This simple 2 pager is just a few quickly compiled tallies and a handful of lessons.
Lessons
Cracking the Code
As a Korean woman on a shot crew, part of my code-switching strategy was to appear a little less feminine and more masculine.
The Art of the Briefing
By definition, you get one shot at a briefing. Preparation can ensure you nail it. By Peter M. Leschak You could smell rotting meat a quarter-mile away. When Hurricane Ivan’s tidal surge scoured the barrier island of Santa Rosa in September 2004, the damage was catastrophic. A small restaurant that catered to tourists at the … Continue reading The Art of the Briefing
Traumatic Transitions
[This article originally appeared in the fall 2018 issue of Two More Chains.] By Travis Dotson Brit Rosso is the Director of the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center—but not for long. Brit is retiring in January 2019, and not by choice. This winter Brit gets the old “golden boot”—the federal wildland fire mandatory retirement. This … Continue reading Traumatic Transitions
Tree on Truck…Tac-Pause
The innovative application of the tactical pause recounted here is the 'mental health' tac-pause for the person who just experienced a seriously close call. The mental health version is just a bit of time, space, and support to assure we have our 'head back in the game'.
He’d Rather You Call Him a ‘Learner’ Not a ‘Survivor’
[This article originally appeared as the “One of Our Own” feature in the 2021 Summer Issue of Two More Chains.] As you’re about to discover, Kip Gray has an important story—and insights and learning—to share with us. This man’s unique perspective helps enrich his stories, his learnings. In 1999, after working on engines on Oregon’s … Continue reading He’d Rather You Call Him a ‘Learner’ Not a ‘Survivor’
After the Dust Settles, What Have We Learned?
By Nick Bohnstedt, Field Operations Specialist (Acting), Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center “All personnel should continually evaluate the need to use aircraft versus other transportation modes in the accomplishment of any mission. In this case, the AOBD and fire staff received information that the road to the repeater site was blocked by trees and was … Continue reading After the Dust Settles, What Have We Learned?
Are You Prepared for an Active Shooter Situation?
Have you ever considered what you would do if you encountered an active shooter—or someone threatening you with a gun—out in the field? Do you have a plan? These reports have helpful insights. Check out the lessons in this recent RLS that tells the story of what happened when an active shooter walked onto a … Continue reading Are You Prepared for an Active Shooter Situation?
Heatstroke Lesson Sharing from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
[This blog post enlightens you to how we might best reflect and learn from the experience of others—avoiding the “Us and Them” pitfalls. It also shares vital information about concepts and practices that might be new to you—including “capacity sponges” and the “TACO” method for saving someone’s life. Pertinent topics here include “Three Dangerous Myths … Continue reading Heatstroke Lesson Sharing from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Where Does Your Incident Repeater Come From?
What I learned from two weeks at the Great Basin Cache By Erik Apland, Field Operations Specialist (Acting), Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center I recently mobilized to a 14-day assignment that was completely outside of my previous experience—working for the Great Basin Support Cache in Boise, Idaho. The Great Basin Cache (GBK is its identifier) … Continue reading Where Does Your Incident Repeater Come From?