Station Life

Transitioning to a new firehouse as a medic firefighter can be exciting, but also daunting. Here are some key things to remember as you embark on this new chapter:

Be prepared:

• Before anything: Create an account on a web browser that you can access on any computer and your phone. A google account may be best because you can bookmark important sites for your staffing, reports, paystub, and more. Save your usernames and passwords to that browser because you will have a lot to keep up with. On top of that, passwords may have to be changed every few months and the credentials are different between the sites. It might be useful to pick a PW that is over 8 letters, contains one capital and one symbol, and a number that you can change when a PW needs to be renewed. Google Keep allows you to create a wall of sticky notes and reminders to remember things and stay on track. If you work on something on your phone, you will have access to it on the computer as well. Having a Google Drive will allow you to save important resources and documents you collect over the years. These things will prevent you from asking other people and calling to get your PW reset. Hopefully people will come to you if they know you have the resources. 

• You live there now: ⅓  of your days now are going to be spent at the firehouse. Bring everything you need to get through a few days including your bed linens and toiletries. Nobody wants to be in close quarters with smelly breath and BO.

• Snacks:  Have something with you for in-between or missed meals.

• Before and after work: Drive around your district to learn the roads.

Mindset and Attitude:

Also see Philosophy

• Be a learner: Embrace the vast knowledge and experience of your peers. Ask questions, be open to feedback, and actively participate in training and drills.

• Show a positive attitude: Maintain a cheerful and helpful demeanor. Remember, firehouses are often close-knit, and negativity can weigh on the team.

• Be humble: It’s one thing if you can back it up but there are too many people who think they know and they really don’t. If you keep your mouth shut, people don’t know how dumb you are. If you open your mouth, people find out. 

• Respect the chain of command: While asking questions is important, understand the hierarchy and follow instructions promptly and safely.

• Don’t have to be told: Be dressed out and on the apparatus before your officer shuts their door. Turn your radio down or cover up your mic when someone is speaking on the radio. Also, turn it off when you get back in the apparatus it doesn’t echo. Use your eyes, ears, and the thing in between them to see what is happening around you.

• Do good: Do what is right for the Pt while following protocols. If you deviate from them to do what is morally right, you better have a good enough reason or you might not have been doing the right thing. 

Practical knowledge:

• Familiarize yourself with the firehouse: Learn the layout, equipment locations, and protocols for calls.

• Understand the local area: Knowledge of the building types, hazards, and water sources in your district is crucial.

• Get to know your gear: Be proficient in using and maintaining all your firefighting and medical equipment.

• Learn the station's culture and traditions: Each firehouse has its own customs and ways of doing things. Observe and respectfully adapt.

Teamwork and Communication:

• Build strong relationships: Get to know your fellow firefighters and medics. They are your lifeline in critical situations.

• Practice clear and concise communication: This is vital for efficient teamwork and ensuring everyone's safety.

• Be a team player: Support your colleagues and be willing to help with any task assigned.

• Never hesitate to ask for help: You won't always have the answer. Don't be afraid to seek clarification or assistance from more experienced members.

Retirement:

• Invest: Get with an investor or one through your locality and plan for retirement. As early as possible. Assuming you invested $1 in the S&P 500 in 1923 with an average annual return of 10% and 3% inflation.

-Nominal Value After 100 Years: $1 * (1 + 10%)^100 = $36,968.42

-Adjusted for Inflation (3%): $36,968.42 / (1 + 3%)^100 = $1,258.15 (purchasing power equivalent to $1 in 1923)

Investing $1 a day a hundred years ago would be worth over a million today. This is true even with the great depression and recessions hurting the market. 

• Write a book: From the moment you hit the floor, if you were to document all of your calls (minus HIPAA stuff) and the people you’ve encountered, you would be able to publish a book that would blow people's minds away. They would not believe some of the things you have seen or done in your career. The stuff that doesn’t even make it on live TV shows.

Additional Tips:

• Be physically fit: The job demands constant readiness and physical exertion. Maintain your fitness through regular exercise. In 2016, NFPA reports stated 38% of on scene firefighter deaths were from Cardiac Arrest.

• Develop mental resilience: Firefighting involves stressful and traumatic situations. Learn healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and emotional challenges.

• Remember your self-care: Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and activities that help you de-stress and recharge.

