"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
No comments:
Post a Comment