This week we are speaking to Jon Pascua who is pioneering the use of DJI Phantom quadcopters for use in the fire service. We talk a little about technology, uses, costs and more.
http://www.dji.com/
https://facebook.com/rifiredrone
http://www.turnto10.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9814185
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Fire behavior in a small bungalow
This week we ask some questions about fire behavior and fire attack in a small bungalow.
1.) What impact does the small size of this house have on fire growth and flashover potential?
2.) What is the difference in what you see in the two D side windows? One window has fire showing in the top half, clear in the bottom half. What does that indicate to you? The rear window has heavy black smoke pushing out the full height and width of the window. What's the difference, what can it tell you?
3.) Are the interior doors in these rooms open or closed ?
4.) What size lines and where? What is your plan of attack?
5.) Would any of your decisions change if this was a larger house? How is fire behavior affected by the size of the container? (Size of the structure)
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
1.) What impact does the small size of this house have on fire growth and flashover potential?
2.) What is the difference in what you see in the two D side windows? One window has fire showing in the top half, clear in the bottom half. What does that indicate to you? The rear window has heavy black smoke pushing out the full height and width of the window. What's the difference, what can it tell you?
3.) Are the interior doors in these rooms open or closed ?
4.) What size lines and where? What is your plan of attack?
5.) Would any of your decisions change if this was a larger house? How is fire behavior affected by the size of the container? (Size of the structure)
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
The Fire Service Rule of Thirds - Written by Jim Blanchard, retired fire chief Saugus MA
This is a repost of an article written by my friend Jim Blanchard from many years ago. I was in several discussions this week where I verbally made reference to this article, so I thought I would post it again.
Below are Jim's thoughts and unfortunately I have had some experiences which lead me to say I must agree.
###
I truly believe that this should be hung on every bulletin board in every firehouse.
The fire service operates on a rule of thirds. Understanding this rule will help you understand the actions of certain members.
READ THIS AND ASK YOURSELF, WHERE DO I FIT IN, IN THIS RULE OF THIRDS?
ONE THIRD OF THE MEMBERS DON"'T WANT TO DO THE JOB.
They dedicate all of their time and energy to their second job.
They are much to busy to attend a union or association meeting
They can never find the time to serve on a committee. They complain vigorously about everything but won't do anything to try to improve anything.
The Fire job is an inconvenience to them. They are easy to find at a fire. They are the ones outside near the pump or truck always having trouble with their SCBA.
ONE THIRD OF THE MEMBERS DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THE JOB.
They never took a class in firefighting. They don't want to train. If an inservice class is Scheduled on their group, they will take a vacation or sick day. They don't have time to come to union or association meetings. They know the television schedule for every channel. They know the date and time that the special checks, longevity, holiday, clothing, arrive. They know which vacation schedule has the most days off, especially weekends. They know how many sick days they have left and when they will get more to use. They also know more about maximizing their retirement plan than the commissioner of the board. They are easy to find at fires. They are the ones standing outside with a rake or hook in their hand waiting for the coffee truck.
ONE THIRD OF THE MEMBERS WANT TO DO THE JOB AND KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO DO IT.
These members rarely miss a union or an association meeting, they frequently take classes in firefighting, even on their own time. They are eager to drill. They work a second job but always find time to serve on committees, hold office and help out on anything that will benefit the members. The only complaining they do is at union or association meetings and then they always have a suggestion on how to make things better. They might not know the television schedule or how to operate the remote control from the second row. But they do know where all the equipment is on the Company they are assigned and they know how it works. They probably don't know what day clothing allowance comes but they do know how to get the pump into manual shift override. They also can't tell you how many sick days they have accrued but you can bet the last one they used wasn't on a Friday or Saturday Night. They are difficult to find at fires. The only time you see them is when they come out to change their third air bottle.
James L Blanchard
Saugus Fire Department
###
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Below are Jim's thoughts and unfortunately I have had some experiences which lead me to say I must agree.
###
I truly believe that this should be hung on every bulletin board in every firehouse.
The fire service operates on a rule of thirds. Understanding this rule will help you understand the actions of certain members.
READ THIS AND ASK YOURSELF, WHERE DO I FIT IN, IN THIS RULE OF THIRDS?
ONE THIRD OF THE MEMBERS DON"'T WANT TO DO THE JOB.
They dedicate all of their time and energy to their second job.
