A senior firefighter with 20 years of experience gives you constructive criticism on your ladder placement that contradicts a minor point you learned in the academy. How do you respond?

Question: A senior firefighter with 20 years of experience gives you constructive criticism on your ladder placement that contradicts a minor point you learned in the academy. How do you respond?

Answer options: ✅ Follow the instructions respectfully and perform the task to the best of your ability.

• Tell the senior firefighter that your way is faster and you will be doing it that way.
• Ignore the instruction and do it your own way when they aren't looking.
• Complain to the other firefighters about the senior firefighter being 'old school'.

Correct answer: Follow the instructions respectfully and perform the task to the best of your ability.

Explanation: Respect for the chain of command and the experience of others is fundamental. Even if you disagree, responding respectfully and following orders (provided they are safe) is required.