Sustainable Development in the Fire Service By Robert Triozzi A guide of sorts regarding development will help avoid wasted time and resources. More importantly, those who attempt to develop a fire department must learn to manage firefighter expectations and not make any promises unless absolutely sure that they can deliver. Development Plan Management theory and practical experience have shown that the most successful development is basic, low-tech and in-line with cultural and operational norms. Individuals and organizations work from unique sets of standards. Again and again, we and others watch as very successful domestic organizations and managers fail at sustainable international development. National fire departments bring their brand of firefighting to developing worlds, but in most cases, they do not build-up a custom plan of development, but rather cut away at their own system until something looks like it fits. Initial success is common, but is quickly followed by a return to old ideas and practices once these organizations leave town. When a proper development project approaches completion, the local fire dept. should be versed in the knowledge and techniques to operate more efficiently, effectively, and safely at a local level. Those involved should not attempt to create a first world fire department from a developing one. A realistic and responsible goal is that of a department that can operate to the best of their ability making maximum use of its existing resources. Equipment and Supplies Supplying a department with used or new equipment is not always a priority. The key to a successful development plan is to make maximum use of existing resources. A thorough assessment of the status and condition of existing apparatus and equipment will reveal the prevailing deficiencies. These deficiencies must be addressed prior to investing time and funds on new equipment. In most situations, the first failed development occurs with equipment donations. These may include: Fire apparatus usually on their last legs are donated without regard to their maintenance or compatibility with the community. Most end up on blocks or used for storage shortly after delivery. Firefighters must be versed in the intricacies of fire pumps and engine maintenance. Many engine parts or pump attachments are not compatible. Sizing issues: (ex. X-Small Fire Gloves) Gloves are normally the most useful item on a fire scene, but represent a demoralizing defeat as firefighters excite at the initial donation and then regress in disappointment when they see that none of the gloves fit. Hydraulic extrication tools are a classic failure when little thought is placed on the practical application of the tools. Some areas can neither maintain the equipment, nor service broken parts. Training Barriers The success of a mission can be directly related to the quality of the development plan and the ability of the instructors to convey the development plan free of barriers. In the case of the fire service there are three major barriers that can impede lasting development. Language The most critical element to lasting development is language. If firefighters and instructors can not communicate one-on-one, a barrier is formed. Each additional barrier compounds exponentially. The logical step in the face of the language barrier would be the use of a translator. But more often then not, the translator will lack the technical knowledge of the fire service necessary for adequate communication. Additionally, firefighters may not communicate freely through a translator. A complete evaluation of any fire service should include at its root a thorough knowledge of the firefighter's experience. In many departments those managing the command structure are not firefighters, but rather politicians or engineers. Therefore, direct communication with the firefighting ranks can reveal critical operational deficiencies and strengths. Acceptance Efforts to relate with the local firefighters will add to the instructor's legitimacy. Although the camaraderie between international firefighters is often strong political and cultural differences can weigh heavily on the acceptance of foreign trainers. Attention to cultural sensitivities should already be a priority, but additional attention should be paid to religious and cultural customs. When applicable and appropriate, living at the local firehouses will provide a comprehensive view of daily life and also nurture trust in non-training situations. Measurement Fighting a fire is much more complicated then applying water to fire. The overall operation is a lesson in mathematics, and a clear understanding of both Metric and English Measurements is necessary to teach firefighting. Hose length, ladders, water volume, pressure, temperature for cold weather operations and fire theory, and weight are common measurements. In addition, a comprehensive local knowledge of Hazardous Materials Identification Systems will be critical to any basic hazmat awareness course. Instructors must be able to calculate PSI and atmospheres, Meters and Feet, and Fahrenheit and Celsius. The advanced technical aspects of fire science may not be necessary for sustainable and successful development, but the basics will involve these issues. The more barriers put in between the participants the more likely the message will be altered or lost. The cultural divide is already large enough without adding further barriers. What makes FRDP Successful? FRDP Members come from all over the world and do not represent a monopoly of ideas from any single country; FRDP can bring a wide variety of experiences to any developing fire department. Using global experiences, we can introduce methods and equipment that are both locally applicable and attainable. We do not represent any government or nation and therefore have neither political nor economic aspirations. In most cases, FRDP firefighters can speak directly with other firefighters. FRDP firefighters and instructors speak over 15 languages and can communicate one-on-one with local firefighters. This allows us to speak directly with those who matter most. The absence of translators dramatically increases our success with sustainable development. And finally, we custom design a program of development which is simple, practical and cost effective, and based on historic and cultural foundations which will provide a stable foundation for sustainable development. COPYRIGHT 2005 Fire Rescue Development Program, NGO