They are much to busy to attend a union or association meeting
They can never find the time to serve on a committee. They complain vigorously about everything but won't do anything to try to improve anything.
The Fire job is an inconvenience to them. They are easy to find at a fire. They are the ones outside near the pump or truck always having trouble with their SCBA.
ONE THIRD OF THE MEMBERS DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THE JOB.
They never took a class in firefighting. They don't want to train. If an inservice class is Scheduled on their group, they will take a vacation or sick day. They don't have time to come to union or association meetings. They know the television schedule for every channel. They know the date and time that the special checks, longevity, holiday, clothing, arrive. They know which vacation schedule has the most days off, especially weekends. They know how many sick days they have left and when they will get more to use. They also know more about maximizing their retirement plan than the commissioner of the board. They are easy to find at fires. They are the ones standing outside with a rake or hook in their hand waiting for the coffee truck.
ONE THIRD OF THE MEMBERS WANT TO DO THE JOB AND KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO DO IT.
These members rarely miss a union or an association meeting, they frequently take classes in firefighting, even on their own time. They are eager to drill. They work a second job but always find time to serve on committees, hold office and help out on anything that will benefit the members. The only complaining they do is at union or association meetings and then they always have a suggestion on how to make things better. They might not know the television schedule or how to operate the remote control from the second row. But they do know where all the equipment is on the Company they are assigned and they know how it works. They probably don't know what day clothing allowance comes but they do know how to get the pump into manual shift override. They also can't tell you how many sick days they have accrued but you can bet the last one they used wasn't on a Friday or Saturday Night. They are difficult to find at fires. The only time you see them is when they come out to change their third air bottle.
James L Blanchard
Saugus Fire Department
###
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
The Firefighter Training Podcast - Standard Operating Procedures
This week we talk about standard operating procedures (SOPs) or standard operating guides if you prefer. What they are, why you need them, how to write them and review them and use them for a training document are all discussed.
The book that was referenced:
Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines, John Lee Cook, published by Fire Engineering books.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
The book that was referenced:
Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines, John Lee Cook, published by Fire Engineering books.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
60 Second Safety - How much loss has already happened?
This week we talk about what happens before your arrival.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Online Training - February 26, 2014 Do You See What I see? Size up Training
Sign up and register for a training event on Wednesday February 26, 2014 at 10:PM Eastern time! This online training session covers principles of size-up and firefighter safety to make all firefighters, and officers more alert and aware on the fireground.
We will talk about, rate of flow, collapse, some tactics and strategy and using manpower effectively.
In addition there will be the ability to interact and live chat with me and have the ability to ask specific questions.
Introductory offer for 2 hour training session of only $ 25.00 per student. Class size is limited for the initial programs.
Register for the event Here:
Firefighting Today Weekly Roundtable - Review of Kill The Flashover Project 2014
This week the Firefighting Today Roundtable discussion will be a summary of the testing last week at the South Carolina Fire Academy.
Watch us live at the EVENT PAGE.
Watch us live on YOUTUBE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Watch us live at the EVENT PAGE.
Watch us live on YOUTUBE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014
Fire in the Library
This week a fire in a library of an older building.
1.) What factors such as age, construction type, and layout must be considered during attack?
2.) What would you estimate is the length of the stretch?
3.) Because of the size and area and the occupancy loading will you order additional alarms?
4.) Does salvage operation become any more important because of this occupancy? Often we do not have manpower for salvage, but is it more important here?
5.) What will be your consideration if the fire spreads rapidly into book stacks?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
1.) What factors such as age, construction type, and layout must be considered during attack?
2.) What would you estimate is the length of the stretch?
3.) Because of the size and area and the occupancy loading will you order additional alarms?
4.) Does salvage operation become any more important because of this occupancy? Often we do not have manpower for salvage, but is it more important here?
5.) What will be your consideration if the fire spreads rapidly into book stacks?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
The Team Concept
I discovered something this week that I thought I would share. I remember back some years ago my mentor Deputy Chief Paul Anderson made a comparison to the New England Patriots and their "Desire to win".
I think it is only appropriate to look at the "team concept" approach and how it does not seem to work as well in the fire service.
I say that it does not work well particularly during the non-emergency times. I have not heard of departments that are having major problems at fires but in the down station time there are conflicts.
Let's make sure we have our comparisons correct by using this baseline:
The city manager would be compared to the owner.
The head coach would be the fire chief.
Other coaches would be division or battalion chiefs.
