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This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance.

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This episode was recorded on February 11, 2025.

Worcester Fire Department demonstrates what effective communication and incident management look like in action. With a robust incident action plan and seamless command transfer, every member of the team is prepared, engaged, and ready to respond to challenges, ensuring success in real-time crisis management. 
• Worcester Fire Department's journey with Blue Card incident command 
• Importance of initial radio reports in setting the tone 
• Effective incident action plans guide the team's response 
• Continuous training and improvement pave the way for excellence 
• Smooth command transfer maintains operational continuity 
• The impact of cohesive communication on firefighting outcomes 
• Engaged leadership promotes accountability and professionalism 
• Community service enhanced through superior preparedness

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This episode features Josh Blum 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 February 3, 2025.

Today's discussion focuses on a multifamily fire incident in Fairfield, Ohio, showcasing the use of the Blue Card command system and effective communication. We explore the coordination between multiple fire departments, the execution of rescues, and the importance of maintaining a unified incident action plan for successful emergency responses. 

• Breakdown of the Fairfield fire incident and initial challenges 
• Importance of training under a unified command system 
• Analysis of dispatch audio for situational awareness 
• Victim rescue operations and prioritization of life safety 
• The collaboration among multiple fire departments during the response 
• Reflection on the tactical truth behind effective incident management

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This episode features Erik Phillips 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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Register for the After Action Review Webinar here: https://streamyard.com/watch/YFey7tmwjhtr

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This episode was recorded on January 27, 2025. 

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This episode features Grant Light, Josh Blum 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 January 16, 2025.

A technical rescue operation at a Duke Energy smokestack highlights the critical importance of communication, teamwork, and planning in emergency situations. The coordinated efforts of multiple teams allowed for the safe extraction of a worker trapped 150 feet in the air.

• Overview of the emergency call and initial fire department response 
• Assessment of the worker's situation and elevator stability 
• Communication with technical experts for real-time updates 
• Formulation of a rescue strategy with a focus on safety 
• Use of crane technology over alternative rope rescue methods 
• Successful communication between rescue teams on-site 
• Post-incident debriefing to assess response and identify lessons learned 
• Importance of training and understanding equipment in rescue scenarios

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This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison and John Vance.

This episode explores the complex relationship between fire departments and local governments, focusing on the struggles fire chiefs face in securing resources for their teams amidst rising wildfire risks. The conversation delves into historical context, misinformation, and the importance of community engagement in public safety.  

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 at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on January 15, 2025

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This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison and John Vance.

Review and comment on the proposed NFPA 1700 standard here: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1700-standard-development/1700

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 at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on December 6, 2024.

This podcast explores effective leadership in the fire service with Nick Brunacini and Terry Garrison, focusing on the transformative concept of Silverback Leadership. The discussion highlights the vital role of fire chiefs as supporters of their teams, the evolution of training and recruitment toward inclusivity, and the alignment of leadership with community needs. It examines key topics such as the firefighter’s perspective, accountability, public trust, and the unifying mission of fire service work. Additionally, the podcast delves into the successful transition from private to fire department-operated ambulance services, showcasing how leadership can enhance service quality and employee conditions. Through engaging narratives, it underscores professionalism, ethical responsibility, and the importance of integrity in public service.

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This episode features Nick Brunacini, Chris Stewart and John Vance.

Review and comment on the proposed NFPA 1700 standard here: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1700-standard-development/1700

Review the proposed changes to the OSHA standard on fire departments / fire brigades here: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/federalregister/2024-02-05

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This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on December 5, 2024.

This episode dives deep into NFPA 1700, the  standard for structural firefighting, and its ongoing revisions. We discuss the importance of public engagement in the comment period and the implications these standards have on safety, efficacy, and operations in the fire service. 
• Overview of NFPA 1700 and its significance 
• Recent developments and updates in the standard 
• Importance of the public comment period 
• Role of data and research in shaping standards 
• Connection between NFPA 1700 and OSHA regulations 
• Engaging firefighters in the standardization process 
• Reframing standards as an opportunity for enhanced safety 
• Establishing effective supervision during operations 
• Need for unified language in firefighting protocols 
• Call to action for firefighter engagement in standard updates

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This is part 2 in our series talking about Carbon Monoxide Incidents. This episode features incident audio with a rescue.

This episode features John Eadicicco, Josh Blum and John Vance.

Download the SOGs

• Blue Card Natural Gas SOG
• Blue Card Carbon Monoxide Incident SOG

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This episode was recorded on December 16, 2024.

John Eadicicco
Captain, Loveland-Symmes (Ohio) Fire Department
Assistant Chief, Lockland (Ohio) Fire Department
Assistant Chief John Eadicicco is a 27-year veteran of the fire service. He holds a degree in fire service administration from Columbia Southern University and is a graduate of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association’s Ohio Fire Executive Program. Chief Eadicicco is a lead instructor for Blue Card’s SAFE-T Train-the-Trainer program. He is also a rescue technician with Hamilton County (Ohio) Urban Search and Rescue and an Ohio Region 6 Swift Water Response Team commander. Chief Eadicicco is lead instructor and curriculum developer with the Hamilton County Working Group, delivering Tactical Thermal Imaging, Company Officer Decision-Making, Rescue Operations, and Engine and Truck Company Operations classes.  In addition, Chief Eadicicco is an Ohio Certified Firefighter 2, Fire Instructor, Live Fire Instructor, Fire Safety Inspector and an EMT.

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This episode features Chris Stewart, Josh Blum and John Vance.

Download the SOGs

• Blue Card Natural Gas SOG
• Blue Card Carbon Monoxide Incident SOG

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 November 25, 2024.

We talk about the complexities of managing natural gas and propane leaks, with a focus on preventing explosive situations. Our conversation provides insights into distinguishing between gases like natural gas, which rises, and propane, which sinks. With real-life examples of the catastrophic potential of gas leaks, we underscore the importance of maintaining safe practices, including gas level monitoring and collaboration with energy companies. Learn best practices for handling gas fires and propane-related incidents, emphasizing life safety, property protection, and strategic resource allocation in emergency scenarios.

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This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://youtu.be/-Wb5lA6f1uw

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Read the "8 No Brainer Boss Strategies" article here: https://conta.cc/3zY8FOH

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This episode was recorded November 14, 2024 at the Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Leadership in the fire service isn't just about strategy; it's about knowing when to step back and let the team shine. Through real-life stories and key learnings from industry veterans, we highlight the balancing act of power, recognition, and accountability within fire departments. From the dynamics of operational versus administrative roles to the critical importance of maintaining focus on core values, our discussion offers a candid look at the complexities of leadership.