My intention was to get a discussion going about firefighter safety. And please keep in mind that most of the discussions after the presentation were based on something a journalist wrote, which not necessarily the same as what I said.
Is ego worth more than the life of a firefighter? I truly admire the work, effort, and courage of all firefighters. We will probably never get to zero line of duty deaths, but it sure is a great thought and something well worth striving for.
If you would like to call me names or curse me and my fellow Swedes—fine! I will still work for the international firefighting community, in an attempt to make us better and safer! I am well aware that there are safe fire departments and not-so-safe fire departments around the world.
We have a lot to learn from each other on all levels and aspects. Over the years, I have thought a lot about firefighter safety and why there are differences in line-of-duty deaths LODDs. There are so many differences among countries, which makes it almost impossible to compare. But there are also similarities. These differences and similarities include, among other things, training , building construction , and attitude. Training is, of course, the first item to address.
We need basic and continuous training. We all need it. Training involves knowledge, which is generated through experience. However, experience needs to be processed before it is transformed into knowledge. Knowledge can also be generated through science. They produce knowledge based on what they actually know.
Considering that we have all this useful stuff developed through science, why is it so hard to bring more science into the training of firefighters and fire officers? You have some great scientists in the United. States looking into firefighting problems, and you have some great people within the U. Use them and their expertise to develop knowledge you can use.
Bring questions to the scientists, and they will help you find the answers—sometimes the correct answers, especially if you do it together. The second item to address is building construction. During the 19th century, we had a series of fires in Swede that destroyed large parts of our major cities. As a consequence, a national building code was developed, including rather strict fire safety regulations.
To describe it in simple terms—and you can see a similar development in large parts of Europe—in the late 19th century, the principle was to prevent cities from burning down. And this principle has evolved ever since, from protecting cities to protecting in chronological order city blocks, buildings, apartments, rooms, and objects.
Fire protection in European buildings is to a very large extent based on passive protection: fire walls, compartmentation, safety distances between buildings, and noncombustible construction. And we have been pretty successful. For example, the U. Fire Administration tracks the number of structure fires and the estimated dollar loss. Math is a central component to ensure accurate calculations and help officials advocate for resources based on trends.
Becoming an effective fire service leader means understanding fiscal policies, economic indicators, and budgeting best practices. An online degree from Anna Maria College helps prepare you to see a holistic picture of the. Understanding taxes, expense justification, local economic conditions, and capital expenses - and having a vision for the future - are some of the core competencies of this program.
Fire leadership comprises many jobs, and budgeting is one of the most crucial. Understanding the budget transmittal process, as well as the concept of elasticity, whereby funding levels grow relative to the growth of income, inflation, and need, is another core competency that will set you apart in the firehouse. Call us at to speak to a Program Manager or request more information online. Skip to main content. Matt Davis. While there, delve into the other links, which include seasonal jobs for firefighters.
This program of the U. Geological Survey focuses on the changing forces of wildfire, including the risks for certain areas, the threat to residents in woodland areas, vulnerability of forests and strategic plans to protect and preserve land area in the face of wildfire. This is a must-read resource for those who hope to make a career of wildland firefighting.
A comprehensive resource for information on all types of careers, the page on firefighters offers up-to-date salary and job outlook information, what to expect from employment and educational requirements.
Information on firefighting tactics, protection, injuries, forensics and more can be found here. Loaded with information on everything from the best schools for firefighters to what to do when confronted with a raging wildfire, this resource has enough information to keep you reading for days. Order publications, find the latest statistics and brush up on fire science knowledge here.
This national training and education program offered by FEMA is a great benefit to first responders. Browse through the available offerings and training centers to find the one that best suits your training goals.
This comprehensive site from FEMA offers a great deal of information on becoming a firefighter, including exam preparation, finding a job, education and training, related careers, history of prominent fires and more. This site from the Washington State Fire Marshal details the training required for firefighters in the state, providing a great overview of what might be expected from those who enter the basic firefighter training program in cities across the country.
This overview of the emergency services sector, including fire services, gives a good explanation of how fire services fits into the homeland security infrastructure.
Deeper reading on the specific plan for emergency services can help aspiring firefighters understand where they fit into the grand overview of nationwide security. This information on fire services jobs from the Northeast Fire Program gives a good overview of what fire service program graduates can expect from their future career, as well as links to educational tools and other pertinent information.
The Commission on Fire Prevention and Control in the state of Connecticut offers a great example of the various courses firefighters can take in order to move into higher-ranked positions, specialized firefighting or government agencies like homeland security. This exploration program for those aged 14 through 20 is an excellent way to determine whether a career in fire sciences is right for you. This early career education will expose students to a wide variety of situations involving fire safety and emergencies.
This site filled with information on the TN academy offers interesting information for those who want to move into a fire services career or enhance the one they have already started. Much of the information found here can help those in other states as well. This fun, straightforward information on becoming a firefighter tells you exactly what is necessary to enter the profession.
Though the site focuses on firefighting in New Hampshire, the information is pertinent to many firehouses throughout the nation. This clear and concise information on firefighting in San Diego can give aspiring firefighters a good look at what to expect from firefighting positions. Though some of the information focuses on the department in Mesa, much of it can be used as a good indication of what might be required in other states.
One of the goals of the consortium is to provide an organized, centralized area for emerging information on fire science. To that end, this site offers a comprehensive library, information on new tools and products, fire history, maps, current events and more.
The forestry research found here includes information on fire ecology, wildland ecosystems, fire behavior and other points of fire science. Explore the site for information on training, careers, publications and similar help for aspiring firefighters or fire scientists. From a research station in the heart of wildfire country, this site offers excellent research on fire activity, tools, safety, management and more.
The codes set forth by the NFPA help provide safe structures, electrical wiring and fire protections. Sections on training and careers are included here, as well as current events, news, publications, codes and standards, prevention and results of new studies and research. A must-read for anyone interested in the science behind the fire, this comprehensive and informative journal has been published six times per year since Each issue is now available online for viewing.
This comprehensive site breaks down salary, job outlook and career information for a variety of firefighting specialties, including municipal firefighters, supervisors, investigators, fire technicians and more. Peripheral career information is also included, such as that of first responders, foresters and fire prevention managers. Firefighters around the globe can learn from each other on policy and procedure issues. This site focuses on the firefighting profession from an international standpoint, including political issues, health concerns, legislation, education and training.
The online home of Firehouse Magazine, this site keeps you up-to-date on training, new apparatus, current events, safety issues, departments and more. Information on jobs and career opportunities can also be found on this comprehensive resource.
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