Squad or team captains would be the fire service equivalent of captains and lieutenants.
A football team has several "squads" or teams within the organization such as offense, defense, special teams etc.
OK so here goes the thought process using the Football as our analogy.
* Do you win the Super bowl by sitting around the locker room criticizing The coach and the owner? Is that tolerated?
* Do the special teams and squads come together as one or do they operate as four separate shifts or groups?
* How many people get to call the plays? Does everyone get a shot or do certain persons make decisions that everyone must play by?
* Do you think members that are not assigned to play were happy they did not get to play? Did they continue to function as a good team members?
* There were members of the team that did not play at all, yet they are still as much champions because they also are members of the team. If a member of your team does a good thing it reflects on all, it a member does a bad thing it also reflects on all.
* The team concept and the overall goal must be kept in perspective each and everyday at every practice (read this as training) and at every meeting. Failure to promote the overall good and team concept of the mission will lead to failure every time.
How many teams are in your fire department and how many do you belong to?
Different groups or working shifts
Union membership
Volunteer or call active members vs.: associate members of the organization
Different stations or substations that do things a certain way
Management or middle management officers such as lieutenants and captains
All of these sub teams must exist and do exist in every fire department organization, the real question is are they always playing on the same team?
The answer is a simple one. No they are not, and in human nature they won't unless someone at some level steps up to the plate and reminds everyone of what the team concept is and how to reach the overall goal.
That's a tough thing to do, and you must be vigilant because you will have to do it all the time, but it is a noble and worthwhile role.
What do you do now coach?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
I think it is only appropriate to look at the "team concept" approach and how it does not seem to work as well in the fire service.
I say that it does not work well particularly during the non-emergency times. I have not heard of departments that are having major problems at fires but in the down station time there are conflicts.
Let's make sure we have our comparisons correct by using this baseline:
The city manager would be compared to the owner.
The head coach would be the fire chief.
Other coaches would be division or battalion chiefs.
Squad or team captains would be the fire service equivalent of captains and lieutenants.
A football team has several "squads" or teams within the organization such as offense, defense, special teams etc.
OK so here goes the thought process using the Football as our analogy.
* Do you win the Super bowl by sitting around the locker room criticizing The coach and the owner? Is that tolerated?
* Do the special teams and squads come together as one or do they operate as four separate shifts or groups?
* How many people get to call the plays? Does everyone get a shot or do certain persons make decisions that everyone must play by?
* Do you think members that are not assigned to play were happy they did not get to play? Did they continue to function as a good team members?
* There were members of the team that did not play at all, yet they are still as much champions because they also are members of the team. If a member of your team does a good thing it reflects on all, it a member does a bad thing it also reflects on all.
* The team concept and the overall goal must be kept in perspective each and everyday at every practice (read this as training) and at every meeting. Failure to promote the overall good and team concept of the mission will lead to failure every time.
How many teams are in your fire department and how many do you belong to?
Different groups or working shifts
Union membership
Volunteer or call active members vs.: associate members of the organization
Different stations or substations that do things a certain way
Management or middle management officers such as lieutenants and captains
All of these sub teams must exist and do exist in every fire department organization, the real question is are they always playing on the same team?
The answer is a simple one. No they are not, and in human nature they won't unless someone at some level steps up to the plate and reminds everyone of what the team concept is and how to reach the overall goal.
That's a tough thing to do, and you must be vigilant because you will have to do it all the time, but it is a noble and worthwhile role.
What do you do now coach?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Sunday, February 9, 2014
The Firefighter Training Podcast - incident Command and Control
This week some considerations for operating as the incident commander. The primary discussion is about a structure fire, but also we discuss how these techniques can apply to other incidents as well.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
60 Second Safety - Arriving on the scene
This week 60 second safety is about your approach and arrival on the incident scene.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Bed and Breakfast
This week a fire in a bed and breakfast. Is it "just a house fire" or something more?
1.) Do you even know where the bed and breakfast establishments are in your community? Are the licensed and/or inspected?
2.) When you fight a residential fire people are familiar with their residence. How might human behavior in this situation?
3.) In this scenario we have a 1 1/2 or two story with an attic space. What are your tactics for this daytime fire?
4.) Are there any exterior factors that will have an effect on operating around the exterior!
5.) What length attack line will you need to make that room?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
1.) Do you even know where the bed and breakfast establishments are in your community? Are the licensed and/or inspected?
