Extra Alarm: Mixed signals – managing conflicting orders within the chain of command

Better Every Shift

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Battalion Chief (ret.) Greg Rogers, addressing the critical issue of conflicting orders in fire department operations and underscoring the importance of adhering to the established chain of command. Rogers acknowledges the tendency of individuals to obey authority figures, even when orders are conflicting or unsafe, as demonstrated by infamous Stanley Milgram's obedience experiments. This behavior can lead to dangerous situations on the fireground, especially when orders are issued by officers outside a firefighter's direct chain of command. The article provides a real-world scenario where a firefighter receives conflicting orders from two different officers, leading to a failure in executing a critical task and endangering lives, plus guidance for ensuring a strong chain of command.