For the more than five years that VentEnterSearch.com has been around, it has always had the tag line “The Lost Art of the Fire Service.†While most of you understand exactly what we are trying to get across with that tag line, we realize we have never addressed it directly. So here goes, below are a few of our thoughts on exactly what The Lost Art of the Fire Service means to us…
Truck company functions have quickly become the lost art of the fire service. Many firefighters are being trained how to perform tasks, but not why. This is preventing them from truly understanding the art behind many truck company functions. Truck company functions have become a lost art for a number of different reasons. One of the main reasons is a result of the decreasing level of actual fire ground experience among personnel. Unfortunately this is creating less situational awareness on the fire ground. While education can never replace actual experience, a firm understanding of why we perform each task is essential. Furthermore, truck functions need to be performed at every fire regardless if a truck company is present or not! Changes in building construction have had a significant effect on how we operate on the fire ground, and have made the need for effective truck functions more important than ever. The energy efficiency or tightness of modern buildings coupled with the increased fuel load make ventilation a necessary and critical time sensitive operation. In addition, the execution of effective and efficient search techniques is going to increase survivability of both firefighters and occupants! It is essential that everyone on the fire ground in the fire service understand the importance and the art of effective truck company functions.
The “why” is the responsibility of the instructor. Having taught at both the local and national level, I ALWAYS explain what and why so that the student knew the results of their action or inaction. EVERYBODY wants to teach and many times I have had to say, “No” to those wanting to. THey ask me why and I explain that teaching is an art and you cant just stand there and yakk at the class expecting them to get it. My belief is that you can’t teach something that you haven’t done yourself. I’ve made the mistake of letting “good guys” take a class subject. Unfortunately they bombed. I ask potential instructors to come and sit in on the classes we have in place and learn the teaching side of it. I’ve had them outright refuse to do so, insisting that they just want to teach. I have nor the time nor the pacience to “re-teach” because of egos needing to be stroked.
If you are giving a drill or teaching probies or whatever the group, it is your responsibility to give the information to them and know that they understand it and respect it. The potential for learning it wrong or half assed will get they or their comrades killed.
Do it right or don’t do it at all.
Stay safe brothers.
Well put. However, we need to remember that we cannot teach everything in one session or class. As an academy director I like to teach our candidates using the crawl-walk-run approach. Learn the basics then master them. That’s the job at the academy. Many instructors want to teach all the considerations and variations. The problem is the new guy can’t grasp it. He does not have any experience and therefore cannot understand the situation that does not follow the “book.†Officers I have respect for want candidates who can do basic tasks well, not guys who think they know what is going on. It is the job of the senior members and officers to mentor the newer members and expand their knowledge, skill and ability by teaching them not only how but why. Unfortunately, many members, even those dedicated ones, do not ever return to a formal class or training session once they graduate the academy. It would be great if we would have all members return to the academy (or a fire school/FDIC, etc.) for advanced training every few years so that their past experiences could be coupled with formal training and things could only get better.
I agree with Drew….the job of a fire academy is to teach basic skills. When firefighters are hired, they will then learn how their respective department performs these skills more specifically. As firefighters, we need to understand that we never really “master” the job. There is always something to learn no matter how many times you do it. My advice, always seek further training and stay open to new ideas.
http://www.riohondotruckacademy.com
Unfortunately in my area, the academy teaches the basics but the essentials of the TRUCK COMPANY are never mentioned. Straight foreword firefighting, rescue, and ventilation are covered, but no REAL advanced truck functions are covered, and if so, the surface is barely scratched. I was on the engine for 8 years, a quint for 3 performing a dual role but the last 5 years (and counting) on the TRUCK have been the highlight of my career thus far. I am a certified instructor and love to combine class room and hands on training for everyone, but especially the guys on the truck. I’m learning as I’m teaching…and to give credit where it’s due, have learned a few things from the guys along the way. I good teacher never stops learning!
Well said! Most firefighters today don’t understand the dynamics of fire and how fire evolves in today’s construction. Even worse, most firefighters and don’t understand the fire protection features built into modern buildings, and how to use them to their advantage. It is unfortunate that most fire departments do not spend the time to train their personnel in fire dynamics, ultimately leading to successful fireground size-up and operations of the truck company. Truck company operations make or break a successful fire attack.
Let’s hope that new firefighters today take every opportunity they can to learn and educate themselves from real experiences. The goal of the fire department is to save lives and property while protecting themselves and their fellow brothers (and sisters).
Excellent Post! I happen to do Truck work and Rescue Co work but keep in mind your post applies to Engine Co work as well. Firefighting itself has become a “Lost Art of the Fire Service”.
You know everything in this post is spot on true. I went through essentials 6 years ago. Im not saying i know everything but when i went through essentials for truck work they taught how to cut a basic 4 x 4 hole, never showed or discussed a trench cut, the primary searches were more of a primary and secondary search, never taught about air management or skip breathing. One instructor told the class it is pointless to vertical vent a roof unless fire comes out of the roof. I doubt they have ever heard of smoke and gases can escape easier from the hole and helps the guys inside with seeing and arent taking as much heat. A lot of the instructors ive seen are very book smart but arent street smart and see a lot of actual rsf’s. I learned more from a few classes from the traditions training instructors than anyone else because they are seasoned firefighters that want to teach you smart things, and things that benifit you and your company rather than what your state thinks is good enough to run into a burning building.
One thing that drives me nuts is seeing firefighter that wont advance a hose line or search because they cant see or wont put out the fire because its hot. Seriously?!?!?!?! Its sad to see people arent being trained enough to use your sences besides your eyes
Edit i missed: A lot of the instructors ive seen are very book smart but arent street smart and do not see a lot of actual rsf’s.