Daily Company Drills

Fire training is an important part of every firefighter's daily routine. From the time a new member enters drill school until the day he/she retires, the type and quality of the fire training they have received influence firefighters' decisions. Simply put, a firefighter is only as good at performing his/her assignment, as the quality of information he/she has received through training. Due to the stressful nature of the occupation, as well as the sometimes extreme conditions under which we must perform, many duties of a firefighter must be practiced continually so as to become second nature. For instance, when a group of firefighters raise a ladder, it should be performed automatically so that very little thought is required. On the other hand, if you asked an untrained bystander to assist in raising the ladder, a great deal of guidance would be required to accomplish the same goal. It is the "second nature type" functions that require constant attention. Some training is acquired by performing the job under close supervision. This is commonly referred to as on-the-job training. Other training is more formal and learned in the classroom. A very important, but often overlooked part, of a firefighter's training, is the knowledge that may be acquired during company drills. The obligation to conduct company level drills clearly falls on the company officer. It is the company officer's responsibility to recognize the training needs of his/her group and to see that those training needs are met. My intent in writing is to influence all company officers to take a progressive, positive role, in the continuing fire training education of the members in their command. This article will offer tips on how to conduct a successful and informational company drill, from which all members, including the company officer will benefit.

As Instructor, the company officer must first recognize that people, in this case firefighters, are constantly seeking information. They have insatiable appetites for knowledge. Firefighters also want to be able to accomplish their jobs effectively. The formula for success is simple, the more knowledge a firefighter has acquired about his/her job and the more they practice that knowledge, the more efficient they will become at performing that job.

AVOID F-A-I-L-U-R-E

Properly conducted company drills will help to avoid each of the components of FAILURE.

F Failure to recognize the benefits of company drills
A Accepting status quo
I Inadequate firefighting skills
L Lack of team work
U Underestimating the needs of the group
R Repeating mistakes time after time
E Equipment not mastered

SELECTING THE SUBJECT AND PREPARING FOR A DRILL

The list of subjects that can be covered is endless. From basic engine company operations to sophisticated relay pumping scenarios; from throwing small ground ladders to setting up a ladder pipe, a creative Instructor will never run out of subjects on which to conduct a drill. Perhaps the worst training routine an officer can establish is to conduct drills only when the company has made a mistake. This approach places a punitive, rather than a progressive slant, on how company drills will be accepted by the members. Poll the firefighters; find out what material they feel should be covered. Once a subject matter has been selected, the Instructor should research all of the information he/she will need to conduct an informative drill. Perhaps the most important part of planning a drill is to prepare notes. While planning the drill, go through your proposed course of instruction step by step, preparing the notes as you progress. Properly arranged notes will avert the possibility of omitting important points during the drill.

WHEN TO CONDUCT A DRILL

Consider the fact that we are all creatures of habit, no one likes to have their routine upset. Always announce the drill time and the subject matter far enough in advance so that all members will be prepared to willingly participate. Perhaps the best time to announce a drill is on the night tour, preceding the day tour, on which you intend to conduct the drill. This announcement should pertain to training planned at the Training Academy, Headquarters and other locations as well. People appreciate being kept informed. Allow enough time for members to complete their daily house chores and to have a coffee break before beginning the drill. Since company drills are a very important part of continuing training, interruption of a drill, for a response, should not be interpreted as the automatic end of the drill session. Promptly reconvening and continuing the drill session upon return to quarters will emphasize the importance of having undertaken the task in the first place.

CONDUCTING THE DRILL

A well-prepared Instructor will be more confident in conducting a drill than one who is ill prepared. Control all unnecessary interruptions. Request that all non-emergency phone calls be deferred until after completion of the drill. A confident Instructor will be able to judge the strengths and weaknesses of the students and will adjust his/her lesson accordingly. For example, it would serve little purpose for an Instructor to conduct a drill on relay pumping into a fire department connection of a high-rise building, if one or more of the students were unable to engage the engine into pump gear. Before attempting to conduct a difficult drill with all members of a group, it may be necessary to spend some time with an individual member to cover the basics. Of course, this is not to say that you should let one member hold back the learning rate of the entire group. A confident Instructor will yield to a more knowledgeable member when discussing certain subjects. An example of this would be to request a member, who is a certified EMT, to conduct a class on the basics of maintaining a patient's airway. Stay focused on the subject matter. One subject can easily change to another. It is the Instructor's responsibility to stay on track. Make note of the subject to which the group strayed and consider the subject as the topic for a later drill. Encourage the members to ask questions. As Instructor, be sure to ask questions of the students. This will help you determine if the members are gaining the knowledge you are attempting to convey. Drill time is no time to let your guard down when it comes to safety. In fact, it is the perfect time to emphasize the need for a "safety first" attitude towards all aspects of firefighting. Training included. If something goes wrong, fingers can get caught and skulls can be fractured during training just as they can during a real fire incident. Always have members wear personal protective equipment appropriate for the drill.

REAP THE REWARDS

An instructor's attitude is contagious. Always approach conducting a drill with a positive disposition. Just as in life where everyone has both good and bad days, as instructor, at first, you will have both good and bad drill sessions. Stay focused and be resilient, as you develop skills and confidence, drill sessions will get better. In fact, as a team, in a very short time, all members will recognize the benefit of drilling together. All members will recognize and appreciate how they are developing into a well-trained group. As an officer, don't stand by idly and allow the members in your command to be set up for failure. If trained properly, both you and they will reap the rewards of success and feel accomplished and satisfied in having acquired the knowledge.