Firefighting is hot, dirty and dangerous. It’s been that way from the beginning, and it requires that we return to the basics of our training and practice them often. To become master firefighters, we must combine the right attitude, the ability to control the situation and the power of good judgment with a holistic view of firemanship training to create and develop proficient firefighters. We need practical guidelines that can be applied in the training and assessment of the art and science of firemanship.
Remember:Firemanship is not about gender; nor is it just about firefighting. The concept of firemanship can be applied to any first responder operation, such as EMS, hazmat, law enforcement, etc.
Taking Measure
No training is effective without an assessment to identify the current knowledge, skills and abilities of the firefighter. How can we assess these essential ingredients in firemanship? Begin here by using this “Measuring Up” questionnaire to assess your level of firemanship development, or the development of other firefighters. Think about the last significant fire or other emergency event that you responded to, and then complete the questionnaire, giving an honest appraisal of your performance. After that, fill in the questionnaire again with the grades you think you should have, given your role on scene and your overall level of experience.
Measuring up will help you find gaps between what your score is and what you think it should be. Knowledge and skills are usually the areas of firemanship most often noted as requiring some work. Use your completed questionnaire to remind yourself of the firemanship elements you might want to improve.
Measuring Up
Firefighting discipline:How often do you knowingly bend or break the rules? Do you feel a secret admiration for a firefighter who melts the shield on their helmet? Are there times when the rules get in the way? Are your role models disciplined or undisciplined firefighters?
How would you assess your current level of discipline on the fireground?
A. Undisciplined
B. Usually disciplined
C. Always disciplined
Firefighting skills:Can you perform every skill required in your position? Would you partner with another firefighter of similar skill?
What is your current assessment of your firefighting skills?
A. I can perform most skills.
B. I can perform any skills on a good day.
C. I can perform any skills on a bad day.
Proficiency:How often do you fight fire? What is your average time between fires? Which tasks do you practice most frequently? After a long time between fires, what scares you?
How proficient are you today?
A. I haven’t fought fire in ages and never practice.
B. I haven’t fought fire in ages but do practice.
C. I fight fire regularly but don’t practice much.
D. I fight fire regularly and practice often.
Knowledge of self:How well do you know your capabilities and limitations as a firefighter? When was the last time you really pushed yourself? How does your personality affect your work as a firefighter? What hazardous attitudes do you exhibit at the emergency scene? Do you have any “personal minimums?” How do you know when you are in over your head?
How well do you know yourself?
A. My therapist says I’m OK.
B. I’m somewhat confident but still need some work.
C. I’m confident in my capabilities, but not overconfident.
Knowledge of team:How well do you know the capabilities and limitations of those you work with and those who support your operations? How about their proficiency, stress factors and attitudes? Do you trust them with your life?
How well do you know your team?
A. Who cares?
B. I’ll talk to them if I have to.
C. I know them and what they do.
D. I can do their jobs.
Knowledge of firefighting equipment and tasks: Can you explain in detail all of the critical steps required to operate your equipment and complete the basic firefighting tasks? Can you demonstrate the operation of the equipment and the tasks involved? Have you read all of your standard operating guidelines (SOGs)?
How well do you know your equipment and tasks?
A. I know what most of the switches and knobs do, and remember most of the tasks.
B. I can operate equipment and complete tasks most of the time.
C. I could write the equipment manual and recite the SOGs.
Knowledge of environment:How well do you understand building construction and design? Are you completely familiar with the types of buildings and area in which you operate? How much do you know about the effects of fire behavior? Do you fully understand the implications of other physical factors, such as smoke, darkness, heat, loud noise and muffled communication? Are you familiar with the effects of disorientation? Where are the obstructions that might prevent your escape from different building types, such as houses, retail stores, high-rise apartments and commercial buildings?
How well do you know your physical environment?
A. Not too well.
B. I can find my way around most buildings with the lights on.
C. I know the buildings well, but I get disoriented in the dark.
D. I know the buildings well and can stay oriented in the dark.
Situational awareness:Are you usually aware of what’s going on around you? How often are you surprised by unexpected events? Can you anticipate events?
How is your situational awareness?
A. What situation?
B. I am aware of most events happening around me.
C. I maintain situational awareness.
Firemanship goals: Now answer these questions.
1. If cost or time was not a limiting factor, what are the top five training or education programs you would like to complete in the next 12 months?
2. At the fire department, if there were no limiting factors (time, resources, etc.), how many hours per month would you like to train this year?
The Firemanship Approach
Firemanship is more than having the right knowledge and skills; it’s also about having the right attitude, self-discipline and a desire to perform your best at all times. It is an approach to firefighting that results in excellent performance. The purpose of the Measure Up tool is to give you an opportunity to reflect on your current state of firemanship development.
Outstanding firemanship can only be achieved by placing firemanship training at the heart of your training program. So how do you measure up?
Be safe!