2.) When you fight a residential fire people are familiar with their residence. How might human behavior in this situation?
3.) In this scenario we have a 1 1/2 or two story with an attic space. What are your tactics for this daytime fire?
4.) Are there any exterior factors that will have an effect on operating around the exterior!
5.) What length attack line will you need to make that room?
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Training on Firefighting Tactics
There are a lot of folks out there that are now refocusing and training on firefighting tactics. I am one of them and I believe that we have all lost some focus on the very basic training skill.
There are certain basic principles that must be adhered to, but something is not being said in the national fire service networks. Let's look at an example of what I am talking about.
One form of a tactic....1st engine to the front of the building to perform fire attack, second engine to perform back up line, 1st ladder company search and rescue and ventilation, second ladder company assist ventilation, or something of a variety or form of this.
Not a bad form of a coordinated fire attack, right? No not at all, but what happens in small departments with less than 10 personnel on the first alarm, or when the on call or volunteer personnel arrive haphazardly all at a different times.
Can the same tactic be performed? Should we be training on a national level, these are engine company tactics, and this set are ladder company tactics? These functions can often be blurred and are in fact blurred everyday in middle America. With the exceptions of the major cities, having dedicated company functions is almost impossible to achieve.
Have we taught the options or given our personnel the chance to think of something else?
Does the amount of personnel responding even enter our mind upon arrival when we decide how far we will penetrate the building when we enter? Probably not if it is occupied we are going in, whether or not there are any other personnel responding.
We do not even consider some of the things we do on the fireground. Send 3 personnel in to a fire attack in a supermarket.....how far can a three person crew safely operate in a supermarket, Home Depot, warehouse as compared to a single family ranch.
We say we know size-up, we profess to know tactical options, but on the scenes we just spring into the automatic mode and do what we did yesterday.
I have often used the transitional attack to change conditions before entry and I am now beginning to make clear distinctions on what risks can be safely undertaken by 4, 3, 2, and 1 person engine companies that are arriving to fires all across America.
We need to stress the fireground priorities that must be addressed but we need to balance those with the resources that we arrive with.
How much area can a 2 person crew with airpacks effectively and safely search? Does it matter if that area is residential or if it is commercial? I am not sure anyone has ever talked about some of these issues? Have you trained and timed it?
I know that for all of the time I have been both a student and an instructor of the fire service, we have always been taught that engine companies stretch lines and do fire attack, and truck companies do search and rescue, ventilation, and forcible entry.
All I am suggesting is that maybe, just maybe, as we speak to our new fire officers we teach all of those functions and we begin to break them down and put them in order, and determine how many personnel it takes to perform each of them. (Sort of like 1710 has already laid out for us)
In addition, let us teach our personnel options and train them in using these tactics safely.
The absolute limiting factors in many fireground difficult situations is limited personnel performing tasks that are too numerous, or are way beyond their means.
Let's not lump sum or tactical training, let us train our personnel to be decision makers not just ladder and nozzle operators.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
There are certain basic principles that must be adhered to, but something is not being said in the national fire service networks. Let's look at an example of what I am talking about.
One form of a tactic....1st engine to the front of the building to perform fire attack, second engine to perform back up line, 1st ladder company search and rescue and ventilation, second ladder company assist ventilation, or something of a variety or form of this.
Not a bad form of a coordinated fire attack, right? No not at all, but what happens in small departments with less than 10 personnel on the first alarm, or when the on call or volunteer personnel arrive haphazardly all at a different times.
Can the same tactic be performed? Should we be training on a national level, these are engine company tactics, and this set are ladder company tactics? These functions can often be blurred and are in fact blurred everyday in middle America. With the exceptions of the major cities, having dedicated company functions is almost impossible to achieve.
Have we taught the options or given our personnel the chance to think of something else?
Does the amount of personnel responding even enter our mind upon arrival when we decide how far we will penetrate the building when we enter? Probably not if it is occupied we are going in, whether or not there are any other personnel responding.
We do not even consider some of the things we do on the fireground. Send 3 personnel in to a fire attack in a supermarket.....how far can a three person crew safely operate in a supermarket, Home Depot, warehouse as compared to a single family ranch.
We say we know size-up, we profess to know tactical options, but on the scenes we just spring into the automatic mode and do what we did yesterday.
