Being a firefighter today compared to yesteryear..

[Noddy]

As a follow on from a post elsewhere, I thought I’d get a thread started on how being a firefighter today compares to 10, 20 or more years ago.

Im in my 22nd year so have seen massive changes.  When I joined we were purely reactive in our role spending all our time training, testing equipment, doing station routines and responding to incidents.  Fire prevention was none existent...no school visits, no home safety checks etc.. just the Occasional School Fete . We instead checked fire hydrants, carried out 1.1d visits (today’s 7.2d visits) and generally prepared ourselves for incidents.  We didn’t have the internet, fire reports, staffing and training was recorded on paper and most fire stations in my brigade at weekends were more like social clubs than a fire station.

We were however much much busier and as a recruit I wore BA virtually every tour of duty.  I learnt my trade very quickly and to get promoted I had to pass statutory promotion exams.

Its now very different but when I joined in 1998, the then 20 year hands were saying the same thing! 

So, would you rather be joining as a firefighter today or in years gone by?  I’ve probably learned more in recent years than I did in the biggest chunk of the career in subjects that I’d never heard of up until fairly recently. 

[Luminoki]

I dont think there is any recruit worth their salt who wouldnt want to experience the fire service “Life On Mars” style. Many a night ive sat and listened to the older hands recount their earlier days in the job and thought wow! “Every set you were guaranteed a house fire, flat fire, a few rtcs and malicious calls into the dozens” 

There are two things im grateful for joining at the time i did though:

1 - oppurtunities to specialise such as DIM, Tech Rescue, Fire Investigation, various partnership roles working with the communities. These might not have existed 20 years ago or where nearby impossible to get into if it was seen as a cushy number

2 - the disappearance of the extreme initiations some of those older hands went through. I freely admit ive heard some stories that have made me think the watch wouldve broken me

[Messyshaw]

Definition.....................

nostalgia

/nɒˈstaldʒə/

noun: related to amnesia/lie, nostalgia; plural noun: nostalgias

1 a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past. Usually based on ridiculously incorrect memories of old people who have begun to lose their grey matter. Massively prevalent in the old round threads of the UK Fire Service.

———————————————————————————————-

1970s

I was around in the job during the 1970s - OK the last three years of the decade. It was a childhood dream and pretty much lived up to my expectations (other than going on strike in October after only 3 months on the run!).

There were three watches and we worked a 48hr week. So mathematically, you were bound to pick up more jobs. I can only speak for London, but recession and property issues meant large swathes of London were derelict or slum housing. So that pool of buildings would keep the bells going down regularly

Paraffin heating was still about and there was a considerable amount of medium & heavy industry across the area. There was no smoke detection in houses, smoking everywhere including almost compulsory in pubs, theatres, tube trains, cinemas and restaurants. Smoking related jobs were commonplace.

Cars were still basic. I do not recall crumple zones on Cortinas, or airbags in Allegros. Seatbelts weren't fitted let alone a requirement, neither were windscreen washers. Not as if that mattered as with five people in the car smoking, you wouldn't be able to see much anyway! Even the smallest biff could be serious as people were ejected through windows and unrestrained kids flew around inside cars like rag dolls.

This was indeed the days of ‘Life on Mars’. You were hard if you had 8 pints of Watneys and drove home - and cars were reliably unreliable compared with now. The LFB is not a busy RTC area, but the outskirts always picked up their share then - and still do

So yes, there may have been more fires, injuries at comparatively minor RTAs (not RTCs) could be significant. We worked more hours so picked more of them up.

But:

BA was for pussies. Smoke eating was still alive and coughing when I joined. This was the legacy of Proto oxygen sets that were a mare to service. So at a 3am bedsit job, Firemen would crawl on their bellies, hang out of windows for air and puke up their supper  as they got out of the job - all to get an extra 30 mins in bed when they got back!

But it was more than that. Despite our long hair and feminine open neck  shirts, the fire service was about men being men. The Sweeney was on the TV and we were all Jack Regan. ‘Shut it you slag!” etc. You only wore BA if you really had to or you would get loads of stick.

The legacy of that geezerness and smoke eating is that I am off to another funeral this week, as one of the nicest men I worked with contracted cancer 10 years after retirement. Was that connected to smoke eating? Who knows?

Along with that geezer mentality was (as Carl alluded to) parties, drinking and all sorts of things that happen in nightclubs - Local women, sorry birds, were educated in an early version of community fire safety that involved drinking and dancing till the small hours and beyond. It didn't happen everywhere, but where it did, by todays standards, it was outrageous - and some of what I witnessed then was out of order at that time too  and is not for here.

Even at ‘quieter stations’ (in terms of socialising with the community), bars were common place, but always had rules. The driver would always stop after two or three pints, Er - that was the only rule! If you were in the back or in charge, there was no limit. I mean, what harm could come to you in BA if pissed in a burning building?

