Ready to respond: preparing firefighters for non-fire incidents

In Aotearoa-New Zealand and perhaps in other countries, firefighters are increasingly required to attend highly demanding and stressful non-fire incidents. This study used a qualitative descriptive research design to examine the gaps in preparation experienced by firefighters in Aotearoa-New Zealand when responding to non-fire incidents, particularly medical calls. Forty-four firefighters and 12 selected informants were interviewed. Ten Māori firefighters took part in a face-to-face focus group. Results indicate that firefighters equated preparation with training for their role. Training was considered by some to be limited to a specific range of first aid skills and it was felt a higher level of medical training would be beneficial. A need for more training in relation to working cross-culturally was also identified, particularly in relation to Māori and the application of cultural processes and protocols when death occurs. Training to improve firefighters’ abilities to console and communicate with families at incidents was also noted. Besides training, participants identified the need to prepare for unfavourable outcomes, this included reframing what ‘success’ looks like, enhancing psychological wellbeing and encouraging help-seeking behaviours.