Fire science unit V article critique

FIR 4306, Human Behavior in Fire 1

UNIT V STUDY GUIDE

Fire Fighter Behavior at Fire

Incidents

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit V Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Describe a situation or environment which could produce unpredictable fire fighter behavior while working at a fire emergency.

2. Describe how psychology and/or sociology factors may influence fire fighter behavior in response to or while working at a fire emergency.

3. Discuss how fire behavior can affect the human behavior of fire fighters.

Unit Lesson From the moment a fire fighter is hired, he/she probably tries to anticipate how they will behave when the “alarm” sounds and when faced with real fire. A combination of “war stories”, training, reading, social interaction, and psychological factors may influence the fire fighter’s behavior during an actual fire. Many of the war stories and suggested behavior told to a new fire fighter are based on the experience of the veteran fire fighter and may not be applicable to the new fire fighter. Basic fire fighter training should thoroughly prepare the new fire fighter to behave in a certain manner. The trained behavior should include maintaining control of emotions, thinking about the incident priorities, and considering their role as part of a team. Fire apparatus driver training should prepare the driver/operator to behave in a professional manner which assures the safety of all riders, effective driving, and safe arrival. The driver/operator’s fire related behavior can be observed after receiving the information from the 9-1-1 center. The driver/operator must process the information, while at the same time analyzing the most efficient route to the incident. Additionally, the driver/operator must ensure that all riders are riding safely. Often, the time of the call can affect the behavior of the driver/operator. Behavior at 2:39 am requiring a driver/operator to make fully oriented, effective, and efficient decisions may be different from the behavior required at 2:39 pm when most fire fighters do not have to wake themselves from sleep. The Incident Commander’s (IC) behavior at the fire scene may greatly influence the behavior of the fire attack crews, ventilation crews, rescue crews, and even operators of the fire apparatus. Despite the severity of the fire, the IC must remain calm, yet balance firmness and even compassion when giving orders. Of all the fire personnel at the scene, the IC may have the least amount of latitude to get emotional at a fire scene. Often, fire fighters do not understand or agree with an order, yet the IC must still do his/her job. Friendships and past conflicts cannot affect the IC’s behavior during these situations. The fire attack crews may have much experience fighting fire; however, each fire is different. Many factors can influence fire behavior, and fire behavior can influence the fire fighter’s behavior. A Columbia Southern Faculty member recall’s his experience as a fire fighter:

“I recall a specific rescue attempt at a fully involved residential fire. Having the feeling as a highly-trained fire fighter, I

Reading Assignment See information below.

Learning Activities (Non-Graded) See information below.

Key Terms 1. Fire behavior 2. Fire environment 3. Fire fighter behavior

FIR 4306, Human Behavior in Fire 2

attempted a rescue that I should not have done. The structure was too much involved for a rescue, but the Incident Commander allowed the rescue attempt. After entering the structure, we began to search for the “victim” and observed fire involving what appeared to be about 50% of the structure. After about one minute, that 50% involvement quickly increased to about 75%. Thankfully, we were able to exit the burning structure safely. The only “injury” was my helmet, which was partly melted. A more effective size-up and control of emotions would have likely prevented this close call. Upon arrival at the scene, neighbors informed us that the occupants were still inside and yelled for us to go and get him. Although the neighbors’ behavior was emotional, this should have not influenced the behavior of the arriving fire fighters. A more complete risk/benefit analysis should have been done. The rescue attempt was not successful. Initially, I was “proud” of my efforts and did not see a lack of responsibility on my part. I was wrong. My behavior and my actions at that fire were not appropriate and could have easily resulted in a fire fighter fatality. That is nothing to be proud of.”

Another situation where the behavior of fire fighters is important is in a high-rise structure fire. If it becomes necessary for fire fighters to protect some of the occupants in place, the occupants may rely on the behavior of the fire fighter to decide whether they should exit the structure regardless of their own safety. As occupants look out of the window, they may perceive that the fire fighters are panicking or they may perceive the fire fighters are behaving in a controlled manner. Obviously, if they perceive panic on the fire fighter’s part, they may consider exiting the building on their own. There are many things that can go through a fire fighter’s mind if he/she is inside a burning structure—family and future plans are just a couple. During this time, fire fighters may have to revert back to basic training to help control his/her emotions and behave as a professional until the emergency situation is under control.

Reading Assignment Click here to access the article below. Fire Analysts and Research Division National, Fire Protection Association.

(1990). Analysis report on fire fighter fatalities (EMW-88-C-2868). Retrieved from http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/ff_fat89.pdf

Learning Activities (Non-Graded) If you chose to create a blog in Unit III, take the time now to update it. Discuss your own behavior as fire service personnel. Is there an incident that you can recall in which your behavior helped or hurt the situation? In what way can sharing these experiences encourage new fire service personnel? Do you think it can help experienced personnel? Why, or why not? If you choose, email your instructor, reminding them of your blog site address and let them know you have updated your blog. Non-graded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit them. If you have questions contact your instructor for further guidance and information.