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[thomashofer]

Hi. Im a 17 year old volunteer fire fighter. We just got off a 4 hour firefight in a wheat field and one of our operators made a mistake that put me and 2 of my bros lives in great risk. He is now on the brink of getting of getting terminated but I think it was an honest mistake. I have a great relationship with the chief and I was wondering what I would be the right thing to do. I think he deserves a 2nd chance. Thanks 

[mynewunit]

The 2 sides would be the chief and crew mate. For the chief side, ask the chief when he learned to do it right, had they had enough training, did everyone know what they were doing. Who was responsible for stopping him? Adjusting him?
The point to drive home is that one person can't make a mistake that endangers a life, the is a bigger system problem.
For the crew mate, ask him if he was getting direction from anyone else. If he was following his most recent order or standard operating procedure, what needs to change so he can focus his task and not what everyone else is doing.
When you approach this keep the intent vague. What was the correct action? Who is responsible for correcting incorrect actions. Who informs teammates when conditions and tasks change? How do they do that, signals, radio, touch commands? Can we practice it? Can we write it up?

Try this and let me know how the players respond.

[digitaltemujin]

This recent mistake might not have been the first time for this operator, which might be why he is getting in trouble. Or perhaps the mistake is so negligent that it requires immediate correction.

As a junior firefighter it's hard to see all the dangers or to keep track of what all the other functions that might have been happening during the fire.

I suggest, that you analyze what happened and talk about it with the crew you were working with.

Figure out what you, yourself could have done better and let others discuss how they would like to improve for next time. You can help lead your team through this mistake by bringing the focus back to what you all learned and what you all can do better for next time. The chief's decision is still his to make but if you open the door for the operator to take ownership and for the other leaders to own up to the mistake, perhaps everyone can keep their job and your team will be better prepared for the next one.

Good luck.

James