Rookie advice

[Kamododragoon]

Hi Everyone,

I am having trouble with my dept and i am in need of advice. A bit about myself. I am a rookie firefighter in my dept and in the mist of completing my rookie year. I am having trouble completing my rookie year and i would like some help, advice and suggestions. I want to know what advice anyone has on completing their rookie year and what suggestions do you have one finishing up on rookie year. I would like to get though my rookie year without any hassle and would like to know how you all got though your rookie year. What advice should a rookie do. I'm right now the senior rookie in my dept and I'm in need of some advice on finishing up my rookie year.

[WaterbryVTfire]

Well Rookie, What kind of advice are you looking for? There many many things we could tell you.....
but, the most important. Pay attention and listen......at least thats me. And I learned from my mistakes...

[dmleblanc]

Hi Everyone,

. I'm right now the senior rookie in my dept .

Isn't that a bit of an oxymoron? :p

Seriously, your question is a little vague...what exactly are you having trouble with?

[callaway75]

DON'T GET TOO COMFORTABLE!!!!! Have seen alot of guys in their 8,9,10th month of their year probation get way too comfortable and forget their place in line, especially with newer guys under them. Stay active, stay in the books, and work harder than the hardest worker, always!! Those last few months can be an eternity if you screw up. No matter what the problem is, don't forget, This is the best gig around and you don't want to lose it... THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SENIOR PROBIE!!!!!

[Kamododragoon]

Well Rookie, What kind of advice are you looking for? There many many things we could tell you.....
but, the most important. Pay attention and listen......at least thats me. And I learned from my mistakes...

What i am asking is how do you survive the last 5 months of your Rookie year. I want to survive my last 5 months and i need some advice and tips to surviving my last 5 months as rookie without screwing up. What should a Rookie do during the last 5 months.

The thing with senior rookie, is that i've been their since May last year and with a couple of new guys already their, i'm more senior like them.

[SWLAFireDawg]

How bout start with this.....


Stop saying "rookie" in every sentence. We know you're a rookie now.......Use pronouns. I....ME.....Myself......

[Kamododragoon]

Sorry, Bad English. I've been using ghetto english.

[fireman4949]

What i am asking is how do you survive the last 5 months of your Rookie year. I want to survive my last 5 months and i need some advice and tips to surviving my last 5 months as rookie without screwing up. What should a Rookie do during the last 5 months.

The thing with senior rookie, is that i've been their since May last year and with a couple of new guys already their, i'm more senior like them.

Have you screwed up anything yet? If not...Keep doing what your already doing. If you have already screwed something up, STOP IT.;)

Don't get lazy or complacent. Keep learning, always be the first to help with whatever need to be done, and ask questions if there is something you don't know or understand.

Just remember, don't treat the newer guys like your a veteran FF. If you do, the real vets will eat you alive!:D




Kevin:D

[WCENG23]

I guess if you did well the first half....keep doing it! If you screwed up... don't make the same mistake twice. Above all else L I S T E N and L E A R N. If you don't know how to do something, ask. If you make a mistake, own up to it. Show that little bit of extra effort on station duties. Several of us are giving you the same advice so there may be something to it.

[Kamododragoon]

In terms of did i screwed up, well on my first house fire, i didn't hear what's going on in the fireground. Being that i am a deaf in my right ear and in my state, i am possible the first deaf EMT and FF. I don't hear to well.

My goal for the last 5 months is to step up the plate be the first for things around the station. I'm trying to be assertive in my station and is it a bad idea to assertive. I know one guy in my station who's a live in got through by being assertive and being the first, is it okay.

My biggest fear is making a mistake and errors

[jerry4184]

Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone screws up. Don't be afraid of the mistakes and screw ups, they'll come no matter what you do. What you can do, is do everything in your power to limit their severity. Ask questions when you don't understand. Ask questions if you "think" you understand. Heck, ask questions when you know you get it, because nine times out of ten, the rookie next to you doesn't get it, and won't ask himself.

Also, it doesn't hurt to be assertive. However, it can hurt you to be "too" assertive. Jump on things like dishes, bathroom details, and other house duties. However, don't be the guy who looks like he's kissing butt just to get a good review. Let your skills and actions speak for you. It's always okay to shoot for being number one. I wouldn't want to be in a fire with anybody, who's happy being less than the best they can be.

