New Ways of Instructing, Managing Stress Discussed at Firehouse World

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – Being fit for strenuous activity associated with firefighting is promoted widely at a number of venues.

But, being ready when the alarm sounds doesn’t just mean having the muscles to pull hose and throw ladders.

Firefighters must have their heads in the game as well, Dr. Mike Asken told students at a session at Firehouse World.

Asken, a psychologist, said even military officers are rethinking about how they conduct basic training. Yelling and shouting makes it more difficult to learn.

Some academies are finding better results with personal trainers rather than with the bully drill instructor.

“Stress is the most severe threat facing the fire service.”

Fear, a part of life, is seen as a weakness. But, it’s not, he told them.

Astronauts get launch fear, soldiers experience combat fear and for firefighters it can be response fear. And, while there are barriers to learning to manage it, he encouraged them to seek ways.

Among the proven techniques he suggested included muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga, self hypnosis and imagery.

Asken said a number of departments are encouraging firefighters to take time during the day to meditate or participate in yoga.

Iowa City Battalion Chief Eric Nurnberg said he practices imagery.

On his way into work, he picks a building and thinks about what his actions would be if they had at an incident there.

Imagery or concentrating is known to relieve stress.

The two also encouraged firefighters to talk and share experiences with their co-workers, who may be feeling the same anxiety.

There’s a high level of stress as “the consequences of poor performance are immediate and severe,” Asken added.

It’s also vital that firefighters keep an eye on each other for signs of anxiety. 

Full Coverage of Firehouse World:

• Photos: Hands-on Training
  
• Science Needs to Be Incorporated in Modern Firefighting
• Competent Command Essential at Incidents
• Innovative Apparatus on The Show Floor
• Firefighters Face New Challenges Daily
• Eisner Remember, Change Discussed at Firehouse World Opening
• Photos: Day 2 of Firehouse World
• Officers Reminded to Spend Time with Rookies
• A West Coast Versus East Coast Debate
• Photos: Day 3 of Firehouse World
• Fire Service Tradition Is Challenged by Progress
• Hash Oil Labs Create Danger