r/Firefighting 2d ago

General Discussion Volunteer Firefighter looking for the best ways to make myself of value to the team in your experiences.

The title pretty much says is. Just got voted in yesterday. Im physically fit. Eager to learn but don't want to waste peoples time trying to learn or be good at the wrong things. Would appreciate some advice so I can start off on a good foot.

6 Upvotes

11 comments sorted by

9

u/rodeo302 2d ago

Learn and master the basics, hose handling, foreable entry, and tool locations on all your rigs.

7

u/DruncanIdaho 2d ago

There are no wrong things to learn!

If you're brand new to this, go to a couple more experienced members, and ask them where they recommend starting. It will be important to know where they want you to start, and also show them respect for having more experience than you.

If I had to put some basics in order, I'd recommend:

1. Knowing how to properly check off and use your SCBA and radio
-great question for your crew, and you can supplement with YouTube and such; simple task, but learn how to do it right (and what to do if something's not right--like replacing PASS batteries or a bad foam gasket, etc).

2. Gearing up quickly and without mistakes
-practice, practice practice. Try a few different sequences to figure out what flows the best for you, and then drill it until you're the fastest. Make notes of what you tend to forget (turning your radio on? making sure your neck strap is secure? checking for gaps around your mask?) and make small changes to fix those mistakes. Does your crew gear up with mask on en route, or wait to mask up?

3. Knowing every tool on the rig, and how to use each one.
-ask to do or assist with the apparatus checklist, preferably alongside somebody motivated to help you. MEMORIZE that checklist, be able to write down every tool in every compartment. Use your crew's knowledge in addition to the internet to learn how use them. Score brownie points with your crew by offering to update the checklist if the list is out of date.

That's the really basic, basic stuff that will help you be good at your job. Learning how to pull, advance, and handle a nozzle is of course really important (and of course you can drill on this while you're learning everything else) but focusing on those first 3 will show that you're ready for business.

2

u/keep_it_simple-9 FAE/PM Retired 2d ago

Pay attention, train, and be open to learning. I’m not sure what you mean when you say wasting people’s time. You’re embarking on a profession that requires a lot of hands-on repetition and training. Whether that be at the fire station or on active incidents. Work hard keep your head down, ask questions and listen. The people around you want you to be successful. And they’re a valuable resource you should take advantage of.

2

u/NorthPackFan 2d ago

Got to the hall often and just look through the trucks. Be aware of where at what everything is. Take training seriously and get the classes you need.

And no drama. Whatever you do, no drama.

2

u/tvsjr 2d ago

The advice is no different than for any other probie.

God (or your choice of sky daddy) gave you two ears and one mouth in that ratio for a reason. Listen more than you speak. That doesn't mean you shouldn't ask questions but don't prattle on. Don't try to make shit up to sound salty.

Train. Get good at the basics. Fancy shit is great someday - right now you need to be excellent at the basics. Donning your gear, stretching a line, getting on air.

If others are working, you should be too. If you can't help at least observe.

3

u/Double_Blacksmith662 2d ago

Will echo what others have said, learn your gear, learn your rigs. Become the go to person, but dont be a gloater. Learn how to do things by the book, then expand out. Don't come in hot with fun things you found online. Listen and keep an open mind. Become comfortable at being uncomfortable. If in a group and they ask for volunteers, be the first one to raise your hand. Best of luck, exciting times ahead!

1

u/ClydesdaleDivision Engine LT 2d ago

Keep this is mind, in football there are 11 players on the field but only one holds the ball at a time. Even if you’re not the one with the ball, give 100% knowing that everyone is necessary to score a touchdown.

So many guys work half ass if they are RIT, hydrant, station coverage, god forbid rehab. But everyone works towards putting the fire out and it’s one team, one fight. Just give 100% whether you’re making the push or taking a BP.

1

u/vsolutixns 2d ago

Dont worry about wasting peoples time, thats what being a probie is all about. The only stupid questions are the ones you dont ask.

1

u/Beautiful_Ball5861 2d ago

This might be an unpopular opinion and I am open to hearing others opinions if they are different. But I wouldn’t ask your crew at first to train on certain things. If they ask you what you want to do a couple things I’d suggest are hose deployment and advancing, forcible entry, radio communications and then any blacked out mask activities.

When I started I had a crew that didn’t like to train so much because they were experienced. Not an excuse I know. I wouldn’t ever ask them to come train with me. I would just go to the bay and do what I could. Check the truck, practice donning and doffing the pack blacked out, put ladders up and down ect. Eventually they started coming out and then the trainings turned into group ones a bit more.

1

u/Standeck JAFV 2d ago

Show up. Don't quit. That's the first 80%.

1

u/masterbritish25 2d ago

Loads of good comments with good ways. But something I have seen is don't be a stranger with the other guys. Your getting ready to go into some possible shit situations with them guys. Build that comradery.