June 14 - 20 was Fire/EMS Safety, Health & Survival Week. To be honest, I was so busy with a million other things that I totally missed it. I was taking a few minutes to read some of the content on http://www.firerescue1.com/ this evening and I stumbled across a few good articles. One, by Charles Bailey, addresses the typical "we need to change" theme in a whole new way. Drop the big banner declarations. Don't leverage scare tactics. Instead, look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself - from the moment the tones go out until the moment you return home, did you operate in a way that gives you, your brothers and the public at large the best chance for a safe, injury-free outcome? Then Mr. Bailey goes on to suggest, horror of horrors, that we SLOW DOWN.
Now, I've been through any number of fire-related classes. I've been through FFI and FFII. I've been on my fair share of fire, rescue and EMS-related calls in my 15 years in the service. Rarely do I ever hear anyone suggest that we should slow down. In fact, from our firefighting births, we are constantly timed on everything. 45-second SCBA drills. Search & rescue drills. Low-angle rescue drills. Get it done quickly - lives are at stake!! But, if you read Mr. Bailey's article (click here) you'll see what he really means. I won't reiterate the whole article (go read it, it's not too long at all), but I will make a few points for our guys...
1. When responding from home, blue lights or not, please go a little easier. I know the adrenaline is pumping. I know you want to "make the truck" - but I want you to make it HOME too. A professional learns how to manage and benefit from the adrenaline rush, not be a victim of it. Lastly, remember that you're a representative of the WFD, 24 hours a day. Gain the respect of our civilian neighbors by driving at a reasonable speed. (Note that a blue light affords you no additional rights when driving - you are required to observe the speed limit, all traffic signs and rights of way.)
2. When driving apparatus, also go a little easier. Lights and sirens (esp. the Federal) and pre-arrival radio chatter can jack up the adrenaline even more, but remember that we're no good if we don't get there safely, and we don't really shave that much off our response times by barreling down any district road at a relatively unsafe rate of speed. (Note that red lights and sirens DO allow you to maneuver through red lights and to pass other vehicles, but they DO NOT alleviate you of your responsibilities and potential liabilities as the operator of the vehicle.)
3. As a rider in the officer's seat, manage the radio and sirens and have your eyes peeled for any hazards. Give the chauffer every chance to focus on handling the apparatus ONLY. If you feel the driver is going too fast, just throw out a "Johnny - ease off a little, we'll get there...", but don't start an argument about it during the ride - save any necessary discussions for the post-mortum.
4. When performing an operation, if you're not sure about what you're doing, stop and get help. Nobody is perfect and nobody knows everything - better to take a few minutes and do it right than to get it done quickly, but incorrectly, and put lives at further risk.
5. Proficiency, which is the sum of speed + accuracy + consistency, is obtained via repetition. Drills can be less than exciting, but it's your responsibility as a member to attend ALL drills and to participate. Aside from formal drills and other classes, take time to drill yourself. Grab a rope and practice those knots. Stare at closed compartment, quiz yourself on the contents, open the compartment and grade yourself - then repeat. Make note of hydrant locations when driving around the district. Quiz yourself on things like pump capacity, hose bed lengths/layouts, ladder lengths, etc.
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At our officer's meeting this evening it occurred to me that with all the "changes in management" this past spring, we took on a new/old lieutenant back in May without any formal recognition here on westfieldfire.net. Shame, shame, shame. Dave Peterson, seen here with his lovely wife Linda, had risen to the rank of captain back in the late 1990's and stepped down in the early 2000's to spend more time with his family and to run his business. Well, apparently Dave has this stuff in his blood because he stepped right back up this past May to fill an open LT position. Dave is one of our most experienced firefighter/EMT's and his hands-on knowledge will certainly make a big difference "on scene" and around the firehouse. Dave - great to have you sporting a white hat again! We'll see you at the "big one!"
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