3 things I learned from Emergency Service Christmas (AFAC21)

Every year, the?Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services?(AFAC) holds?Australasia’s?largest and most comprehensive emergency management conference and exhibition.?The conference showcases the latest and best equipment, technology, industry experts and research. It’s basically Christmas for?the?Emergency Services.??

Each agency encourages their people to submit research, presentations and abstracts that represent the work they are doing to progress, protect and promote their service.??

In the spirit?of?“Christmas” I’m?leaning into the past, present, and future. Here are?my top three take-aways:?

1. Diversity of thought?is?the diamond in the rough:?

In the past emergency services have been quite uniform in their identity.?Existing in an echo chamber?stagnates progress?and what I appreciate about our AFAC submissions this year was the unique range of ideas, research and lessons learned.??

From?how to?communicate?with communities in times of disaster to how we increase and sustain pass rates for women in our physical aptitude test, our submissions?were clear proof?that diversity of thought?generates?interesting,?practical,?and progressive?thought leadership.??

It reminded me that if we do not embrace, encourage, and empower diversity in all its forms, we will be?stuck languishing in the past?and our communities will suffer.??

2. Don’t shy away from the tough?topics:?

Our AFAC submissions?handled?dirty laundry?(how do we minimise carcinogens through smarter laundry systems), suicide?(supporting firefighters on and off duty to manage their mental health)?and even semen?(does exposure at incidents?have an impact on fertility?).??

I’m relieved that?at present,?we are welcoming an age of transparency. We are?turning our backs on?hushed?conversations,?and we are lifting the rug to discuss and research?issues that matter and?deeply?effect both our workforce and society.??

If?we weren’t prepared to face these issues our people and service would suffer.?I would encourage everyone to hold space for tough topics. Empower your people to be part of the solution to improve research,?process,?and?your?workplace.??

3. Passion?breeds?innovation:?

What really stood out, above all, was the passion our people have for both their colleagues and communities. Each submission?was future led; full of?innovative research and solutions?that will protect and progress our service.??

Rylee Lam from our Fire Investigation Research Unit?(FIRU)?submitted two fantastic pieces of research. One on lithium-ion batteries and how they respond to heat and the other on identifying hazardous materials at fire scenes.?Rylee’s passion for science?will no doubt create innovative solutions?that?will lead the way for how Fire and Rescue NSW manages incidents safely and will influence how we communicate risk to our communities.??

I’ve learned that if you nurture people’s passion?and provide the support they need to succeed, you’re on your way to a more innovative and inventive?organisation.??

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Fire and Rescue NSW is one of the world’s largest urban fire and rescue services and the busiest in Australia.?I’m also reassured?(and a little biased) that?it’s?also?the?best and brightest. The future of both firefighting and Fire and Rescue NSW?is in good hands.??

Paul Baxter is the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, one of the world’s largest urban fire and rescue services and the busiest in Australia.?