The Paradox of Choice

Lex Shady

Do you ever struggle with training, or studying about the job? I don’t mean in struggling to find motivation or drive to do it, but rather where to even start? I want to soak everything up I possibly can about the job. There are so many different avenues to the fire service: engine company, truck company, squad, technical rescue, HAZMAT, RIT, even EMS, the list is almost endless. Have a RIT article for me? Send it. Oh there’s a good video showing vertical vent? Ok I’ll watch that too. Fire Engineering sent out another email? Better save that to read later. Someone tweeted tips on things to look for in building construction? Better drive around the city looking for similarities.

Sometimes I find myself jumping from book to book, article to article, tweet to tweet. Trying to soak up everything but not really getting what I want or need. So a few months ago I decided to try and lay out a schedule for myself to help keep me a little more on track. I stick to this schedule religiously on shift days, on my off days I still find myself jumping around on different topics, but it has helped give me some structure. I also have about 6 different fire books that I am currently reading in my free time- which one just depends on my mood that day. I didn’t say I had my studying completely nailed down yet. I’m definitely not saying this idea works for everyone, but it’s been great for me so far.

**Note: These topics are pretty broad for a purpose. They give me guidance on the kind of thing to study that day, but allow me to pick things that interest me. This also forces me to pay attention to things I wouldn’t normally choose to study – aka EMS).

Monday

• Mayday/RIT

Tuesday

• Truck/Rescue/Search

Wednesday

• Water (supplies, staffing, pumping, etc.)

Thursday

• Historical fires

Friday

• Tactics (Ex. Basement fires, UL studies, etc.)

Saturday

• Leadership/Personal Development

Sunday

• EMS

Read 1 LODD report a week.

**Another tip: Take notes on everything you read, watch, or study. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve referred back to them. Also, if you see something you don’t understand, reach out to someone. As long as you’re studying and trying to get better there are no stupid questions.

Maybe there are different topics you would choose to focus on, or have some suggestions for me? I’d love to hear!