Trial By Fire

  Communications Management   Governance   ProjectsAtWork  

The very worst fire plan is no plan.  The next worse is two plans.  — Author Unknown

Let no man's ghost return to say his training let him down.  — Firefighters Saying

Soon after being accepted as a member of a fire department, cadets are typically enrolled into training classes. Their training regime may consist of basic classes, hazardous material teaching, awareness classes, and several others that are relevant to the challenging role of being a firefighter. New firefighters also are trained early in their career on communications protocols, the chain of command, and standard operating procedures. The need for a common communication language in the fire service is arguably more critical than many other professions, as the cost of a miscommunication can have serious consequences in an urgent situation.

In most situations, there are procedures that every firefighter should know, and there are guidelines and processes that establish the chain of command. A system of protocols, chain of command, and standard operating procedures is needed so that, when called into duty, regardless of the department or personnel responding, everyone knows what to do and who is accountable so that the teams can go straight into the “performing” stage of their activity.

Being able to perform under the …

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