Emergency Services Midterm Notes PDF

Key Terms Context Switching - Context switching is a type of multitasking that can severely affect mental performance and productivity. Basically, a context switch = moving from one application to another. Dopamine Hit - Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a crucial role in the...

Key Terms Context Switching - Context switching is a type of multitasking that can severely affect mental performance and productivity. Basically, a context switch = moving from one application to another. Dopamine Hit - Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a crucial role in the brain. It is associated with feelings of pleasure, reward, attention and learning. For example, when someone loses their attention span in a conversation by going on their phone. Essential Skills ( "Hard" and "Soft" skills) 'Soft skills are not just a nice-to-have; they are an essential component of any successful progressive and positive department.' ( twodarkthirty.com, Enhancing firefighter training with soft skills) Hard, soft and essential skills: Hard skills are quantifiable, tangible skills that include technical skills. Hard skill abilities include conducting research on the Internet, using a specific computer application or operating a specific piece of machinery or equipment. For example, a nurse or a doctor will have hard skills in the use of medical equipment. Soft skills are unquantifiable, intangible skills that are also known as “people skills.” Some examples of soft skills include having a positive attitude, communicating well, creative thinking, teamwork and problem solving. To help define the essential skills needed to work, the Government of Canada developed The Literacy and Essential Skills Checklist. As part of this essential skills system, various skills are rated in terms of complexity from a Level 1 (Basic) to a Level 5 (Advanced). The areas of skills assessment include: reading writing document use numeracy computer use/digital skills thinking oral communication working with others continuous learning Firefighter training with soft skills 1. Effective Communication: Clear and brief communication is essential in emergencies. Firefighters must be able to convey information accurately, listen carefully, and interpret verbal and non-verbal cues in coordinating efforts, relaying instructions, and ensuring the safety of both firefighters and civilians. 2. Teamwork: Firefighting is a team effort, and the ability to work collaboratively is vital. Firefighters must be able to trust and rely on their colleagues, share responsibilities, and support one another in high-stress situations. Strong teamwork skills foster a cohesive and efficient response to emergencies. 3. Decision-making Under Pressure: In the heat of the moment, firefighters are often required to make split-second decisions that can have life-or-death consequences. The ability to assess situations quickly, weigh options, and make sound judgments under immense pressure is a crucial soft skill that can significantly impact the outcome of an emergency. 4. Adaptability and Flexibility: No two emergencies are exactly alike, and firefighters must be prepared to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Flexibility and the ability to think on one's feet are essential soft skills that enable firefighters to respond effectively to unexpected challenges and dynamic situations. 5. Leadership and Conflict Resolution: Effective leadership is critical in emergency situations, as it provides direction, instils confidence, and ensures that team members are working towards a common goal. Conflict resolution skills are also crucial, as tensions can run high in high-stress environments. Firefighters must be able to navigate interpersonal conflicts and maintain a calm, level-headed approach. 6. Emotional Intelligence and Resilience: Firefighting is an emotionally demanding profession, and the ability to manage one's emotions and bounce back from traumatic experiences is essential. Emotional intelligence and resilience are soft skills that enable firefighters to cope with the psychological challenges of the job and maintain their overall well-being. 7. Situational Awareness and Problem-solving: Being aware of one's surroundings and identifying potential risks is crucial in firefighting. Situational awareness, combined with strong problem-solving abilities, allows firefighters to anticipate and mitigate potential hazards, find creative solutions to complex challenges, and ensure the safety of all involved. Soft skills are the new hard skills Failures in emotional intelligence and leadership are clearly the major factors contributing to the tarnishing of the fire service’s previously glistening reputation. It would be unfair to say every fire department problem is a result of inadequate leadership from the chief’s office, but the standards for leadership are set at the top. Chiefs and senior staff must lead by example, modelling the behaviours they wish to see become part of the fire department culture. That culture can be positive or negative, but it is certainly not formed by mere chance. Leaders need to have a strong foundation based on honesty and integrity, hard work, leadership by example, and a genuine caring for those they lead. Some may be tempted to say this is merely common sense, but based on the fire service headlines today, it is not all that common in practice. Defining a good firefighter Regarding the traits of a good firefighter, there is no general consensus or set of standards, but in fire service journals, the following qualities are noted most often: integrity, trustworthiness, ethical, honourable, team player, collaborative, emotional control especially under stress, flexible, adaptable, has good interpersonal communication skills, commitment, has a passion for the fire service, and is mentally and physically fit. “Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.” Further description is broken down in these four skills: Self-awareness – The ability to recognize