, or anything else that we do in the fire service.
This has made me very antsy. There is nothing more that I want other than to be a good firefighter. I want to learn. A year ago, if someone would have told me I'd be a Firefighter I, I probably would have laughed-I didn't think I could do it. I truly did not believe I could do it. But I did. And that got some type of fire burning, and I want to keep doing it, I want to keep training and obtaining certifications, I want to be the best firefighter I can possibly be. I'm just afraid I'm a little behind now.
I've been reading lately about female firefighters getting extra chances at fitness tests. First, forced diversity never works well for anyone. Second, special treatment makes the minorities who can do the job have a more difficult time. Third, can't we all just be viewed as people? Four, I don't want to be that liability. Nothing scares me more than being *that* person. *That* person is being the one who can't hold my own, being a liability. Failing. You can't fail, you can't falter in this job. You have to be the best you can be. Combat ready.
In some ways, going to college might have made it more difficult for me to develop as a firefighter, having it going in and out of my life because I've been away. But now I am hoping that with my life is settling down, health is back, and I am ALMOST done with all of my crazy projects, I can put fitness back in my life.
I want to learn. I want to be stronger.
This may be rambling, but I am concerned. Nothing but the best is acceptable. And I am looking forward to taking my Thanksgiving and Winter breaks to spend plenty of time at the fire house.
Stay safe.
But the other day I realized I was actually terrified.
This semester has been an interesting challenge for me, and I have not gotten to go home as much as I have the past couple years, or when I was home it was for specific reasons. All in all, I haven't been to the station very often. I've had a lot going on with my family, and they know that (seeing as my dad and two brothers also belong haha). But with the way my schedule has been, I have not been able to work out as much as I would like, and a hospital visit/injury pushed back my strength and conditioning workouts. For the past year, I have been using lifting (heavy lifting that I never thought I would do, not only has it been great for working out, it's also a confidence booster-if you can think it, you can do it) to keep in shape while I am at school, since I'm not home training, pulling lines, packing up, throwing ladders, or anything else that we do in the fire service.
This has made me very antsy. There is nothing more that I want other than to be a good firefighter. I want to learn. A year ago, if someone would have told me I'd be a Firefighter I, I probably would have laughed-I didn't think I could do it. I truly did not believe I could do it. But I did. And that got some type of fire burning, and I want to keep doing it, I want to keep training and obtaining certifications, I want to be the best firefighter I can possibly be. I'm just afraid I'm a little behind now.
I've been reading lately about female firefighters getting extra chances at fitness tests. First, forced diversity never works well for anyone. Second, special treatment makes the minorities who can do the job have a more difficult time. Third, can't we all just be viewed as people? Four, I don't want to be that liability. Nothing scares me more than being *that* person. *That* person is being the one who can't hold my own, being a liability. Failing. You can't fail, you can't falter in this job. You have to be the best you can be. Combat ready.
In some ways, going to college might have made it more difficult for me to develop as a firefighter, having it going in and out of my life because I've been away. But now I am hoping that with my life is settling down, health is back, and I am ALMOST done with all of my crazy projects, I can put fitness back in my life.
I want to learn. I want to be stronger.
This may be rambling, but I am concerned. Nothing but the best is acceptable. And I am looking forward to taking my Thanksgiving and Winter breaks to spend plenty of time at the fire house.
Stay safe.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Leadership At All Levels
"The greatest leader is not necessarily one who does the greatest things. He is the one who gets the people to do the greatest things." Ronald Reagan
"Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another." John C. Maxwell
"Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do, and let them surprise you with the results." George Patton Jr.
A few weeks ago, I asked some friends if they thought you could "teach" leadership. The consensus was more or less that you can teach the tactics or strategy, but, at the root of it, leadership is an innate skill. Some people are born to lead. Some are born to follow. And that's okay. But that doesn't mean everyone can't have potential to lead in some way.
The fire service has a set hierarchy in place. You know the chain of command. You know who to go to. Your leadership should be clear.
But that doesn't mean leadership only goes to those with a different colored helmet. Leadership might start at the top, but it is reflected from the bottom. "Attitude reflects leadership."
There are some people who do not have any desire to be an officer. They like keeping their black shield. That doesn't mean they can't lead or that they aren't going to be leaders! You can have too many leaders. You need people who are able to follow and execute orders. But you know what I think? That's a form of leadership in itself. Be an example. Set the standard. I don't think people consider this a form of leadership but it is! Leadership doesn't always have to be in the form of fireground operations, either. If you're the one at the station stepping up to check equipment or keeping the trucks clean, people notice. It can be called stepping up, it can be called a matter of pride. It can be doing what is right.
You can throw a small rock-a pebble-and the resulting ripples spread out in all directions. Why do I say this? Small actions can cause larger reactions. Leadership does not always have to be an action of rallying the troops. It can be as simple as doing the menial task that others might overlook. It is getting done what needs done. You do what you need to do. You do what is right. Doing what's right, setting an example-that's leadership. Be the standard. Help out, step up.
Leadership does not have to be a burden or struggle. It can be working together as a team. Again, firefighter is like a team sport. You have the coach (Chief/Incident Commander) and assistant coaches (officers), but leadership doesn't stop there. Members of the team are supposed to step up and lead, too. Together. Work together. It takes the cooperation and effort of everyone to obtain success.
