10 Things Rookie Firefighters Should Know and Why

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So you are a new recruit/rookie/probies. Well then congrats on your achievement of completing the fire academy training. Remember everyone was once in your shoes. When you are hired on to a department. The people of that department, you could be serving with for maybe 10 or more years. To help prepare you for your career in the fire service here is ten thing you must know.
Number one, respect the job. Firefighting is the most respected career and volunteer area in the United State of America. For those men and women who wear the bunker gear a lot people wish they could be us, for whatever reason that is. Because it is just an honor to be a firefighter, it is equally to be as much have a dishonor to become a person who does not care about the job. So respect it.
Number two, ask when in doubt. If you do not know for sure, you better be asking. It really is not a matter of looking foolish for asking but being foolish for not asking. You will get in trouble quickly, if not killed. No one know everything, if you believe you do get out of the fire service you’re going get someone killed if not yourself in the end.
Number three, your ego. Egos are bad leave it home. You will never know it all no matter what you believe. There is always something to learn. You are not better than anyone else you are a team so get over it, because there is no “I” in team. Beside your only has well as your weakness link on your crew.
Number four, your training cannot fail you only you can fail yourself. If you was one of the lucky one to pass without studying. This is for you. You had better be training each and every day. You and your crew lives depend on it. Do not fail yourself nor them.

Number five, before washing trucks check it out. Check for damage,...

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...yet another firefighter takes your place who is willing to learn. Read books, take extra classes at the fire academy and read those magazines that someone left near the toilet, they have great information for an every changing fire service.
These ten things are necessary for any new firefighter. If you wish to be successful you must respect the job, ask questions when in doubt, manage your ego, understanding failure equal death, how to maintain a truck, handling an emergency, safety, accountability and keep an open mind to learning new things. It is hard work, but it totally worth it in long run. Remember stay hungry to learn, study new fireground tactics. Learn by doing, reading, and listening.
If you are successfully your attitude and behavior overall should not change. Share these with your fellow new firefighters and teach them the ropes of the fire service.

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