Training: How much and how often.

by Jordan Smith

Oct 4, 2008

Today I wanted to take a few minutes and ask how much and how often does everyone get to train in their fire house? I know me being a new firefighter seeing new things and learning new ways to get the job done more effective and safer makes everyday a learning experience. I have been lucky enough to have family and fellow firefighters show me early on the importance of training. I think all of us rookies and veterans should all have the mind set to train everyday because what we learn today may save us, a patient or fellow firefighter tomorrow. So I guess my question is really a three part question. How much, how often and how effective is you’re fire houses training methods? Any imput ideas or new drills and/or methods would be great.

Also to add something really quickly here is another question I have. Does you’re department have a PT routine that has to be done and if so what does that in tale?

Thanks again,

Jordan Smith (E.K.C.J.F.D)

  • Brenda Tenney

    On my Fire Dept,we train much as possible,We have already went though the tough training at the academy ,But them we have the other courses like Haz-mat,Arson,Fire fighter 2,First responder,and of course we just keep on learning something each month,we practice a lot at the station,and pump ops,and so on.
    I have yet got to go to many more classes ,
    Be safe Brenda

    Oct 4, 2008

  • Larry Glover

    How much?---Not enough company/shift training.
    How often?---Approx. once a month shift training.
    How effective?---Not, New Fire Chief, new ideas and the grunts are giving resistence to change. In fact my Captain, just the other day, stated he hated change and wished the fire service would go back to the "way it was". I usually stay on the computer on FE, FireNuggets, VES or FH reading/printing off articles and placing them around the firehouse (pretending like I left them there by accident). Even though the moral isn't the best right now, I keep on training and try to encourage others to train with me. I'll keep on fighting to change my Capt.'s attitude.

    Stay Safe Brothers and Excellent Discussion,

    Larry

    Oct 5, 2008

  • Larry Glover

    Thanks Brenda.
    Sad thing is I'm the rookie, I've been with my paid dept for a year this month. I still come in with a smile on my face everyday. Stay Safe!

    Oct 5, 2008

  • Todd McKee

    CUZ
    Remember, keep an open mind and keep focus with your training. You know you canstop by and we will go over whatever you need. WORK HARD!

    Todd

    Oct 6, 2008

  • Katy Luetke

    In my experince with Cal-Fire, we train on the raw-basics every day for the first month of fire season, getting the rookies and transfers integrated in to the program so opperations are cohesive, then as fire season gets going, training slows until you are sometimes lucky to get a good two hours per shift/tour (72 hours for us). Once all of the initial training that has to be documented as first of the year paperwork is over, it becomes the FF's job to "butter up" we'll say, the Co. Officers to get to train, but in my experience, once you get a captain or Engineer into it, it is very helpful and affective.

    Oct 7, 2008

  • Brenda Tenney

    Thanks Todd,I am keeping up with my training,and working another job.Got and fire dept meeting tonight,am going to
    try and get some of the fire fighters of my dept to join this site. Be safe Brenda

    Oct 7, 2008