It was the first day back and the fire station kitchen was filled with excited voices. Three A-shift firefighters spent their days off at a regional hands-on training program and were enthusiastically sharing their experiences with the rest of the crew. They were especially energized with practicing new techniques in fighting basement fires. The techniques, technology, and procedures learned by the A-shifters are different than the current fire department policy. How can the fire officer direct passion into policy?
1) HAVE THE ATTENDEES DEMONSTRATE WHAT THEY LEARNED
Using the department’s existing resources, have the firefighters that attended the class provide a hands-on demonstration of what they learned with the other members of the shift.
Since basement fires were the topic, arranging a trip to the fire academy or utilize a nearby municipal parking garage that is empty on evenings or weekends.
2) SET-UP SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISONS OF THE CURRENT TECHNIQUE AND THE NEW TECHNIQUE
Let your chief/battalion manager know what is going on. Arrange a challenge pitting the existing technique with the new technique, perhaps using this as a multiple-company hands-on training session.
Identify what you are measuring and get the appropriate stopwatches, pitot gauges, or trash cans to determine the amount of water delivered.
Hose layout picture is from the Seattle Fire Department Basic Skills Manual. Chapter 4: Engine Operations
3) REVIEW THE RESULTS AND CONSIDER A TRIAL RUN
If the new technique makes a difference in deployment time, the amount of water delivered, firefighter safety or any other measurement used, consider making a formal request for a trial run. A trial run should include additional fire companies and go for a long enough time to gain fireground results.
The new technique may exploit newly available technology, such as a new style of 1.75″ attack line hose with very little friction loss and a new type of nozzle. Work through the chain of command to see if the department can set up a trial run with the vendor.
4) PUBLICIZE THE EFFORTS
Following department regulations on social media and publications, encourage the three firefighters to video blog or write up their experience with the class and the side-by-side comparisons.
The goal is to share the discovery process and generate conversation.
5) IF APPROPRIATE, BECOME THEIR ADVOCATE FOR CHANGING THE EXISTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE
If the suggested policy or procedure for basement fires will make a difference, support your firefighter efforts to change the department’s policy. This is where many efforts crash into a municipal “No.”
Newly empowered firefighters are shocked and angry when they research and submit recommendations to improve operations and get a “No” response. The company officer should try to get the “why” of the no response from the appropriate manager or administrator.
There may be an opportunity to make revisions to the recommendation. Or you may need to wait until Chief X retires.
6) RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE EFFORT
This is not a zero-sum endeavor. Your fire company has improved their skills in responding to basement fires. Firefighters have experienced the process of detailed analysis of an important firemantic task.
The fire officer and battalion manager should recognize the efforts made by the firefighters to improve fireground operations. Letter of commendation, notation in the annual evaluation report, or opportunities to participate in fire department funded training are examples of ways to recognize and celebrate.
ITS ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS
Even if this first effort is not a fantastic success, having firefighters learn the process of directing passion into policy changes will provide a durable skill set that will eventually make a difference.
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Featured image is from Underwriter’s Laboratory “Understanding and Fighting Basement Fires.”