Gordon Graham
Category: Fire

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. And Today’s Tip deals with taking care of yourself as a firefighter.

I know it’s not in our nature to do this but if we are to help others, we first have to take care of ourselves.

You know, last year we did one of these Today’s Tips on how law enforcement officers abuse their bodies performing their duties and the need to take care of themselves. Well guess what. The same holds true for our firefighter friends out there.

I have seen some of the most professional men and women in the fire service over my career.  Their dedication to public service and work ethic is exemplary. Men and women making great sacrifices to save lives.  

I have seen my fire friends work a busy shift, get off in the morning, and then pick up an overtime shift to cover a manpower shortage, work all day, take an hour nap and head back to work for another 24 hour shift. 

I have seen firefighters work tirelessly on a large fire incident for days with little sleep until the incident is brought under control. You do it because you love the job.

With all of this unselfishness, I wish I saw more of my firefighter friends being more selfish about taking care of themselves. None of the things we’ve described here are healthy. I know it’s not in our nature to do this but if we are to help others, we first have to take care of ourselves. Get enough rest, eat properly, exercise, relax once in a while, spend time with family, take a vacation. 

Doing this will keep your body healthy and your mind refreshed so you can continue doing your best each and every day. It will help increase your chances of survival in a critical incident and help to reduce your stress level.  

And that is Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.