Aging Physicians and Firefighters

There's been quite a bit of discussion lately about the competence of aging physicians, including the controversial Harvard study which suggested that at least in some cases, older physicians provide a lower quality of care. 

My initial reaction (being on the somewhat senior side myself) was that experience and wisdom go a long way toward compensating for decreased technical proficiency.   I still believe that's true.

But it is an issue worth contemplating.  A firefighter I know told a story recently that has some obvious parallels.  He is young, energetic, engaging, and I'm sure, still considered "wet behind the ears" by his more experienced work mates.  His station covers a neighborhood that is upscale and primarily residential, large fires are rare.  Not long ago however, a multi-story complex in the area went up in flames.  Suddenly a squad that usually deals with trash and grass fires found themselves fighting a massive, potentially deadly blaze. 

My young friend said that he and the other "new kids" who had recently completed the rigorous training program, felt reasonably confident and prepared.  He was shocked to realize how untrue that was for those he referred to as the "old guys."  (I was shocked to realize that to him the "old guys" were my age!)  The sad truth was that some of the more experienced firefighters had let their skills and training lapse, feeling certain that they would continue to coast along to retirement on grass fires.  Some failed to follow important safety protocols. Some positioned themselves and their equipment poorly.  A few were temporarily paralyzed by fear.

The "old guys" weren't so physically or mentally diminished that they couldn't do the job well.  They had simply become complacent about the need to vigorously engage in ongoing training. 

Perhaps they allowed themselves to forget that when the fire bell rings they hold life and death in their hands, and that we're counting on them.