I have often used the transitional attack to change conditions before entry and I am now beginning to make clear distinctions on what risks can be safely undertaken by 4, 3, 2, and 1 person engine companies that are arriving to fires all across America.
We need to stress the fireground priorities that must be addressed but we need to balance those with the resources that we arrive with.
How much area can a 2 person crew with airpacks effectively and safely search? Does it matter if that area is residential or if it is commercial? I am not sure anyone has ever talked about some of these issues? Have you trained and timed it?
I know that for all of the time I have been both a student and an instructor of the fire service, we have always been taught that engine companies stretch lines and do fire attack, and truck companies do search and rescue, ventilation, and forcible entry.
All I am suggesting is that maybe, just maybe, as we speak to our new fire officers we teach all of those functions and we begin to break them down and put them in order, and determine how many personnel it takes to perform each of them. (Sort of like 1710 has already laid out for us)
In addition, let us teach our personnel options and train them in using these tactics safely.
The absolute limiting factors in many fireground difficult situations is limited personnel performing tasks that are too numerous, or are way beyond their means.
Let's not lump sum or tactical training, let us train our personnel to be decision makers not just ladder and nozzle operators.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Firefighting Today Weekly Roundtable - The Fire Officer
Join us this week for our discussion on how we can support and better prepare our fire officers, whether career, volunteer or paid on call.
You can watch us live on YouTube here, or at the Google+ Events page.
Look for all of our video content and past episodes at http://wwwfirefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
You can watch us live on YouTube here, or at the Google+ Events page.
Look for all of our video content and past episodes at http://wwwfirefightingtoday.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Sunday, February 2, 2014
The Firefighter Training Podcast - Portable extinguisher use for the fire service
This week we look at an underutilized tool in the fire service, the portable fire extinguisher.
We talk a little bit about the"can", pressurized water, using CO2 in the right circumstances, and using dry chemical by itself or with water.
We briefly chat about class K extinguishers found in commercial kitchen areas and also the specialized class D flammable metals extinguishers.
A bunch of announcements and updates as well as the Toledo and Arkansas LODD.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
We talk a little bit about the"can", pressurized water, using CO2 in the right circumstances, and using dry chemical by itself or with water.
We briefly chat about class K extinguishers found in commercial kitchen areas and also the specialized class D flammable metals extinguishers.
A bunch of announcements and updates as well as the Toledo and Arkansas LODD.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
60 Second Safety - The Apparatus Accident
This week on 60 Second Safety is about an apparatus accident.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Tactical Fire Problem - Fire in Commercial Stores
This week, fire in commercial occupancy.
1.) Does your department have an sop that indicates a larger attack line in commercial occupancies?
2.) Estimate the length of the hose stretch needed for this attack. What do you use as a rule of thumb for figuring that out?
3.) How much air does it take to advance an attack line up a flight of stairs and then extend at least one full length? Might be a good drill idea, eh?
4.) Depending upon the contents and storage methods of the occupancy, what are the weight loads, what are the weight loads after water absorption, what are our escape routes?
5.) What is the layout of apartments located above stores and is there a common interior stairway?
If you would like to see a building simulation from your area, just send pics of four sides of the building (or just one side if you want). I will post it (with or without your name or department, you decide) and you can just use the website for your drill. Send the pictures to pete@petelamb.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
1.) Does your department have an sop that indicates a larger attack line in commercial occupancies?
2.) Estimate the length of the hose stretch needed for this attack. What do you use as a rule of thumb for figuring that out?
3.) How much air does it take to advance an attack line up a flight of stairs and then extend at least one full length? Might be a good drill idea, eh?
4.) Depending upon the contents and storage methods of the occupancy, what are the weight loads, what are the weight loads after water absorption, what are our escape routes?
5.) What is the layout of apartments located above stores and is there a common interior stairway?
If you would like to see a building simulation from your area, just send pics of four sides of the building (or just one side if you want). I will post it (with or without your name or department, you decide) and you can just use the website for your drill. Send the pictures to pete@petelamb.com
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
SWOT analysis
SWOT & LAMB??
This week I am talking about something that has been around in the fire service and business world for a very long time. I am of course going to put my own little take on it, as most of you would expect nothing less. We are going to talk about a SWOT Analysis
SWOT is an acronym and a planning tool that can be used at many levels and folks should be considering using this when doing long range planning. SWOT can be used to evaluate a department, a group or shift, a planned event or anything that an officer or member truly wants to evaluate.
