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We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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Waldorf University articulates Blue Card training into credits! More here: https://waldorf.edu/lp/blue-card/

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Nick Brunicini, Terry Garrison, and Pat Dale examine the vital connection between internal department culture and external customer service in the fire service.

The Silverback Leadership Series offers veteran fire chiefs' wisdom on leveraging strategic planning to shape department culture and improve service delivery. Fire service leaders discuss practical approaches to create meaningful change that lasts beyond a chief's tenure.

• Strategic plans must become living documents rather than shelf decorations
• Involve approximately 30% of personnel in developing strategic plans to ensure buy-in
• Focus on tackling the top priorities each year with quarterly progress reports
• Develop simple, memorable messaging that captures your department's values
• Empower company officers as the critical link between administration and service delivery
• Trust must flow throughout the organization for strategic initiatives to succeed
• Define what empowerment means with clear parameters for personnel
• Celebrate "added value" service that exceeds basic emergency response
• Create consistent departmental culture rather than different approaches by shift or station
• Align strategic objectives with daily work so they become "what you do now"

The Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference is coming to Sharonville, Ohio, September 29th through October 3rd. Register now at bshifter.com to secure your spot in workshops and general sessions.  

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This episode is hosted by Josh Blum, Chris Stewart,  and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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This episode was recorded on August 15, 2025 in Orlando, Florida at Fire Rescue International.

The B-Shifters explore why incident action plans matter for fireground operations and firefighter safety, emphasizing the importance of a single, coordinated approach versus multiple disconnected plans.

• Incident action plans require proper size-up, evaluation of critical factors, risk management, and strategy selection before implementation
• "Size-up plus three" helps company officers think about what their company will do and what the next 2-3 companies should do
• IAPs must be continuously evaluated and revised based on changing conditions
• Command transfers require clear communication about the current plan and whether it should continue or change
• Effective IAPs must adapt to resource limitations, including staffing challenges
• Task, location, and objective assignments provide clear responsibilities for companies
• A poor plan directly impacts safety and effectiveness on the fireground

Join us for the 2025 Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference in Sharonville, Ohio, September 29 through October 3rd. Visit bshifter.com for information and registration. Workshops are filling up quickly!

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This episode is hosted by Josh Blum, Chris Stewart,  and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

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All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

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This episode was recorded on August 13, 2025 in Orlando, Florida at Fire Rescue International.

The B-Shifter podcast explores the critical importance of risk management on the fireground and how it integrates with strategic decision-making for safer, more effective operations.

• Risk management follows Brunacini's risk management model: risk a lot to save lives, risk a little for property, risk nothing for what's already lost
• Effective risk assessment requires understanding critical fireground factors including building construction, fire behavior, and occupancy
• Risk perception changes as firefighters promote through the ranks, shifting from personal risk acceptance to responsibility for others
• Strategic decisions must be reevaluated throughout the incident as conditions change or new information becomes available
• Organizational culture around risk management must extend beyond emergency scenes to daily operations and training
• A systematic approach to command ensures consistent, safer operations compared to the "we've always done it this way" mindset
• Fire departments often implement better systems only after experiencing line-of-duty deaths instead of learning from others' experiences
• Continuous improvement requires honest assessment of all incidents, not just those with negative outcomes

Come visit the B-Shifter team at FRI in Orlando at booth 1151 in the Tech Zone. Register to win free passes to the Hazard Zone Conference in Sharonville, Ohio.

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This episode is hosted by Erik Phillips, Steve Lester, Greg Timinsky and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

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This episode was recorded on August 5, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The B-Shifters explores the crucial importance of size-up from various perspectives on the fireground, recorded poolside in Daytona Beach during a Blue Card Train the Trainer in Volusia County, Florida.

• First-arriving officers must effectively communicate what they see through proper initial radio reports
• The 360° walk-around gives commanders complete information about all sides of a structure
• Size-up matters because it helps track position and function of all personnel on scene
• Standard Operating Procedure systems don't always account for the dynamic nature of each incident
• Critical fire ground factors must drive tactical decisions rather than rigid predetermined assignments
• First-in officers should think "size-up plus three" - considering the next three things needed to mitigate the situation
• CAN reports (Conditions, Actions, Needs) are essential for maintaining situational awareness throughout the incident
• Effective size-up leads to fires being extinguished faster with fewer resources
• Companies must communicate their arrival on scene for proper tracking and accountability
• "Accidental success" occurs when fires go well despite poor command procedures

Join us at the 2025 Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference in Sharonville, Ohio, September 29 through October 3rd. Register now at bshifter.com as many pre-conference workshops are already filling up.

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This episode is hosted by Josh Blum, Chris Stewart, and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

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This episode was recorded on July 24, 2025.

The B Shifter podcast reviews audio from a Cobb County, Georgia structure fire where the incident commander exhibits excellent command presence during a strategic shift from offensive to defensive operations after experiencing structural collapse.

• Modern residential construction presents unique challenges including lightweight materials and extensive void spaces
• Well-executed command transfer demonstrates the value of a standardized command system
• Priority traffic about garage collapse initiated a chain of information-gathering from interior crews
• Multiple companies requesting to re-enter were respectfully denied after the IC evaluated risk vs. reward
• Excellent customer service shown when crews rescued a cat despite operating in defensive mode
• The "calm presence" of the incident commander created a foundation for fireground safety
• After Action Reporting system helps departments objectively evaluate performance rather than relying on subjective impressions
• Risk management isn't just a concept but the entire command system working together

Register for the 2025 Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference at bshifter.com where pre-conference workshops are filling up quickly.
 

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We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

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Nick Brunicini, Terry Garrison, and Pat Dale examine the vital connection between internal department culture and external customer service in the fire service.

