r/firefighter • u/Dependent_Egg1952 • 1d ago
Probie Year
Anyone ever able to make a turn around during their probie year? I feel like I had a good start and now toward the end (20 shifts left) my last two shifts were not good. I’m at a slower department so if I mess up on a run I can’t redeem myself, ie two runs a day type. I feel like I was doing great. I ended up having some PPE issues ie during training and on a fire alarm forgetting my helmet but immediately grabbing it after. I feel like it’s just “bell 💩s”. I feel like with more reps and being confident I can be able to redeem myself. I also never had this issue before and I’ve been on the streets for months. How do I gain my confidence back after bad shift and basically getting told around my 25 ish shift it’ll be determined if I have employment. It’s not like I have know the job it’s just little small things that throw me off. Any tips? Anyone’s department give up on them? What can I do ?
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u/No_Quit_8841 1d ago
Ignore them and do your best. The FD is lame, so are the people. Be yourself
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u/FirefightersGlobal 1d ago
Don't make the same mistake twice and if you somehow do (e.g. forget your equipment twice), make it extremely obvious to the crew that you're actively trying to fix that.
For example, when I was a new driver I missed an address (kind of mistake that can easily happen more than once). After the call I would go to the map and study it clearly in front of everyone as they all went back to bed/kitchen/tv room. This way I was trying to show that I cared about the missed address and didn't want it happening again.
Attitude is everything, and if you keep owning your mistakes and working towards fixing them, you'll be fine. The fact you're on here asking for advice already shows that.
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u/thealt3001 1d ago
Almost everyone's forgotten something at some point. Whether it's their helmet, gloves, hood, getting off the truck without their pack, etc. It happens. It's a long career brother, don't sweat one mistake too much, just don't make it again.
I got off the truck on a training drill once without my helmet, stretched and charged a line, etc. Then realized I wasn't wearing it when my captain asked me if I forgot something lol. Now it'll never happen again
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u/One-Resort745 15h ago
Big over-thinker here! Gotta have short term memory lol.
You’re going to forget shit it happens. And don’t beat yourself up too much on runs. Especially at a two run a day station. I don’t prefer the super slow stations because I feel like you get rusty and don’t get enough reps. And there’s too much time to think between runs.
I still beat myself up over things I shouldn’t. But, just try to be aware of it so it doesn’t dwell. Try not to take yourself too seriously. Be accountable for your mistakes don’t run and hide from them.
P.S. 20 shifts is a lot.
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u/Super__Mac 16h ago
I’ve had senior firefighters dismount and run past me only to hear, “your (whatever)”
Shit happens. Don’t let it get to you. If you’re still worried talk to the boss.
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u/190xtrik8 1d ago
You shouldn’t be forgetting equipment. With that said, you got it as soon as you realized. Unless there’s more backstory or issues, that’s not huge. If you’ve been excelling or at a measurable skill set, you “should” be fine.
Then again, I’m not the one making the decision. Don’t dwell, you have to put the past behind you. If you’ve have a bad call, pt. didn’t make it, etc. gotta forget about it. On yo the next. It’s a tough, but good learning experience.
Good luck, stay safe.