A publication dedicated to the well-being of firefighters across North America and beyond.
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Firefighting is a career of extremes that cannot be left at the office. Firefighters deal with life and death on a daily basis and are usually unable to debrief completely before heading home. Many firefighters find it difficult, if not impossible, to discuss work with their loved ones. We combine both on-duty and off-duty topics to provide firefighters with the tools required to deal with the stressors of firefighting.
What does the word "vulnerability" mean to you as a First Responder? What's the first thing that comes to mind? After over 30 years in the fire service, I can tell you what I used to think it meant.
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I often wonder why the fire service isn’t better off than it is, and as any good firefighter does, I begin to formulate plans that will fix all of these problems. Get two or more firefighters involved in the problem-solving process for even better results. This proven technique has stood the test of time in quickly pinpointing those who are to blame. However, if you find yourself in one of those honest moments of reflection, you might discover some things that make the wheels fall off of all those theories. You might realize that you are the problem.
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There are many good things about working in Fire. One of them is the sense of “brotherhood” and “family” that is frequently brought up. But a workplace bully can sour that brotherhood. But what happens when this isn’t the case? What happens when you are working in a station or on a crew that simply doesn’t get along?
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It’s no secret today that as first responders, we are faced with a constant gauntlet of various types of traumas. In its simplest form, just showing up for a shift or call exposes you to a situation most in society will never experience, never mind endure time and time again. Big city, small town, volunteer or full-time, we immerse ourselves into the worst days of the public in the name of helping others.
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From a broad perspective, it is essential that our industry remains relevant and strives to meet the needs of our respective communities. Relevancy is often associated with funding approval and municipal support. There are several ways to increase awareness and involvement which may lend toward our goal of maintaining our love for the job.
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My first day on the job is one I will never forget. As green as a five-dollar bill, I was following my crew members around like a lost puppy. I was just trying to soak up as much as I could from the veterans so I didn’t mess up and do something embarrassing. Full of anxiety and fear of being judged as unworthy of my new position, I was trying to get through the day.
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There are many good things about working in Fire. One of them is the sense of “brotherhood” and “family” that is frequently brought up. But what happens when this isn’t the case? What happens when you are working in a station or on a crew that doesn’t get along?
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Where you are on the leadership track, whether just starting out, midway through, or on the back half full of reflection and wisdom, oftentimes will reflect your comfort zone when it comes to dealing with problems. Those just beginning their climb up the ranks may see things narrowly with a straight “wrong or right” attitude when dealing with non-incident problems or station issues.
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Hunt for the good stuff and celebrate it. When firefighters do well, be sure to recognize their achievements. It can be as simple as starting with a simple "Well Done ."
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What’s your view look like? In the fire service, every person has a job or function to perform.
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