Question:
I was just wondering if anyone had thoughts about shifting trends in the Fire Service within 5 to 10 years? I am wondering about use of existing technology and development of tactics, union issues with management (don't want to start anything with this issue!) types of calls done. Aside from these topics, is there anything else that comes to mind? Thanks for any input.

Answer: How about shifting trends in the mission itself? (Ever read "Farenheit 541?") For example... - A continuation of the trend of steadily decreasing numbers of structure fires. How do you continue to justify all that monstrously expensive heavy apparatus and all those surburban stations where eveyone sleeps for a living? - Increasing numbers and severity of wildland fires. Structural firefighting training, big ladder trucks, and city pumpers are almost useless against them. - EMS. The paramilitary model followed by the fire service just plain doesn't work in EMS. Big manpower and big trucks are no help to the little old lady with chest pain. Adapt or perish. The fire service is unrivaled in its resistance to change. *That* needs to change.