your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behaviour, know your strengths and weaknesses, and have self-confidence. Self-management – The ability to control impulsive feelings and behaviours, manage your emotions in healthy ways, take initiative, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances. Social awareness – The ability to understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of other people, pick up on emotional cues, feel comfortable socially, and recognize the power dynamics in a group or organization. Relationship management – The ability to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict. WEEK 2: Emergency An emergency is an unexpected and difficult or dangerous situation, especially an accident, which happens suddenly and which requires quick action to deal with it. A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service A service is something that the public needs, such as transport, communications facility, or energy supplies, which is provided in a planned and organized way by the government or an official body. The action of helping or doing work for someone What is an emergency service? 1. Public safety and health Specific emergency Variety of emergencies 2. Community awareness and education ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL Public Safety Canada -2023 Coordination of all federal departments responsible for national security and safety. 6 main services National Security Border Strategies Countering Crime Emergency Management Impaired Driving Centre for Resiliency and Continuity Management PARTNER AGENCIES OF PUBLIC SAFETY CANADA 1. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) 2. Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) 3. Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) 4. Parole Board of Canada (PBC) 5. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROVINCIAL Ministry of the Solicitor General -2023 ensuring that Ontario's communities are supported and protected by law enforcement and public safety systems that are safe, secure, effective, efficient and accountable. Solicitor General – Michael Kerzner Main Responsibilities 1. Correctional Services 2. Policing Services 3. Public Safety & Security Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM) Animal Protection Mental Health resources for first responders and public safety personnel 4. Other Agencies within the SG ministry Centre for Forensic Sciences, Death Investigations, Private Security ONTARIO FIRE MARSHAL The OFM is a branch of the Community Safety Division of Ministry of Solicitor General It administers provincial legislation that promotes Fire Protection  Fire Prevention Public Safety What is the legislation? Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 Fire Code EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ONTARIO Legislation – Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act Ontario has identified multiple types of hazards in its Provincial Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Report Natural Technological Human-caused -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emergency management is defined as “organized and comprehensive programs and activities taken to deal with actual or potential emergencies or disasters. It is based on a risk management approach and includes activities in five components: prevention mitigation preparedness response recovery ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPONENTS OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Prevention: actions taken to prevent an emergency or disaster Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce the effects of an emergency or disaster. Preparedness: Actions taken prior to an emergency or disaster to ensure an effective response. Response: Actions taken to respond to an emergency or disaster. Recovery: Actions taken to recover from an emergency or disaster. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THREE MAIN EMERGENCY SERVICES: - police - fire - emergency medical service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EMERGENCY RELATED TERMS “Police” related Tactical teams – ERT/SWAT Canine Units Bomb Disposal Dive Teams Aviation – helicopters and fixed wing Marine Units --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Fire” related Hazardous Materials Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) Confined Space, Trench, Structural collapse, Rope Rescue (Hi/Lo angle) “Military” related Search and Rescue (SAR) Aviation Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)  Coast Guard “Private” HazMat Security Guard CULTURAL STRENGTHS OF PUBLIC SERVANTS Integrity Strict ethical code – doing the right thing simply because it is right “doing the right thing even when no one is watching” Moral Character Just behaviour with emphasis on trust Words and actions must reinforce that trust You always be held to a higher standard Pride Self respect and self worth In their organization, Cultural Strengths of public servants Work Ethic Valuing the virtues of hard work and thoroughness Doing what needs to done Without being told When asked to without complaint Completely To the best of your abilities Prompt, reliable, with initiative Courage  Confront pain, fear, danger and uncertainty Controlled, rational risk taking Loyalty To their service, organization, coworkers Care for fellow colleagues Defend their job Respect Return as mutual respect from the people served Compassion Care for the people served regardless of circumstances WEEK 4: FIRE SERVICE HISTORY: TIME FRAMES Way, way back, (Early cities and Knights) Really long time ago Colonial North America 1600’s Pretty long ago Industrial era 1800’s Modern Era ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roman Times ~ 24 BCE to 3 – 6 CE: Rule of Augustus  Band of servants Familia Publica stationed at the city gates Formed a ‘Police’ force made up of slaves, freedmen, citizens of low birth, criminal past The first ever Roman Fire Brigade Marcus Licinius Crassus (General and Politician) Used 500 slaves (“who were architects and builders”) May have created the term ’fire sale’ Would let the structures burn unless the owner sold the building to him 6 CE - Vigiles: After another fire created the corps of vigiles (firefighters and watchmen) responsible for fire protection and policing – started with 1000 professional and grew to 7000 Augustus believed manpower and training were the keys to fire fighting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vigiles of Rome Householders were to keep equipment for fighting fires and a ready supply of water and vinegar Equipped with: pumps, the first fire pump buckets hooks axes, picks, mattocks ladders quilted blankets, wicker mats Ballistae for creating fire breaks or hurling water Italy’s fire service is called “Vigili del Fuoco” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Knights of Malta ~ 1100 CE Officially known as, “The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John ofJerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta” better known as The Sovereign Military Order of Malta or SMOM Originally a charitable, non-military organization helping the sick and poor, set Up hospitals Later Joined the Knights of Crusades in protecting the Holy Land ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KNIGHTS OF MALTA AND MALTESE CROSS 8 POINTS OF THE CROSS TO BE A KNIGHT to live in truth to have faith to repent of one's sins to give proof of humility to love justice to be merciful to be sincere and wholehearted to endure persecution Europe and Colonial ~ 1600s Paris – increased use of watchmen responsible to the king The Great Fire – London 1666 1667 First fire insurance company ‘The Fire Office’ later many companies joined under becoming ‘The Hand in Hand Fire Insurance Co.’ Fire Brigade made up of Thames watermen Policy holders given a badge or fire mark If a building on fire had the correct mark the fire was fought  First organized municipal brigade was in Edinburgh, Scotland 1824 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Colonial America ~ 1630 - 1650 start of fire protection laws Smoking banned in Boston Banned use of wooden chimneys - Fire wardens began inspections “Rattle Watch” (which warned people in the village that a fire was in the area) – to form bucket brigades 1676 Boston - small pump and hose 1730’s arrival of engines 2 important tools of the time Bed key Salvage bag 1736 – Benjamin Franklin founded the first volunteer fire company which remains the standard Union Fire Company of Philadelphia. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fire Brigade vs Fire Department Brigade in North America refers to an Industrial (internal) fire protection group Europe uses Brigade for a municipal fire department ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Early Canada - European Settlers Used a Watchman’s rattle (to alert people that a fire was in bound) 1700s building quality improved: Alarms was church bell or rattles from Night watches Night Watch – scene control, prevention of looting, organized bucket brigades 1754 – first fire department in Halifax, Nova Scotia followed by …insurance companies 1763 – Montreal ‘Club de feu” organized for salvage of goods from burning buildings 1765 – first fire engine in Canada USA - 1800s Fire protection advancements: 1803 – Philadelphia – wooden hydrants 1806 – leather with metal rivets fire hose 1852 – Boston – first fire alarm telegraph and street box system Early Canada - 1800s to 1900s Mid 1800s - As more steam engines arrived and hydrants, less manpower required thus size of volunteer companies decreased as did influence Fire resistance between floors Minimum space between structures ERA of steam pumpers Horse drawn steam pumps were replaced by steam then gas powered self propelled engines. Modern era of firefighting - 1900 Advancement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Rubber lined duck coats Fire helmet ~1836 Breathing apparatus ~ 1871 Britain Fire helmet evolution French/british metal Russian 1917 metal (better material than the french/british) 1836 new york - leather Firefighter clothing First generation was wool with leather boots Followed by rubber. Today there are fire resistant cloth materials. Fire Service medals Are there fire service medals? True or false True, there are three medals including the emergency service medal, long service medal and ontario medal for firefighter bravery WEEK 5: DE-STIGMATIZING PTSD AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS Operational stress injury (OSI): A non-clinical term referring to a persistent psychological difficulty caused by traumatic experiences or prolonged high stress or fatigue during service. Impacts of OSI include work, relationships, physical, and suicide. Suicide is often driven by an emotional strain in a culture that discourages weaknesses that are too common which leads to deaths. Post-traumatic stress disorder: Mental health condition caused by witnessing or experiencing an actual threat, violence or death. Signs include nightmares, persistent fear and severe anxiety. Presenteeism: The action of employees coming to work despite having a sickness that justifies an absence and as a consequence, they are performing their work under less than high standard conditions. Stigma: Extreme disapproval of a person that distinguishes them from other members of society. It often occurs due to a lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, excluding or avoiding behaviours. Resilient responders: People who get lots of sleep, no sleep can affect people’s behaviours Eating right and enough, making healthy choices Exercising enough (regular exercises reduces the high levels of stress) Having good healthy relationships Getting support from family, friends, treatments, professional support etc. Paradigm shift: Firefighters and other emergency services never open up their feelings around trauma-related stresses such as PTSD Cultural shift: It should be safe to talk about anything. Acknowledge PTSD, OSI, depression, etc. Resilience: The process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress such as family and relationship problems, etc.