Don't Risk It! Podcast

Backing into stations or fixed objects is one of the most common types of claims we see in the VFIS program. Having a Backing Policy in place gives members and volunteers an understanding of management's expectations when it comes to backing. In this conversation with members of the VFIS Client Risk Solutions team, we discuss some best practices to consider when developing a backing policy.

An ambulance and crew performing a long-distance transport of a psychiatric patient may not be the most efficient use of an ESO's resources. As an alternative, non-emergent psychiatric transport vehicles can be a safe and efficient way to transfer these individuals, requiring lower operating costs and less manpower. In This episode, Deputy Chief Jerry Schramm, B.S, EMT-P, Director of Operations for Lancaster EMS discusses his organization's integration of these types of mental health vehicles into their fleet.

VFIS University offers quality online education and training courses for emergency responders. In this episode, Maria Lichty, ETC Distance Learning Coordinator, reviews some recent changes to the VFIS University learning management system, including enhancements and new features to come. Learn more at www.vfisu.com.

While leasing out apparatus bays, social halls, meeting spaces and pavilions can be a good source of revenue for an Emergency Services Organization, rental exposures, such as alcohol, vandalism, and slips, trips and falls also present some significant liability risks. In this episode, the Client Risk Solutions team discusses rental exposures and agreements and offers suggestions for ESOs considering renting their facilities.

Elevator rescues are not uncommon occurrences in fire response and can pose significant challenges to rescuers if they have no basic training. In this episode, Sam Clark of Clark Fire and Rescue Training addresses some of the challenges and risks of elevator rescues, from the modernization of elevator technology to deficits in this type of training. Contact Sam at [email protected] for more information on Elevator Rescue Training opportunities and additional resources for your ESO.

Each year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors a national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Join us for this episode, featuring Foundation Chairman of the Board, Troy Markel, who reflects on what this event means to him and how we can all make a difference in responder safety.

First responders see victims when they're at their worst and don't typically know the outcome. Who helps the responder process and manage the emotional trauma they see every day? In this episode, Jimmy Fannin, Emergency Services Chaplain and Chief Chaplain for Chaplains Corp of Lancaster County, talks about managing incident stress to help responders avoid PTSD and some of the hurdles in creating chaplaincy programs within ESOs.

What are the different types of physical damage insurance for emergency vehicles? Which may be best suited for your organization? In this episode we are discussing the concept of "Agreed Value" and how it applies to the VFIS client base. Peter Feid, Sales Executive with VFIS, and Mike Baker, Director of Client Risk Solutions for VFIS, join the program to clear up some confusion about this type of coverage, provide a better understanding of the concept and offer suggestions that clients can use as a framework for insuring their apparatuses.

Community paramedicine is coming back to the forefront as ESOs are seeing the benefits of doing business a different way. In this episode, we talk with Emergency Services Industry Specialist Dave Bradley and Industry Specialist Blair Tyndall of VFIS Client Risk Solutions about community paramedicine and the various models they've seen throughout the country. We also touch on some of the challenges of maintaining a successful and ongoing program.

Water can be powerful and relentless. Although low in volume, water-related emergencies are high risk. Todd Stahl, President of WhiteCap Rescue Training, joins us along with Bryan Duquin of VFIS to talk about water rescue training and some best practices to help keep rescuers and victims as safe as possible. Don't underestimate the power of moving water. Responders must continue to train in all conditions, be proficient in swimming skills and be able to save themselves before saving others.