STARS Flashcards
failed a task physically
I was working at p.o. Sadler and sons carpentry. it was early spring with snow still on the ground in spots. i was building a large addition to a house. i had the wall standing and i was ready to start putting trusses up. normally i would pre build sections and hire a crane to hoist them onto the roof. the newly backfilled and wet soil made the use of a crane risky incase it got stuck in the mud. i had to think of a solution, i could build a path and a pad out of gravel with our skid steer but that would take time and money, i could wait a few weeks for the land to dry and harden but the weather is unpredictable and wouldn’t be keeping to my timeline. I decided to try and put the trusses up my self to stay on my tight time line. i have a method for putting smaller trusses up and for a lack of a better name ill call it the fork method. the trusses are placed upside down with both tails on the wall so the triangle point down. then with a 2 x 4 with two 4’’ nails drive half way into the end , i would physically push and hinge the truss up right and over until the are upright and leaning on the previous truss, then go up on the wall and secure it. i had never used this method for trusses this large before. which meant i need a longer 2x4 fork. i started to push up on the truss and got about half way when it became physically to heavy for my to lift it came swinging down. luckily i was able to recognize i was failing and preformed a controlled release while backing out of the swing path in time. i had to think of a new solution. I took a couple of minutes to think of a solution, i though back to a couple of weeks ago to teaching the winching lesson while teach utv training with the Ottawa fire service. I went back to the shop and found a u channel the fits over a 2x4 and drilled and bolted a pulley we had onto it. I showed it to my boss to make sure he approved, i loaded up by quad bike with a winch and went back to the job site. i physically attached the pulley to the post i had erected to catch the first truss. with this method i was also able to stand clear of the swing path just incase their was another failure. i realized it was much safer to do it this way, even on other job where i had help i could use this method with out the atv and pull on the rope as a group and remain at a safe distance and angle. I was able to the the trusses up and keep to my tight time line now i don’t use the fork method even for smaller trusses. i still use that pully i made for pulling up trusses.
Team star
i was lucky to be apart of the Canadian motor sports response team. our team provided fire and rescue for the Montreal grand prix which is part of the F1 international circuit. the event is televised live to 90 million people and 300, 000 live spectators. my rapid intervention team consisted of a command fire fighter, doctor, advanced care paramedic, fire fighter, and my self. I was to provide fire suppression and rescue on the team. our van was parked a couple of meters from the track on an emergency entrance first due on multiple corners during the races.
Before the race we had to pass an evaluation as a team. it is normally done on a F1 simulator with only the evaluation team watching. for the evaluation we must extrication the mannequin from the f1 simulator car in under 6 minutes. the problem was even though we practiced as a team extensively on our simulator and often beat our own team goal of 4 minutes. A F1 driver had been in a accident the previous race and had a bad experience with an extrication team. he want to be present to watch the evaluations . The safety comity had the idea to extricate him from his real F1 car for our evaluation instead of using the simulator to increase his confidence. so instead of the simulator that our team had practiced extensively on we would have to extricate a real person from a real F1 car worth million and very delicate all being watch by the evaluation team, the drivers pit crew, and all the other RIT teams came to watch because of the unique situation. This provided multiple problems for us one is the pit crew asked us to not touch the exterior of the race ready car, meaning we would have to lift the driver out with out bracing or touching the exterior of the car requiring lots of shoulder muscle. the two fire fighters are positioned in the front by the drivers legs to remove the steering wheel and other parts to do the extrication. the doctor and paramedic are in the back where the bulk of the drivers weight is to do the patient assessment. normally during a vehicle extrication we don’t worry about minor damage to the car, our priority is the passengers safety, but in this car it was a race ready car they want us to also prioritize the cars safety. i asked IC if he thought switching the fire fighter to the back where the bulk of the drivers weight is when it came time to lift or maybe using lift straps so we could carry more weight from the front was a good idea. he thought the idea to switch places was a great idea. we put the changes into action and for this particular situation it work perfectly. while we were doing the extrication we took our time to put an emphasis on communicating our actions to comfort the drive and stay coordinated. we took our evaluation under extreme pressure and took extra car with the car and the driver but still extricate in under 6 minutes. later after we went to dinner with all of the Canadian motors sports team when the opportunity arouse when i was with the vice president, i mention we should incorporate a new drill into out training. the drill is practicing extricating one of our team members to experience working one person down, be able to rotate through everybody’s roles and responsibilities, and get to experience getting extricate. to simulate how scary it can feel to be extricated. I told him i do that drill in the fire service to show how load and frightening it can be, and the importance of communicating with the patient to keep them calm. he loved the suggestion and they still do that drill to this day
