Like any other demanding career, firefighting is one profession that relies on explicit compliance with set competencies for effective service delivery. This vocation encompasses various science disciplines, including metaphysics, chemistry, and system analytics, where it draws various principles of practice (Klinoff, 2015). The units explored in this course were fundamental in structuring an all-rounded expert who exhibits effective communication and interpersonal skills. The book “introduction to fire protection and emergency service” also played a vital role as a reference to the codes of conduct expected of a firefighter (Klinoff, 2015). As a Practicing firefighter in the Texas State, my practice has been guided by ethics explored in class alongside the fundamental principles of codes of conduct.
Mandatory class attendance is among the principles that shape self-discipline and determination. For instance, attending all classes helps secure high achievement in academics. Similarly, the job market expects the same commitment to work, reflecting employee performance. I would say that the class setup helps structure ethical guidelines that promote accountability and adaptation. For example, all classwork, including assignments and presentations, enables students to be responsible for every project to safeguard their academic performance. Such practices require resilience and self-discipline for successfully completing each task assigned and demonstrating responsibility.
Some important activities that improved my attitude and conduct during my learning included active engagement in class, time management, and academic integrity. For instance, active engagement in class established my interpersonal relationship skills which have influenced my work habits. Through effective interaction with coursemates, I gained the confidence to work in a diverse environment without feeling like an outcast. All these activities have strengthened my approach to capacity building and professional establishment.
The Texas fires service organization has allowed me to showcase my expertise as a firefighter, and most of these practices are guided by competencies derived from course materials. Essential core principles I apply in daily interactions are those learned in this class. The book “introduction to fire protection and emergency service” has been a reference guide to my practice due to its rich content covering the ethical guidelines for firefighters. This factor indicates that the basic principles in my operations have been derived from guidelines learned in class, making this unit one of the fundamental classes providing the basics of ethical practice.
The codes and ordinances are guidelines that provide a firefighter expert with rules that enhance the self-protection and security of others. For instance, personnel safety, Good Samaritan law, and legal considerations at emergency incidents are ordinances that have played a vital role in enhancing my practice (Klinoff, 2015). The personnel safety provides guidelines to ensure firefighters understand what is expected of them and the boundaries in their scope of practice.
The firefighting job has various risks, including mental stress, possible burns, and smoke intoxication. Personnel safety is among the policies emphasized in this class which aligns verbatim with the Texas safety policies. For example, in our department, failure to wear personal protective equipment (PPEs) could result in termination of employment. This factor indicates that these ordinances are taken seriously and must be memorized to ensure we always align with the stipulated rules. The book has essentially been my guide, considering that it covers these requirements succinctly and provides vivid descriptions of the expected codes of conduct.
Mental stress is among the challenges I have also faced as a firefighter, triggered by a work-life crisis. One rule that has enabled me to sustain a better working strategy is the legal considerations in emergency incidents. One principle under this policy is the occupational safety rule which requires every firefighter to take note of stressors in the workplace and identify alternatives to eradicate them (Klinoff, 2015). For instance, working overtime is captured as a clause in the regulation that requires employees to be compensated for working past their time limit. As a student and an employee, working overtime was a significant stressor. The provision of a non-consequential decline in working overtime allows me to choose how to work, reducing the mental stress I experienced earlier.
Another necessary ordinance is the Good Samaritan law, allowing strangers to collaborate with firefighters to save situations. I am citing this law considering that it promoted my appreciation for teamwork (Klinoff, 2015). Collaboration is integral, considering that it fosters creativity and productivity. Teamwork with strangers has been integral in many rescue encounters since it facilitates better rescue outcomes (Klinoff, 2015). All these competencies streamline back to the skills emphasized in class which fostered better communication and collaboration.
Various principles taught in class have promoted better work ethics and self-discipline. Most classwork activities and deadlines strengthen individual responsibility and commitment, bringing dedication. The rules and regulations learned in the book have fostered a self-aware, disciplined, and committed firefighter focused on excellence. My understanding of practice dynamics has also encouraged me to advocate for equity and balance in my career through radical and informed decision-making to promote change. All these principles have been cultivated by the culture of resilience and hard work promoted in class through various pieces of literature that share the same sentiments.
Reference
Klinoff, R. (2015). Codes and Ordinances. In W. A. Bailey et al. (Eds.).Introduction to fire protection and emergency services (pp289- 315). Jones & Bartlett Learning.