SWOT is an acronym that means:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
What are the strengths of the current situation, problem, event etc.?
What Weaknesses are there in this process, situation, event?
With all changes there will be opportunities, what are those and identify all of them.
What are the threats that could lead us to fail? What could happen under Murphy's Law?
After that the principle is pretty simple……..
Take advantage and maximize all of your existing strengths.
Take steps to make any weakness into a strength and minimize weaknesses.
Evaluate all opportunities positive or negative and maximize and take advantage of ones that will be successful.
Minimize or eliminate all threats to success.
After that is done you stand to gain good success!
Now my purpose for today's column is to have each and every one of you do a SWOT analysis on yourself and your fire service situation wherever you are. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into four quadrants and sit down and evaluate your personal and professional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities in front of you and threats to you professionally or personally.
When you have completed that sheet share it with a mentor who knows you, and or a family member to see if you have thought of all of those items you need to consider.
Now that you have conducted this personal evaluation of yourself, will you have the fortitude to actually affect and impact the changes to make the weaknesses into strengths, maximize opportunities, and so forth.
It is a tool that can really help you if you take it seriously and share the information with a trusted friend so that you can become the best you can be.
Or you could not even be motivated enough to even try it, which speaks for itself. For those folks that I know well, I would be happy to share some thoughts if you chose to email me confidentially.
Hey even if you don't Like SWOT, I have my very own acronym which achieves the same thing but is much easier for me to remember...
Limitations Abilities Maybes & Might Be (s) Barriers and Boundaries
A personal evaluation tool called LAMB, now if that doesn't SCARE you into action nothing will!
Have a good week, stay in touch and stay safe.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
This week I am talking about something that has been around in the fire service and business world for a very long time. I am of course going to put my own little take on it, as most of you would expect nothing less. We are going to talk about a SWOT Analysis
SWOT is an acronym and a planning tool that can be used at many levels and folks should be considering using this when doing long range planning. SWOT can be used to evaluate a department, a group or shift, a planned event or anything that an officer or member truly wants to evaluate.
SWOT is an acronym that means:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
What are the strengths of the current situation, problem, event etc.?
What Weaknesses are there in this process, situation, event?
With all changes there will be opportunities, what are those and identify all of them.
What are the threats that could lead us to fail? What could happen under Murphy's Law?
After that the principle is pretty simple……..
Take advantage and maximize all of your existing strengths.
Take steps to make any weakness into a strength and minimize weaknesses.
Evaluate all opportunities positive or negative and maximize and take advantage of ones that will be successful.
Minimize or eliminate all threats to success.
After that is done you stand to gain good success!
Now my purpose for today's column is to have each and every one of you do a SWOT analysis on yourself and your fire service situation wherever you are. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into four quadrants and sit down and evaluate your personal and professional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities in front of you and threats to you professionally or personally.
When you have completed that sheet share it with a mentor who knows you, and or a family member to see if you have thought of all of those items you need to consider.
Now that you have conducted this personal evaluation of yourself, will you have the fortitude to actually affect and impact the changes to make the weaknesses into strengths, maximize opportunities, and so forth.
It is a tool that can really help you if you take it seriously and share the information with a trusted friend so that you can become the best you can be.
Or you could not even be motivated enough to even try it, which speaks for itself. For those folks that I know well, I would be happy to share some thoughts if you chose to email me confidentially.
Hey even if you don't Like SWOT, I have my very own acronym which achieves the same thing but is much easier for me to remember...
Limitations Abilities Maybes & Might Be (s) Barriers and Boundaries
A personal evaluation tool called LAMB, now if that doesn't SCARE you into action nothing will!
Have a good week, stay in touch and stay safe.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Firefighting Today - Weekly Roundtable Discussion - Tips & Tricks
Join us Sunday night February 2, 2014 at 8:00 PM EST for our weekly Roundtable discussion. This week we are talking about tips and tricks that might be passed on from the senior folks, retired folks, or senior chiefs you may have had in your career.
Watch the episode live on YouTube.
Or you can watch us at the google + events page HERE.
Also take a minute to check Firefighting Today our new site for all of our video work but especially all of the Roundtable discussions. Click the link in the left hand menu for past episodes.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Watch the episode live on YouTube.
Or you can watch us at the google + events page HERE.
Also take a minute to check Firefighting Today our new site for all of our video work but especially all of the Roundtable discussions. Click the link in the left hand menu for past episodes.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
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