Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Opportunities for Inquiry and Dialogue - Lesson Identification

 

Opportunities for Inquiry and Dialogue - Lesson Identification

The intentional passing on of lessons observed from past fires and all-hazards incidents to the next generation of firefighters is a characteristic of a learning organization.

All the rules of engagement currently used by wildland firefighters have evolved from hard won lessons on the fireground. Developing staff rides from previous incidents and operations for such lessons is a valuable method of inquiry.
The wildland fire service has made notable progress in the realm of documentation and use of past incidents. There are a number of sources for information to develop such case studies. Most of the reports on past incidents are now readily available in digital format through an online database. There are several formal Lessons Learned Center products distributed on a regular basis. In addition, the “Facilitated Learning Analysis” (FLA) process now provides a methodology for learning from near-miss incidents. And the annual refresher training products include recent case study scenarios.

One significant benefit of case studies is that they can be utilized by individuals on their own as well as being part of more formal group or classroom settings. Examining lessons from our past to be better prepared for the future is probably one of the most powerful avenues for self-development available to wildland firefighters.

[Click here to download Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.]

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