The American Paradigm of Fire, Research Paper Example

It has been said as a colloquial expression that fire is a great servant, but not such a beneficial master. Therefore, this establishes a paradigm within which anyone who aspires to work with fire as a professional fire and life safety instructor, firefighter, cook, campfire expert or whatever discipline involving interacting with fire of any kind, can begin viewing the advantages and disadvantages of using fire as a servant or master in making a difference to the discipline (Instructor, 2006)

A background of this issue within the context of American fire safety educational programs, reveals that fire safety instructors are trained to be masters of fire by placing it in the position of a servant; subsequently, assuming the role of teaching strategists who are capable of implementing projects to protect the work environment and facilities.

Precisely, it entails ‘Fire Awareness.’ The fire awareness paradigm embraces knowledge of reducing predisposing factors which can allow fire to be the master of human experiences. If it is detected that fire assuming mastery is eminent then fire instructors are skilled to inform and assist occupants in a building regarding safety measures before professional fire fighters arrive at the scene (Instructor, 2006)

More importantly, a literature review on this topic discloses that the instructor must be equipped with skills to impart information as a paradigm to prospective participants in the discipline. Therefore, training and in some instances licensure may be required to practice in this field. A significant component of this training involves understanding fire safety building requirements. These either have be included in the construction of new buildings or added if a building is to be utilized as a domestic dwelling, commercial, or facilities such as hospitals, assisted living accommodation, churches, daycare centers or schools. There are distinct provisions for each category of dwelling.

For example, there are building codes regulating, maximum capacity accommodation for each facility. Overcrowding is a fire hazard. Knowledge about the maintenance of exists, fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire stops, fire proofing, fire doors fire drills are all aspects of the teaching learning curricula the instructor has to develop the skills in teaching (Fire Training on line).

Also, most training institutions licensed to provide the industry with quality expertise in a fire safety instructor training advocate that apart from building code applications and accommodation requirements, information pertaining to specific equipment use is relevant. While instructors do not provide fire safety equipment for buildings, being able to assess whether the particular equipment chosen is durable and really protects from fire is advice well worth giving to clients when considering purchasing them(Fire Training on line).

From this literature review it is essential to recognize that the job of a fire safety instructor should not be misinterpreted to be the same as a fire prevention officer or fire fighter. They are distinct professions in context of the American paradigm of fire even though sometimes duties overlap. However they are not the same designations in public policy administration. A fire safety instructor is just like a consultant working among facilities to ensure that fire safety measures are maintained. A fire prevention officer works with the fire safety department as a code enforcement officer where as a fire fighter arrives at the scene of a fighter equipped with the tools to put a fire out (US Fire Administration)

In concluding this exposition on ‘The American Paradigm of Fire’ it is clear that I have chosen a unique profession. Students wishing to be trained must like working with people and be knowledgeable concerning basic safety requirements, techniques, strategies and procedures. Fire must remain the servant while skills are developed to master any undermining of fire safety instructor’s expertise. This is the way I would like to impact the profession being a member of my cohort group- Fire and Life safety in health care.

Works cited

Fire Training Online. “Easy, convenient and low cost Fire Safety Management Training Online.” Online school . Queensland: Queensland Fire department, 2011. Web <http://www.firetrainingonline.com.au/>

Instructor.  Fire and Emergency Services Instructor. 7th. New York: Ifsta. 2006. Print.

US Fire Administration, First name. “Training and Education.” US fire administration. 2011. Web <http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/training/>.