Review Review Review... Cuz we do forget

Someone once said, "Learn the basics, practice the basics, master the basics." He was talking about Kung Fu but actually I think it fits in every part of our lives. If we don't learn to crawl how do we learn to walk? If we don't learn what a steering wheel is, how do we know when to use it?

It's no different in the Fire Hall. You, dear reader are probably unfamiliar with hoses, what they are made of, why they work the way they do. What the gadgets, bobbles, lights and twirly things are on the trucks, why ladders come in all different sizes shapes and know some collapse while others extend. All these are basics to know, learn and understand. But more important that we can learn, understand and master besides using our gear and equipment is how we connect with each other. If we don't have trust in each other's capabilities and confidence that our partner has our back, how can we fully do our job?

Uh yes, I do have a point to this. It was learned Wednesday night. Most of the guys were on a practice, climbing ladders, hauling up ropes, equipment, working as teams and communicating through the radio. 

I and our newest member of the team were reviewing what was on the trucks, where stuff was on the trucks, what each item was used for on the trucks and how to handle said equipment. After our fire call, short handed and we two were out there with the Deputy Chief, he had decided, and I was very relieved to learn, that we needed more reviews and refreshers on everything. Putting aside rope tying, wash trucks, hanging hoses, rolling hoses... you get the idea. Yes, they are important but we needed more practical practices and I for one was happy.

I love my time at the hall and I really appreciate the years of experience the guys all have. I am like a sponge wanting more knowledge. But there are times when I read my Fire Fighter manual, ask questions or go on a call-out, I feel inadequate. I know, silly and shows a lack of confidence. However, the more I learn, the more I don't know and the more I want to know, the more humble I feel. Being a part of the fire hall is not a temporary, sometimes I'll hang out and wear the T-shirt kind of volunteer. It's a life choice and life commitment. It affects not just where I live, work, play, who I associate with but who I am inside. 

So back to the basics... I may feel inadequate for now, but that will change with reviewing, listening, learning and mastering. Just as these guys were all rookies once upon a time, I too will become a master.