These are the first responder situational awareness and decision making articles related to first responder safety.
When I was in the police academy and went through Active Shooter training it was designed solely for police officers. There was never a mention of EMS or fire department response and how they could assist in these situations. It took approximately 8 years into my career until I went to a training that […]
Active Shooter Part 2 – Advice for Fire and EMS Read More »
My students often ask me: “Mr. Moldenhauer, what’s the worst call cops could ever go on?” My response is always the same, an active shooter call. I have had my share of terrible calls in my career that will stay with me forever (i.e. suicides, child deaths, and fatal car accidents just to name
Active Shooter Part 1 – Advice for Law Enforcement Read More »
Now, more than ever, employees are starting the day with a lot of stress. The pandemic has changed the way we work and live. Add this pressure to the typical workday, and the chance for incident and injury increases. While it’s impossible for employees to leave all their worries at the door, employers can learn
How stressed are you? Read More »
In this article, we’ll start off by discussing the basics of awareness. Then, we’ll talk the factors that compete for an employee’s attention. Finally, we’ll share how employers can prepare their teams for the unexpected. Reduce injuries: Close calls matter First responders see a lot of close calls. It’s important for them to be aware
What does it mean to be situationally aware? Read More »
This interview is with Bob Bemis, a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper who was struck and severely injured while attending to a vehicle fire on I-81 in eastern Pennsylvania. Sergeant (Ret.) Robert Bemis retired in 2017 as a Supervisor in the Operational Training Division at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey. With over 30 years
Trooper Down on the Roadway. The Bob Bemis Story – SAM 387 Read More »
This interview is with Magnum Bower, a heavy duty tow truck operator who survived being struck on a roadway incident, resulting in him becoming a quadriplegic. On May 9, 2019, heavy duty tow truck operator, Magnum Bower, was struck while working on a roadside assist. The driver who struck Magnum was traveling approximately 25 miles
Hit on the roadway. The Magnum Bower Story – SAM 386 Read More »
This is part 2 of a 2-part interview with Eugene-Springfield Fire Battalion Chief Chris Paskett sharing details of a first-in engine crew at a working structure fire taking on gunfire. Eugene-Springfield crews were dispatched to a report of a residential fire with multiple callers confirming a residential dwelling fire. As the officer on the first-in
First-in engine under gunfire: The Chris Paskett Interview: Part 2 – SAM 385 Read More »
Before you get too upset and refuse to read this article, I’ll ask you to give me just two minutes to explain the situational awareness lesson behind this statement. The first premise is: We must acknowledge (and accept) that it is easy for drivers to get distracted and have their situational awareness impacted while talking
Hands-Free Driving Laws are a Bad Idea Read More »
This is part 1 of a 2-part interview with Eugene-Springfield Fire Battalion Chief Chris Paskett sharing details of a first-in engine crew at a working structure fire taking on gunfire. Eugene-Springfield crews were dispatched to a report of a residential fire with multiple callers confirming a residential dwelling fire. As the officer on the first-in
First-in engine under gunfire: The Chris Paskett Interview: Part 1 – SAM 384 Read More »
In this episode, a special guest (Santa) presents twelve tips to improve situational awareness while working in high-risk, high consequence environments. Merry Christmas everyone! I know everyone’s feeling particularly festive this time of year and ole Santa is feeling the situational awareness love. Surely, you’ve heard of the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” – You know
Twelve tips to improve situational awareness – SAM 383 Read More »
