FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the sh...
‘Do the next right thing right’: Kevin Sofen talks tech fundamentals
New tools and technology can feel daunting, particularly if you already feel behind the curve, but the opportunities are endless if you can embrace a learning mindset that focuses on simply doing the next right thing right – fundamentals first, then baby steps. For example, when someone suggests a new tool, start by changing a knee-jerk “no” to a more open-minded “maybe,” then take another step, even watching a single video about the new technology. That’s the advice from technology advisor Kevin Sofen, who has spent more than a decade making connections between fire service organizations and industry to help fire departments implement new technology and data management tools. We dig into all this and more:
New innovations, like AI, satellite communications and drones
Top sessions from the IAFC’s Technology Summit International
How to involve more seasoned members without expecting them to be tech “champions”
Reframing the phrase “death by a thousand cuts” to “solutions by a thousand little things” for technology
Shifting the mindset from having to use tech tools to wanting to use tech tools
Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share your feedback!
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1:05:48
Extra Alarm: Fire is fire no matter what you call it
Welcome to FireRescue1’s Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. This week’s episode insights come to us from Linda Willing, a retired career fire officer, who makes the case that too many deaths and injuries have occurred secondary to training incidents where live fire was a factor. Specifically, Willing’s article highlights two tragic incidents – one in Miami, Florida, and another in Boulder, Colorado – that underscore the critical need for safety during firefighter training exercises. Listen to the end for additional insights from Chief Marc Bashoor.
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7:23
Chief Bob Horton: ‘Wildfire is coming to a town near you’
Attention, structural firefighters: Wildfire does impact your community. If you’re thinking, “Nope, not here,” then you might be confusing wildfire and wildland fire. This small difference in wording has a big impact, not only on training and tactics but also the funding and resources that go toward battling these fires. Chief Bob Horton, the USFA’s newly appointed branch chief for wildfire policy breaks down the terminology and explains how easy it is for any community in the United States to face a serious wildfire scenario. Plus, we dig into all of this:
The unique challenge of evacuations in wildfire events
New technology that can help fire service leaders
How to leverage insurance company changes
Why it all comes back to “constraints, tradeoffs and competing interests” – and making the best decisions for the community
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.
Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share your feedback!
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1:05:12
Extra Alarm: Bridging the gap between firefighters and the 40-hour world
Welcome to FireRescue1’s Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. In this inaugural episode, learn how to minimize scheduling strains and mission misalignment between the department’s shift-workers and administrative workforce, insights courtesy of Chris Paskett, a battalion chief with Eugene Springfield (Oregon) Fire.
Listen to FireRescue1 content when you’re out and about, driving to or from work, when you’re looking for some alone time at the station or during your career development time. Listen to the end for additional insights from Chief Marc Bashoor.
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9:50
‘It is never too late to start’: Kepra Jack details how to revive your cardiac health
“Why are healthy people having cardiac events?” This was the question that first fueled Kepra Jack’s interest in cardiac health among firefighters – and the fact that her husband is a firefighter further drove her investment in the topic. As the co-founder and director of HeartFit for Duty, Jack builds education programs for first responders and physicians alike. Jack has made it her mission to support firefighter health, and she’s got some great guidance. We dig into all of that and more:
The 10-minute exercise with the greatest impact on overall health.
What surprises doctors about firefighting.
Why “what you eat today directly impacts your retirement.”
The #1 habit every firefighter should start.
Resources we discussed on the show:
Download the Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Medical Evaluations.
Read next: “A fire department physical saved my life – twice!”
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.
Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share your feedback!
FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.
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