Do we overemphasize new technologies or are they acting as a crutch for poor fundamentals? This is a question posed in a thread on Firefighter Nation in regard to accountability.
As nice as some of this technology is, at the heart of the matter is this: are we teaching our firefighters to work within an organized approach to incident management or are we allowing them to do their own thing? If we have people who will not work within an established incident plan, maybe they need to find another line of work. Company officers: are you allowing this kind of "rogue mentality"? Or do you insist that crews stay within "voice, vision, or touch" and check in/check out of the Hot Zone?
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With the focus on firefighter survival, it only stands to reason that there are companies standing in line to sell products that may do little to improve survival chances, but they will sell anyway.
ReplyDeleteCompanies want to be the first on their block to sell us something and there is always someone on the department who wants to be the first one to HAVE it.
If we are working within the "span of control" at a scene, then why is it necessary to have a buddy breathing system, rope bag, a 200 in 1 tool in your pocket and the latest catalog on NEW survival products?
I agree with your analogy.
We will NEVER idiot proof what we do.
ChiefReason
Visit www.chiefreasonart.com
With the focus on firefighter survival, it only stands to reason that there are companies standing in line to sell products that may do little to improve survival chances, but they will sell anyway.
ReplyDeleteCompanies want to be the first on their block to sell us something and there is always someone on the department who wants to be the first one to HAVE it.
If we are working within the "span of control" at a scene, then why is it necessary to have a buddy breathing system, rope bag, a 200 in 1 tool in your pocket and the latest catalog on NEW survival products?
I agree with your analogy.
We will NEVER idiot proof what we do.
ChiefReason
Visit www.chiefreasonart.com