stressful situation
IM currently a career fire fighter with the city of Hamilton. a time when i face a stressful situation is when , i got moved to ladder station 20. i had just been moved from downtown where i had just started into the driver rotation and been signed off the drive with the city of Hamilton. now i had the stress of moving stations, into a new area i was unfamiliar with, a new crew. i had previous driving experience with the Ottawa fire service, driving pumps, tankers and brush trucks. on my own time and money completed my nfpa 1002 apparatus driver operator. I understand the drivers responsibility to make sure every one arrives to the scene and back to the station safely and fallow SOPS. I normally show up early but this was my first day at the new station so i showed up extra early. my new captain came in and luckily i had a previous experience with him , he was one of my captains inn my recruit training. my captain informed me that our driver had booked off sick and that the other crew were on holidays. my captain asked me to drive the ladder. i made sure to be honest and communicate him him that i didn’t have any experience driving a ladder truck before. he explained i was going to get into the driver rotation anyway mise well be today. it was stressful not having planned to drive and apparatus i was not familiar with and have to adapt on the fly. i asked the driver i was relieving from yesterdays shift if he would quickly go over the truck with me, he was a 33 year veteran and driven ladder 20 for ten years, his experience was invaluable. I was able to lean on what he had taught me. being new to the district i was tressed about getting my directions and locating the address on the map board. i came up with a solution and problem solved by asking my team to meet me at the map board before getting on the truck to make sure i had the right address. using team work to overcome the stress of not being familiar with the area. I did an early truck check and got family with deploying the stick, i made sure to check with my captain before doing an early truck check a fallow chain of command. It was stressful driving an apparatus i was unfamiliar with. later that day we get dispatched to a first alarm structure fire. I was stressed driving but relied on my previous experience driving and made sure to drive safely and responsibly. once on scene i was stress about getting the ladder properly positioned. i have talked and done trained on proper ladder placement but i relied on my captain to decide exactly where he wants it. normally our first in pumps will pull past the building to leave room for the ladders but as i looked down the street i could tell they stopped short. the street was lined with car and there was no room to get around the pump . Because we had all met at the map board we were all on the same page that this address was on a crescent and could be access from the other end of the crescent. we went in the other way set up the ladder, it was stressful but i relied on what the veteran driver had taught me at shift change. once the stick was up my captain and crew left me to go complete tasks on the fire ground and i stayed to operate the stick. my captain had been right i learned a lot the shift about operating in high stress situation, and about operating the ladder. i relied on my team, responsibility, communication, and being adaptable when things don’t go as planned to over come the stress. once back in the station and everything was cleaned up i asked my captain to go over the fire. its something i always like to do but especially this one being my first time driving a ladder. I’m a junior fire fighter and want to continue to grow as a fire fighter
did not get along with a co-workers
i had recently completed the process for becoming an officer, completing my officer training which puts a lot of emphasis on safety not taking unnecessary risks and setting the right example as a leader. i was driving our pump with a full crew back from the training center on our way home we got locked up in traffic jam on the highway, and traffic was at a complete stand still. we switched radio channels and heard there was an mvc much furth up the road already in progress with crews on scene. i asked my captain to radio a head incase they needed assistance. we had cover off at the station and crew were eager to get back to the station. my officer asked me to put the lights and sirens on to get through the traffic to get to an exit. my officer tried to justify the orders and told me to proceed slowly using the lights and sirens to get people to move. i thought about what my officer had ordered me to do, but it was illegal, unethical, could cause another accident, and i didn’t want to potential drive through the fire scene putting crews in a compromised position. even if i had tried to use the shoulder transport trucks had begun pulling off the the side blocking the shoulder. while i was deciding what to do i asked my self how i would be able to justify my action if i had to sit down with the chief and explain them. I decided to not fallow the orders, tension quickly rose and then again my officer said to fallow the orders and proceed through the traffic with the lights and sirens. i knew i need to deescalate the situation. i said i was going to wait until command got traffic moving , i had been listening to the radio heard the patient in the mvc were being transported to the hospital and the vehicle where stable, i knew that command would focus on getting traffic moving soon. i remained calm through the tension and conflict and explained i am responsible for driving the apparatus and every ones safety while driving , and that they know as well as i don’t that we could startle the drivers and potentially cause another accident. and that its my drivers license on the line.
