WHO IS TRAINING YOUR APPARATUS DRIVERS?

摘要

Does this scenario sound familiar to you? A new fire apparatus driver/operator candidate, midway through be-hind-the-wheel training, walks into your office and asks for a minute to chat. He breathes a big sigh, stammers a bit, and then finally spits it out. He doesn't feel like he is cut out to be a fire apparatus driver. He thanks you for giving him the opportunity to try it, apologizes for wasting your time, and tries to make a quick exit. I agree that not everybody is cut out for the job of apparatus driver. I also can respect a person who recognizes when he is in way over his head and makes the right decision. However, if this happens regularly, this might indicate an even bigger problem within your department that will require your attention. The first few months in which new drivers train and interact with the driver trainers are critical to the new drivers' long-term success as apparatus drivers/operators. Chances are that the habits, feelings, friendships, adversaries, and attitudes they develop during the training period will shape the new drivers for years to come and can make a difference in how they approach the role. The people training new drivers from the get-go can make a huge impact on your driver recruiting program and, in the long run, can set the tone for how your new drivers conduct themselves.