While I don't post much original content on this blog, using it primarily for sharing information that I find, I feel the need to post a disclaimer with these videos. It seems that some of the information I have shared here has been taken out of context and not viewed in the same light in which I have seen. I have been accused of throwing caution to the wind and preaching aggressiveness over safety; nothing could be further from the truth. My last post was a side-by-side burn comparison of how fire grows with an open door versus a controlled door. I was asked by several members in training if this means we should not open the door to initiate fire attack. Even though I posted that the video illustrated why we should maintain the integrity of the door, control the door, and keep the door closed until ready to make entry, it was somehow misconstrued. I guess that just shows how human nature causes us to form an initial impression without really looking into things. Personally, I don't post or form an impression of a video for training purposes until I have watched it several times and analyzed it from every angle possible.
So with that said I am sure that many of you have formed the impression that Lt. McCormack is stating that safety is not important. Lt. McCormack makes several tongue-in-cheek comments about air management, victim survivability profiling, reading smoke, and fire prevention. He even starts his speech with "My name is Ray and I like to go to fires". This makes it easy to think that he is just some crusty old smokeater who believes in the old school way of doing things and not paying attention to safety. I don't believe this; I feel there is more to his message than what is readily apparent.
I have felt for some time now that the fire service is at a crossroads. We have the safety Nazis on one side telling us that we are number one and everyone goes home. Then we have the old schoolers on the other side telling us to get the job done no matter what the cost. Lately it seems that we have created a culture of safety versus a culture of extinguishment. Where is the middle ground? Why can't we get the job done while giving everyone the best possible chance of going home?
Make no mistake about it; as long as we continue to respond to fires, firefighters will die in the line of duty. Lt. McCormack points out that the tag inside your helmet and every other piece of gear you have states"firefighting is an inherently dangerous job". He goes on to say that firefighting is dirty, difficult, and dangerous; this a a fact. It has been this way for the past one hundred years and will continue to be for the next one hundred. It is our job to protect the customers who cannot protect themselves.
So while you will likely form your own opinions from this video, here is what I took from it:
- Engine company fundamentals form the basis of this job. If we put out the fire, safety is accomplished for everyone on the fireground.
- You can always quit, there are plenty of people who would love to have your job.
- As Lt. McCormack stated his senior firefighter said, "Do your job and remember that it's a privilege to work here".
- Lead by example, cleaning the tools is not the job of a lowly junior firefighter, do it because you love it.
- We need leaders who are cautious not fearful; cautiousness and knowledgeable= yes; fearful, no.
- Customer is number one; our own mission statement and core values of customer service, dedication, and brotherhood place customer service first.
- Firefighters have the highest approval rating of any profession. This is because of our courage, determination, and pride. Don't let the customer down.
- Turn out quickly, stretch hoselines correctly.
- We will fail if we don't exercise our craft. Learn all you can about the enemy, train, and keep fire in your life.
- Always remember that it is an honor and a privilege to have the best job in the world. As soon as you forget that, you become as much of an enemy to the fire service as fire itself.
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