as i predicted command got traffic moving in the end only causing us to be a little late . the cover off crew had been listening to the radio and had expected us to be late. it was a high pressure conflict when it feels like everyone want you to do something know is unethical. i held onto my values i set an example for my crew going forward when you are the driver it is your first responsibility to make sure every one arrives safe. its required to fallow the law even when you are in a fire truck
once we were back at the station 1 on 1 i talked with my officer i explained i had just taken my driver operator course. i explained how we are both liable if anything happened. that i was trying to step up as a leader in the station and as an acting LT.
part of the officer training is not taking unnecessary risks and display the qualities i want to instill as a leader like, responsibility, integrity, and the other values you need to be a leader in the fire service. i made sure to end on a positive note and explained i value his judgment and experience on the fire ground and would hesitate to fallow orders on the fire ground. i talked with the crew as well explaining the role of the driver and how it was an unethical use of lights and sirens.
experienced a different culture
this was a time i used what i learned about Swahili culture to climb mt Kilimanjaro. i was raise in a small town which led be to have a passion for traveling, and immersing my self in different cultures, customs and beliefs. i have experience the culture in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, south Africa, Tanzania, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Mexico.
this experience i was traveling to Tanzania from south Africa to climb Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is home to 120 ethnic groups each with unique customs and cultural beliefs. it is rich in religious diversity, from Christianity, Islam, and indigenous beliefs co operating together.
i arrived in Tanzania i was in culture shock with he amount of ethnic and cultural diversity. the crew i was climbing the mountain with respectfully asked me if they could delay the climb for a couple days. in my spare time i made friends with a local man named Benson, Benson opened his home and his culture to me, introducing me to his friends and family. he educated me on the proper greetings, language, traditions, cuisine, and Swahili eticate. i am open minded and i tried to fully engage in the rich culture. i decided to use what Benson had taught me to leverage my knowledge of our culture to unite our team together to complete the the climbing of the mountain. the night be fore the climb the team invited me to be apart of a traditional ceremony called qurbani. i used the appropriate greeting for meet new people and elders that Benson had taught me to show respect. and make a good first impression with the team. While communicating with he team they explained qurabni was the reason the asked to delay the climb and asked if i was mad, i explained in was happy to be apart of their ceremony and be show generosity and hospitably while in town. i tried to absorb all the information they told me about the ceremony and tradition. to bridge cultural gaps and avoid misunderstanding i adapted my communication style and used what language Benson had taught me to communicate respectfully. just incase i needed more communication i downloaded a translation app to help solve any break downs in communication.