You don't need to stand out to be a leader. Yes, we do need those people. I guess what I am trying to say is that you can lead by following. You can instill more confidence in a leader by following them. Others might follow your example too. Motivation can be contagious. Show your dedication.
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." -William Arthur Ward.
I think that quote by Ward is perfect for firefighting. I am not just talking about drilling. Hopefully, your leadership in your department can have this effect on you-explaining, demonstrating, and inspiring. You should want to get better. You should want to learn more. I joined the fire department at 14 years old. I don't think I would have thought I would have held a Board position and gotten my EMT and FFI by the time I was 21. Yes, I wanted it. But there were people along the way that helped me get there-and made me want it more.
This article takes leadership from, not a "what do I do" perspective but "what do THEY need" perspective. It is that doing what's best for the team attitude.
This post is great for leadership development in the fire service overall. Let's work together. I can't stress this enough. This doesn't just apply to your department-your mutual aid departments and at drills too. This is a great perspective too on attitude. This is a dangerous job. You gotta do what's right. You always got to do what's right. It might not be easy, it might not be popular. Don't let complacency of others change you. Rather, you change them. Challenge, motivate, and lead your crew. Not necessarily all at the same time. Maybe not each one to everyone either.
Protect life and sustain property. Safety. Creating a better environment.
I like how Cline's post talks about development of the company officer. Remember, I said that leadership can't always be taught. But Cline said exactly what I believe. People might have natural leadership skills, but you can't become a leader all on your own. Noticing a theme here, anyone?
Here's another recurring theme: we're always learning. Remember that. Develop your skills. Never stop. Be combat ready.
And, as always, stay safe.
"Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another." John C. Maxwell
"Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do, and let them surprise you with the results." George Patton Jr.
A few weeks ago, I asked some friends if they thought you could "teach" leadership. The consensus was more or less that you can teach the tactics or strategy, but, at the root of it, leadership is an innate skill. Some people are born to lead. Some are born to follow. And that's okay. But that doesn't mean everyone can't have potential to lead in some way.
The fire service has a set hierarchy in place. You know the chain of command. You know who to go to. Your leadership should be clear.
But that doesn't mean leadership only goes to those with a different colored helmet. Leadership might start at the top, but it is reflected from the bottom. "Attitude reflects leadership."
There are some people who do not have any desire to be an officer. They like keeping their black shield. That doesn't mean they can't lead or that they aren't going to be leaders! You can have too many leaders. You need people who are able to follow and execute orders. But you know what I think? That's a form of leadership in itself. Be an example. Set the standard. I don't think people consider this a form of leadership but it is! Leadership doesn't always have to be in the form of fireground operations, either. If you're the one at the station stepping up to check equipment or keeping the trucks clean, people notice. It can be called stepping up, it can be called a matter of pride. It can be doing what is right.
You can throw a small rock-a pebble-and the resulting ripples spread out in all directions. Why do I say this? Small actions can cause larger reactions. Leadership does not always have to be an action of rallying the troops. It can be as simple as doing the menial task that others might overlook. It is getting done what needs done. You do what you need to do. You do what is right. Doing what's right, setting an example-that's leadership. Be the standard. Help out, step up.
Leadership does not have to be a burden or struggle. It can be working together as a team. Again, firefighter is like a team sport. You have the coach (Chief/Incident Commander) and assistant coaches (officers), but leadership doesn't stop there. Members of the team are supposed to step up and lead, too. Together. Work together. It takes the cooperation and effort of everyone to obtain success.
You don't need to stand out to be a leader. Yes, we do need those people. I guess what I am trying to say is that you can lead by following. You can instill more confidence in a leader by following them. Others might follow your example too. Motivation can be contagious. Show your dedication.
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." -William Arthur Ward.
I think that quote by Ward is perfect for firefighting. I am not just talking about drilling. Hopefully, your leadership in your department can have this effect on you-explaining, demonstrating, and inspiring. You should want to get better. You should want to learn more. I joined the fire department at 14 years old. I don't think I would have thought I would have held a Board position and gotten my EMT and FFI by the time I was 21. Yes, I wanted it. But there were people along the way that helped me get there-and made me want it more.
This article takes leadership from, not a "what do I do" perspective but "what do THEY need" perspective. It is that doing what's best for the team attitude.
This post is great for leadership development in the fire service overall. Let's work together. I can't stress this enough. This doesn't just apply to your department-your mutual aid departments and at drills too. This is a great perspective too on attitude. This is a dangerous job. You gotta do what's right. You always got to do what's right. It might not be easy, it might not be popular. Don't let complacency of others change you. Rather, you change them. Challenge, motivate, and lead your crew. Not necessarily all at the same time. Maybe not each one to everyone either.
Protect life and sustain property. Safety. Creating a better environment.
I like how Cline's post talks about development of the company officer. Remember, I said that leadership can't always be taught. But Cline said exactly what I believe. People might have natural leadership skills, but you can't become a leader all on your own. Noticing a theme here, anyone?
Here's another recurring theme: we're always learning. Remember that. Develop your skills. Never stop. Be combat ready.
And, as always, stay safe.
 |
| By chance, I happened to find this cartoon by Paul Combs today. I think it's very appropriate to what needs to be said. |
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