What are the traits of a good fire brigade team? What are good practices to maintain between training sessions? What benefits come from attending the fire brigade training sessions your company provides? In a recent interview with F.I.R.S.T. Training Coordinator Brad Hawthorne, BIC Magazine learned the answers to these questions.
BIC: What characteristics make up good fire brigade teams?
HAWTHORNE: I think it's always a good sign when you see a company that is willing to invest in the equipment and training its team needs. Also, the team should be willing to participate and work well with the members on their shift.
BIC: What are good practices for the team to maintain between training sessions?
HAWTHORNE: Know your facility. That's an advantage the team has in putting out any fires that may occur. Know where your resources are -- things like eyewash stations; hose cabinets; and fire extinguisher, hydrant and manifold locations. Another good practice is to keep track of the wind directions. Have a daily walkthrough.
BIC: What are the benefits to training sessions?
HAWTHORNE: We have a saying: "Practice like you play," meaning analyze the potential hazards your facility might face and practice accordingly. A pair of outside eyes or the instructors are able to observe your skills and touch on areas the team can improve on. Because safety officers are present, the trainees feel safe practicing the runs and learning new techniques, and are more familiar with the equipment they have. Having training sessions helps the fire brigade team identify which role each member is best suited for. Not everyone has the same physical capabilities. Some may be stronger or better on the pumper, and those are good things to know ahead of time. This training helps identify limits, whether of the individual or the group. It's important to know what kind of heat a person can take and when to call for assistance from organizations like Channel Industries Mutual Aid (CIMA) . Oftentimes, the type of industrial fire that breaks out cannot be fought alone. After these classes, we hear trainees say things like, "I feel more comfortable with the gear and tools we are using" or "I feel mentally prepared and confident in our teams' abilities."
BIC: What kind of relationship does F.I.R.S.T. have with its clients?
HAWTHORNE: Because we have a working relationship with our clients, they feel free to give us a call while facing an incident. We're here to work with them and to be a resource for them. This has recently proven true during the fire that broke out in La Porte, Texas. F.I.R.S.T. clients that were on the scene reached out to our fire brigade instructors for guidance. This is a good example of a serious situation that took a combination of numerous well-trained CIMA personnel, a variety of companies and a combined pool of resources, all fighting a complex fire without serious injuries or loss of life.
BIC: What is your goal as a training company?
HAWTHORNE: Regardless of with whom, it is our hope that companies continue to invest in quality training and equipment so their teams may be able to say, "I feel confident in my abilities."
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