Gordon Graham
Category: Fire Service
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for my friends in the fire service. We’re going to talk about attention to detail.
When you check your equipment at the start of a shift, you should be on the lookout for things that could prevent you from doing your job effectively. What may seem minor can quickly become a major problem.
Far too many firefighters lose their lives because they miss a crucial detail.
It’s easy to overlook something like a missing hose adapter. But a missing adapter can cause a water supply delay, and that could mean the difference between life and death. Every piece of equipment on your apparatus has a specific, important purpose. If anything is missing or broken, the consequences could be dire.
Attention to detail doesn’t end with equipment checks. Far too many firefighters lose their lives because they miss a crucial detail that affects the structural integrity of a building.
Pre-planning – especially regarding building construction – can reveal important details that make a big difference in an emergency. Is the roof line straight or does it bow? What about masonry features? Are there cracks in bricks or mortar, or any other signs that could indicate something has changed?
On every call, take a moment to think about the minor details that tell us a lot. How many mailboxes and electric meters are on the building? Are there any cars in the driveway? Check out the windows, too. Small windows might suggest bathrooms, while windows with higher sills may indicate a kitchen. If you pay attention, the details will tell you so much.
When every second counts, every detail can make a difference. The Italians have a saying: “Festina lente.” It means “Make haste slowly.” While it’s important to maintain the appropriate urgency, condition yourself to slow down and look for details. You’ll be safer and much more effective.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
