Learning from mistakes
Mistakes are fundamental to the learning process. This certainly applies to firefighting, which, as most other disciplines, is in a state of constant evolution. We learn from experiences, and continously adapt better practices or technologies.
Evolution requires a culture that is willing to deal in an open and honest manner with mistakes or tragedies, which often are a direct result of mistakes.
Over here, we like to take a glance at the US, where major incidents, such as Charleston and many others, are thoroughly examined by bodies such as NIOSH. Further, there is much ground work done by the likes of NIST who look closely at conditions during the incident, to name one example.
None of this is happening over here. There was once a brief period of time when reports were honest and included recommendations, but this is no more. We have a fair deal of fatalities, but the reports are kept “politically correct” as to not hold anyone responsible or liable.
This is in my view insulting to our fellow firefighters who lost their lives, as well as future tragedies that could have been avoided, would recommendations have been provided.
Any system will take time to change, and “we” are trying to do just that, also by reading between the lines and providing “our” own view of things. This is also why I am currently learning basic work with the 3D software called Blender, which should enable me to animate incidents. Much more can be taught in a short time with animated visuals.
More to follow.
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Welcome to Irakli West's personal pages on the Web. I am Danish, live close to Munich in Germany, and run FWnetz, an online magazine and training resource for firefighters. In real life, I am Regional Manager Northern Europe for Paratech and currently training to become a specialist in Urban Search and Rescue as well as Heavy Rescue (it's fun, challenging and serves a good purpose)
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Sorry to contradict, but stating that there is no will to adapt to learnings from mistakes and failures in German firefighting in general misses the point. There IS a lot of discussion taking place within the fire services as well as the qualifying institutes. Still there are some in charge who – honestly speaking – don’t distribute these learnings too actively among their teams. But is that typically German?
Thomas
Let me restate that there is of course a strong will to adapt, but there is no central instance that will help us do this. We have to interpret investigations. Have a look at Tübingen, Göttingen, Ibbenbüren and compare them with Köln / Stampe. It has really become a farce.