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 »
Wadesville Fire Department Deputy Chief Adam Farrar recounts a residential dwelling fire that resulted in two close call events for members operating at the scene. Length: 43 minutes click the YouTube icon to listen _____________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking your understanding of situational awareness and high-risk decision making to a
Episode 33: A double close call at a residential dwelling fire Read More »
This episode discusses 12 tips for developing and maintaining situational awareness and reviews a firefighter near miss from a flashover and mayday. Length: 22 minutes click the YouTube icon to listen _____________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking your understanding of situational awareness and high-risk decision making to a higher level, check
Episode 32: Tips for improving situational awareness Read More »
On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, Elyria Fire Captain Joe Pronesti experienced a close call when he responded to a fire alarm activation call on a college campus. The first arriving engine reported heavy smoke coming from multiple buildings. In search of the source of the smoke, crews would learn the fire was in a tunnel
Episode 31: Out of air! A Close Call Survivor Story Read More »
On Saturday, September 13, 2014, the Brooklyn Park Fire Department was dispatched to a medical call that had the potential to be catastrophic for the members of their department, their EMS transport provider and their police department. Length: 41 minutes click the YouTube icon to listen _____________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking
Episode 30: Brooklyn Park Fire Department Carbon Monoxide Close Call Read More »
On July 5, 2013, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported commercial building fire at the Mayfair Professional Building, located at 5901 North Mayfair. Within two minutes of the alarm, the first arriving company found light smoke coming from the area of the HVAC units in the side of the building. The structure was
Episode 29: Interview with Spokane Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer Read More »
On this episode, I interview technology guru Darrell O’Donnell. Darrell runs a successful technology coaching and consulting firm where he works to bridge the gap between technology experts and first responders. Darrell has a special passion for technology that helps first responders develop, maintain and improve situational awareness by providing rapid access to critical information
Episode 28: Interview with technology guru Darrell O’Donnell 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 »
On this episode, I interview Firefighter John Dantuono of the Lakeside (New York) Fire Department. Lakeside is located west of Syracuse. The all-volunteer fire department serves a population of about 15,000. Listen in as John discusses how he responded to a mutual aid residential dwelling fire and fell through a weakened floor. As he notes,
Episode 25: A firefighter’s situational awareness lessons from a mayday call. Read More »
