NVFC Corner: Firefighter Health Week
Each year, more firefighters die in the line of duty from heart attacks than any other cause. Many more are diagnosed with life-changing or life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung cancer, or depression. The second annual National Firefighter Health Week (August 18-22), brought to you by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), is your opportunity to begin or re-energize a healthy lifestyle so you do not become a statistic.
This podcast features expert advice, resources, tips, and success stories centering on the important health topics that National Firefighter Health Week 2008 brings into focus: behavioral health, nutrition, heart-health, respiratory/lung health, and diabetes.
Panelists include Jeff Cash, Chief of the Cherryville Fire Department and NVFC’s North Carolina Director; Heather Davis of the American Heart Association; Janet De Jesus of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; and Maggie Wilson, Director of Health and Safety for the NVFC. Then hear from Mike Bitney and Mike Wilson, who have implemented changes into their lives that resulted in improved health and vitality.
Related Links
• National Firefighter Health Week Resource Center
• Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program
• National Volunteer Fire Council
• National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
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Firehouse Magazine Insider: August 2008
When you aspired to get promoted through the ranks, were you turned down?
This month’s Firehouse Magazine Insider speaks with Battalion Chief Steve Prziborowski about his new column, “Managing Your Career.”
Listen as Steve talks about the first article, “What’s Keeping You From Getting Promoted?” which appears in the August issue of Firehouse Magazine. He offers insight into common problems and shares ideas that anyone who’s thinking about moving up the career ladder won’t want to miss.
Related Links
• Complete Biography and Article Archives for Steve Prziborowski
• Chabot College Fire Technology Program
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
The Leader's Toolbox: Officer Development Skills with the National Fire Academy's Chuck Burkell
Some trying issues are tackled by Fire Chief Richard B. Gasaway and Chuck Burkell, the program manager for Executive Development Program at the National Fire Academy.
These two experienced fire service veterans offer assistance to the chief of a combination department, who is dealing with two issues. The career personnel are at odds the volunteers, which creates a stressful work environment. The chief also needs help stressing the importance of fire prevention and risk reduction.
They also discuss a trying issue with the training chief in a medium-sized department. How does he get the leadership to set the right example? Tune in for some tips in diplomacy.
Send any comments, suggestions, or topics ideas to podcast@firehouse.com.
Related Links
• The National Fire Academy website
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
Firehouse Managment at Firehouse Expo 2008
In this podcast, fire chiefs from around the country tackle a myriad of management issues that can be found in any fire station. This roundtable discussion took place at Firehouse Expo
Tune in to hear what they have to say about keeping firefighters informed of ever-changing standards. The chiefs also discuss the importance of providing a positive team approach.
Fire Chief Richard B. Gasaway moderates the panel that includes Chief Dennis Compton of Mesa, AZ (retired); Battalion Chief Mark Emery of Woodinville, WA and Battalion Chief John J. Salka, of New York City.
Listen to what they have to say about off-duty behavior, and the ramifications.
Related Links
• Dennis Compton’s archives on Firehouse.com
• Mark Emery’s archives on Firehouse.com
• Richard Gasaway’s archives on Firehouse.com
• John Salka’s archives on Firehouse.com
• Firehouse Expo
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
Near-Miss Listen & Learn: Firefighters Pushed to the Edge of Exhaustion
We’re in the dog days of summer. All over the country firefighters are dealing with temperature extremes in weather and operations conditions. This edition of Near-Miss Listen and Learn takes a look at the topic of operations during excessive heat.
This podcast explores two reports that deal with firefighters who were pushed to the level of exhaustion during training incidents. Additional National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reports review a structure fire and a technical rescue where firefighters were overcome by excessive heat conditions.
Be sure to visit www.firefighternearmiss.com. The system has collected over 1,800 survivor stories you can use to reaffirm best practices and minimize the effects of human error. The re-designed website is also featuring frequent new additions to the resources page.
Related Links
• Near-Miss Reports from this podcast
• National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
Sponsored By:
Community Fire Protection: Common Voices with Important Safety Messages
The National Fire Sprinkler Association is proud to present a panel discussion featuring three Common Voices Coalition advocates, Bonnie Woodruff, Vina Drennan, and Amy Acton. This trio is joined by Chief Ron Siarnicki of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Chief Dan Jones of Chapel Hill Fire Department.
NFSA’s Vickie Pritchett serves as moderator for the group, as they discuss how advocates can play an important role in community fire protection. You will also learn the role the advocates play in educating others about fire sprinklers. No one understands the importance of this life-saving technology like those who have been directly affected by fire.
This podcast bring its listeners the opportunity to seize the message of these “unexpected messengers” as we capture “teachable moments” across our nation. Fire Sprinklers can prevent future tragedies, join this group to better understand the role of Advocacy within the fire service
Related Links
• Common Voices: An Advocates’ Coalition Determind to Create a Fire Safe America
• National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
• Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
• The National Fire Sprinkler Association
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
Sponsored By:
Training & Tactics Talk: Training Philosophies
Welcome to the rebirth of the Training and Tactics Talk podcast on Firehouse.com. The new host is Fire Chief Douglas Cline, of the Eden, NC, Fire Department.
