Nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication

I have been an active volunteer firefighter since 1982 and a fire instructor since 2010.

I regularly read Fire Engineering and have great respect for the expertise of the staff in researching issues, clarifying complex scenarios, and providing sound advice on firefighting tactics. In New York State, our Firefighter 1 classes have students with varying degrees of English comprehension. This has a direct effect on the student/firefighter’s ability to listen and operate safely. New York State has no explicit requirement relative to spoken language for emergency service personnel; therefore, we have been looking at alternate ways to communicate firefighting operations with nonEnglish-speaking responders.

Two broad categories of communication include fireground and what I would best describe as “close-proximity communication.” Fireground communication occurs between any two parties, and the latest recommendations require that every person have a portable radio and operate using a strict communication protocol. Close-proximity communication is for directing operations within small teams during immediately dangerous to life or health environments where radio usage may result in noise, traffic, and comprehension issues. There are many studies on fireground communication issues (from using 10 codes to simplified key terms), but there has been little research on close-proximity communications; the primary focus has been on tethered operations such as confined space and dive rescue/recovery. My research for firefighting communication through hand signals or other nonverbal methods has been very limited in sources and depth.

I have been augmenting hands-on skills with nonverbal techniques for close-proximity communication during search and hoseline and roof operations to help overcome limited visibility, operational distractions, and high noise levels. The protocol I teach is similar to that originating from the “back step buzzer” and similar to the OATH protocol used in confined space rescue. Rope signals (OATH Method)

• 1 tug = OK. “Stop and listen” (originator) or “okay” (acknowledgment).
• 2 tugs = Advance.
• 3 tugs = Take up rope.
• 4 tugs or more = HELP.

These actions can take a number of forms-a tap on the shoulder, a tug on a rope, or the banging of a tool on the floor-and be very effective. Note: When using a rope or banging sound to communicate over short distances, I instruct the receiver of the message to acknowledge the correct signal by repeating it.

Does your department or district have any standards on close-proximity nonverbal signals and tactile communication techniques that can help to ensure consistent communication regardless of participants’ language or environment or how they address this issue? Do you promote your own system of signaling, or have you created an innovative solution? If so, I would appreciate receiving a copy of your SOPs pertaining to this issue. Send them to john.checco@checco.com.

John C. Checco
NY State Fire Instructor
Pomona, New York

Daily leadership and compassion

When I was a captain on Engine 1, we had a “frequent flier” we would go to almost every shift. He would slip and fall or need help getting up or just not feel good. As we all know, sometimes there’s nothing worse than waking up at 2 a.m. just to go help somebody up off the floor. Over that year, he became more than just a patient. We got to know more about him, his wife, his family that would visit, and even his dogs that got so accustomed to the truck that they would no longer bark at us.

One night, we were dispatched to a familiar address. The engineer turned to me and said, “A little late for him to fall.” Then dispatch said the words we knew we’d hear one day, “Male patient not breathing.” A quick arrival and assessment showed early signs of rigor. There was nothing we could do. As a crew, we went to his wife and told her the news that she already knew. We consoled her and offered to stay with her until family arrived. When the family members arrived, these people we had never met thanked us by name. We weren’t “the firefighters” or Bayou Cane. We were Brian and Chris, who not only took care of their family but also took the time to know them. We weren’t thanked for the compassion we showed in their darkest hour but for every 911 call that brought relief or help when it was needed.

After this incident, our crew implemented a change: We introduced ourselves when we arrived on scene and asked the patients their names. When we turned care over to the ambulance, we would also introduce the patient and medic to each other by name. It’s a simple act that made the patient’s experience more comforting and personal. It also caught on with other crews in our department and is now a common practice.

When ideals like leadership and compassion are placed on a pedestal, they become unattainable goals and visions of grandeur. When we treat our patients instead of their conditions or take the time for one simple act of kindness, even though it doesn’t affect our life, that may make all the difference in someone else’s life.

Brian Boudreaux
Battalion Chief
Bayou Cane Fire Protection District
Houma, Louisiana