Se7en Characteristics For Saving Lives (continued)

Begin With Yourself

Before jumping into the training arena, determine if you need a refresher (or two) in the fundamentals and if so, get them.

Your credibility depends on it. The first time you walk into a group with the intent to train them on something you’re weak in, soon they will know … and eat you alive.

Oh, they’ll be courteous, especially if you outrank them, but word gets around, rumors start, and you’re done. Credibility is like trust.

You may have accumulated a lot of it throughout the years, but as soon as you cause your trust (or credibility) to falter it takes a lonnnng time to get it back. If ever.

Safety First — Always

Whether you’re covering simple hose lays, ladders or whatever the training bureau directs, ensure that ALL hands-on evolutions are conducted with safety as the underlying directive.

The day’s (or night’s) event must be written and approved by the AHJ for the all-hands briefing. Helmets, gloves, eye protection, SCBAs and all other appropriate PPE is mandatory during every point during the event.

Plenty of rehab with pre-and post-vital medical signs taken for everyone. Safety Officer(s) assigned and an established command structure that manages the operation with focus and deliberation.

Following the termination of the operation a hotwash and after-action review (AAR) should be submitted and shared with all involved.

This is not a comprehensive list, but a good start that may help some that have been or are being thrust into the training role.

The paragraph above reminds me of a practice of a department I was affiliated with — a common practice at this department, which had been in business since 1845: Six months before a member was scheduled to retire he was reassigned from the field to Training.

Because he had all the skills, knowledges and willingness to train? No, it was so he could retire out at a higher paygrade thus increasing his retirement benefits. Now I don’t begrudge any brother or sister his/her hard-earned pay, but what message does it send to the troops regarding the value of training?

Not to mention the liability and potential harm firefighters received while training with those unwilling or unable to safely conduct training?

Be Honest

Training isn’t simply showing