This post compares three aerial extractions of firefighters in danger of being overrun by fire.
Fire Training
The Conditions We Create
If we as a workforce don’t consciously identify and exploit opportunities for learning as part of everyday work, we are failing to foster the constant growth required to navigate the dynamic environment in which we operate
The Likelihood of Learning from Incidents
The likelihood of a lesson influencing our behavior is greatly increased by how personal the source of the lesson is. We strive to increase the likelihood of learning for those farther removed through personalizing learning experiences.
HOW are You Teaching and Learning?
As you engage with your fellow firefighters and share observations and judgements it’s possible you’re teaching as much as you’re learning.
Know the System – Be Able to Articulate the Formal and Informal Learning System Around You
What is the learning system like on your module, crew, or home unit? How does it work? Do you dedicate specific time to learning or do you have a more opportunistic approach—capitalizing on learning moments as they present themselves?
Insights on Learning from the Redding Hotshot Crew Superintendent
The culmination of our crew’s training is the South Canyon Staff Ride. That’s where a lot of tremendous lessons are learned up on that hill during this Staff Ride experience.
Promoting a Prescribed Fire Workforce
It’s clear that our firefighters are spending more and more time away from their home units, engaged in difficult and extended fire assignments, and have very little time to also be responsible for implementing the needed prescribed fires back home . . . Every reason for not burning can be overcome when you have a workforce who is dedicated to getting it accomplished. This isn’t magic. It’s how all work gets done. You make it the priority duty for that work team or group of employees . . . In this way, we can start to reduce the risk to our future workforce.
You are the Example
Without realizing it, you might already be leading. Eventually you're going to have to deal with the behavior you've modeled.
Is Our Safety Messaging Making Us Less Safe?
If we agree that our goal is to bring folks home unharmed, but we work in an inherently hazardous environment, what is the most effective messaging to ensure intent is understood and achievable?
The View from Here
We must align our perspectives related to risk and exposure if we are to advance our collective interest in the well-being of our workforce and our landscape.