10. What do you do if your captain is pushing you to do something that is outside of my comfort zone?

Question 1

What do you do if your captain is pushing you to do something that is outside of my comfort zone?

Main outline

Answer 1

I. Introduction
II. Responsibility / Accountability / Safety
III. Communication
IV. Conclusion

Question 2

I. Introduction

Answer 2

1. I feel like we promote good people to the position of captain
2. I need to evaluate if the problem is with me
3. If I am deficient in some way, I need to work on correcting the deficit
4. Communicate with my captain, mentors, training staff

Question 3

II. Responsibility / Accountability / Safety

Answer 3

1. I have respect for the captain’s authority and I would not usurp it lightly, but the safety card trumps all authority
2. The IFSTA textbook says that one of the primary tasks of the engineer is to safely transport their crew to and from the fire scene
3. I cannot jeopardize safety for speed
4. Ultimately, I am responsible for the safety of the crew and public and I will not go beyond the policies and laws that govern us

Question 4

III. Communication

Answer 4

1. The best way to navigate through interpersonal problems is through dialogue
2. I will be clear in the moment that I am not able to follow his orders
3. When the time warrants, I can have a private conversation where I explain the regulations
4. If that does not remedy the problem, I can elicit support from others (mentors, training staff)
5. Only in the most serious situations would it be necessary to go above to the BC level