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burned out
How does everybody keep from burning out... from fund raising, running calls,an keeping up on things around there Departments
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Station10Capt106 on
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I'm on a volunteer department also and over the last 16 years have felt the effects of burn out a few times. The thing to remember is that you can not do it all. Keep your basic skills honed and pick a couple areas that you enjoy to specialize in. Too many times on volunteer departments members want to be involved in every single aspect. They take classes in this and classes in that and while they have a basic overview they are not proficient in it. Narrow it down and become the expert in your field.
Time out is also very important. Schedule time with your family. Have down time where you don't have to think or worry about the fire department.
It is also important for the officers and chief of the department to delegate and divide the responsibilities to all the members. They need to encourage involvement from all members so that a few don't have to take up the slack for the rest. This is especially important in fundraising and general maintenance around the station.
If you need to, take a hiatus. We have had members come to us and because of life events decide to step away for a couple months to get things set right again. Talk to your chief and maybe schedule a fire department vacation where you turn off your radio, pager and scanner for a week, month or however long you need.
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Permalink Reply by Roy Walker on
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I agree with the above post, the fire department can be a demanding environment . As with most things in life all things in moderation. Excuse your self from the occasional commitment, but try not to miss training. It is important however that you explain your absence to a senior officer , in advance ,so nobody is left relying on you. It is vital also that you do however recognize the difference between a little "burn out" and critical incident stress which may require you to seek help. Train hard and work safe.
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Permalink Reply by Firechief2411 on
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Look this job is harsh on family, harsh on friends, harsh on health, and harsh on mental being. There have been many times over the past 18 years I have wanted to quite and say it’s the other peoples issue. However here is the reality of this job paid or volunteer, people will die, people will get hurt, you will see the very worst in people, but you have said I will do this job (even if your are a volunteer) and the community expects you to do our job and they should. So yes it will burn you out with all of the training, political BS, and the administrative end. Just remember why you became a firefighter and keep that in mind it will get your through these times. Stay Safe.
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Permalink Reply by Jesse 202 on
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I also am from a small rural dept. What keeps me going is knowing there is something I (as a dept.)want. And keeping that goal of whatever I want in sight to try and achieve it. From medical calls to structure fires to MVA's there is always something you want, be it saving that structure or more of that structure, working a medical call or an MVA to working them better, safer and/or more efficiently. Also grants, knowing what you want and trying you hardest to get it. Knowing that there is something out there and you want it, keeps me keeping on. Granted I have only been in the fire service for 5 years so I am not saying I will not get burned out but as of this time I have never even been close!
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