5-Alarm Task Force!

We try to do IT. No matter our vocation or avocation, most of us try to do IT! OK, so what is, "IT?" Well, look at it this way – people have jobs, from first responders to cement works, from pool installers to meat cutters, from first responders to bank presidents, and from teachers to neurosurgeons, we all try to find some way to juggle our professional lives with our persona lives. Sometimes we meet with success and other times, we fail miserably. This is where my guest comes in – Dr. Donnie Hutchinson.Dr. Hutchinson, a college professor, as well as a national and local speaker for the IAFF and many other vocations, specializes in helping folks find that balance between work and life. This is especially difficult for numerous professions, including all branches of First Responders. Between the varying shift hours, we work and some of the situations we face on a day-by-day basis, finding that balance may look like a "pipe dream."In this podcast, Dr. Hutchinson and I discuss the challenges that many of us face (or have faced) in search of this "grail." Some of these issues can cause us to develop a myopic view of life that can get in the way of your search. Yet, Dr. Hutchinson provides important, yet not necessarily difficult, methods that will help you find the right balance. Yes, even within the framework of the pandemic that we are all currently facing, the goal is still reachable!Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or on our website, www.dalmatianproductions.tv.

If you are older than 18-20, you probably have had to deal with some form of crisis; be it very small one like a broken shoelace when dressing for a special occasion, someone close to you was ill or a major job interview was lost due to a technicality. None of us is immune to the concept of crisis, however, we are often defined by how we manage that crisis!My guests on this episode of "5-Alarm Task Force," are Chief (ret) Dan Jones and his business partner, Kelly Walsh. Together, they have spoken at departments across the country on numerous topics of leadership, i.e., management, becoming a leader, finding an excellent leader, traits and much more. They have joined us before, and their podcasts always are enthusiastically received.In this podcast, "Chief Dan" and Kelly address one of the most important facets of strong leadership and that is Crisis Management. And, unless you have been in your personal safe room, fallout shelter or in a cave for the past few months, THIS is a time of crisis management. We have seen excellent leaders; we have seen poor leaders and everyone in between. And in this podcast, my guests will define for you how a strong leader can quell fear and instill hope and future through his/her methods of Crisis Management.

This weekend (4/24-26/2020)the entire Windows Library folder entitled, "MUSIC" was lost in an unauthorized transfer that Windows performed during a reboot to its OveDrive cloud platform. All the files built up over the nearly 4 years of the show were lost. Will I or can I recover from such a loss is yet to be determined. Until next time, Stay Safe, Stay Well and remember to take of each other.

For well over a month, our lives and the lives of millions of people across six of the seven continents, have been turned upside down. The loss of life has been like nothing that has been seen since 1918! And the interruptions to our lives, from home quarantines, online schooling for our children, a ridiculous run on toilet paper, etc. My guest on this podcast is Anthony Mangeri, a certified Public Manager, volunteer firefighter/EMT and he has many years' experience in public health management. In this episode, Anthony guides us on the path of facts, not fables. You may have heard some of what he shares, yet I am sure that there will be some info that you will find worthwhile. We want you, our first responders to be safe. This is a whole new EMS world that we have never seen before. For firefighters and law enforcement, often the first ones on-scene, we want you to be safe. -Photo Courtesy of the CDC

It is all over the news! It has invaded our lives and everything we do! It is the Coronavirus. For well over a month, it has changed our entire perspective into our daily lives; what we do, where we go and who we can and cannot see. No one is more affected by this pandemic than our first responders, from our amazing dispatchers, to our firefighters, LEO's, paramedics/EMT's, doctors, nurses, road rangers and recovery operators. This podcast is for all you.My guest, Todd LeDuc has been a member of the IAFC-SHS committee board of directors for 15 years. In most of his nearly 30 years with Broward County Fire-Rescue, he focus was and still is, on the health, wellness and fitness-for-duty of his firefighters. Today, as the Chief Strategy Officer for Lifescan Wellness Centers, he focus remains the same, just widened to all first responder agencies. In this podcast, Todd talks about the pandemic, its cause and effects, and, what we can do in an effort to continue to fill our roles but avoiding contamination properly. We also discuss your off time. What you can do to "decompress" when you're off-duty and to keep yourself in the best condition possible. Stay Safe & Stay Well!Photo Courtesy Brian McGowan

OK, so we realize that going into the fire service, no matter if it's career, volunteer, part-pay, wildland, etc., that it can be a dangerous job…very dangerous! And yes, most of us will put our lives on the line to save someone else that, for the most part, is a total stranger! We do so out of our deep commitment to our job. My guest, Dr. Burton A. Clark, EFO wrote a very interesting book, "I Can't Save You, But I'll Die Trying: The American Fire Culture." In it and in this podcast, Dr. Clark posits that our American fire culture has it all wrong and we're losing good firefighters because of it. This is not a position that he has developed overnight. With over 50 years in the American fire service, he has seen both the good and the bad in the "job." And there is a lot of good in this job. No one will argue that point. However, it might be the right time to look at the "how" and "why" we do some of what we do that puts us in very, very perilous positions, too often with deadly results.