[Geinandputitout]

Find a space that you can study. An office, library, gear room, or other quiet space. Take your Essentials Manual, a copy of your SOP's, and any other documents that will help you learn to this quiet space. Then stay there unless there is work to do. Our new guys aren't allowed in the TV room, and generally don't hang around the day room.

If someone is working you should be working. If guys are just hanging out, you should be studying.

Our newmans get in trouble when nothing is going on, they are sitting at the kitchen table and talking - about something they know nothing about or with people they know nothing about. Avoid this situation, and hang in there.

[Kamododragoon]

With me, i have my FF 1 and EMT already. The newer guys in my dept don't have FF1, but are doing things at FF1 level already. For me it's a matter of proving my FF1 skills and EMS skills that i have already and steping up the plate to show the newer guys. I am trying to be more assertive and be the first, but i am afraid to make the wrong impression upon the dept.

in my Dept, their are two groups, the older guys and younger guys. I tend to stay with the older members because of my age and the fact that older members are more experienced than me.

Ps thanks for all the advice and tips:)

[Kamododragoon]

What do you do as rookie when your in a dept where you have find ways on your own to succede in the dept. It happen to me, because in my dept, i have to find my own way to succede even though their are vets around, but they are not willing to help me succede and pass my rookie year. the sort of team work only happens to the regular members and vets.

[dmleblanc]

My biggest fear is making a mistake and errors

Well, always remember...There's one group of people who never make any mistakes, and those are the people who never do anything. :)

I would be careful about being too assertive. One mistake I see from rookies, especially very dedicated and aggressive rookies, is that they get a little learning under their belt and think they know everything. I'm not sure if that is the case with you, but it seems to me that you've been on the department for 7 months, is that right? And you have FF1 and EMT already? That shows you've spent a lot of time in training, but half a year is not a lot of practical experience.

Could it be that some of the more experienced guys are a little put off by you? In the fire service (you didn't mention if you are paid or volunteer, but it doesn't really matter), we get into some very hairy situations. The new guy is going to be watched like a hawk for a long time before he earns the trust and respect of the older members. It's not like being the new guy at Wal Mart (no offense, Wal Mart guys:cool: ). Firefighting is a dangerous business and you'll really need to prove you're up to the challenge.

A "senior" rookie is a rookie nonetheless...don't mistake training for experience...the two are both very important, but no amount of one will compensate for a lack of the other.

[doughesson]

in my Dept, their are two groups, the older guys and younger guys. I tend to stay with the older members because of my age and the fact that older members are more experienced than me.

Ps thanks for all the advice and tips:)

Then you're doing the right thing.As others have said,don't be afraid of making mistakes.That's part of the job and I haven't stopped making mine either.Just don't make the mistake that kills you.That's verboten.
You can learn a lot from listening to the war stories,especially when they start talking about what they shoulda done.
Just work til it's all done and then find something to do before someone finds you something to do.

[Kamododragoon]

That's what i have been doing, i've stayed very, very close with the vets and old timers. I have stayed far away from the younger and regular members who are aggressive and assertive.

As a rookie on the fireground, what's the first thing i should be doing and what do you think should be extremly helpful. I sometimes forget things and i know am dyslexic in remembering things. I mostly watch what the officers are doing and i copy what they are doing or follow and stick with them like glue.

As for me, i've been with my dept since May of 2006. I've been an EMT since 1998 and a FF since 2000. I am in a vol fire dept in New England. I've been mostly EMS, but this is my start in Fire side.

Also, i want to ask, how do you feel about working with someone that is deaf in one ear. Like me, i'm deaf in my right ear and i'm learing how to work around being deaf in one ear,

[jerry4184]

I don't know, there is a guy on my department, that's totally deaf. I get along with, and work with him great. He's taught me a few tricks from his years in the service.

As a rookie on the fireground, you shouldn't be trying to figure out your own job. That's your officer's job. He/She is supposed to be the one telling you what needs done, so you can learn how your department works. You should be sticking by his/her side, and watching and learning. Above all though, you should always have a purpose on the fireground. No one needs somebody just standing there taking up space, trying to find work. There is always plenty to do, and your officer should have told you what he wants.

