|
Written by James Haley
|
from the editor
In this issue we feature our annual Training and Education Guide, a comprehensive listing of educational institutions across Canada who offer everything from pre-entry programs for those who wish to pursue firefighting as a career to rescue and other special courses for those already in the fire service. The guide begins on page 16.
Training is the key to everything we do, and firefighters cannot do enough to keep skill levels high and ready for the next incident. Every shift you work or every training night or weekend you attend, you should be learning and practising the tasks you may be called on at any time to perform.
Instructors are the key to proper training and this means that instructors must be prepared and ready to train with all the tools, both physical and mental, to provide the information and techniques needed by the students – the firefighters. Proper lesson plan preparation is essential for instructors. One can’t just fly by the seat of one’s pants, thinking, “I’ve been doing this for years, I don’t need to prepare.” But you do. No matter if it is basic pump operations or CPR refresher training, the instructor needs to refresh his or her memory and check for updated material relevant to the training proposed. Your students deserve no less.
For individuals looking to begin a career as a firefighter, and what courses or preparation they might require, Firefighter Kory Pearn has written for us some of the considerations one needs to make the right choices. From your financial situation to where you live in this country, Pearn offers advice on what may be the right path for you to pursue. For many, however, the best way to become a firefighter is to apply to your local volunteer fire service, if you live in a community with volunteers. Not only will you gain valuable training and experience, your community will benefit from the work you provide in protecting the lives and property of your neighbours.
For the educators among the fire service, which is everyone from the lieutenant to the fire chief, a guest column this month looks at the task of teaching within the fire service and how many may have “dropped the ball” on this most important element, to use a sports metaphor. Deputy Chief Steven Kraft compares fire officers to coaches and on building a team through practice and training. He makes very important points regarding the role of an officer as a coach and how the “team” must be led, to be effective and to be safe.
We mourn the untimely death of a brother, Hudson, Que., Firefighter James Ratcliffe, who died in the line of duty early in June, while training (see story, page 12).
Yours in fire service safety and education,
James Haley
Editor
|
