“Yet”
The Slippery Slope of Complacency and A Dangerous Statement in the Fire Service
By 211 PERFORMANCE THERAPY, June 12, 2023
Complacency is a menace that can silently infiltrate any profession, and the fire service is no exception. As firefighters, it is imperative that we remain vigilant, adaptable, and open-minded in our approach to training and responding to emergencies. However, an alarming statement often heard among some firefighters is,
"I've never had to do that."
This statement can be detrimental to both individual growth and the overall effectiveness of a fire department. In this article, we aim to explore the dangers of this mindset and emphasize the importance of embracing new methodologies and emerging evidence.
First and foremost, it is crucial to highlight that the fire service is an evolving profession. Emerging technologies, new firefighting techniques and updated safety protocols continuously shape our industry. As responsible firefighters, it is our duty to remain current with these developments and adapt to the changing landscape. Rejecting new methodologies simply because "we've never had to do that" can hinder progress and jeopardize the safety of both firefighters and the general public.
Don’t let past practice dictate future behaviour
Practicing a single Firefighter 24’ ladder throw
One of the pillars of a successful fire service career is a commitment to ongoing training and professional development. Training provides us with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to effectively respond to emergencies. When we choose to ignore new methodologies or dismiss emerging evidence, we dilute our ability to perform optimally in the field. Moreover, by clinging to a narrow perspective, we limit our potential for growth and improvement as firefighters.
Firefighting is a team effort, and collective success depends on the synergy of individual firefighters.
Embracing a closed mindset of complacency will poison the atmosphere within a fire department.
When ego takes precedence over camaraderie, it impedes the process of fostering a learning culture. Experienced firefighters must set the tone by setting their egos aside, embracing new ideas, and encouraging their colleagues to do the same. By cultivating an open mindset, we create an environment that values continuous improvement and facilitates the integration of new methodologies and evidence-based practices.
Embracing new methodologies may initially require us to step outside of our comfort zones. However, by challenging ourselves to learn and adapt, we become more proficient firefighters. Additionally, with an open mindset, we can promote a culture that encourages the sharing of knowledge and experiences. This exchange of information allows for collaborative problem-solving, further enhancing our capabilities as a fire service community.
A single firefighter practicing flow and move going into a simulated basement fire using a smoothbore low pressure enozzle
Chief Kyle Romagus teaching flow and move in his Cruel Intentions H.O.T class
The dangers of complacency extend far beyond individual growth and department cohesion. Lives are at stake when we fail to adapt and evolve. New methodologies and emerging evidence often arise from lessons learned after tragedies have occurred. By rejecting these advancements, we risk repeating past mistakes or missing opportunities to prevent future disasters. As firefighters, our foremost duty is to protect lives and property—remaining open-minded is essential to fulfilling this obligation.
To combat complacency, fire departments should foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement regardless of rank and regardless of seniority. Regularly reassessing training programs, encouraging participation in conferences and workshops and promoting the sharing of new research and best practices can go a long way in preventing the trap of complacency. By instilling a growth mindset within the fire service, we create an environment where firefighters embrace new ideas and innovations without hesitation.
Statements such as "I've never had to do that" “I’ve never needed (insert) technique, tool, etc” in the fire service may seem like confident statements but are a slippery slope that show your naivety, foolishness and complacency to others. Firefighters must possess an open mindset, setting aside ego and embracing new methodologies and emerging evidence. By remaining adaptable, committed to ongoing training and fostering a learning culture, we can ensure that the fire service continues to evolve, while efficiently and effectively safeguarding the lives and property of those we serve.
