In the fire service we are required to know the function and use of a plethora of tools and equipment. We are also required to use them in austere environments, under low light conditions, high heat areas, on rooftops, and in ditches. Often times we train with our tools in relatively difficult situations, therefore building our confidence that we can operate better on a real scene. But how often do we train on the tools we use everyday with the non-dominant hand?
There is something that happens to people when they are forced to do an everyday task with there lesser hand, some sort of disconnect occurs turning Dr.Jeckyll into some sort of cross eyed Mr.Hyde. We throw footballs straight into the dirt, write like a 4 year old, and swing a bat like were having a seizure. Sounds a little bit like some guys on scene...
When I was a kid my left eye began to shut down and my right eye took over. I started off life as an everything left hander but when my eye failed I was forced to learn most tasks right handed due to the fact that I had better vision on that side. I have since regained most vision in that eye but that ordeal left me in a sort of ambidextrous state. Writing, drawing, and eating left handed but shooting, throwing, and sports right handed. Go figure. However my condition is not common and most people are not able to do even one thing with the opposite hand.
Heres the problem and how it relates to the fire service. Say were on a roof to vent and the only possible hole location forces you to switch to your lesser side. Do you feel comfortable operating a saw on a roof with say your left hand? What about an auto extrication? We all know about pinch points and how you never want to put yourself between the tool and the car. However, on occasion this can only be truly successful if we switch hands and change our stance. We just got a new rig at my station with the ladders stored inside, however the 24' extension is placed in such a way that to pull it out feet forward and "bed to head" you have to carry it on your left shoulder. I know for me even being left handed carrying and throwing a ladder on my left side is incredibly awkward.
There are a few simple ways to begin training yourself to be more comfortable working with your lesser hand. Small ways to start would be eating with said hand. This begins to train your hand/eye coordination in a controlled atmosphere, just maybe dont do this at the firehouse, you may look a tad ridiculous at first. One of the ways to practice when youre at work is when checking off the truck in the morning try all your check offs with the lesser hand. If you carry saws on the rig, set the choke and pull start it with the lesser hand. Pick it up and run it up while holding it the opposite way. Youll be surprised how uncomfortable you are with the torque of a K-12 when you arent using your dominant hand any longer. Even the extrication tools are good to train with, hook them up and open and close them then same way you would usually but exchange hand positions without setting them down. Also when you get out and pull lines, try placing them on the opposite shoulder and operating the nozzles backwards from usual. One thing I do when working out is sledgehammer strikes on a tractor tire, but I switch up the stance and hand grip I use to really perfect my swing no matter what side im on.
Once you get the swing of things try putting yourself in legitimate training scenarios in gear and operate the way you would just with the other hand. Get on some roof props and cut some holes with an axe and saws switching up your grip and stance.
These things may be uncomfortable and awkward at first but constant training with the lesser hand will only make you more of a master of your craft and give you the confidence to know you can handle the tools of the trade no matter the position you are in. Not to mention giving yourself the ability to work with both hands essentially doubles your working ability and only improves your safety and the safety of those around you.
Remember the fire doesnt care where you are or if you are comfortable swinging an axe on your other side. The only way to build confidence is to practice ambidextrous operations in the everyday simple tasks. Get out and train and encourage others to do the same.
