Heeling the Ladder
Our greatest successes aren't our own.
"The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first."
- Iyanla Vazant
Heeling the Ladder
In the fire service, “heeling the ladder” means anchoring the base so it stays steady while someone else climbs. It’s a simple act, but it’s essential — no one gets to the roof safely without someone holding the ladder firm below.
Success works the same way.
If you’re always the one climbing, you might reach the top, but you’re taking a risk alone. When you take a moment to heel the ladder for someone else, you’re making sure they can climb higher, safer, and with confidence. In the end, it’s not just about who gets to the top — it’s about completing the task together.
Surrendering the Spotlight
It’s the same story in my work as a fitness and wellness coach. The best coaches I’ve known — and the ones I strive to emulate — aren’t chasing their own spotlight. They’re laser-focused on their clients’ wins, celebrating every milestone as if it were their own. True coaching success isn’t measured by how many followers you have or how many trophies line your shelf; it’s measured by the progress, confidence, and strength you help others build. When you put your clients’ success first, your own reputation and fulfillment naturally follow.
That same selfless mindset is exactly what I witnessed from my instructors during my recently completed AEMT class and from the directors who lead our EMS service. They weren’t just there to check boxes or pad their résumés — they were invested in our growth, rooting for us every step of the way. Whether it was staying late to answer questions, sharing real-world stories to drive home a lesson, or simply offering encouragement when things got tough, their focus was always on helping us succeed. Just like the best coaches, they understood that their greatest achievement wasn’t their own accolades, but the progress and confidence they inspired in us. Their dedication set the tone for our entire team, showing that when leaders put others first, everyone rises together.
No “Success” Without “US”
The success and confidence my instructors and directors helped me achieve — and their unwavering commitment to building up the entire team — fuels my drive to be the best AEMT I can be. Their investment wasn’t just about getting us through a certification; it was about shaping us into capable, compassionate professionals. Every time I step onto the rig or into a call, I want to prove that their efforts matter. I want to show them that when you pour into others, the returns ripple out — stronger teams, better care, and a legacy of excellence that keeps growing. Their example inspires me to pay it forward, and I look forward to the day when I can mentor new EMTs and help them find their footing, just as my instructors and directors did for me. The best way to honor those who’ve lifted you up is to keep the cycle of support and success going strong.
Mentorship isn’t just important in firefighting and EMS — it’s the backbone of our profession. I can look back and name officers who helped shape my career, the ones who took “Roy the probie” under their wing. They shared lessons they’d earned the hard way, suffered my sometimes-endless questions with patience, and invested their own personal time to ensure I had what I needed to grow and succeed. One officer’s words still echo in my mind: “The faster you go, the behind-er you get.”
In this line of work, that couldn’t be more true.
Rushing through half-hearted training, cutting corners, or treating new members as an inconvenience doesn’t just shortchange the “rookies” — it weakens the entire team. That attitude eventually trickles down to the people who count on us most: our patients and our community. Real mentorship takes patience and personal investment, but it’s what keeps our standards high and our service strong.
Remembering Our Roots
As Iyanla Vanzant said, “The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first.” Looking back, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentors who steadied the ladder for me, shared their wisdom, and believed in my potential. I invite you to take a moment and think about the people who have helped you climb — whether they were official mentors or just someone who offered a timely word of encouragement. Chances are, they may not even realize the impact they had.
If someone comes to mind, reach out and thank them. Let them know their investment mattered. And then, pay it forward. Look for opportunities to steady the ladder for someone else, to share your experience, or simply to listen when a colleague needs support. In EMS, firefighting, and every walk of life, our greatest successes are the ones we build together.