As firefighters and EMS providers, we often take our safety for granted when we’re out in the community performing “non-emergency” activities. (Or even inside the fire station...)
Both of these stories demonstrate that we always need to consider our personal situational awareness (when I was growing up, we called it “street smarts”) 24/7/365, and not just during emergency incidents.
Early in my career, I remember a directive to remove our badges, collar brass, and nameplates so we wouldn’t be confused with law enforcement officers by a local gang that was threatening to harm public safety personnel.
With the current political debate about the role of government and government officials (including, yes, many firefighters), there’s no telling what kind of behavior(s) to expect from people we encounter every day; in the grocery store, testing hydrants, driving down the street, or in the midst of an emergency incident.
So keep your “head on a swivel” and stay safe!
