Don't Risk It! Podcast

It's been one year since the launch of the Don't Risk It! podcast, and to help commemorate this important milestone, we're revisiting some of the most popular and relevant episodes.

Emergency vehicle drivers have in their care, custody and control most of the major assets possessed by an organization: the vehicle, portable equipment and personnel. With so much, literally riding in their hands, all drivers need to be trained to understand the dynamics associated with operating an emergency vehicle. Additionally, all drivers need to have continuing and on-going refresher training to keep their skills sharp. In this episode, Sr. Risk Control Representative Dave Bradley provides some best practices for driver training programs.

It's been one year since the launch of the Don't Risk It! podcast, and to help commemorate this important milestone, we're revisiting some of the most popular and relevant episodes.

Most volunteer emergency service departments rely heavily on the ability of their members to respond to calls, either to the scene or the station, in their personal vehicles. While this is essential to the organization's ability to react to emergencies in a timely manner, there are also inherent risks. Blair Tyndall, Industry Specialist with VFIS Client Risk Solutions joins the program to identify these risks and some potential solutions to help reduce their impact.

Did you know, a large number of Glatfelter associates are actively involved or have previously served in leadership roles in Emergency Service Organizations? This profoundly shapes the organization's culture and is just one of the unique benefits that comes with a VFIS insurance policy. In this episode, VFIS Sales Regional V.P. Dan Naylor joins us to discuss some of the value-added services VFIS provides that go beyond the financial protections of an insurance policy, including remote training and online content, train-the-trainer courses, field training, risk consultations, SOPs, human resource manuals, cyber health checklists, and more.

In today's society, your reputation can be destroyed at the speed of light. Dave Statter from Statter 911 Communications joins the program to discuss the significance of ESO relationships with the media and the effects of building reputational equity through communication with standard media outlets.

For more information from Dave Statter, visit the Statter 911 Communications website at www.statter911.com.

The use of drones, in emergency services imposes the need for ESOs to have a structured UAS program in place; but, what does that look like for the department? In this follow-up conversation about drone use in emergency services, Deputy Chief Scott Hamblen from Northwest Fire District in Tucson, AZ shares details of his agency's UAS operations, including its flight certification process, SOGs and training.

A responder's health can impact the safety of other crew members, agency resources, and civilians. Medical evaluations can help ESOs protect their members by intercepting potential health issues and preventing future illness. Scott Cain joins the program to discuss these benefits and others of adopting a medical evaluation program, as well as some key components to include.

Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.

Emergency service organizations operate a wide range of vehicles in terms of size, weight, and operating abilities. In this discussion with Jackie Ireland of VFIS of NC, we talk about how vehicle dynamics contribute to rollover incidents along with some prevention strategies to help departments reduce this risk.

Portable equipment is essential in fire and EMS response but these vital pieces of equipment are often damaged in the course of providing emergency services. In this episode, Chris Bardsley shares some of the trends he's observed while working in property claims, as well as a first responder and provides some strategies to help protect portable equipment and mitigate potential loss situations.

As changes occur within an ESO and in the community, departments may need to make adjustments that often require additional resources or funding. Maintaining a positive working relationship with local government officials helps to ensure the needs of the ESO are met. Jerry Ozog joins the program to discuss how to effectively work with government leaders in support of the ESO's mission.

Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.

Maintaining a positive culture throughout an ESO must include building a culture of safety within the agency. Rick Edinger joins us to discuss how organizational culture impacts the health and safety of ESO members. We'll also discuss best practices for steering the culture of your ESO towards a producing a more positive and safer environment.

Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.