• Core services involve technical aspects of firefighting while added value services humanize customer interactions
• Customers rarely write letters about equipment or tactics but frequently comment on how firefighters made them feel
• Treating members of the organization with kindness and respect creates the foundation for excellent public service
• Leadership must consistently model the expected behaviors and hold everyone accountable to the same standard
• The "push broom story" demonstrates how leadership decisions either support or undermine organizational culture
• Being nice doesn't mean avoiding accountability—it means addressing issues with dignity and respect
• Effective leaders establish personal authority through consistent behavior rather than relying solely on positional power
• Organizational culture is shaped by how leadership responds to challenges and treats team members
• Modern fire service leadership requires balancing tradition with evolving professional standards

Join Pat and Terry at this year's Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference, September 29-October 3 at the Sharonville Convention Center near Cincinnati. 

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This episode features Josh Blum and John Vance.

For Waldorf University Blue Card credit and discounts: https://www.waldorf.edu/lp/blue-card/

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

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The July 2025 Blue Card Rundown provides a comprehensive update on training opportunities, program developments, and resources for current and prospective Blue Card users. John Vance and Josh Blum deliver news about the upcoming conference, educational partnerships, and support options available to the Blue Card community.

• September 29-October 3 conference in Sharonville, Ohio featuring 23 different classes and pre-conference workshops
• Limited seats remaining in pre-conference workshops, including Mayday Management, Critical Thinking, SAFE-T Trainer, and Engine 1 to the EOC
• New partnership with Waldorf University offering college credits for Blue Card certifications and 10% tuition discount
• Latest Silverback Leadership CE available focusing on the relationship between internal culture and external customer service
• Successful completion of first ARF train-the-trainer program with next session scheduled for December 15-17 in Phoenix
• Multiple upcoming training opportunities including train-the-trainer sessions in Minnesota, Michigan, and Phoenix
• Extensive support resources available through phone consultation, on-site assistance, and online materials at bshifter.com
• Visit the Blue Card booth at FRI in Orlando for in-person conversations and program information

Call us anytime with questions at 513-623-3897 or visit bshifter.com to access free downloads, register for classes, or learn more about the conference.

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This episode is hosted by Josh Blum, Erik Phillips, John Eadiccio, Grant Light, and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

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This episode was recorded on June 23, 2025.

Thermal imaging cameras reduce search time for victims by 75%, are 100% successful in helping firefighters exit buildings, and lessen time finding the seat of fire by 60%.

• Use the "Life, Layout, Fire" approach when viewing thermal images - always look for life (potential victims) first at the lower part of the screen
• Too many firefighters use TICs incorrectly by scanning like a video camera instead of methodically analyzing images
• Personal thermal imagers for nozzle firefighters are game-changers - they're now cheaper than cell phones
• "No firefighter has died with a TIC in their hand" - powerful statement about their life-saving potential
• TICs allow firefighters to flow water from a distance, targeting the fire more effectively than traditional methods
• Reading thermal images requires understanding subtle cues like the "dip in the V" pattern at ceiling level
• Being able to see flow paths helps identify fire location, especially when dealing with below-grade fires
• PPE is not a proximity suit - it's designed for only 17.5 seconds in a flash fire when brand new
• Survivable space exists even in fire rooms, but using TICs and flowing water quickly extends victims' chances

Contact us to learn more about thermal imaging training opportunities at the upcoming Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference.

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This episode is hosted by Josh Blum, John Eadiccio, Grant Light, and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

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This episode was recorded on June 17, 2025.

Thermal imaging cameras are invaluable tools for decision-making on the fireground, yet many firefighters lack proper training to utilize them effectively beyond basic operation.

• Taking the TIC off the apparatus immediately upon arrival provides critical information during size-up
• Project Mayday data shows 38% of LODDs had thermal imagers left unused on the truck
• Most firefighters have never received formal training on thermal imaging
• Survey mode lowers the temperature threshold where colors appear, making it ideal for exterior size-up
• "Nothing showing" visually doesn't mean there's no fire—thermal imaging can reveal hidden threats
• The temperature reading in the center of most TICs is often misleading and should be ignored
• Use a "point, shoot, process" technique rather than using the TIC like a video camera
• Firefighters blend with surroundings in real fires—not white blobs like in firehouse training
• Thermal imaging from the exterior builds confidence by showing fire location before entry
• Understanding flow path using TICs helps predict fire behavior and improves tactical decisions

Join us for the 2025 Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference featuring classes on thermal imaging and the Safety Pre-Conference Train-the-Trainer program. Visit bshifter.com for registration details.

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This episode is hosted by Josh Blum, Chris Stewart, and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

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This episode was recorded on June 6, 2025.

Go to the download section at BShifter.com to get the free SOG.

Radio discipline and structured communication create safer, more effective fireground operations by establishing clear expectations for when and how to transmit critical information. We explain the ticket system that transforms how firefighters communicate during emergencies.

• Radio communications should follow a standard process using the order model for clear understanding 
• Tickets tell everyone what type of message is coming, helping both sender and receivers prepare
• Initial Radio Reports set the foundation for the entire incident, requiring specific information in a set order
• Follow-Up Reports provide critical updates after completion of 360-degree size-ups
• Status Change communications indicate a company has finished their assignment and needs reassignment
• Roof Reports deliver critical information about conditions that may affect operations underneath
• Priority Traffic signals important information that may require changes to the incident action plan
• The CAN (Conditions-Actions-Needs) format structures all communications for consistency
• Proper communication can reduce radio traffic by approximately 70% while improving effectiveness
• When implemented properly, this system helps firefighters know when to talk and when to focus on work

Visit bshifter.com for SOGs on effective communications and take the new CE module on communications with practical examples for all five building types.