In the operational command structure of the fire service, the ability for firefighters to contribute good ideas is difficult if not wholly impossible.
Accused of jumping over the chain of authority, displaying bad behavior or simply being a poor follower, good firefighters are acutely aware of the lack of opportunity for input. That’s especially true during heated tasks and extended tactics.
But all is not lost. Here are seven ways to get your ideas into the right hands for better decision-making. 1) Know Your Command Structure - Knowing who is directly above you makes the first step easier. While you may have a good idea, testing it with your captain or crew leader is more appropriate than radioing the command center with a better idea on ladder placement or a good plan for supplying a C side exposure line.