I would like to recommend that you all watch this video created by the Chicago Fire Department, depicting the [clickandtweet handle=”richgasaway” hashtag=”samatters” related=”samatters” layout=”” position=””]powerful life stories of firefighters who have been injured or killed.[/clickandtweet]
[clickandtweet handle=”richgasaway” hashtag=”samatters” related=”samatters” layout=”” position=””]This video should be mandatory viewing for every firefighter,[/clickandtweet]
every officer, every command officer and every administrator. I put some discussion questions below the video for you to use if you’re watching it with other members of your department.
At the 8:00-minute mark, listen to Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner Michael Fox tell you: [clickandtweet handle=”” hashtag=”” related=”” layout=”” position=””]”The key to all of this is situational awareness.”[/clickandtweet] Amen
Right on, Chief Fox. Situational awareness is the key. And it is the mission of this website: Helping you see the bad things coming in time to change the outcome.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is your department doing to ensure every member stays up to date on training and avoid complacency?
2. What does your department do to create a culture of safety and to recognize and reward members who perform in safe ways?
3. What kind of training have you received to help you develop and maintain all three levels of situational awareness?
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If you are interested in taking your understanding of situational awareness and high-risk decision making to a higher level, check out the Situational Awareness Matters Online Academy.
CLICK HERE for details, enrollment options and pricing.
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Share your comments on this article in the “Leave a Reply” box below. If you want to send me incident pictures, videos or have an idea you’d like me to research and write about, contact me. I really enjoy getting feedback and supportive messages from fellow first responders. It gives me the energy to work harder for you.
Thanks,
Email: Support@RichGasaway.com
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Richard, I took your leadership class at the Upper Ohio Valley Fire School two years ago. Thank you for helping me make better decisions on the fireground before making a plan and giving me knowledge to share with fellow firefighters.
Thank you, Luke for the feedback and the kind comments. I have presented at the Upper Ohio Valley Fire School for 10+ years and really enjoy the opportunity to give back to the fire service. I hope to see you there in 2012! ~ Rich