At one posting, my Guvnor always drunk on nights. The Sub O was an alcoholic and I was acting up LFm. I learned straight way that you never made them up unless you absolutely had to, or those bloody ADOs would literally be sniffing around.

We had a job with two escape ladders off (one a dodgy bridging pitch through a spiky tree - I still have a scar) and three ladder rescues, BA and a couple of jets. A guy newly posted in to our watch from the sticks  was surprised that the control unit hadn't arrived by the stop message. He expected the job to be a 6PF. But we had to keep it to the 3 pump PDA as all three OICs (2 x station officers and a sub o) were drunk.

There was more pride than professionalism. Many of my peers would argue with me on that one, but compared with todays firefighters, I believe that is true. But don't get me wrong, there was a more dynamic attitude to firefighting. What is known now as offensive tactics were our default and defensive was used  ‘if we really have to’. It was proper by-the-seat-of-your- pants stuff and really exhilarating.

OK, let me stop now with some defence of my position and explain I was 18 years old, was dashing about putting wet stuff on hot stuff in between various activities on and off station - I was in heaven and knew no other way. The guys were (mostly) a good dependable bunch who played hard and when required to, worked hard too. It was just another time.

Racism was rife in the community in the 70s, so it crept on the station too. But from what I saw, only in the station and never on the fireground. White, black or purple, all enters got the same service. I don't suppose that wasn't the case everywhere, but my ground was very diverse and I never saw any when we were out and about

Initiations could be tough though and well over the red line into bullying. The Sprog had to just shut up, put up or piss off. It was expected so no point complaining. I hated my ordeal.

What about now: Better or worse? There is a question!

The job is massively safer now. BA as standard - even on car fires - is a fantastic change. Appliances have air brakes (not vacuum), ABS, Telma, safety cages, automatic transmission (not crash boxes) and seatbelt used as standard

No composite branches now, indeed a modern hose reel makes the 1970s versions look like garden hoses. PPE improvements, - even air operated wind up hose reels , so no winding handles squeaking again at your 6th rubbish chute of the night!!

Lighting, BA telemetry, hand held and BA comms & CCPS, TIC and the demise of hook ladders have all contributed to making sure the 21st century FF gets to his/her pension - after all, there’s a longer wait now!

As has said before, there’s many more specialisms now to tempt people off the front line engines if they fancy a change. Plus odd shift systems and prearranged overtime - I would have loved that.

I am not sure I like the huge attendances now. With the exception of high rise, some jobs I have seen jobs that were 8 & 10 pump fires would have been 4 and 6 pump fires. Yes I know why this happens and its safety so I cant argue with it, but I do come from a school that kept it tight. Make up only if absolutely needed, downplay informative messages to keep the white helmets in bed and not bothering me. that sort of thing.

The politics of the job are a bit sad. For example, you only have to see some of the job specs and titles in fire service websites to see some areas have been hijacked by a political agenda. 

So in summary, its the same job but done more professionally . The old gits that were around when I joined all said they had the best years and those joining next week will say the same as they give their retirement speech (probably virtual leaving dos by then over Skpe).

Two things are certain in this world (apart from death):

1. Life is always evolving - so why wouldn't the fire service and the way fires are managed?
2. Firefighters will always grumble that there’s not enough jobs

So does it matter what was best?. Don’t look back, look forward and (like me) enjoy every minute

[OscarTango]

I think a lot about this. There are a lot of recurring themes I hear from older hands the same as in Messys great post. The world has changed immensely in 40 years or so. 

We'd all like exposure to more incidents, and its sure as heck fun to read about how it was in the good ol days. However I don't think I would have survived if I found myself back then. The stories of hazing, initiations and downright bullying are ten a penny and I dont think id have been able to not lose my rag.

It could be argued that the social attitudes pendulum had swung too far the other way, to the point we have to watch what pronouns we use when talking to ourselves in the shower and any from of watch culture is seen as somehow misogynistic and bad. Maybe not, maybe so, that's how cultural change rolls,

But personally Im glad I never had to experience that sort of atmosphere. I dont think it ever lent anything to making the fire service effective at its job, and I dont think we should mourn it. Workplace alcoholism, racism and bullying for its own sake can all do one.

[HoldFast]

@Messyshaw great post. Genuinely enjoyed reading that. I am thankful for the advances that we benefit from today of course, both culturally and professionally. I have just always appreciated and respected what came before me, and rightly or wrongly I do think it’s difficult not to glamorise it. Your post however is humbling to say the least. And makes me appreciate the environment that I am lucky enough to work in.

[Noddy]

Great posts keep them coming....

One example of why things are better today....

I turned out a couple nights ago to an elderly couple who were both alcoholics and heavy smokers. The wife fell asleep smoking and started a small fire in the bed, but thankfully the linked telecare smoke detector did its job and fire engines arrived within 5 minutes.  The result was slight smoke inhalation and limited damage.  The difference today however is that within 24 hours, the couple were given an extensive and bespoke safe and well check, provided with fire retarding bedding and a complex needs Officer appointed (a firefighter) to fulfill their particular needs from a fire prevention point of view working closely with the care agency.

