Have You Ever Seen a Cat Skeleton in a Tree? The Impact of the Fire Service’s Growing Mission.
I am amazed at the number of times people still call the fire department to rescue an animal — usually the proverbial cat — from a tree. I think this was the first diversion from the fire service’s primary mission. The best response I have ever heard to this request was — “Have you ever seen a cat skeleton in a tree?… Exactly. Have a nice day. “ Steve Martin had a slightly different approach in the movie Roxanne.
The fire service has prided itself on being the jacks of all trades and the emergency service that continually takes on larger and more diverse missions — but have we done all this at the expense of our core mission?? Over the past fifty years the fire service has diversified into all sorts of arenas. At one time — very long ago — we were simply the fire department. If something was on fire — call us. In 2016 we are now some communities primary source of health care through emergency medical services and community para-medicine, manage industrial and hazardous materials incidents, inspect your home and business for fire code violations and educate your children or community group on fire safety. That’s just the beginning. We also must train and prepare for the next terrorist attack and participate in active shooter drills and exercises that takes us far beyond our original primary mission. Add to this the challenge of technical rescue disciplines, suspicious package response and water rescue!! Did I mention inspecting and maintaining fire hydrants? When does it end? How do we prepare?
I will be the first to admit these additional responsibilities are a logical fit within the fire service. I’m biased but I believe Emergency Medical Services are best provided by a fire-based service as well as hazardous materials response, technical rescue and water rescue. But are we allowing these extra responsibilities and the seemingly endless new requests for service to get in the way of doing what we should do best? Are they preventing us from honing our firefighting craft? What should be our priority? Are we just using these added responsibilities as an excuse not to train?
For the line engine and ladder companies, fire fighting and EMS delivery must be at the top of the priority list. When you get right down to it, the core of our mission is to save lives — period. Nothing we do plays a larger factor in this mission than the line engine company and ladder company performing to perfection every time. You can’t have an off day, and you can’t be the “B” team (Or C, D….Z). What does this mean? This means that the engine and ladder companies must be experts in their respective fire ground responsibilities. It means if you are on an engine you have to be able to deploy the correct line efficiently every time. To get the line to the seat of the fire and get water on the fire making every thing better. If you are on a ladder, it means you need to be proficient with forcing entry, performing rapid searches and conducting ventilation.
So how do we get there with all of the other responsibilities and distractions? Training must be a priority. That simple. Every day the company must train on a skill that promotes their core mission. For engines that means putting hose on the ground. Daily. Hose doesn’t lay itself. Stretch in the firehouse — practice getting the line to the point of service. Stretch on a smell of smoke response — lay a line to the door. I promise, fifteen firefighters will stand in a line and reload the hose. Truckers need to train on search techniques and maintain proficiency with ladders. When is the last time you threw the 35’ or practiced wide area search? Firefighting is a perishable skill that needs continual practice to develop and maintain the muscle memory — develop that everyday.
What do we do with those other responsibilities? We can’t just ignore them but we can prioritize them. Devote some time to those skills you need to be “aware” of. Maintain your skills at the awareness level. Know when to call the hazmat technicians and the rescue technicians. Just remember, you are the fire technician.
