National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System: Crew Continuity

This week’s firefighter near-miss report describes a fireground action where crew members have expectations of an outcome, but one member in particular is surprised by an unexpected development. As you read the account, ask yourself, could it happen to us?

“Our engine was dispatched to a reported structure fire at a local apartment complex, with the callers reporting visible smoke and fire. Upon arrival, we found a three story apartment building in the complex showing heavy fire from the A/B corner, extending from the first division up and showing through the roof…I climbed up on the truck and disconnected the deluge gun from its base, in order to place an extension (pipe) on it to allow for greater reach and penetration. Placing the pipe was a standard practice among our shift’s crew, and when it had been done in the past the engineer would ask the firefighter if he was ready for water prior to charging the deluge gun. On that shift, the engineer was acting captain and a firefighter from another station was detailed to drive. Shortly after I had the deluge gun disconnected from its base, a jet of water came up and knocked me off…”

Crew continuity is a major performance factor in delivering efficient and safe fire and rescue service. It is often an overlooked factor when normal shift relief is disrupted, or someone new shows up for duty night. Some members detect that they are “off by half a step” or otherwise out of sync. However, crews don’t necessarily address the sense of timing being off. A near miss related to failing to get in sync becomes a powerful reminder of the need to start the shift with everyone on the same page. Once you have read the entire account (CLICK HERE), and the related reports, consider the following:

How often does your “normal” crew work together?
When a replacement becomes part of your team, is there a briefing conducted to let the replacement know about specific team responsibilities?
Which members’ role, in your opinion, is the most pivotal when it comes to impact on operational efficiency?
What are the five most frequently used evolutions (e.g., hose, ladder, ventilation, etc.) in your current assignment/role?
Based on your answer to #4, how many different people can potentially be involved in those evolutions? What do you do to address the different proficiency levels?

Submit your report to www.firefighternearmiss.com today so everyone goes home tomorrow.

Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion and thought in the name of promoting firefighter safety. They are not intended to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.

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