Pranks are as much a part of the fire service culture as the tradition of service to others. Innocent fun and good natured jabs are great stress relievers and considered rites of camaraderie. However, when the humor exceeds innocence the results are property loss, lost time from work, and, in extreme cases career ending injuries. This week’s featured report reminds us to think through actions to ensure we don’t “put a windshield out.”
“Our truck company decided to test the flow capabilities of our newest aerial truck. While the ladder was elevated and flowing water at about 800 GPM, one of the new lieutenants thought it would be funny to trap the rescue company in their unit with the water stream. The elevated stream broke the grill of the apparatus, broke the windshield, and sent a FF to the hospital with minor injuries.”
Once you have reviewed the entire account (CLICK HERE), consider the following:
1. What type of “culture” would you say set the stage for the events in this week’s featured report?
2. How much water (in pounds) was thrown at the rescue unit if the rescue was hit for 30 seconds?
3. Does your department provide new officer training that discusses the consequences of horseplay?
4.What would happen to a lieutenant in your department if he/she engaged in the actions described in this week’s featured report?
5. Contact your department’s risk management office, and obtain an estimate for the damage described in this week’s featured report. Consider the injuries as treatment in an emergency department then the firefighter being sent home for the remainder of the shift.
Have you experienced a near miss during horseplay? Prevent an injury. Save a life. Submit your account to www.firefighternearmiss.com today.
Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion and thought in the name of promoting firefighter safety. They are not intended to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.
