360 Podcast

What does effective mentorship look like from the perspective of a recruit firefighter?

In this follow-up episode of the AFMA 360 Podcast, we hear directly from a recruit firefighter about their experience with mentorship and what it takes to successfully transition from the academy into the fire service.

Starting a career as a firefighter or paramedic can be challenging. From learning the expectations of the job to building confidence, navigating new experiences, and finding your place within a crew, the support of experienced firefighters and mentors can make a lasting impact.

In this episode, we explore mentorship from the other side of the relationship — what recruits need from their mentors, the challenges they face early in their careers, and how strong mentorship can help turn new firefighters into confident, capable members of the fire service.

Whether you're a new recruit, an experienced firefighter, an RTO, Field Training Officer, or someone who believes in investing in the next generation of first responders, this conversation offers a unique perspective on what effective mentorship looks like from the other side.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share to stay up to date with future conversations from the AFMA 360 Podcast.

#AFMA360 #FireService #Firefighter #Mentorship #RecruitFirefighter #RTO #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #EMS #Paramedic #FireDepartment #ArizonaFireMedicalAuthority

What does effective mentorship look like in today's fire service? In this episode of the AFMA 360 Podcast, we sit down with one of our Recruit Training Officers (RTOs) to discuss the vital role mentorship plays in developing firefighters and paramedics throughout their careers.

From building confidence in new recruits to creating a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous learning, we explore how strong mentors help shape the next generation of first responders. Whether you're just entering the fire service, currently serving as an RTO or Field Training Officer, or simply passionate about professional development, this conversation offers valuable insights into what it means to invest in those who follow.

In this episode, we discuss:

The role of an RTO in developing new firefighters and paramedics
Why mentorship extends beyond the academy
Building trust, confidence, and accountability
Common challenges faced by new recruits
Advice for current and aspiring mentors in the fire service

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share to stay up to date with future conversations from the AFMA 360 Podcast.

#AFMA360 #FireService #Firefighter #Mentorship #RecruitTrainingOfficer #RTO #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #EMS #Paramedic #FireDepartment #ArizonaFireMedicalAuthority

In this episode of AFMA 360, we sit down with Captain Dunbar, who leads the Drone Team for Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, to discuss how unmanned aircraft systems are changing the way we operate on the fireground and beyond.

Captain Dunbar breaks down:

The types of drones currently used by AFMA

How drones support fireground operations, search and rescue, and scene assessment

Training, safety, and operational considerations

Where AFMA hopes to take the drone program in the future

Whether you’re a firefighter, EMS professional, or simply interested in how emerging technology is shaping public safety, this episode offers an inside look at one of AFMA’s most innovative programs.

🎧 AFMA 360 is the official podcast of Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, focused on operations, training, leadership, and the people behind the badge.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode of AFMA 360, we sit down with Terry Foster from Solve Global, a physical therapy company partnered with the PFFA Healthcare Trust. Solve Global provides preventative physical therapy services to firefighters and first responders, helping them stay healthy, strong, and ready for the challenges of the job.

Terry shares insights on how proactive physical therapy reduces injuries, improves long-term wellness, and supports the demanding work of the fire service. Whether you’re a firefighter, a healthcare professional, or simply interested in innovative approaches to wellness, this conversation offers valuable takeaways.

Topics Covered:
🔥 The importance of preventative PT in the fire service
💪 How Solve Global supports PFFA Healthcare Trust members
🏥 Injury prevention, early intervention, and recovery strategies
🚒 Building a culture of wellness in fire departments

Follow AFMA 360 for more conversations that highlight firefighter wellness, leadership, and innovation across the fire service.

👉 Subscribe & Turn On Notifications to stay updated on future episodes!

#AFMA360 #FirefighterHealth #PhysicalTherapy #SolveGlobal #PFFAHealthcareTrust #FireServiceWellness #FirefighterFitness

Contact for Solve Global : Email [email protected] or call (480) 937-1021

Description:
In this episode of the 360 Podcast, hosted by the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, we sit down with members from IAFF Local 3573 and Local 2260 to discuss upcoming bond proposals and funding mechanisms that impact fire districts.

We cover why these initiatives matter, how they affect public safety, and what community members should know as decisions are made about the future of fire and emergency services.

Stay connected with the latest in fire service discussions, leadership, and community impact here on the 360 Podcast.

For more information visit our websites 
🔗 https://www.afma.az.gov/prop407
🔗 https://www.afma.az.gov/prop408
https://sfmd.az.gov/the-district/bond-election-2025/

87 views  Jul 2, 2025  #PublicSafety #EmergencyServices #ArizonaFire

The 360 Podcast | Episode: From Burned To Balanced: The Fight To Fix Fire District Funding In Arizona

In this episode of The 360 Podcast, brought to you by Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, we take a deep dive into the funding crisis impacting fire and emergency services across our communities.

Join us as we break down:
🔥 The realities of rising operational costs
🔥 The effects of supply chain disruptions
🔥 How capital product prices are skyrocketing
🔥 Ongoing legislative challenges
🔥 Details about our new bond initiative and what it means for the future

Our team discusses the critical financial hurdles we’re facing and how we’re working to ensure that public safety remains strong and sustainable in the years ahead. This episode is essential listening for residents, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of fire service funding.

📌 Stay informed. Stay involved.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insight from Arizona Fire & Medical Authority.

🚒  AFMA 360 Podcast  Episode 5
PTSD Treatment Breakthroughs: A Conversation with Dr. Wong

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Wong, a leading expert in trauma and mental health, to explore cutting-edge PTSD treatment modalities that are changing lives—especially for first responders. From the promising use of ketamine therapy to innovative procedures like stellate ganglion blocks, Dr. Wong breaks down how these treatments work, who they help, and why they're gaining traction in the mental health community.

🔥 Whether you're a firefighter, EMT, police officer, veteran, or someone close to a first responder, this conversation sheds light on the invisible wounds many carry—and the hope that's emerging through new medical approaches.

🎧 Listen in as we cover:

What PTSD really looks like in first responders

How ketamine therapy can help reset the brain

The science and success stories behind ganglion blocks

Why early intervention matters

Resources and next steps for those seeking help

📢 Subscribe for more episodes featuring experts, firefighters, and more.

🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode:
https://advancedwellnessandpain.com/gregory-wong-md/

#PTSD #FirstResponders #MentalHealthAwareness #KetamineTherapy #StellateGanglionBlock #FireDepartmentPodcast #FirefighterMentalHealth

Mat and I are excited to share with you part one of a two-episode series on the benefits of Ketamine therapy. In this series we had the opportunity to speak with two very amazing physicians about the possible benefits of ketamine therapy and to get a better understanding of the entire process. We hope that these episodes will help serve as another resource for ANYONE who may be interested in additional support. It is an honor and privilege for Mat and I to help bring these resources to our AFMA family so that we can continue to help all of us stay happy and healthy! Please reach out to our Peer Support Team for additional resources if needed. 

Talking all things recruitment and hiring processes with our very own HR Generalist Nick Anderson.

AFMA Career Page: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/afma

[email protected]

Join us as we discuss roving within Arizona Fire & Medical Authority with Firefighter/Paramedic Manny Martinez.