My research has been conducted in the fire service. The examples and stories herein are mostly from this research. However, the concepts I present are applicable to all uniformed services, and can actually extend to other organizations. My hope is that you will glean understanding applicable to your own organization from these fireground lessons, and that this book will motivate you to employ the ideas herein in a strategic way. In many cases, this framework will require a culture change. However, a commitment to change will not only increase the skill and well-being of public service professionals, it will also result in better situational decision making, and hopefully, help reduce the number of accidents and deaths in the line of duty.
Chapter 1 provides a history of the study of flow. It breaks down the components of flow and gives concrete and compelling examples of how being in a flow state facilitates situational awareness and critical thinking...