Even with all the electronic media at our hands, we often want ourselves to be "spoon-fed" news the way we want to hear it, as opposed to the actual content. When we allow ourselves to hear all the details, we can better understand the topics and discussion around them. This is especially true in the fire service. Though most of the time, when the fire service is in the news, it is usually good news. Yet, we do find ourselves on the "naughty" list at times, too. My guest on this podcast is no stranger to either and always has a great view of what's happening and that is Chief Dennis Rubin. On this episode, Chief Rubin addresses three specific and important issues:1. A neutral view of the recent Atlanta rescue and follow-up2. Hazard Zone Accountability3. Brief Initial Report & Assuming CommandThese three topics might seem very easy to some and more difficult for others. With that in mind, Chief Rubin explains each one clearly and delivers pertinent information for each one. He does not issue orders, but merely make good leadership suggestions based on his more than thirty-year career servings citizens and their communities, while always looking out for his firefighting and EMS personnel. Take a listen – you might enjoy it!

In any organization, morale is one of the most important facets of the group, whether they are volunteers at a religious facility, workers in a mill, or the staff of a huge law firm encompassing an entire floor of a high-rise. Yet, it plays an even more important role for a cadre of first responders, especially, the fire service. Most of us have seen a fire department, maybe our own or a neighboring, where morale is low. While vigorously trained to fight structure fires and perform death defying high-level or collapse rescues, this group often loses morale when they do not respond to those types of call in a period of months or for some, years! Thus the question: "How do we boost their morale?"My guest, Capt. John Lovato, Jr., understands the predicament. In this podcast, Capt. Lovato shares his ideas of using required drill time to allow the "troops" to use many of those skills that they learned and developed. While live burns are rarer these days, he has his crews, drop feeder lines, throw ladders, stretch hoses, and more. And, there is little doubt that, whether day or night, these drills will often result in firefighters who are better prepared for many of the challenges that they will face. As you listen to Capt. Lovato, ask yourself, "Can my department think along these same lines for us?"

Every first responder must remember that any and every emergency scene remains fluid. No matter how hard we practice, review, prepare, etc., there is always an "unknown" factor that can, and often does, come into play. For the fire service, when that happens, we call a "MAYDAY!" Nevertheless, when we do, the scene often devolves into chaos. My guest on this episode is retired Chief Don Abbott. Chief Abbott runs the ProjectMayday.net website and, along with his group of various professionals, that have reviewed over 6,000 MAYDAY audio files and many videos, as well. This group is able to listen to every radio transmission on a given scene and analyze that traffic from before the emergency was declared, replies to the firefighter(s) and the transmissions subsequent to the emergency being mitigated. As we discussed this very important topic, I learned that still have a lot to learn about our tactics, how we treat radio traffic from our radios when we are in the midst of our assigned tasks and how we respond when a MAYDAY is sounded. Here is just one of their facts – over 60% of MAYDAYS called, are NOT heard the first time they are declared! Take this episode to heart – it may just save your life or someone else's.

Many of us in the fire service believe that, for the most part, most fire departments in North America are the same, other than size and run numbers, with some being career and others volunteer. Part of that broad statement is that many of us still face major organizational problems. How we deal with them might make a difference.Chief Stan Metcalfe of the Beaverlodge Fire Dept., in Alberta Canada explains that while many departments might have similar problems, it is how we approach these problems that can often set one department apart from others. In this podcast, Chief Metcalfe breaks his topic into three segments, "Setting Expectations for Success," "Developing a Leadership Culture," and "Maintaining Momentum Through Training."Each of these sections is easily applicable to most departments across North America, especially our volunteer departments. As you listen to Chief Metcalfe, don't be surprised if what he discusses sounds like your firehouse! Better yet, the Chief offers concrete suggestions for overcoming the obstacles discussed. Think about it, then pass it on!

