These are the first responder situational awareness and decision making issues and opportunities related to accountability.
Recently I had a video clip shared with me of a residential dwelling fire. The video captures a flashover event. It was reported to me that firefighters were operating inside the structure when it occurred. As I watched the video progress, it was apparent interior conditions were getting worse, the color of the smoke was […]
Seven Situational Awareness Thieves Read More »
There are numerous vocations and daily activities that could be considered extremely dangerous, such as firefighting, oil refineries, construction workers, police officers and so many more, but life itself can be dangerous if we are not aware of our surroundings. Some such things or places that would seem very mundane could result in tragedy if we
The Downside of Experience Read More »
This episode discusses how easy it is for first responders to adopt a judgmental mindset and miss important lessons that can improve situational awareness. Length: 17 minutes Click the YouTube icon to watch the full VIDEO __________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking your understanding of situational awareness and high-risk
Episode 239 | How Could They Be SO Stupid? Read More »
Welcome to this, the last of the nine part series on dangerous mindsets. From the feedback I’m getting, this series hit some chords with readers. I appreciate the kind words about my observations and the advice I’ve dispensed throughout this series. In this installment I’m going to talk about the Synergist – the person who
Nine Dangerous Mindsets: Part 9 – The Synergist Read More »
This episode is part 1 of a 2-part interview with Fire Chief Kevin LaChapelle from the Franklin, New Hampshire Fire Department sharing the details of mayday event that occurred in Franklin. Length: 60 minutes Click the YouTube icon to watch the full VIDEO __________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking your
Episode 231 | Kevin LaChapelle Interview Part 1 Read More »
Welcome to the fifth of the nine-part series on dangerous mindsets that can impact situational awareness and, subsequently, the safety of your team. In this article I am going to address the stubborn team member. This individual can be described as one set in their ways, closed minded and perhaps even defiant. Their narrowed view
Nine Dangerous Mindsets – Part 5: The Stubborn Read More »
Firefighter Jonathan Hancock found himself alone, unexpectedly, in the middle of a residential dwelling fire. This is his story about how it happened and his lessons learned. Length: 46 minutes Click the YouTube icon to watch the full VIDEO __________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking your understanding of situational awareness
SAM 229 | Jonathan Hancock Interview Read More »
Welcome to the fourth installment of the Dangerous Mindsets series. Previously I talked about the dangerous mindsets of the Starter, the Subordinate and the Specialist. This article addresses the Superior or, more appropriately, the Superior with personal issues and how that can impact situational awareness and team safety. It would be rare for a supervisor
Nine Dangerous Mindsets: Part 4 – The Superior Read More »
This episode is part two of a two-part interview with Perry Hall, a firefighter who shared his story of a horrific near-miss event and the life-changing impact it has had on him. Length: 61 minutes Click the YouTube icon to watch the full VIDEO __________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking
Episode 228 | Perry Hall Interview – Part 2 Read More »
This episode is part one of a two-part interview with Perry Hall, a firefighter who shared his story of a horrific near-miss event and the life-changing impact it has had on him. Length: 72 minutes Click the YouTube icon to watch the full VIDEO __________________________________________________ If you are
Episode 227 | Perry Hall Interview – Part 1 Read More »