This podcast is dedicated to training our firefighters and officers in the streets. The program will explore a variety of topics and avenues that focus on keeping firefighters safe and our efforts to ensure that “Everyone Goes Home.” Through quality information, training concepts, and tactical considerations for today’s fire service listeners can learn from a wide range of fire service professionals and infuse new ideas into their department.
This edition focuses on the philosophies of what we need to be looking at in training today’s firefighter. Chief Cline talks with Buddy Hyde of the Southside Virginia Community College and Battalion Chief Jeffrey Pindelski, a well-known author, speaker and Firehouse.com Contributing Editor. They focus on the need for “back to the basics” training in every fire station across the country.
Send any comments, suggestions, or topics ideas to podcast@firehouse.com
Related Links
• National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System
• International Society of Fire Service Instructors
• Jeffery Pindelski’s Firehouse.com Archives
• Douglas Cline’s Firehouse.com Archives
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
The Apparatus Architects: Budget Concerns and Inspection Trips
This month’s edition of the Apparatus Architects looks at the important role of the in-process and final inspections. While some city hall workers believe these trips are not justifiable, skipping these vital visits can be costly. They often wind up saving money in the long run. Better to catch the changes mid-stream than wait until the piece is delivered.
With the ever-present budget crisis hitting departments and the rising costs of equipment for manufacturers, the Apparatus Architects speculate on the future of the custom cab and chassis. Find out their predictions on the future of custom apparatus. Will apparatus be standard across the country?
The Apparatus Architects offer advice to help on future cost avoidance because of the upcoming NFPA 1901 Standard changes, including stowing away more tools and equipment. Also, tune in to find out why Caterpillar and Detroit Diesel will be leaving the fire apparatus industry in 2010.
The show wraps up with a myriad of issues including the best choice of warning lights and the need for a firefighter to be stationed at the turntable during an incident.
Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com
Related Links
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
See the Apparatus Architects Live
The Apparatus Architects, Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur, will host a live podcast during the upcoming in July. After kicking some tires on the exhibit floor, stop by the classroom on Saturday, July 27 to ask the experts about your upcoming purchases. Shand and Wilbur will be presenting “Design Considerations for Heavy Rescue and Squad Apparatus” and “First Due Operations with the Engine and Truck” during the classroom lectures.
Sponsored By:
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
The Leader's Toolbox: The Fire Chief vs. City Hall
It’s that time of year — festivals, car shows, sports events and community activities are in full swing. And, they want you!
How do you accommodate them, and make the most of the event for your department? Will the crews be available for calls or will they be committed to the community events?
Join Chief Richard B. Gasaway for his tips on turning the standby into a public education and recruitment event.
Also, listen to what he has to say to a Pennsylvania chief whose feet are being held to the fire because of a volunteer shortage. Some novel recruitment and retention ideas will be tossed around. It’s your department’s future. Tuning in just could save it!
See Chief Richard B. Gasaway Live! Chief Gasaway will be presenting 50 Ways to Kill Your Brother: Understanding Fireground Command Decision Making Under Stress on Wednesday, July 23 at the Firehouse Expo in Baltimore.
Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com
Related Links
• Fire Corps website
• National Volunteer Fire Council Retention and Recruitment Guide (PDF)
• News Article: Arkansas Areas Struggle Finding Volunteers
• News Article: Wisconsin Looking for Volunteers
• News Article: Experts Offer Volunteer Departments Remedies for Recruitment, Retention
• News Article: West Virginia Convention Focuses on Volunteer Shortage
• News Article: Wanted: Volunteers in South Carolina Community
• News Article: Ohio Volunteer Firefighters Battle Dwindling Ranks
• Firehouse Expo
• Fire Rescue International
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
Near-Miss Listen & Learn: Reports for Safety, Health and Survival Safety Week
In this first edition of Near-Miss Listen & Learn the focus is on the three topics of the 2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Safety Week. Reports covered include a seatbelt saving a firefighter from falling out of the truck when the door handle was struck, an annual medical physical resulting in bypass surgery and a report to remind us of the importance of using all PPE, including facemasks, on vehicle fires.
A two-day interactive educational session is available at Fire-Rescue International 2008 in Denver on Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 13. For more information, e-mail nearmiss@iafc.org.
Win the Second Annual National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Award
Submit an essay describing how your department demonstrates its commitment to firefighter safety by using the near-miss program. E-mail your essay (500 words or less) to nearmiss@iafc.org; by July 11, 2008 and you could be the winner of the Second Annual National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Award.
Related Links
• Fire Fighter Near Miss website
IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here
Sponsored By:
