Being a firefighter is a lifestyle that requires you to be constantly self-aware and always aware of your surroundings. The constant training and staying on top of new procedures is just one aspect that makes being a professional in this field such a challenge, but also so rewarding. To succeed as a firefighter you must be willing to do more than just go through the motions and make sure that you are putting your time, energy, and resources into the right things. It’s not enough for you to simply show up to work on time or perform the duties required of you by your department commander. You need to put in the extra effort if you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep your skills sharp, and ensure that you continue to provide excellent service to others while remaining professionally accountable for your actions at all times. Here are six tips for being a better firefighter:
Always Be Learning
One of the most important aspects to being a firefighter is always learning new skills and techniques. It’s not enough to learn these things on your own. You must constantly be taking advantage of training opportunities that come your way, whether it’s live training from current firefighters or courses from various outside resources, such as books or online courses.
Take A Break
It’s easy to get burned out when you spend all your time with the same people day in and day out. It’s important to take a break from your routine and try something new once in awhile. The best way to do this is by volunteering for an organization or group that offers training opportunities outside of your regular duties. This will give you fresh perspective on what you enjoy doing and what skills you should be focusing on developing so that you can stay ahead of the curve.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
If you’re struggling with a particular aspect of your job, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are bound to be other firefighters out there who can provide you with guidance on an issue that you’ve been struggling with. This may seem like a daunting task at first, but think about how much more rewarding it will be to work alongside people who have been in the same position as you and know what they are talking about.
Have A Sense Of Humor
Life in the fire service can be really hard. You put your life on the line for your profession every day, and it’s not easy. This is why maintaining the right mindset is critical. One way to stay focused and perform at a high level is to always have a sense of humor. Humor can take away some of the stress you might feel on a day-to-day basis, which allows you to focus more on what needs to get done and less on things that are out of your control.
Stay Fit And Strong
This is a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning. It’s important for firefighters to stay in shape and make sure that they have the strength to do their job. In fact, if you don’t stay in shape it will be very difficult for you to do your job properly. You must be able to handle emergency situations appropriately or else you won’t be able to complete your mission efficiently and safely.
Conclusion
Firefighters need to stay fit and strong, as well as be able to learn and ask for help when they need it. They should also have a sense of humor and know how to take a break.
