First Due Tackle Pass It On – Firefighter, Rescue & Extrication Training
Whether you are an instructor, mentor, or supervisor you need to get a grip on your students. The following highlights will reflect on my recent trip to Aberdeen, South Dakota and the lively bunch of attendees that helped keep the conversation realistic yet thought provoking. As you scan through the topics consider what you are doing to improve your instructorship to ultimately improve the organizations you are involved with.
Evaluation Strategies
To often, the evaluation process is looked at as a stereotypical disciplinarian. The next generation of emergency mitigation will be handled by those we evaluate, coach, and counsel. It is important that we use an objective method to improve their performance and any glitches in behavior before affecting the organizations moral and/or efficiency.
Whether volunteer, combination, or full-time the evaluation process can lead to greater development and accountability throughout your organization in a positive way.
Evaluation Strategies for Fire Service Mentors, Instructors, and Officers
Generational Differences
I have learned a great deal from Tiger Schmittendorf and his relentless pursuit to recruit, retain, and develop the next generation of first responders. Emergency services are not a sprint, nor a marathon, however we must do a better job at passing the baton onto the next generation before the traditions and knowledge of seasoned veterans cross the door plate for the last time.
Social Media
You may or may not have an opinion on the use of social media as an instruction method. I see the benefits, but realize the possible negative impacts it can have if used improperly. During the class in Aberdeen, I played a short video on social-media-instruction several times and the attendees had a blast learning the skill. Just think about the knowledge you can record and pass onto your students prior to a classroom or hands-on on training.
Common Sense / Street Smarts / Situational Awareness
Common sense can be improved with repetition, street smarts can be improved with time on the job or realistic scenarios that incorporate skills and critical thinking, and situational awareness can be improved through continuous study and as recommended by Rich Gasaway – anticipate the unusual.
Pass it on!