This wouldn’t have happened when I joined and instead we’d have simply waited for the next time one of them caused another fire. 

Messy makes some fantastic points and particularly about wearing BA.... Im reminded about the number of car fires I’ve put out holding my breath 🤔

 

[Out In The Past]

I’ve read @Messyshawpost twice now. Fantastic post! Thanks for sharing

[Noddy]

Been swinging the lamp again today at a station discussing car fires.  My old station (B5 Foleshill) was third in the rankings for the amount we had with the most I ever experienced being 6 in one night.  I recall with a smile my old SubO, well used to car fires, coming back from a standby at B2 Sheldon who were top of the tree.... “I’m not @&#%ing going there again I had 13 car fires last night!!!!!”.  

[Andy1]

Great post @Messyshaw thanks for sharing! 

[Keith]

On 11/08/2019 at 23:14, Noddy said:

One example of why things are better today....

I turned out a couple nights ago to an elderly couple who were both alcoholics and heavy smokers. The wife fell asleep smoking and started a small fire in the bed, but thankfully the linked telecare smoke detector did its job and fire engines arrived within 5 minutes.  The result was slight smoke inhalation and limited damage.  The difference today however is that within 24 hours, the couple were given an extensive and bespoke safe and well check, provided with fire retarding bedding and a complex needs Officer appointed (a firefighter) to fulfill their particular needs from a fire prevention point of view working closely with the care agency.

Not sure on everything contained within this Noddy, as parts go way beyond our remit. No problem with working the partner agency, however appointing a firefighter as a complex needs officer, seems to be getting into the realms of a social worker, definitely not for me.

Being extremely cynical, what's the betting the new bedding isn't flogged for the price of a bottle of White Lightning and 20 Embassy Regal? 

[Jet]

I'm going to be insufferable here and opt to sit on the fence. I wouldn't want a complete return to days gone by for all the outlined reasons, but at the same time, I really really wish that we had done a better job at holding on to our traditions and sense of pride.

In a perfect world, we would have the (sort of) modern fire service we have now with the real camaraderie of the old days. By that I mean going out as a watch on occasions other than Christmas and retirement's, although the latter seem to be fading as well. In fact I can't remember the last time I went to a proper retirement do with a good speech and seeing FF's from all over the brigade with a good old knee's up and money behind the bar (must be in the wrong circles now). 

But the pride thing is a big thing for me as well. I don't blame anyone for feeling this way, but it seems that everywhere I go now there is this 'I can't be arsed' attitude and that really gets to me. Like I said, I really don't blame anyone for feeling that way nowadays but it really does have an effect on others as I now constantly see recruits that also 'can't be arsed'.

[Messyshaw]

Wow! Morale and motivation always fluctuates and is often determined by the level of brown stuff being lobbed at you by your employer

Yes its draining and a 'cant be arsed' attitude can be a result.  I have heard that many watch messes have collapsed due to that phenomenon,  but retirement dos??

That is so sad and a huge own goal. I really enjoyed mine - all three of them as I am greedy! I do hope this is a local situation and not widespread as its hurting nobody except the rank and file 😒

[Jet]

I’m not saying they don’t happen, indeed I constantly see retirement posters being circulated. But either it’s different ‘up here’ or things have changed, but it seemed that I was going to a retirement do every other week at one point, for guys I had never even met! It seemed to be a thing that it doesn’t matter that you didn’t know or never worked with them, you had an obligation to see them off (and drink free beer of course). 

But like I’ve said I’ve not been to one in quite some time now even though I know guys are retiring. Many nowadays are choosing not to have a retirement do, or at least a big one and I find it a bit sad sort of.

[Steve]

@Messyshaw

⬆️⬆️⬆️

That post!!!! You sir need to write a book. Summed up my early years, a decade after you, perfectly. The difference was drinking had by and large stopped. Maybe a couple before nights, a bottle of wine at Xmas and very occassionally a few beers with a BBQ.

[DRMS3934]

Fantastic post, lovely read and some great wisdom.

Thanks for sharing.

[Zezou]

This was a great read, as someone very interested in joining the ranks this was some fun insight (although i don't know what most of the abbreviations mean lol). Fav post so far.

[Dave W]

Very good posr Messey

I think the drinking stories relafe to N Ken a notorious station for this I believe, also a very good and busy station job wise.

my time in the Job dates from1961 so I would be deemed to be an old smoke eater, and in fact due to my later years being of station officer rank hardly wore breathing apparatus at all in my time in the job. I also spent my time at a very busy station doing. 4 thousand plus calls a year. I do not believe i could cope with this modern way of fighting fires to much hassle and health and safety etc.

I think now at 80 years old the job is beginning to catch up with mr health wise. Plus I have also got the dreaded Parkinson's decease, but I can still trundle down the pub on my Mobility scooter so have no complaints, and of course the pension helps.