In this engaging conversation, Jennifer and Mike Carunchio delve into the world of podcasting, particularly within the EMS community. Mike shares his journey from being a paramedic to starting 'The Okayest Medic Podcast,' discussing the challenges and rewards of creating educational content. They explore the importance of real-life case studies, the ethical considerations of sharing patient information, and the impact of social media on the profession. Mike also reflects on the risks of sharing opinions in a public forum and the balance between monetization and maintaining authenticity in podcasting. The discussion highlights the significance of networking, time management, and the evolving landscape of EMS education.

Summary

In this conversation, Jennifer Darling and Warren Olson discuss the evolution of fire protection, the importance of continuing education, and the role of mentorship in the fire service. They explore Warren's extensive career, his involvement with the NFPA, and the challenges faced in fire safety regulations. The discussion highlights the significance of teaching and the impact of major fire incidents on current safety practices.

takeaways

• MICE aims to simplify continuing education for providers and administrators.
• Warren Olson has over 50 years of experience in fire protection.
• He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the fire service.
• Generational changes have improved firefighter health and safety.
• Teaching has been a passion for Warren throughout his career.
• NFPA technical committees play a crucial role in developing fire safety codes.
• Challenges in fire safety regulations are influenced by special interest groups.
• Lessons from past fire incidents shape current safety practices.
• The pendulum of fire safety regulations swings with public perception.
• Warren's journey reflects the importance of continuous learning in fire protection.

Sound Bites

• "I've been doing this a long time."
• "Teaching gives me the greatest joy."
• "The codes are being chipped away."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to MICE and TrackMyCE.io

01:25Warren Olson's Journey in Fire Protection

05:55Career Progression and Experiences in Fire Service

11:52Generational Changes in Fire Service

17:52The Importance of Teaching and Mentorship

23:52Involvement with NFPA Technical Committees

29:54Challenges in Fire Safety Regulations

35:56Lessons from Major Fire Incidents

41:33Reflections on Fire Safety and Future Directions

In this conversation, Dr. Ryan Keay discusses the Zero Point Survey, a framework for improving pre-hospital care by emphasizing self-check, team dynamics, and environmental awareness before patient assessment. The discussion highlights the importance of mental readiness, effective communication, and emotional resilience in emergency medical services (EMS). Dr. Keay shares practical insights on how to implement these concepts in real-world scenarios, aiming to enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

Summary

In this conversation, Jennifer Darling and Dave Pethick discuss the generational challenges faced in the fire service, focusing on the dynamics between different age groups, particularly millennials and Gen Z. They explore how these generational differences impact leadership, teamwork, and hiring practices. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches to recruitment and the importance of diversity in thought and experience within fire departments. The conversation emphasizes the need for mentorship and adapting to change while maintaining valuable traditions in the fire service. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of leadership styles across generations, particularly in the fire service. The speakers discuss the differences between transactional and transformational leadership, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and respect for individual strengths in managing a multi-generational workforce. They highlight the significance of engagement in learning, the impact of workplace culture, and the misconceptions surrounding work ethic among different generations. The discussion also touches on the challenges of bridging technological gaps and the importance of mentorship in fostering growth and understanding within teams.

Takeaways

• Generational differences influence workplace dynamics and leadership styles.
• Millennials and Gen Z have unique perspectives shaped by their upbringing.
• Understanding the 'why' is crucial for engaging younger generations.
• Diversity of thought enhances problem-solving and innovation in teams.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in bridging generational gaps.
• Innovative hiring practices can attract a diverse applicant pool.
• Traditional methods may need to be adapted to meet modern needs.
• Teamwork is essential in the fire service, leveraging strengths from all generations.
• Cultural shifts in parenting have impacted the skills of new recruits.
• Embracing change while respecting tradition is key to progress. Transactional leadership is necessary in certain situations.
• Transformational leadership appeals across generations.
• Adaptability is key in managing diverse teams.
• Respect for individual strengths enhances leadership effectiveness.
• Engagement in learning is crucial for both leaders and followers.
• Workplace culture shapes how teams interact and succeed.
• Generational differences in work ethic should be understood, not judged.
• Mistakes are part of the learning process in leadership.
• Technology can create barriers but also opportunities for learning.
• Effective communication is essential in a multi-generational workforce.

summaryIn this episode of A Duty to Act, host Jennifer Darling speaks with Mike Hilley, a retiring administrator and paramedic with over 30 years of experience in emergency medical services. Mike shares his journey from the Coast Guard to becoming a firefighter and paramedic, discussing the challenges and rewards of his career. He reflects on the evolution of EMS, the importance of community service, and the future of paramedicine in addressing modern healthcare challenges. This conversation explores the integration of community health into emergency medical services (EMS), the evolving career pathways for paramedics, and innovative approaches to address the opioid crisis through medication-assisted treatment. The discussion highlights the importance of building a behavioral health campus to provide comprehensive care and the significance of leadership in EMS.

takeaways

• Mike Hilley has over 30 years of experience in EMS.
• His career began in the Coast Guard, where he was encouraged to serve his community.
• He transitioned from the Coast Guard to the fire department in Juneau, Alaska.
• Mike's early experiences included volunteering in hospitals and fire departments.
• He became a paramedic after completing a program in King County.
• Mike worked for nearly 28 years at the Redmond Fire Department before becoming EMS Director in Bellingham.
• He emphasizes the importance of data in improving EMS systems.
• Mike's education includes a master's degree in health sciences managing emergency services.
• He discusses the challenges EMS faces with modern issues like behavioral health and the opioid crisis.
• Mike hopes to influence the future of EMS through technology and community engagement. Community health integration is essential for effective EMS.
• Paramedics need diverse career pathways to maintain engagement.
• Innovative mobile health programs can address community needs.
• The opioid crisis requires urgent and multifaceted responses.
• Medication-assisted treatment is a critical tool in emergency care.
• Behavioral health resources are vital for comprehensive patient care.
• Leadership in EMS can drive positive change in communities.
• Grants and funding are crucial for developing health programs.
• Overcoming barriers to wellness is a community effort.
• Reflecting on a career in EMS highlights the importance of service.

