Solve a Problem Like a Fire Fighter

Congratulations on putting your problem solving skills to work

 

Did you know…

• Fire fighters have a checklist they follow before going out on a call?
• Each firefighter, depending on where they are on the truck, has a specific role?
• Before fire fighters head out on a call, the driver (captain of the rig) asks a series of questions like where is the fire, how many people are there, and how do we get to the fire?

When the firefighters get to the scene of a fire, the captain quickly takes in the situation, assesses where people could possibly be, and creates a plan to quickly put out the fire. That’s some serious problem-solving skills at work!

Things to Remember when you’re solving a problem like a fire fighter

There are some steps to follow that will help you solve any problem!

• Understand your role and the roles of others involved (family, friends, etc.).
• Determine who is responsible for making the final decision.
• Be a good listener. Listening more and talking less will help you solve problems quickly.
• Stay Positive. Even if you are not going to get the exact answer you want, know that you tried your best.
• Be friends at the end! There’s a sportsmanship element to problem solving as a team… and next time, you may get the answer you wanted.

Steps to Solve a Problem Like a Fire Fighter

Select a problem – maybe it’s something bigger, or something smaller…

1. Decide on a goal – what do you want to happen at the end of solving this problem?
2. Brainstorm ways to achieve the goal
   
   1. For example, if your goal is more screen time and your parents are against it… perhaps increasing your responsibilities (like doing more chores) would help your parents be more open to it?
3. Decide what obstacles stand in the way of solving the problem.
4. Figure out how you can work together, compromise, and agree on the best solution.
5. Decide the solution and the role each of you will play

After you get to the resolution, here are some questions to discuss…

1. What had to happen to get to the solution?
2. What is the next step after the solution? (this can be a tricky one sometimes)
3. What is the good thing about having a step-by-step approach to solving problems?
4. How can you remember the steps to solving problems?

Now that you’re a problem-solving expert – how can you pay it forward?

• Help others solve problems like a pro! Become a leader in school, home, and with your friends and teach them the steps
• Feel inspired with your new skill

Learn more about the MDA & IAFF partnership here, and thanks again for playing!