Also, don't stay far away from the younger members. YOu need to associate with those guys and girls as well. These are the people who will have your back when all those vets are gone. These are the people who could have your back next year. If your "senior" rookie, use what you've learned so far, to help the other rookies become more proficient at basic skills. Just don't try to teach above your own head.

[Kamododragoon]

The reason why i don't stay with the younger members and newer members is because i get riped at for being a senior rookie and why i am not at their level in terms of aggresive firefighting and being with their side. With the vets and old timers i get to learn how the dept is run and should be run. I learn from their war stories about things were done.

[jerry4184]

Well, those other rookies, are also members of your department, and if they can't understand some people (GASP) are at different levels of training, they may need to leave before they get into complicated things, like fire chemistry, supression tactics, and other things.

Aside from that though, you have to work with them, and whether or not you or they like it, someone will always be senior, and someone will get promoted over them, or whatever. It's called learning to play nice, and we all need to do it, because we all depend on each other.

[Kamododragoon]

I try to play nice with the younger members and the newer members. The problem with that is the younger members are letting the newer members do things before they go to Rookie school. I have seen some of the younger members letting the newer members pack up and go on calls and even on fire suppression work.

Even last night when i was at the firehouse, one of the guys was asking me how dose it feel to be a rookie and not doing the things i need to do. In my Dept, i am trying to learn to be a rookie, but they are giving me a chance to or they are not showing the interest or caring to see that i pass my rookie year.

For me, i have stress over being a rookie and trying to step up the plate as a rookie and i would like to know how do you deal with the stress of being a rookie and surving the stress of rookie year. How do you step up in being a rookie and what's the best way to get pass my finaly 4 months of rookie year.

[jerry4184]

Just do your job. There is no secret to rookie year. It's just do it.

Also, if people aren't letting you do things, you can't make them. Also, if younger members are doing things they aren't allowed to, that's a serious problem, and that falls on the officers heads, not yours. YOu can maybe make mention of it to an officer you may be close to, but you can't tell the other members not to do it.

[Kamododragoon]

The problem is even at drills, where they want me to learn, but the newer members hog the show and i get pushed aside. My problem is that i'm afraid to step up to the plate as a rookie because i fear making a mistake and everyone nitpicking it. I'm just trying to survive my rookie year and i'm just hoping to make it though in one piece.

[SWLAFireDawg]

The problem is even at drills, where they want me to learn, but the newer members hog the show and i get pushed aside. My problem is that i'm afraid to step up to the plate as a rookie because i fear making a mistake and everyone nitpicking it. I'm just trying to survive my rookie year and i'm just hoping to make it though in one piece.

I am 32 years old, and try to be top dog at everything I do.......making a mistake kills me. Not because of pride, but because of my desire to alway be the best!

Take these "nitpickings" as an oppurtunity to learn, even at the worst of ass chewings. Then, ask for advice and pointers so you don't make the mistake again.

I've found that most firefighters are naturally alpha males, so you have to be aggressive sometimes........

Correct me if I'm wrong guys..............

[Kamododragoon]

Most firefighters i work with are the alpha male mentality. Like me, i am 30 years old, though i don't look my age, if ya saw what i look like. I try to be involve in my fire company dispite being a rookie. like for instance, i'm trying to learn and do my job, but i get people who won't give me the time or patience to show me the job dispite my fire dept being vol. I try my hardest to do the job, but i make mistakes and i get chewed for my mistakes. I have people who are afraid of me because i'm deaf in one ear and don't understand that i don't hear to well on the fire ground.

Like me i try alot to impress upon people to look good infront of them. I sometimes can't be aggressive because i'm more of the tomboy type. Like me i try to stay in the background because I sometimes feel like i don't fit in my dept

See for me, starting out vol for me is a stepping stone to a flight medic or flight nurse job after college for me.

