14 Things You SHOULD Be Doing On Probation
TLDRThis video offers 14 essential tips for probationary firefighters to excel in their role, covering everything from mastering maps and equipment to building relationships with colleagues and maintaining physical fitness. It emphasizes the importance of initiative, professionalism, and continuous learning in the fire service.
Takeaways
- 🎓 Start your probationary period by familiarizing yourself with the department's structure and meeting all crew members during the initial 40-hour work weeks.
- 🗺️ Study and master the maps of your district or city to understand the layout, main roads, and obstructions for effective navigation during emergencies.
- 🚒 Focus on mastering one main truck, understanding its compartments, tools, and equipment, to become an expert in its operation and functionality.
- 🔧 Choose a common tool used in your department and learn everything about it, including its uses, advantages, and disadvantages, to become proficient in its use.
- 👔 Double-check and master your personal gear, ensuring it is always in good working order and ready for use during emergencies.
- 💪 Maintain physical fitness and avoid gaining weight during your probationary period, as it can affect your performance and ability to wear your gear effectively.
- ☕️ Introduce yourself to administrative staff and build relationships with them, as they play a crucial role in the department and can provide valuable insights.
- 🏠 Take on the responsibility of making coffee and maintaining cleanliness in the firehouse, as these are important aspects of firehouse culture.
- 📚 Regularly read and re-read your department's protocols and standard operating procedures to become familiar with them and be prepared for various situations.
- 👥 Spend time with your crew members, having coffee and conversations, to build relationships and understand their experiences and knowledge.
- 🧹 Be proactive in doing the dirty or obscure jobs that others might overlook, demonstrating your commitment and willingness to contribute to the team.
Q & A
What is the probationary period for a firefighter like?
-The probationary period for a firefighter varies depending on the department, but it typically ranges from six months to a year, and in some cases, it can even be two years. During this time, firefighters are held to a higher standard and are expected to learn a lot and perform various tasks.
What is the '40 hours' phase in a firefighter's initial training?
-The '40 hours' phase is an initial training period where new firefighters work five eight-hour days for two weeks. This allows them to meet different crews and get familiar with the department and its members.
Why is it important for a probationary firefighter to study maps?
-Studying maps is crucial for a firefighter as it helps them understand their district or city, including main roads and potential obstructions. This knowledge is essential for navigating during emergencies, even if they are not initially driving.
What does it mean to 'master a truck' as a new firefighter?
-To 'master a truck' means to thoroughly understand the primary vehicle a firefighter will be using, including knowing the contents of every drawer and compartment, the location and use of tools, and the specifics of the vehicle's equipment.
What is the significance of mastering a common tool in a fire department?
-Mastering a common tool is important because it allows a firefighter to be proficient in its use, understand its advantages and disadvantages, and be able to teach others about it. This expertise is valuable in various firefighting scenarios.
Why should a probationary firefighter double-check and master their own personal gear?
-Mastering personal gear is essential as it ensures that a firefighter is always prepared for emergencies. Checking gear regularly helps avoid issues like dead radio batteries or malfunctioning equipment, which could be critical during a call.
What role does physical fitness play in a firefighter's career, especially during the probationary period?
-Physical fitness is crucial for firefighters as it affects their ability to perform tasks in the field, such as wearing heavy gear and breathing from an air bottle. Maintaining fitness helps prevent health issues and ensures they can effectively do their job.
Why is it important for a new firefighter to introduce themselves to the administrative staff?
-Introducing oneself to administrative staff is important because these individuals play a significant role in the department's operations. Building a relationship with them can provide valuable insights and support throughout a firefighter's career.
What is the significance of making coffee in a firehouse, and why should a probationary firefighter take on this task?
-Making coffee is a common practice in firehouses and is seen as a rite of passage. It helps build camaraderie among firefighters and shows that the new firefighter is willing to contribute to the team's daily routine.
Why should a probationary firefighter read and re-read their department's protocols?
-Familiarity with protocols is essential for a firefighter to understand standard operating procedures and ensure they can respond appropriately in various situations. It also helps them communicate effectively with more experienced team members.
What are the benefits of a probationary firefighter taking on obscure or dirty jobs?
-Taking on obscure or dirty jobs shows initiative and a willingness to contribute beyond basic duties. It can help a new firefighter stand out and earn respect from their peers and superiors.
Why is it recommended for a firefighter to learn to cook, and what are some simple dishes they might consider?
-Learning to cook is beneficial as firefighters often eat together. Being able to prepare a few simple dishes can contribute to the team's morale and ensure that everyone enjoys their meals.
