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If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie, what would it be?
I'm still just getting started. Everyone I have met has been wonderful in sharing their knowledge and experiences with me. So I thought, if there was one thing you could pass on to the "new Kid" what would it be?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by FF Nick on
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Always remember, even with all the training you have or get, you'll know just enough to get you or someone else seriously hurt and or killed. Always pay attention to your surroundings because thing in the fire service are always changing, Onscene and off.
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Permalink Reply by Capt.Alex Arnold on
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The most important thing I can say is, remember it isn't our emergency! Don't make another one to get to theirs. I am continually reminding my FF's of this. It doesn't matter if you are a newbie or a life long member, if you don't get there you can't help. You cause another emergency in route who do you think your partners are going to want to come and help? Take that extra look at the intersections. Be forward thinking in your response. Risk is part of the job, save the risk taking for the fire scene. Take less risk on the roadway. To many unnecessary risks are taken in the apparautus. Be safe and learn something new today.
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Permalink Reply by Kimberly A. Beatty on
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Keep your eyes open, listen, and always, ALWAYS ask any questions you might have. There is no such thing as a stupid question, especially if it can save a life!
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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on
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Follow Rule #1 = DO NOT DIE.
Everything else is secondary. Following that rule may be more complicated than you might think.
The things that are posted above all point toward following Rule#1.
Don't keep your mouth shut, as long as you're asking questions. There is no such thing as as a stupid question until you get some experience and learn how to follow Rule #1.
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Permalink Reply by Phil Ferris on
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Just one item of advice. I'm not sure if I can be limited to one so here is my short list.
Maintain self respect. You'll be suprised how much respect you can earn.
Never stop learning.
Never stop practicing. Some of us call it drilling.
Take pride in your company.
Be responsible for your actions.
If a call leaves you troubled, talk about it with your peers!
A little bit of fear is a healthy thing.
Have some fun every day.
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Permalink Reply by Bill Heizer F/F E.M/T.-P on
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Hey Kiddo , the best advice I can give you is to be a sponge, Soak up every bit of information that you can. Pay attention to your instructors and field training officers , and be a self starter, by that I mean be available to learn and help out with any tasks that need to be performed at the station. Also respect your senior members, They have earned the respect , and make a very valuable source of information . Good Luck and stay safe
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Permalink Reply by Nick Devries on
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eyes and ears open; mouth shut. that's what i did for the first 3-4 months i was with the department. i watched EVERYTHING. they were doing ems training...i watched. i'm not an emt, but when the shit hit's the fan, you need to at least have a very basic understanding.
get familiar with your radio procedures and how to read a call printout. after only riding 6 months, the wagon driver and i were the only one's in the station early one afternoon. a call rings out, i jump seat, and before he had a chance to coach me through, i had already put us as responding, and given the verbal.
last, help out around the station. after dinner or something, grab a broom and start sweeping. when that's done, grab a mop. don't wait for the officer to tell you what to do. get out there and show him you can do it yourself.
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aaaaaamen. i put a response in below, but your's really hit's the mark. thank's phil
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Permalink Reply by Sonny Covic on
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Its probably been said a few hundred times, but the ultimate best advice is to shut the hell up! Don't be afraid to ask serious questions and always respect seniority. Be inquisitive without being annoying. Do alot of listening, alot. You can be aggresive withasking to train on different things...
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Permalink Reply by Jay Nicholson on
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Another way to say this. 2 eyes, 2 ears, 1 mouth. That's a 4 to 1 ratio. Very early in your career there are some phrases that should never pass your lips. "why do we do it this way." I think it would be better if we...'insert head up a**'" And about another 100 things. You should be absorbing the training, not interjecting.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Filyaw on
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Here's my two cents worth for ya. Listen more than you talk. It's a medical fact that when your mouth is open your ears are closed. But the important thing is If you listen you'll learn and if you keep quiet unless you have a question or something needs to be said you will be respected and not seen as that guy that talks too much or the smart @zz. If someone of higher rank than you tells you something and you know for a fact it isn't right Still (unless there's a safety issue ) keep quiet. You can bring it up later in private with proof of what you know in hand from a text book or something. Never ever publicly disagree with a superior. Even if you are right you are wrong and they will let everyone know it. Don't even start the apparatus or go enroute' until you have verified by map book and dispatch that you know where you are going. When you speak know what you are going to say before you open your mouth. Oh and a Huge one. DON'T BRAG.!!! It doesn't earn respect it gets you known as the guy who brags and people will most likely underestimate your skills and lose trust in you because of it. Don't try to be the tough guy who doesn't need help. There is no I in team. show that you are willing to help but accept help as well. Oh ALWAYS take responsibility for your actions If you walk by the engine with your SCBA and the buckle scratches the paint - tell someone right away don't cover it up don't try to hide it don't make excuses Don't tell them the how and or why just say it happened I did it. No reasoning is needed or wanted ->(from experience) . Well That's my two cents. Have a great fire career and be safe.
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Permalink Reply by josh slagel on
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One thing i would pass on is know your apparatus and take all the fire schools you can i am still relitivly new in the fire service but both of theese have helped me alot.
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