• Hide your  fears: If you are scared of heights or claustrophobic, you may want to let someone know or reconsider your position. If you have a pet peeve or you are terrified of snakes. Learn to hide it because your crew will find them and use them against you when they get a chance.

By adopting a positive, collaborative, and learning-oriented approach, you can successfully integrate into your new firehouse and become a valuable member of the team. Remember, safety and teamwork are paramount. Stay focused, stay engaged, and always have your crew's back. Good luck!

Meals at a firehouse generally operate differently than standard workplaces due to the unique schedule and demands of the job. Here's a breakdown of how they typically work:

Preparation:

• Shared responsibility: Firefighters usually cook and eat together, fostering camaraderie and teamwork. Meals are rarely provided by the department itself.

• Shared cost: Each crew member typically contributes a set amount daily towards groceries, creating a collective food fund. Weekends may cost more for a big brunch or splurge. Sometimes extra funds go into a house fund or “kitty” to be used for these occasions.

• Planning and coordination: At the start of a shift, the crew decides on meals based on budget, dietary preferences, and special occasions.

• Cooking roles: Often, firefighters take turns cooking, showcasing their culinary skills and building on their reputations as "firehouse chefs." Some stations might have designated cooks.

Meals:

• Frequency: Depending on the shift type and duration, firefighters typically have one or two main meals, like breakfast or lunch and then dinner. Snacks are also common.

• Style: Meals tend to be hearty and calorie-dense to fuel firefighters for physically demanding work. Stews, pastas, casseroles, and grilled meats are popular choices.

• Flexibility: The schedule can be unpredictable, so meals might be interrupted by calls. Leftovers are readily accepted for later consumption.

• Importance: Mealtime is more than just nourishment; it's a time for bonding, relaxation, and sharing stories within the crew, strengthening their team spirit.

Variations:

• Delivery options: Some firehouses utilize restaurant delivery services or have agreements with local establishments for occasional pizza or sandwich nights.

• Special occasions: Birthdays, holidays, or successful rescues often warrant celebratory meals cooked with extra effort or ordered from fancier restaurants.

• Dietary considerations: While most meals cater to the majority, firehouses are increasingly sensitive to individual dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

Remember, every firehouse operates a bit differently, so specific details will vary. Most importantly, mealtime at the firehouse serves as a vital aspect of building camaraderie and ensuring a well-fueled and bonded team ready for any emergency.

While downtime at a firehouse might seem like a welcome break, it's still an opportunity to be productive and prepared. Here are some options for a new firefighter to utilize their downtime effectively:

Professional Development:

• Training: Utilize the time to practice drills, train with specific equipment, or learn new skills relevant to firefighting and medical emergencies. Some departments might have designated training areas or online resources.

• Studying: Review protocols, procedures, and safety guidelines. Stay updated on fire codes, new techniques, and best practices.

• Research: Explore specific areas of interest within firefighting, like hazardous materials, technical rescues, or fire investigation.

Station Maintenance:

• Clean and organize: Help keep the firehouse clean and equipment well-maintained. This promotes a safer and more efficient work environment.

• Inspect and test: Participate in routine equipment checks and ensure everything is functioning properly. This could involve hoses, ladders, tools, and medical supplies.

• Vehicle maintenance: Assist with basic vehicle maintenance tasks like washing, checking fluid levels, and reporting any minor issues.

Team Building and Camaraderie:

• Connect with colleagues: Get to know your fellow firefighters and medics through conversation, games, or shared activities. Building strong relationships fosters teamwork and trust.

• Help with chores: Contribute to communal tasks like cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping. This demonstrates collaboration and responsibility.

• Share knowledge and experiences: Exchange stories, lessons learned, and techniques with your colleagues. This creates a culture of learning and improvement.

Personal Well-being:

• Rest and relax: Take advantage of downtimes to get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and manage stress. A well-rested and healthy firefighter is better equipped for emergencies.

• Exercise: Maintain physical fitness through individual or group workouts. This is crucial for staying in shape for physically demanding tasks.

• Personal projects: If time allows, use downtime for personal hobbies, pursuing interests, or connecting with loved ones. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important.

Remember:

• Each firehouse has its own culture and practices. Observe and adapt to the established routines.

• Always prioritize safety and follow department policies and guidelines.

• Be proactive, willing to learn, and contribute to the overall well-being of the team and station.

By making the most of downtime, new firefighters can become engaged, valuable members of their firehouse community while ensuring their personal and professional growth.