CLASSROOM WORKShOP

Synopsis

Stress in Command

The role of incident command is filled by usually individuals who possess training and experience. However, commonly, being an IC at a call that exceeds one’s experience and training results in rushed decision making or conversely, delayed decision making. The critical factors of an incident, including a structure fire, are such that decisions need to be made based on little to now information, rapidly changing conditions, life safety challenges and resource depletion.

Stress is a normal physiological response to extreme conditions. 

Focus topics:

1. Define role of command

2. External factors impacting the role of IC.

3. Define and explain how stress affects the body – Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic, FFF

4. Define and explain how stress affects the working brain.

5. The terrible 10 of critical incidents

6. How stress impacts decision making.

7. How to recognize signs of stress in oneself, and others

8. Tips and ways to deal with stress – Big 4, Progressive Muscle relaxation

Bio

Dave Bain has over 29 years of Emergency Services experience, having worked for the past 19 years for the City of Red Deer Emergency Services, where he currently is the Chief Training Officer. Dave has an extensive training and education background having served as Training Officer the City of Airdrie Emergency Services 2001-2004, before joining City of Red Deer. Dave teaches a wide variety of topics  of service an EMS topics including Officer Training, Hazardous Materials Technician, Technical Rescue, Fire Behaviour and Urban Search and Rescue. Dave also has a BA in Adult Education and is also a member of Canada Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue team and Alberta’s Disaster Response Team, where Dave is a command team member and Incident Management Team Member where he has deployed to numerous large scale events in Alberta and the Yukon.