Everyone Goes Home

Everyone Goes Home

Chicago Fire Department – Everyone Goes Home. A film by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in cooperation with the Chicago Fire Department.

Members of the Chicago Fire Department and families of fallen firefighters share their stories in this compelling and moving testimonial of the importance of adhering to safety standards and accepting personal responsibility for following procedures.

• Wear your seat belt – it is amazing the number of serious accidents or even deaths that could be prevented by the simple task of wearing a seat belt. As a fire fighter we often over look the simple things as we prepare both physically and mentally for an upcoming fire. Don’t forget the simple things as this could be the thing that saves your life.

• Observe and listen for emergency service vehicles – every day we see people who either are oblivious to the lights and sirens of emergency vehicles or worse try to outrun our fire truck just so they do miss their turn. Remember that the lights and sirens of an emergency vehicle mean that there is an emergency and the vehicle is speeding in an effort to get to the emergency in as short a time as possible. I am sure if it was your house burning down you would not want us to be delayed unnecessarily. Please listen, pull over, slow down and give way to oncoming emergency vehicles. If in doubt pull over to let the emergency vehicle pass, do not freeze and stop as we see too many times.

• Keep fit and healthy – exercise as often as you can and try and eat a balanced healthy diet. Remember you only have one body and you need to look after it.

• Wear appropriate safety clothing and be safe – the personal protective clothing worn by firefighters is designed to protect firefighters in extreme conditions. The same approach to your personal safety should be taken when doing anything remotely dangerous. Protect yourself, your eyes, your hearing. Look after yourself and don’t cut corners.

• Never be afraid to ask for help – When times are tough, ask for help. This can relate to almost anything in your life, writing an article, homework, and even emergencies. Fire fighters put themselves into dangerous situations every day and  need to be mentally and physical strong but this does not mean to be so proud as to put yourself or your crew in danger. If you need help ask for it. You will never be criticised for reaching out for assistance.

• Training – Never stop learning. No fire incident is the same as a previous event so it is important to keep up your basic training and embrace change. Always be willing to learn and to teach. This can go for anything in your life, your kids, your jobs, your friends.

The video has many other messages but the above are a few that I got out of watching the video.

Take the oath and remember that if you do your bit to ensure the safety of you and your team / crew / family that “Everyone goes home”. Accidents do happen but we can eliminate many of them by just being observant and looking out for your mates.

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Dean Howell

Entrepreneur – Business & Personal Development – Leadership – Connecting GeoSpatial Professionals – GIS Expert – Recruitment – Fire Fighter – Pilot

P.S. If you want to build a business while having a life

Tags: everyone goes home, Chicago fire department, fire, safety, training, empower network, dean howell