What does it mean to 'shine your boots' in the context of a firefighter's professional appearance?
-Shining boots is a symbol of professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that a firefighter takes pride in their appearance and is ready to present themselves well in any situation.
Why should a probationary firefighter consider obtaining additional certifications during their probationary period?
-Obtaining additional certifications demonstrates initiative and a commitment to being a valuable asset to the department. It can also provide the firefighter with skills that may be beneficial in their role.
Outlines
🎉 Starting Your Probationary Period as a Firefighter
This paragraph introduces the viewer to the initial stages of becoming a firefighter, emphasizing the excitement and challenges of the probationary period. It highlights the importance of learning from experienced officers, understanding departmental expectations, and the potential variability in the probation period's length. The speaker encourages new firefighters to study maps, master their assigned vehicles, and familiarize themselves with their gear and equipment. The emphasis is on preparation and learning to stand out as a probationary firefighter.
🚒 Mastering the Fire Truck and Essential Tools
The speaker advises new firefighters to focus on mastering the main truck they will be working with and the tools associated with it. This includes understanding the layout of the vehicle, the contents of every compartment, and the specifics of common tools like axes or cardiac monitors. The importance of knowing the equipment inside and out is stressed, as this knowledge will be crucial during emergencies. The speaker also suggests practical exercises, such as creating a detailed inventory of the truck's contents, to aid in this learning process.
🏋️♂️ Staying Fit and Engaging with Administrative Staff
In this paragraph, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical fitness for firefighters, warning against the common issue of weight gain during the early years of service. They also stress the importance of introducing oneself to administrative staff, such as secretaries and inspectors, who play a crucial role in the department's operations. Building relationships with these individuals can provide valuable insights and support throughout a firefighter's career.
☕️ Making Coffee and Familiarizing with Protocols
The speaker discusses the cultural significance of coffee in firehouses and the expectation for new firefighters to take on the role of making it. They also highlight the importance of familiarizing oneself with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols, suggesting that a thorough understanding of these documents is essential for effective firefighting. The speaker encourages new firefighters to read and re-read these documents to be prepared for various situations they may encounter.
👨🍳 Cooking Skills and Taking on Unwanted Tasks
This paragraph focuses on the practical skills that new firefighters should develop, such as cooking and taking on less desirable tasks around the firehouse. The speaker suggests learning a few simple dishes to contribute to the communal meals that are a staple of firehouse life. Additionally, they encourage new firefighters to take initiative in cleaning and maintaining areas that are often overlooked, such as the day room or kitchen appliances, to demonstrate their commitment and attention to detail.
👢 Shining Boots and Pursuing Additional Certifications
The speaker stresses the importance of maintaining a professional appearance, starting with keeping one's boots clean and well-shined. They also encourage new firefighters to take the initiative in pursuing additional certifications, such as car seat technician or hazardous materials certifications, even if it requires personal time and investment. This proactive approach can set a firefighter apart and demonstrate a commitment to being a valuable asset to the department.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Probationary firefighter
💡Maps
💡Master a truck
💡Tools
💡Personal gear
💡Workout
💡Admin staff
💡Coffee
💡Protocols
💡Dirty jobs
💡Certification
Highlights
Congratulations on completing the hiring process and starting your probationary period as a firefighter.
Probationary period can last from six months to two years, depending on the department.
During the initial 40-hour work weeks, firefighters meet different crews and get familiar with the department.
Studying maps is crucial for understanding the district and city layout for effective emergency response.
Mastering a truck involves knowing every compartment and its contents, as well as the vehicle's capabilities.
Choosing a common tool and mastering its use is essential for a new firefighter.
Familiarizing yourself with your personal gear, such as your SCBA bottle and air pack, is crucial for readiness.
Maintaining physical fitness is important to avoid becoming out of shape and hindering performance.
Introducing yourself to administrative staff can be beneficial for building relationships within the department.
Making coffee is a traditional rite of passage in the firehouse and can help build camaraderie.
Reading and re-reading protocols ensures familiarity with standard operating procedures.
Having coffee with a crew member can help build relationships and understanding within the team.
Doing the dirty or obscure jobs that others avoid can make a positive impression on your colleagues.
Learning to cook simple dishes can be useful for the frequent meals shared among firefighters.
Shining your boots is part of maintaining a professional appearance and presentation.
Working on continuing education and certifications can demonstrate initiative and dedication.
Starting a new certification on your own time and dime shows a willingness to go above and beyond for the department.
Transcripts
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