Working With "Floaters"

[theChools]

How is it when you find your crew for the shift includes a "floater" - someone who isn't stationed at one particular station, but "floats" to wherever he's needed on any given night?

The guy can be totally experienced and a pro at his job. But he doesn't know YOU - your personalities, where you keep each item of equipment, who is responsible for which task, etc. Wouldn't you prefer to work with a person and personality whom you KNOW - his temperament, speed, methods, routine, etc.?

Also, since it seems to be the norm to give a lot of razzing to the new guy, how do you treat someone who's not new to EMS, but is not part of your regular crew and will only be with you one or two nights?

[mcfd45]

Also, since it seems to be the norm to give a lot of razzing to the new guy, how do you treat someone who's not new to EMS, but is not part of your regular crew and will only be with you one or two nights?


You could slap him in the face with a trout.
J

[callaway75]

Speaking from the FD side, we have hired numerous guys in the last few years. The powers that be decided they would have these extra bodies fill slots at houses to cut down OT. I have no problem riding with a guy I have never met, provided he knows his job, it happens quite often. They are expected to go over the rig as soon as they arrive so they know where the tools are, med bags, etc. Our rigs are pretty much set up the same with some minor differences, which makes it very easy for a guy to already know where most things are. As far as how to treat someone who will be with you for one or two nights? Treat them as part of the crew, that's what they are. Treat them as you would want to be treated had the situation been reversed. Yes, I would like to work with the exact same crew every time, but that's not always possible and it doesn't really bother me. You just may learn a thing or two from a fresh point of view.

[callaway75]

You could slap him in the face with a trout.
J

LOL, I needed a good laugh!!

[fireman4949]

:eek: OH NO!

IT"S BACK!!!!!:eek:

[callaway75]

4949, what did I miss?

[fireman4949]

4949, what did I miss?

Past history...:eek: :eek: :eek:

[croaker260]

At our service we rarely have regular partners or regular stations, due to the way our schedules works. I know this is sacrilege in fire service circles, but in the end its not a big deal.

While working with the same partner is nice, but only if you actuallly like them. If its someone who you just cant stand, then it can make your moral plummet.

There are actually some thoughts on it preventing bad habits from running rampant, though I wouldnt put that much faith in that argument, especially if you have good screening,m hiring, and training practices.

So in the end, who cares, as long as he knows his job..it might actually be nice to mix it up some.

[JamesL]

The "floater" gets treated with just as much respect as the regular crew members.

Seems simple really.

[ShuckingGome]

How is it when you find your crew for the shift includes a "floater" - someone who isn't stationed at one particular station, but "floats" to wherever he's needed on any given night?

The guy can be totally experienced and a pro at his job. But he doesn't know YOU - your personalities, where you keep each item of equipment, who is responsible for which task, etc. Wouldn't you prefer to work with a person and personality whom you KNOW - his temperament, speed, methods, routine, etc.?

Also, since it seems to be the norm to give a lot of razzing to the new guy, how do you treat someone who's not new to EMS, but is not part of your regular crew and will only be with you one or two nights?

aren't you the person that says they were driving drunk and got into a car accident and wanted to know something about being backboarded? I also remember you asking questions about why Firefighters go grocery shopping or something to that effect.

[medicmaster]

aren't you the person that says they were driving drunk and got into a car accident and wanted to know something about being backboarded? I also remember you asking questions about why Firefighters go grocery shopping or something to that effect.

I think we are thinking along the same lines...

I saw this, looked at who posted it...wondered who they are trying to sue now. Sounds like they are trolling for answers to the possibility that a float person may not be as well qualified or something.

[mitllesmertz1]

Do a search for theChools.
He/She clearly is not in EMS, and therefore the reason for posting this thread makes me curious.
I suspect the reason are not altruistic, although in this case I don't see any harm.
Definately a troll.

[callaway75]

The name caught my attention at first as being odd. A quick search turned up an absolute troll. Thanks for wasting my time JACKA##!! Now go away!