[callaway75]

SWLA, I definitely agree with you. Agressiveness is a big part of the job, you have got to get in there and assert yourself. Do not sit back like a wallflower, or you will be left out. When training, or even at a scene, you need to step right up and get in the game. Anticipate what needs to be done and start doing it, or at the very least, confidently offer to do it. If you screw up, do it again until you get it right, have a senior man show you the way. If nobody is showing you the ropes and instructing you in the ways things are done at your house, there is a problem. Your senior men and officers should be teaching you and guiding you. If you need help, ask somebody. On my job, if you don't step up and be agressive, you're out, I'm going to be the first guy with the pipe, or forcing a door, etc, try and beat me to it. Although we have our assignments, if you sit back, someone else is going to do it, don't be that person!

[SWLAFireDawg]

When I joined the volly dept I brought some basic fire background, mainly industrial experience. But the only reason I had that experience and knowledge was because the chief of the industrial brigade assigned me to a "mentor" on day one. That guy was responsible for me on all training evolutions and live calls. But, I was responsible for not embarrasing him in the process, so it was a symbiotic relationship.

It felt good to hear things like "look at Smith's little bull out there.....that boy sure has the fire dawg in him"........In one way it was a praise towards me, but in another it was a compliment to my mentor.....we both got the kudos.

I jump in the pocket of any firefighter or officer I can, because the little things you hear or see add up.....just be discrete about it and not kiss ass.

Now in the volly I have less experienced people asking me about things, and I enjoy working with them.....just as said above though, I don't teach or preach above my level.

But when the call drops, I am the first one to the driver's seat, the first truck on scene safely, the first one to flake off a preconncect, suit up, pack up, and I even start my own pump if need be............

[jerry4184]

I mean no offense by this,but if you are driving, shouldn't you be the one pumping?

As far as advice, your probie/rookie time, is the time you are supposed to be screwing up. You can't be afraid of that. You ahve to jump in and just do it til you get it right. No one can learn this job, by sitting on the sidelines, and not doing it.

Maybe you don't fit in. If you are simply viewing this as a stepping stone to something better later, I'd get out now. Firefighting is not the thing to be in halfheartedly. It's okay to want to be a flight medic/nurse, but you can't simply view firefighting as a way to get there. You have to do this job, because you want to do this job. Maybe people have picked up on that if that's how you really feel.

[SWLAFireDawg]

I mean no offense by this,but if you are driving, shouldn't you be the one pumping?


:p In a perfect world....YES! However, since I live closest to our West staion, I am usually the one who grabs the engine, and we don't wait for people to report to the station. They report directly to the scene.

Our trucks are old International 5-speed manuals, and not everybody who is capable of pumping is capable of actually driving the truck.

To make matters more complicated, if we have a lack of qualified and experienced firefighters show up, I usually get pulled to man a spot on the hose or nozzle, and a less experienced mans the pump with assistance from one of the older members who is getting too old to actually work the scene. In addition, we have 2 members who wear prescription glasses, and they don't have the inserts for the SCBA face masks, so if they are on-scene I give the pump to one of them.

Ahhhhh...the joys of a small underbudgeted understaffed rural volly department!! :rolleyes:

Its sort of a screwy setup, but its what we've got and we have to work around the minor issues. When I respond in the truck I do so with the intention of also being the pump operator.........but things change quickly sometimes!

[dmleblanc]

I mean no offense by this,but if you are driving, shouldn't you be the one pumping?

.


In my department, at least in theory, yes. If you can't pump you don't drive. But who drives depends on who gets to the station first. We have a few (like 3) dedicated driver/operators whose main job is pump operations, but they live a good way from the station. What usually happens is someone else will drive (myself included), and by the time you get lines pulled, charged, and flowing, about that time one of the "regular" operators will walk up and take over.

[afdstation1]

"I try to play nice with the younger members and the newer members. The problem with that is the younger members are letting the newer members do things before they go to Rookie school. I have seen some of the younger members letting the newer members pack up and go on calls and even on fire suppression work."

One of the big things I have noticed is that if you are not agressive enough you may get passed by. If you are not in the right place at the right time you may miss an opportunity. If the guys who are getting to go play are ready to go while you are standing in a corner, they will probably be the ones going to work. Unfortunatley, there is a fine between being persistant and being a nuisance. Try and make yourself known and take advantage of opportunities by being ready when they come up, but don't be too agressive.

[afdstation1]

I was recently in your shoes. A senior firefighter told me during one of my first shifts about "the four up's": Listen up, Clean up, Step up, and Shut up.

