In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman covers the importance of being good at the basic skills and techniques of firefighting. Many firefighters want to move past the basics and train on more advanced techniques or topics. This creates a lack of a good foundation for firefighters to rely on during responses.

Drawing on years of frontline experience, Dreiman warns against rushing to advanced specialties before solidifying essential techniques like ladder placement, hose deployment, forcible entry, and search procedures. From the perils of skipping routine checks to the impact of stress and sensory overload during emergencies, this episode is a call to return to basics.