Using Trade Journals

This week I have taken a very simple idea that I picked up at a training session, too long ago and too far away to discuss here.

A simple drill or discussion is formed by taking a sampling of the fire and rescue magazines that have been piling up under the coffee table and getting some use out of them.

Either photocopy the front covers or use the originals and pass them around and have your members use this small form to do the following:

 

Name ( Optional)_________________________________________________________

Magazine Name_____________________Month_______________Year______________

 

#1.) Write your description of the situation, (as you see it) and what is really happening. Just a short descriptive paragraph.

 

 

 

 

 

[HRule Image]

#2.) List five things that are going wrong, or that you would correct.

1.)____________________________________________________________________

2.)____________________________________________________________________

3.)____________________________________________________________________

4.)____________________________________________________________________

5.)____________________________________________________________________

[HRule Image]

#3) List five things that appear to be going right or positive issues.

1.)_____________________________________________________________________

2.)_____________________________________________________________________

3.)_____________________________________________________________________

4.)_____________________________________________________________________

5.)_____________________________________________________________________

[HRule Image]

Summary

When this has been completed you can discuss the following issues:

* Did all personnel in the same group perceive the same common things?

*Do the different groups, shifts or duty crews have common training?

* Did anyone view incorrect actions on the cover, that could have been seen at your last emergency scene in your department?

* Did they pick up items that refer to your department's existing SOPs?

* Did they pick up items that are not covered in your SOPs?

 

With the right leader and a positive focus the above drill can tell you alot about how the personnel in your department are thinking. It also should not be a surprise if they can find the five wrong things easier then the five correct things!

I hope I didn't give them that negative thinking pattern, and I sure hope it wasn't you either!