Brad Davidson is a Canadian Fire Executive with 38 years serving, "Mrs. Smith." Brad has a strong love and passion for the fire service, underscored by his years of experience and his certifications. Through out chats on Twitter and by phone, I shared my passion regarding the Fire Service Cancer Initiative with him. And with that, he was off and running. He has done several years of research since our first conversation on the topic and has tried to be as proactive as possible in promoting the Initiative in Canada. Yet, outside of the country's major metropolitan areas, it is still a "tough sell." But that won't be a hindrance to Brad. Join us as we talk about our friendship and his strong efforts to support and spread the word on both the Cancer and Behavioral Health Initiatives in our neighbor to the north.PLEASE TUNE IN at www.dalmatianproductions.tv or on your favorite podcast platform.

I will honestly say that this episode of "5-Alarm Task Force" is one of, if not THE best episode we have ever produced. It is informative, tragic and dark, yet also demonstrates inner strength and recovery. My guest is Chris Fields, a retired Major with the Oklahoma City Fire Dept. While his name may not be familiar, a world-famous photo of him carrying the body of a toddler killed in the bombing of the Federal Building on April 19, 1995, may jog your memory. Chris shares his story from his first day as a rookie, his ongoing journey growing as a firefighter and then, through the tragedy of the bombing and through the deep and dark segment of his life, as he suffers AND successfully recovers from PTSD. PLEASE listen and KEEP this podcast. I guaranty that you will learn from it and, it might help you if you find yourself in a similar position.

If you have a year or two more "under your belt" you know that learning in a classroom is nothing compared with learning on an active fireground. A good firefighter is ready for almost anything as he/she dismounts from the apparatus, because the fireground is an ever-evolving, ever-changing, location with massive changes that can occur in just seconds. And if you're not ready for it……My guest on this episode is Lt. Mike Daley. He is a nationally known instructor and writer for the trades. With over 30 years on the job, Mike knows this business and he knows the fireground. Mike shares that knowledge with us, discussing both the basics about the fireground, then moving to the size-up and finally, going into action with the knowledge you've gained from his first two segments. This episode is truly a teachable "moment" for every firefighter and every line officer. Sure, you may have heard some of this before, but you will hear it differently today! PLEASE TUNE IN at www.dalmatianproductions.tv or on your favorite podcast platform.

Over the last several years, we have seen more openness, understanding and assistance appear regarding behavioral health issues in the fire service and, for that matter, for all first responders! We know the issue has been there. It's another case of the "elephant in the firehouse;" everyone sees it, but no one wants to talk about it! Add to that the fact that we're losing far to many first responders to suicide and issue is as pressing as is the Cancer Initiative.My guest, Mark W. Lamplugh, Jr., is well versed and studied in this area and has been working with first responders for at least, the last 10 years. On this podcast, Mark announces a new, online, anonymous platform, geared specifically to first responders. You will want to listen to this podcast carefully, to hear about this program, as well as several others that once can access in private and with complete anonymity. If we can put up a great fight against cancer, we can save the lives of our friends and colleagues who are facing other demons! PLEASE TUNE IN at www.dalmatianproductions.tv or on your favorite podcast platform.

One of the most important numbers in our business is 360! It has been drilled into us that upon arrival at a call for smoke and/or fire, the first arriving officer should make as complete an inspection of the structure/scene as is possible. Then, the officer gives the crew initial instructions to mitigate the issue. What does that officer see? What's involved? What needs to be done first. All of this is part of what we call the "size-up."My guest is Chief Mike Terpak, recently retired from the Jersey City Fire Department, where he served as Deputy Chief and Citywide Tour Commander. With over forty years of experience, especially in one of the most intensely populated cities in the nation, there's little that the Chief has not seen!We discuss how his most recent book, "Fireground Size-Up" (Second Edition) was actually "born" when he was a rookie firefighter and began to use notebooks to keep track of calls, what had to be done and how they would accomplish their task. Those notebooks piled up over the years and finally led to the Chief sharing his knowledge and experience in a manner that would benefit any firefighter who would read it. Listen as the Chief describes several challenging calls that he responded to.Tune in at www.dalmatianproductions.tv or on your favorite podcast platform.

For as long as there have been people, fire and those willing to quench unexpected issues from fire, the basic tenet was "put the wet stuff on the red stuff!" Of course, there were no "classes" given to what was burning until many years later. And to be honest, that premise worked. However, in the last fifty years or so, one of the key issues that has changed is WHAT is burning and what is the safest and most expedient way to snuff these more modern flames. On this podcast, my guest Chief (ret) Shawn Oke of the Albemarle NC Fire Dept. and a co-founder of the educational effort, "Kill the Flashover." With nearly thirty years in the fire service, one of Chief Oke's passion is the use of foam, or for a more accurate description, using "enhanced water streams" for Class A fires, some of which can be utilized when fighting either Class A or Class B fires.*Tune in as Chief Oke explains the background and development of this relatively modern way of fighting the types of fires we see most of the time and why, your department's investment in this practice will yield swifter dousing of the flames, less damage to the property and most importantly, the firefighters having exposure time to the dangerous carcinogenic and other toxic particles created in these fires and their heat. Find us on your favorite podcast platform or on our website, www.dalmatianproductions.tv. *Class A fires deal with house fires, paper, wood, etc. Class B fires deal with hydrocarbon-based products such as flammable liquids, i.e., gas, oil, kerosene, etc.