the next day we began our climb together during our meals i used the appropriate traditional Tanzania style meal eticaite to eat with one hand while eating communally to thoughtful and respectful of their culture and customs. we complete our climb to the peak of Kilimanjaro at 5895 m above sea level. we were able to come together regardless of cultural back ground
i became culturally aware, and was able to build on my communication skills to bridge cultural gaps. educate my self about different cultures to under stand their normal values and communication styles. encourage a team with varied view points. be apart of an inclusive environment where every one feels respected and values regardless of their backgrounds. be adaptable in my communication styles to suit different cultural preferences and needs
showed integrity
*didn’t get along with a co-worker
quick decision
i was on shift at the distress center of Ottawa at the time. it was my job to communicate to people experiencing mental health crisis including using suicide. i am to use my training and protocols to mitigate the crisis at my level as much as possible. when the situation escalate beyond my level to keep them safe it is time to get my supervisor involved. who will fallow their protocol to get emergency services involved.
at this time i had a called currently using suicide. as is always the case they are reluctant to tell us their information out of fear of getting in trouble. i was able to talk with them and build a level of trust to get them to disclose their location. it turns out they were already standing out side the civic hospital. while i was continuing to talk with them i was able to get them to enter the hospital and receive treatment for their medical emergency. quickly assessing the risk i knew they need immediate medical attention. i need to make my decision of what to don next, normally i would get my supervisor involve and they they would relay the information to dispatch who would dispatch ems and first responder to the scene. i quickly made the decision to flip through my resources for the front office staff phone number. i continued to ask long open ended question with the caller to keep them occupied, so i could mute my mic and caller the front office staff of the civic hospital. I stayed on the line until i heard hospital staff on the other end of the line. it was then time to contact my supervisor involved. i quickly called her and explained the steps i had taken, that the caller had already begun suicide and need urgent care. i apologized for not fallowing protocol. she commend me on my quick thinking and agreed with my decision. i found a solution to an urgent problem and made a level headed decision under pressure. my supervisor made a fallow up call with the hospital. it was nice to hear how thing turned out just like fire fighter once patient care is transfer we often don’t hear back how the emergency resolved. i learning in a high stress environment you need to remain calm and be confident in your training and resources, equipment, and sops, so when it come time to make a quick decision under pressure. you can grab the right tool or resource for the best positive outcome
lack of communication
*quick decision
dedication star
time you organized a community event
Ottawa fire station 83 has always been involved in the community one of their community event is a canada day parade. we use an antique fire truck to lead kids and families across town to the recreation center. I was an acting lt and was stepping up as a leader in the station. i took on the responsibilty of planning and organzing it. i had to plan and organize equipment, resources, staffing and get public fire safety informetion to hand out at the event. i had to confirm we would be able to use our front line trucks to manage traffic while the parade was in progress. it would put all of our response vehicles in a delayed respons for the duration of the event. I had to confirm we had enough staffing to fill the trucks on a long weekend. i also reached out to our public education officer for hand out and material. i made sure i was goin through the chain of cmmonad and get in contact with my sector chief with the time, date, and duration of the event and confirm it would be alright to be in a delayed response. I started an availability form for before, during , and after the parade to hand out material. the only time slot i was short staffed for was before the parade to wash and clean the trucks. ki decided to pick up some food and make it into a brunch so people could bring their families before the parade. then their kids could go through the trucks while their parents helped wash the trucks and prepare them. the parade takes a lot of communication between multiple trucks to shut down road as the parade comes i came up with the idea for us to use simplex radio to not take up radio space. it worked great with simplex we were able to to stay in communication and close streets at the appropriate time. The entire parade went well it was a good experience for me to step up as a leader in the station. I leaned how much preparation is required to have a successful community event. it was also valuable to see how effective talk around radio can be to save space at calls for example like during traffic control at an mvc to have clear communication in the dark or out of line of sight.
