Gordon Graham
Category: Fire Service
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for my friends in the fire service, and I want to talk about situational awareness.
As firefighters, you often find yourselves in situations others would consider unusual. This happens with such regularity that it can almost feel normal — because to you, it actually is.
But you must not allow this repetition to fool you into complacency. Things aren’t always what they seem. Our desire to see what we believe can sometimes overshadow the need to believe what we see. That’s why situational awareness is so important.
“It’s on you to stay alert, open-minded, and ready to react to changes at every call.”
When responding to a scene, the initial information you receive is often incomplete or incorrect. It’s easy to fall into the trap of routine thinking, so pay close attention and always question your assumptions. For example, the fire alarm at a building known for nuisance activations might actually be a fire this time. A “routine” medical emergency could involve violent individuals.
Situational awareness starts with observation. Always take time to scan your environment carefully and stay alert throughout the incident. Trust your senses when they tell you something might be off: unusual odors, unexpected sounds, or anything that looks out of place.
If something doesn’t feel right, step back and reassess. Remember the concept of recognition-primed decision-making: We don’t always know why something doesn’t seem right, but that’s no reason to ignore a nagging feeling. Acknowledging that sixth sense can keep you and your crew out of trouble. Never be afraid to call for additional resources or take extra precautions if you feel the circumstances warrant it.
In your business, things are not always as they seem. It can be easy to get tunnel vision or to “go through the motions” at a mundane incident. But this mindset can lead to catastrophe. It’s on you to stay alert, open-minded, and ready to react to changes at every call.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham, signing off.
