So, you got assigned to the box. Now what?
If you were like me or any of the thousands of our brothers and sisters growing up, you wanted to be a firefighter. The itch could have started early in childhood or mid-teens, it doesn’t matter, it just got there and you acted upon it.
You prepared both physically and mentally, you took several department tests and finally you got the call. You spend the next six months at the training academy. Mornings start with physical training, then classroom, drill ground and EMT. Finally, you graduate from the academy and get your station assignment.
Several months go by and you get sent out a few times to cover other spots in the department. You don’t mind because, you’re a FIREFIGHTER. Then it happens, you get moved to the med unit. You feel every bit of excitement leave your body like you’re melting. You grab all your gear, bedding and whatever else you think you might need for the next 24 hours because the med unit is at another station.
As you drive over to the station, you start thinking the last time you saw this truck was when it was at the shop when it first came in. You’ve never been in it, drove it or even know what’s in it. You think to yourself, how can I be placed on a unit that I know nothing about. Yet as you pull into the station parking lot, that thought fades.
You walk into the station, find the station officer to let him know you are here. He introduces you to your partner for the shift. Your partner shakes your hand and invites you to help him do the daily check out. Now is the fork in the road that decides your fate, not only for this shift, but future assignments.
Having been on both sides of the fence, I can tell you with certainty that being on the med unit is not a death sentence. But it is how YOU handle it that will determine how it turns out. Below I’ll touch on how you can make this your own.
The first thing you need to do is accept it. Your department has decided to expand its mission and as a member of the department you must expand with it. I always like hearing the “I did not sign up for this”. The fact of the matter is YES, you did sign up for this. You applied, tested for, and trained for the opportunity to help people; well this is part of helping people. The business of the fire department is to be there for Mr. & Mrs. Smith, whether their house is on fire or they are having a heart attack.
Second, get involved. While it’s true that this was not your choice assignment, it is assignment. You need to make every attempt to know what is on the truck and where it is. You did the same thing when you got to your first station, so this should be no different. Don’t be afraid to “lay hands” on the equipment; all of the equipment. Take the time to learn how things work, for example the stretcher. Yes, I know that sounds silly but, I’ve had to teach firefighters that were assigned to the med unit with me how the stretcher works. There is no shame in asking; as a matter of fact, now would be the perfect time to ask, not when you’re on a CPR call. In fact, that is one of the first things I go over with members doing their first shift on the truck. Nothing is worse than having to watch your partner struggle with something and then you have to redirect your attention to help him and not your patient. Go over every inch of the truck, from the cab to the compartments, to the rear doors. You will thank yourself later.
Finally, treat this assignment just like any other. You are there to help others, whether you like the detail or not. Even if you’re unhappy being there, don’t show it. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are depending on you. Who knows, you might even like it.
Alan Glogovsky is a 35-year veteran of fire & EMS. He is currently a Sergeant/AEMT with the Richmond Hill Fire & Rescue Department in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Previously, he has served in both fire and EMS agencies in New Jersey and Georgia. Alan is a Level-1 Fire instructor in the State of Georgia along with being certified Level-2 fire Officer.
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