a time you experienced an inappropriate comment in the work place
i was working at a concete company framing and pouring concrete poarches . i was a crew leader of a three person crew , my crew was short one member who took a job with the cuty pouring side walks. another crew was short people so until we could hire new workers our boss combined the two crews together. we were set to start a large comercial complex, I knew my boss had trouble with the other crew leader as people kept leavinf his crew and he had some complaints from customers. i didnt want to judge him without forming my own opinions first. I noticed they were hard on one of his crew members say some thing that were towing the line. but i didn’t know they’re group dynamics so i didn’t want to say anything. i didn’t want to assume i had all the information. i was alone with the member of the crew and just casually worked in how he felt about the comments . he was upset about the remarks but said he really needed the job and didn’t want to get in trouble or mention it to any one. i decided i needed to talk with the other team leader alone. i made sure to start the conversation non confrontational. i mentioned that i had heard him making racial comment about one of his workers. i made sure to let him tell his side of the story. he didn’t think it was a big deal or mattered. I explained how the company has a zero tolerance policy how racism, the company doesn’t condone bulling or harassment, and how it can make people feel out casted and that he is a leader and if he stops then his crew will stop too. I thought he had understood the message. i knew he was already on thin ice so wanted to give him a chance to make a positive change. after that week our crews got put on separate jobs, about a week or two later i was talking to the worker who had been dealing with the racial comment and asked if his crew leader had stopped with the comments? i made sure to be compassionate in my interactions with the worker. I asked how he felt about the situation and what he would be comfortable doing. he opened up to me and said he was looking for a new job just so he didnt have to deal with this situation any more. i told he he can go to the boss and i can support him, or if he wanted to stay out of it i didn’t mind going to the boss my self if the was easier for him. he asked if i could just go with him to meet the boss. i made sure to confirm with him that these comments are unethical and not appropriate. i empowered him to talk with our boss. he explained everything to our boss there was still stuff he hadn’t told me yet. while my boss was deciding what he should say and do, i offered to take the new worker on my crew i still needed one more person on my crew. i knew the new worker was a skilled worker and a hard worker. I’m glad i was able to stick up for him, it is important for me to be on the right side and do the right thing. i support an inclusive environment, and stand for my core values like integrity , honor, team work. the other leader didn’t get fired but after a coupe month he decided to got his own way and start his own company. i got a hard worker who i got along with , regardless of the person everyone deserves compassion and empathy.
leadership star
- didn’t get along with a co-worker
*team
*co worker not pulling weight
co worker not pulling weight
in 2021 i had been hired by the Hamilton fire department. we had begun recruit drill school. we were just starting our class A live fire section of drill school. we were scheduled for over 100 class A burn in their burn towers . This was the last year Hamilton hired people without their NFPA 1001 level 1 and 2 so some people in the class had no fire fighting experience. They used multiple rescue mannequins and soaked them in water over night to saturate the sand in them to increase the weight making them harder to drag.
During our live fire we were split into platoon/ crews of 4 people. when we located a victim the crew is to split , 2 people do the rescue and then return to the crew after. when ever i was doing a rescue with one team mate he work never start the process he would always with for me to get to the head and start dragging. it felt like i was always doing the rescues all by my self. when i was with this recruit he was not pulling his weight. it was a smoke filled environment so i couldn’t tell what he was doing during the rescue just that it was always harder when i had to work with him. i had started to become tired of pulling the weight by my self, in the locker room after the day was over i heard my other two teammates complaining about the same thing. the next day when we were getting the props out and the towers ready for the day , pulled my under preforming teammate to the side and asked him to help me carry the mannequin from the shed to the towers. i asked him how he was finding it during the rescues, he said it was hard i lead that into him showing me how he was pushing during the rescues. he was off to the side of the body , not using proper leverage or technique. asked him to switch and showed him how hard it was for him that the head to drag when I pushed the way he was, then i showed him the proper technique and how much easier it ws for him when i helped with proper technique. i mentioned using the proper technique will save his back and help him have a long career, and it will help his team to save on air consumption when we are doing the rescues. we are a part of a team and if it helps him it helps all of us, we need to work smarter when we can. he never had any previous fire experience it could have been a confidence issue, so he hadn’t realized how important the technique was doing recues on heavy victims. he was able to adapt and be a productive team member. he physically had the strength and strong work ethic, just not pulling his weight because of confidence and technique