Listen up and shut up go hand in hand, keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Ask questions when you need clarification or if you don't understand something, but past that listen and learn.

Step up, if there is a job to do be the first one to volunteer. Carry the medical kits, offer to cook as much as possible or help if someone else is cooking, be the first rolling hose. . . Stay busy.

clean up, do i need to explain that one? Clean the bathrooms, be the first one done with your meal and start the dishes, get up early and wash the rigs in you station, pull the tools out and make sure they are clean and in good condition (with your engineers permission, some guys are very touchy about their rigs)

I may not be perfect, but this advice worked well for me.

[BCLepore]

Here is something that I think will help you.
Rookie Life
The probationary period is usually the first year of employment. Although 1 year is customary, the time may be as long as 18 months or as short as 6 months. The time spent in the academy may or may not count toward the probationary period. At the end of the probationary period the department has the option to pass or terminate the recruit firefighter.
By the onset of the probationary period, the department has invested a lot of time, energy and money in the employee in the form of a medical exam, polygraph test, psychological exam and thorough background check. They have also provided the employee with training, either on-the-job or in the form of a formal fire academy. During the course of the probationary period, each recruit is expected to complete a series of written and practical exams. The written exams are based on reading volumes of the department’s policies and procedures, as well as the operational manuals. The practical exams are based on the fundamentals he or she learned in the academy, combined with real life experience gained while working as recruit firefighter.
While the department has invested a lot of time and money in each recruit, this in no way means there is a guarantee of success. At the end of the probationary period, the department will determine if the recruit is worthy of being promoted to full-time permanent status. Although the vast majority of recruits do make the final step, it is not unheard of to be terminated on the last day of probation.
The best analogy for the probationary period is that of the department loaning you a temporary badge. At the end of the specified time frame your captains (with input from the crew) will decide if you get to keep it. If you have proven yourself “worthy” and have gotten along with your crew, the decision is easy. If not, the decision may not go in your favor.

The following was written by an anonymous rookie firefighter who recently completed a fire academy at a large, extremely traditional fire department in Southern California.

My typical day as a rookie firefighter starts off at 4:30 a.m., waking before the sun comes up. I rehearse my drill for the day prior to leaving for work.

5:10 a.m. I arrive at the station and open the gate.

5:15 a.m. I enter the station and put up the first pot of coffee. I proceed to the bathroom and change into my fire department uniform. I return to the kitchen and make the second pot of coffee. I continue to the apparatus floor to get my turnouts in order on the engine or truck. I progress to the captain’s office where I check the journal to see yesterday’s activities as well as check the roster to see who I will be working with for the day. Lastly, I check the “new material” for any pertinent information pertaining to the department or today’s activities.

5:35 a.m. I put up the American flag and gather the newspaper and return to the kitchen and spread it out, section by section, on the table. I then empty the dishwasher.

6:15 a.m. My crewmembers begin to arrive as the off-going crew begins to wake up. I make it a point to say “good morning” to each and every member. If I haven’t met someone, I make it a point to introduce myself and not wait to be asked who I am.

6:25 a.m. I find the other rookie so we can practice throwing every single ladder as well as practice donning our self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for time. Periodically, between ladders and SCBA practice, I will return to the kitchen to make more coffee.

7:15 a.m. I practice my daily drill with one of the senior firefighters. He or she will help me make sure my drill is prepared and ready for the rest of the crew.

7:45 a.m. I proceed to the kitchen to prepare for the shift’s official line-up and make more coffee. I also clean up the mess made by the senior firefighters while making breakfast.

8:00 a.m. I line up in the kitchen with all of the members of my shift. We go over the itinerary for the day and discuss any new material and departmental happenings.

8:30 a.m. I begin the housework details. I always make it a point to be the first one cleaning the bathrooms with my scrubber and bleach/Comet mixture. I have learned that instead of flushing the toilet once clean, leave the soapy water in the bowl. This shows your crewmembers that the toilet has been cleaned.

9:30 a.m. My crewmembers begin their physical fitness routine. The other rookie and I are busy throwing ladders, doing our daily/weekly maintenance checks and practicing our daily drill.

