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How Do I Become a Good Firefighter?
So I've been on a department for about 6 months now. I work a lot of hours but dont get a whole lot of runs. I've ridden some places as well for medic school and had those preceptors that are just like wow that guy is good. My question is how do i become that guy. how do i show that im a "GOOD" firefighter? i want people to walk away thinking man i wish that kid would apply at my department or i hope he works next time i ride ? how do i become a good firefighter???
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Nathan Henderson on
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As John hit on earlier, humility is huge in this profession. An ego can ruin everything you worked for very quickly. Don't ever answer with "I Know"
As a new member to your department here are some suggestions I have:
-Learn the location and proper use of the equipment on the apparatus.
(Not having to ask where to get something makes things easier on the other members)
-Know your response area and the road mapping
(If you can't get there, you can't help)
-Ask questions
(Not just what something does, but why)
-Be a good communicator
(Communication is key in the fire service)
-Learn your dept's history and the history of the fire service in general
As for how you can be better as a fire fighter:
-Study, read, and learn all you can
- Get your IFSAC FF1 and any certifications your state may require
-Train as much as you can. When you think you've trained enough, you still have a ways to go.
-Go to as many trianing confrences and classes outside your department you can. There will be many classes that you can bring back to your dept not to mention things you can pick up from talking to other ff's at these classes/confrences
-Treat everyone (Coworkers and patients) with respect. You will earn plenty in return.
-If you start to feel overwhelmed, stop, take a deap breath, focus and continue. Especially early in your career, it is normal to feel overwhelmed at times (Especially during an incident). Stay calm, focus on your task and you will get through it.
Remember, the fire service is a continually evolving world, there is always something new to learn.
Good luck and stay safe!
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And always be willing to lend a hand and do the dirty work if needed. That includes cleaning the toilets. Everyone has had to do it.
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Permalink Reply by FF Nick on
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Above all, NEVER stop learning. The fire service has, is, and will always be forever changing.
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Permalink Reply by Bob on
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Training, thinking outside of the box, and of course on hands experience of course. train with other companies as well as schools. the rest will come naturally. B.C.Nick has it right everyday things change and to stay sharp and grow with anything we do in life we do through education.
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Permalink Reply by Matthew Angley on
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What it sounds like you're talking about is having a good reputation. It takes a long time to build a good one and can be easily destroyed. There are a few things we teach all our incoming probies to help them adjust. 1. TRAIN! Becoming a good fireman doesn't happen from playing video games or watching TV. The first step is to train and be competent at as many things as possible. And just because you're not drilling doesn't mean you can't learn something. Pick up firehouse magazine or fire engineering magazine and give it a read. They have good, informative articles about new techniques, technology, tactics, training, equipment, etc. 2. Listen to the older, more experienced guys. If the senior guys aren't passing knowledge down to you then as far as I'm concerned, they're not doing their jobs. 3. If you don't know something, ask! the only stupid question is an unasked question. This last one is something I cant tell you to do. EXPERIENCE. You're wet behind the ears right now and nothing will change that but time and experience. You should take something away from every run you go on. Even one as minor as a routine fire alarm can offer something new to learn. My chief referred to these little nuggets as "Tools for your tool box" Every time you learn something, it becomes a tool for your toolbox to be used later.
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Permalink Reply by jon viscione on
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I think the simple answer is, keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Listen more than talk, and think before you do speak. Ask questions
Listen to your officers and senior guys. Look for the people whose traits you admire and watch everything they do. You will probably see them doing things that need to be done before being asked or told.
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Permalink Reply by Mike "Lapo" Lapotasky on
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Train constantly. Practice knots. Practice things blindfolded.
Maintain your already lucent understanding that you need to SHOW your ability OVER TIME. Be patient.
Let them figure it out on their own.
Allow yourself to make mistakes in training and proactively improve on those weaknesses.
Do things without having to be asked to, such as: clean things, store equipment right and know its locations
Constantly look for an opportunity to learn from all of the other guys, it shows you want to learn and value their experience.
Don't always "have the answers", let people teach you even when you already know something
Be a team player
Dont bitch about riding assignments
DO EVERY ASSIGNMENT 100%
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Permalink Reply by Terry Smith on
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In my opinion, Ideas and concept can make a firefighter very good. But always keep in mind that concepts do not just for the firefighter level but for all the ranks within the service as well. By that, you can help enhance fire suppression efforts and also your safety on the fireground.
Terry @ FireStoreOnline
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Permalink Reply by Ted Mead on
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four words to live by
look, listen, learn, and do!
look carefully at your surroundings and pay attention, failure to do this results in someone getting hurt.
listen to your officers orders and follow them to the letter.
learn all you can from classes and from actual scenes and keep a diary of what you learn.
do your duty if you have been trained properly you should be able to fight a fire as a team without instructions, practice to the point you can do it with your eyes closed.
getting to be a good fire fighter is not magic its getting to be a team mate you can depend on.
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