These are the first responder situational awareness and decision making issues and opportunities related to leadership.
I was invited to be an observer at a regional police tactical training exercise. The program was a multi-day event, starting with some classroom training and culminating in a series of simulations using mock weapons, flash-bangs and actors. The one thing that readily stood out to me was the tactical teams were not using radios […]
Radio Communications is Essential to Situational Awareness Read More »
Your highest level of situational awareness is formed when you are able to make accurate predictions about future events. In science we call this projection and it simply means you are able to predict, or project, the future events. This is accomplished through mental models you develop that are founded in your training and experience.
Time to Task Completion is Critical Read More »
There is a growing body of research revealing that many human’s have an irrational obsession with loss. Or, perhaps more accurately, an irrational obsession with AVOIDING loss. This phenomenon is something I have seen played out in my evaluation of many casualty incidents. Ironically, the human trait to avoid loss is the same trait that
The Irrational Obsession With Loss Read More »
In this episode I interview Dr. Burt Clark, author of the recently released book “I can’t save you but I’ll die trying: The American fire culture” shares his passion for firefighter safety and the need to change our culture. Length: 79 minutes click the YouTube icon to listen _____________________________________________________ If you
Episode 38 – Interview with Dr. Burt Clark Read More »
In this episode I interview Dr. Chad Weinstein the author of “Thinking Aloud: Reflections on Ethical Leadership.” Dr. Weinstein works with fire departments to achieve extraordinary results through ethical leadership. Join us as we discuss the role of ethics in creating a safety culture and bringing accountability to an organization. Length: 49 minutes click the
Episode 37 – Interview with Dr. Chad Weinstein Read More »
I am in a mastermind group of fellow road warriors. We share ideas, best practices and commiserate about our travels and time away from our families. It’s like a therapy group for professional speakers. One of my associates shared that at the end of the year he writes a blog article that reviews his year.
2014 Year in Review Read More »
This episode discusses the long-term impact of the economic downturn of 2008 on fire department staffing and how firefighting strategy and tactics should be adjusted to the “new normal.” In the near-miss segment, we discuss freelancing at a residential dwelling fire and one officer’s actions directed toward correcting the misbehavior. Length: 43 minutes click the
Episode 34 – Firefighting: A whole new ballgame Read More »
On this episode, I interview Jeff Dill from the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance and Fire Chief (ret.) Les Karpluk who operates Genesis 2020 Solutions, a leadership teaching and consulting company located in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. This interview focuses on a topic we are all going to face one day – leaving the fire service.
Episode 27: Preparing for your climb down the ladder: Retirement Read More »
On this episode, I interview Fire Chief Gord Schreiner and he shares valuable lessons from his “Safe and Efficient Scene Management Class” which by many departments throughout Canada has become known as the “StopBad” program. Length: 57 Minutes click the YouTube icon to listen _____________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking your understanding
Episode 26: StopBad! An interview with Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner Read More »
In case you missed the announcements made in the October newsletter, there are some exciting changes coming to the SAMatters community. This month (October 2014) marks the three-year anniversary since the launch of the SAMatters website and the popular “Get in the Loop” live tour events. And while we have enjoyed many wonderful accomplishments since
Exciting changes coming to SAMatters! Read More »
