FREE FireTEAM Situational Judgment: Following Chain of Command Questions and Answers

Question 1

At an emergency scene, your Captain gives you an order to ventilate a roof. However, from your position, you see signs that the roof is unstable. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the order and state your specific safety concern, for example, 'Captain, I see sagging roof joists.'

Answer

Refuse the order because it is unsafe.

Answer

Follow the order without question, as the Captain is in charge.

Answer

Ask another firefighter on the scene for their opinion before acting.

Question 2

You have an idea that could improve the station's inventory management system. What is the correct first step to suggest this idea?

Accepted Answer

Discuss it with your immediate supervisor (e.g., Lieutenant or Captain) during an appropriate time.

Answer

Bring it up directly with the Fire Chief.

Answer

Implement the changes yourself to demonstrate how well it works.

Answer

Post the idea on an online firefighter forum to see what others think.

Question 3

Your Lieutenant gives you an order to perform a routine task, but you are in the middle of another task assigned by the Captain. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the Lieutenant and inform them, 'I'm currently completing a task for the Captain. Should I proceed with your order first?'

Answer

Ignore the Lieutenant's order and finish the Captain's task.

Answer

Immediately stop what you are doing and begin the Lieutenant's task.

Answer

Tell the Lieutenant you are busy and will get to it later.

Question 4

You disagree with a new station policy implemented by your Captain. You feel it is unfair to junior firefighters. What is the proper course of action?

Accepted Answer

Request a private meeting with your Lieutenant to respectfully discuss your concerns about the policy's impact.

Answer

Complain about the policy to your fellow firefighters to build consensus against it.

Answer

Write an anonymous letter of complaint to the Battalion Chief.

Answer

Follow the policy but do so with a poor attitude to show your disapproval.

Question 5

A Battalion Chief is visiting the station and asks you a direct question about a recent incident. Your Captain is not present. How should you respond?

Accepted Answer

Answer the Battalion Chief's question to the best of your ability and then inform your Captain of the conversation later.

Answer

Tell the Chief you are not authorized to speak with them and they must wait for your Captain.

Answer

Make up an answer to avoid saying anything that might get your crew in trouble.

Answer

Ignore the question and continue with your duties.

Question 6

You witness your direct supervisor, a Lieutenant, violate a minor departmental policy. It does not pose an immediate safety risk. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Take no immediate action, but make a mental note of it.

Answer

Confront the Lieutenant about the violation in front of the crew.

Answer

Immediately report the violation to the Captain.

Answer

Follow the Lieutenant's example and violate the policy yourself.

At an emergency scene, your Captain gives you an order to ventilate a roof.However, from your position, you see signs that the roof is unstable.What is the most appropriate immediate action?

At an emergency scene, your Captain gives you an order to ventilate a roof.
However, from your position, you see signs that the roof is unstable.
What is the most appropriate immediate action?