Firehouse Language

[linzwathill]

I am writing a paper for one of my classes. I would like your input. How does the language or conversation vary in the firehouse based on who is present and participating in the conversation? Mainly in relation to males and females. I know for example, when I am around the guys at the fh the apologize to me when they swear or say something profane in my presence even though I have told them it doesn't matter, it's nothing I haven't heard before. Does this happen in your firehouse? males: Would/does your language change when a female is in the firehouse or on your shift? females: Do you feel like you have to change your language/ conversation techniques in the presence of all males? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[fireflyer]

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[bncfiremen]

I am a female firefighter, I have also heard some of the guys appologize after swearing when I am in the room. Usually the topic of conversation dosent change because I am there they dont change the subject when I walk in the room. Sometimes I am even exposed to certin body noises. The guys say they are just treating like one of them. I dont mind the appologies, I even get appologies from patients. It is kind of funny to walk into a room where a pt is cussing and arguing with a police officer and then have him see me and say oops excuse me, The PD likes it also.

[Firewoman203]

I was the only female on a volly department for 5 years. The guys did not spare any formalities when I was around. I heard and smelled it all!
:eek:

I has guys when I first came on that told me they were not going to change how they talked or acted at the station. I told them I did not expect them too. I know alot of it was to test me to see how much I would take from them before becoming offended. I don't think they ever offended me. :rolleyes:
I can recall after some meeting nights getting asked to be the designated driver to the local exoctic dancing club. Needless to say I never took them up on that. :o

[westvirginiaff]

I am also the only female in a Fire Department. When I joined the department, the guys would not say anything out of the way to me. After they got to know me, everything changed. I also responded to I have heard it all, after all I am 43 and single. I have been hit on by a lot of them. I knew going in that I was in a man's world, so they say. You have to take the good with the bad. I will not let anyone tell me that I need to be home and taking care of my family. My children are grown, so I do not have anyone at home to take care of. Also as a lady, I conduct myself as a lady. Not saying that you or any of the other women in the fire service, deserves to be called out of your name, but you have to stand your ground with the guys or they will walk all over you. I let them known when they cross the line in what they say, or how they say it. Good luck!!

[July36]

Im a female Fire Chief and actually the only one in Arizona but in my case,they know language amongst other "manly" type stuff does not bother me becuase i have learned thru my years of experience to "join in with the crowd" and mess around just as much as i do.Even tho im very strict with my guys i am still playful but only to certain degrees and i think they are very pleased with the results in "uniformity in my Company,but things was entirely different when i first started my Fire Service Career(ie,West Virginia :) ),back then,men just did not see women in the Fire Services so it was very hard to overcome and i was the type to stand up and fight it but as time went on,things got easier till i made it to the position i am in today.But remember,gals,that guys will play littel tricks on you,especially if you are new.I remember my very first Vol Company,in West Virginia,when i first became a member,they played 3 tricks on me,the first being the SCBA one,meaning they would hook up an SCBA and u would put it on,they disconnct the facemask from the SCBA for a minute,then insert an ammonia inhalant in the tube and hook the tube pack onto the SCBA.Next was the "Test for Accuracy"...this one was they have u stick the tip of a hose nozzle into ur pants,put a nickel on ur forehead and tell you to drop the nickel into the hoze nozzle.Then lastly,was the dreaded "Cellar Nozzle Shower"...this one was they would have you hold a hose with a cellar nozzle attached(without turnouts)...and then,turn the water on from the pumper...and expected you to hold it...LOL...but dont worry gals...later on i returned the favors..LOL..and still playing lil tricks on the guys here at my Company.
I remember these lil tricks rather well so,you guys,dont try these on the new girls,because youve now been "busted"! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Donna C
Fire Chief/EMT-P
Bridge Canyon VFD
http://www.fire-ems.net/firedept/view/seligmanaz/

[grrlscout]

Just a note on your sig ... I believe the URL for your dept is case sensitive. So it should read:

http://www.fire-ems.net/firedept/view/SeligmanAZ/

Just an FYI from a (hopefully) future firefighter in Sedona. Hey neighbor!:D

[July36]

Hiya neighbor and welcome to the wonderful world of the Fire and EMS services.We hope you find your career enjoyable and youre right,my Website URL WAS case sensitive,apparently Firehouse changed the case-sensitivity. eeeeeeek! LOL: rolleyes:

and pleeeeeeze move to Seligman,we really need the help! :(

Have a safe holiday,

Donna C
Fire Chief/EMT-P
Bridge Canyon VFD
http://www.fire-ems.net/firedept/view/SeligmanAZ/

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Just wanted to let you know that the woman on our shift has one of the filthiest mouths I have EVER heard. I swear alot but she takes the cake. We have been told to watch our language after recent "sensitivity training" so it is kind of funny that it is a cross-gender issue. It's kind of funny watching some of the men stammer after she lets loose...but only kind of funny.

[grrlscout]

I just got to Sedona in May ... I can only handle about 1 move a year! I start the trainee program in January .. yay!

[truckco1]

hello,
I am a lieutenant on my shift and there is only 2 of us in a combination fire department. My partner is a female, a couple of years older than me. when she first got on we where in the middle of an ems/fire merger and i was on the fire side, her on the ems side. we knew who each other was but had nerver really worked to gether. She was the least fire trained of them all so the chief put her on my shift. Since we have become very good friends as well as my girlfriend and her. I though don't find my self changing my language at all. She didn't want to be treated any different than anyone else, so believe me it has not changed me. At this point she could run the pump at any building fire and i would feel comfortable and we are still working on the interior work, as for fires are not as frequent as once was. But all and all no change. And we have another female on the other shift, who talks like a truck driver and puts the guys to shame some times.