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Emotions in the Fire Service: Decision-Making, Risk, and Coping

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Applying Occupational Psychology to the Fire Service

Abstract

This chapter presents a literature review to explore the importance of emotions within the work conducted by Fire Service personnel. Drawing from Emotional Intelligence theory, the intense demands placed upon Fire Service personnel are discussed alongside the benefits and risks associated with the emotions experienced and the strategies used to manage them. Key findings within the literature are synthesised and demonstrate the fundamental role of emotion for effective coping and decision-making, securing meaningful work and ensuring team cohesion. Whilst some consensuses emerge from the field, there is much left to do to encourage acknowledgement of the role of emotions at all levels of the Fire Service and thus recommendations for conducting Job Analyses are provided.

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    Thomas Rhys Evans

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Evans, T.R. (2019). Emotions in the Fire Service: Decision-Making, Risk, and Coping. In: Evans, T., Steptoe-Warren, G. (eds) Applying Occupational Psychology to the Fire Service. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14588-0_2

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