10:30 a.m. We are en route to the store to shop for lunch and dinner. While at the market I will throw ladders, give on-the-spot drills on equipment, walking on roofs or doing something practical.

11:30 a.m. I help the cook and set the table for lunch.

12:00 p.m. Lunchtime! I am always the last to gather my plate unless otherwise ordered. I usually take the smallest portion to make sure there is enough for everyone. Even though I am usually the last to sit down, I am always the first one to get up and get into the dishes. I eat so quickly that most of the time I don’t even taste the food. I jump into the dishes until the cook calls for a “game” to decide who will officially be stuck in the dishes. This usually entails some type of dice or card game. I intentionally lose because it would not be correct to have the rookie at the table while the captain is in the suds.

1 p.m. I will help the engineer or other senior firefighter with projects that need to be completed around the station or apparatus.

2 p.m. I will give my drill in front of the 12 members of my crew. I have presented it at least three times before, but now the pressure is on. As you can imagine, each one of the firefighters has a tremendous amount of knowledge about the subject that I could never have learned in a book. It can be a bloodbath if I am not prepared. I find that if I take the time to do my research, I usually can come out of it alive. If not, it can be very difficult.

3 p.m. I pull out the tool that I have been assigned for my drill on the following shift, and begin reacquainting myself with it. I research the tool in the technical journals and begin to gather my notes. When I get home, I will research on the internet for more information.

4:30 p.m. I clean the kitchen from the afternoon’s snacking. I help the cook prepare for the dinner meal.

5:30 p.m. I take down the flag and double check that the gate for the parking lot is locked to maintain security for the firefighters’ private vehicles.

6 p.m. Same routine as lunch. I am the last to sit down and the first to be in the suds.

7 p.m. I help the engineers wash and chamois down the apparatus.

8 p.m. I will pull out another tool and begin to learn it. I will pull a ladder off the engine or truck and throw it, read the policies and procedures, or prepare for my drill next shift.

10 p.m. I do a final cleanup around the station, picking up any residual trash, doing the dishes again, and doing a final inventory of the engine or truck.

1:30a.m. I finally go to sleep when the last member of my crew has gone to bed.

5:30 a.m. I wake up before the rest of my crew, put on my uniform and make coffee. I open the gate, get the newspaper and make sure the kitchen is clean.

8:00 a.m. I change out of my uniform and leave the station after the last member of my crew leaves.

This is just a rough baseline of what to expect as a rookie firefighter. It is important to note that this does not include running emergency responses and all of the on-the-spot questions that barrage you during the course of the day.



Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com

[DFurtman]

That's a great list, Battalion Chief Lepore, thank you for your input.

-Damien

[doughesson]

Chief,a couple years ago,Paducah had a big hazmat call when someone at a local plant cleaned the toilets with "Red Devil"(tm)toilet cleaner and Clorox(tm).
The fumes cleared out 200 workers,tied up two engines and a truck company for two hours,and took every ambulance for three counties(12) and three city buses to transport people to hospitals for evaluation.
Wouldn't you rather have a probie use the proper cleaning supplies and read the label instead of gassing up the house worse than a bad night of Mexican chow?


8:30 a.m. I begin the housework details. I always make it a point to be the first one cleaning the bathrooms with my scrubber and bleach/Comet mixture. I have learned that instead of flushing the toilet once clean, leave the soapy water in the bowl. This shows your crewmembers that the toilet has been cleaned.
Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com

[BCLepore]

Doug,
Is that all you got out of the post?

[doughesson]

Doug,
Is that all you got out of the post?
Actually,no,sir.
Most of what you posted is how someone new to any job should be:ready to take the dirty work to learn the lesser aspects of the job.Plus,it's all gotta be done anyway so why not show some initiative,right?
I was on a volunteer department and before I even started the 20 hours of in house rookie training,I made myself obnoxiously available for any scut job that came up.
For the regular Sunday detail,I was often the first to arrive after Church and started on cleaning the office,meeting room and bathrooms before anyone else showed.
At training meetings,I was helping set up the chow line,assist any guest speakers with the a/v equipment,dragging out gear and except for when the Chief almost pulled the hose tower cupola over during a rappelling exercise,I was first in line on training evolutions.