Summary

In this conversation, Jennifer interviews Sonia Jorgensen, a US Navy veteran and founder of Hooves and Heroes, a nonprofit organization that connects veterans and first responders with horses for therapeutic experiences. Sonia shares her journey of founding the organization, the healing power of horses, and how they provide immediate feedback to humans about their emotional and physical states. The discussion delves into the importance of awareness, community, and the unique approach of equine assisted learning as a supportive method for mental health without the stigma of traditional therapy. In this conversation, Sonia Jorgensen discusses her journey in healthcare leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and the lack of support for first responders. She emphasizes the importance of community and resources for mental health, particularly for first responders and veterans. Sonia introduces equine-assisted learning as a therapeutic approach that helps individuals regulate their emotions and connect with their environment through interactions with horses. The discussion covers various exercises and techniques used in sessions, highlighting the benefits of breathwork and the horse-human connection in emotional healing.

summaryIn this conversation, state representative Peter Abbarno discusses House Bill 1002, which aims to provide PTSD coverage for medical examiners and coroners in Washington State. He shares insights on the unique stresses faced by these professionals, the legislative process involved in authoring the bill, and the importance of community input in shaping policy. The discussion also touches on the funding mechanisms for the bill and the broader implications for public service providers dealing with mental health issues. In this conversation, Peter Abbarno discusses the importance of addressing stress and PTSD in first responders, his journey into politics driven by a desire to improve his community, and his current legislative focus on securing funding for fire districts. He emphasizes the need for community engagement in the legislative process and encourages individuals to share their ideas with their representatives.

takeaways

• The bill aims to recognize PTSD for medical examiners and coroners.
• Community input is crucial for effective legislation.
• Medical examiners are often overlooked in discussions about PTSD.
• The average tenure for medical legal death investigators is about five years.
• Funding for the bill comes from the existing workers' compensation system.
• PTSD treatment can be complex and costly.
• The bill is currently in the rules committee awaiting further action.
• There is a significant need for stress mitigation resources for these professionals.
• Legislators often hear about issues directly from constituents.
• The bill has the potential to impact a small but important group of workers. We need to do a better job identifying stressors.
• First responders require adequate treatment for PTSD.
• Community engagement is crucial for effective legislation.
• Peter Abbarno's political journey is driven by family values.
• Funding for fire districts is essential for community safety.
• Legislators are accessible and open to new ideas.
• Grants for fire districts can improve infrastructure and resources.
• Public service should be motivated by community needs.
• The legislative process can take time and persistence.
• Successful policy ideas often originate from community input.

summaryIn this conversation, Jennifer and Brooke Lundquist discuss the importance of mental health and wellness for first responders. They explore the challenges faced by first responders, the significance of establishing relationships with counselors, and the innovative EMDR therapy that helps process trauma. Brooke shares her journey into counseling first responders and emphasizes the need for accessible mental health resources. The discussion highlights the evolving perception of mental health in the first responder community and the importance of proactive wellness strategies. In this conversation, Jennifer and Brooke Lundquist discuss the challenges faced by first responders, particularly in managing stress and communication within relationships. They explore the impact of shift work on family dynamics, the importance of emotional support animals, and the integration of mental health training in paramedic programs. The discussion also delves into retirement planning, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and identity beyond work. Additionally, they introduce a new support group for female first responders, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating the unique challenges of their profession.

takeaways

• Brooke Lundquist is passionate about first responder wellness and mental health.
• EMDR therapy is effective for processing trauma.
• First responders often face unique challenges that require specialized support.
• Establishing a relationship with a counselor before a crisis is beneficial.
• Mental health is becoming a new norm in first responder training.
• Proactive wellness strategies are essential for first responders.
• Counseling can include individual and couples therapy for first responders.
• Building rapport with mental health providers removes barriers to seeking help.
• First responders should know where to find mental health resources.
• The stigma around mental health in first responders is decreasing. The stress of first responder jobs can impact family communication.
• Shift work creates unique challenges for relationships.
• Replenishment and capacity are essential for wellness.
• Emotional support animals can provide significant comfort.
• Mental health training is crucial for paramedics.
• Retirement planning should include identity and purpose.
• Self-awareness is key to a successful transition into retirement.
• Community support is vital for female first responders.
• Counseling should be normalized for those in helping professions.
• Accessible mental health resources are important for first responders.

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Sofia Kohfield, the executive director of ICOM 911, discussing the intricacies of dispatching, the challenges faced by dispatchers, and the importance of wellness in this high-stress environment. They explore the recruitment and training processes, the unique challenges of operating on Whidbey Island, and the technological limitations that impact emergency response. The conversation highlights the critical role dispatchers play as first responders and the need for community support to enhance their capabilities.

takeaways

• Dispatchers handle a variety of calls, making each day unique.
• The recruitment process includes a critical test and extensive training.
• Wellness programs are essential for dispatchers due to the stress of the job.
• Dispatchers often do not receive closure on calls, adding to their stress.
• Training includes emergency medical dispatch protocols for life-saving instructions.
• ICOM 911 faces unique challenges due to the island's geography and staffing.
• Technological upgrades are necessary for improved communication and response.
• Community support is vital for funding and resources for ICOM 911.
• The dispatch center has implemented wellness initiatives like treadmills and quiet rooms.