What direction does your fire, law enforcement or EMS department have for its future? Do you have a timetable for your apparatus, vehicles, equipment, etc.; how long will, what you now have, last and what will you do when it's time to replace it? Sometimes, it might be similar to how you may have learned to cook spaghetti – throw a few pieces against the wall – if they stick, it's time to eat!On this podcast, I welcome my friend, Capt. John Dixon. Capt. Dixon is a well-known instructor on the national, regional and local levels. And, as a former U.S. Marine, John brings a great deal of that experience to his work in the fire service. He discusses the value of creating a Strategic Vision Plan for your department and shares numerous hints that you can follow so that all the members will feel that they not only have had a say in the plan, but the role they will play once the plan is set into motion. Your voice will have a say in the future of your organization. (You can also visit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's website, https://www.everyonegoeshome.com/2017/11/30/strategic-vision-guide/ to view the Plan's PDF document for download.)Follow Capt. Dixon on Twitter @JohnDixon263 and on Instagram @JohnDixon_263 or visit his website, www.instructorjohndixon.com.Tune in via all the popular podcast platforms or visit our website at www.dalmatianproductions.tv.

Most of us who became volunteer or career firefighters, paramedics or EMT's, did so for a specific reason – to help people. As the late Chief "Bruno" taught us, our job is to take of Mrs. Smith on her worst day, even if that day is her cat up a tree. And that lesson, really does cross all the lines of first responders. However, sometimes the people we are supposed to help are not so happy to see us.My guests on this podcast are Jason Brooks, PM and Kevin Onorevele. Through their company DT4EMS, Inc., they teach across first responders across the country how to avoid certain situations that could become violent, with a patient or family members. If you have not had or seen that experience, consider yourself lucky! It is more common that you probably realize. We hope that this podcast will help you watch for the key signs that your call may "turn south" in a heartbeat. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or on our website at www.dalmatianprodutions.tv.

Health, wellness and fitness-for-duty. These words ring loudly for any first responder - the firefighter, the law enforcement officer and the paramedic or EMT. Some are careful with what they eat; others exercise on a regular basis. Yet, none of us have the ability to look inside of ourselves to see what might be going on; something that may not be known until it requires immediate and significant treatment and even that, may come too late. Today though, you will learn that the above scenario can be altered and produce a positive outcome. My guest today is a strong supporter of this podcast and dear friend, Todd LeDuc, former Executive Assistant Chief of the Broward Sheriff's Office-Fire Rescue Services. Todd retired from that job and quickly was named the Chief Strategy Officer for Lifescan Wellness Sciences. In this relatively brief podcast, Todd with explain to you how medical science has advanced to the point where we can indeed look inside you, using a blood sample, ultrasound and EKG/Stress Test, to determine if there is an unknown or hidden medical condition that needs to be addressed immediately. And if so, they give you all the results to bring to your physician or specialist. That way you can be treated and hopefully, be back on the job in no time at all. This episode could very well save a life!Tune in on all the popular podcast platforms or visit our website at www.dalmatianproductions.tv.

Remember your first day at school? At the fire academy? At your first posting? Those moments are often some of the most difficult in our lives. Yet, for most of us, there was often someone there to guide us on this new journey and that allowed us to calm our nerves. However, it is important to note that learning is almost always a two-way street; there's the student and there's the teacher. My guest on this podcast is Chris Baker, a firefighter in central CA and Chris' passion is mentoring. He has dedicated himself to promoting mentoring in the fire service and, as he mentions in this podcast, this mentoring is not just for rookies. It is a great way for firefighters who have some time on the job, to reach out to the younger groups, now entering the ranks. Listen, we know there is no way to "learn it all" in the academy! That means we have to reach out to every opportunity that presents itself and take advantage of the wisdom and experience that the other firefighters have gained. And if you have five, ten or more years on the job, you owe it to your department and your community, to help those with less time than you, to hone their skills and learn some of the "tricks of our trade."Learning and Teaching – in this job, we can never stop!Tune in at www.dalmatianproductions.tv or on your favorite podcast platform.