Fire Rescue Wellness

Today's Spotlight episode features Kelly Kennedy, Ph.D. We talked about her long career as an exercise physiologist and the importance of agency collaboration. Listen to the original podcast here

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I’ve been fortunate to receive an incredible gift—the opportunity to meet Arati Rudd. Honestly, my life now feels divided into two parts: Before Arati (BA) and After Arati (AA).

My words can’t fully capture the impact of this amazing human, so please listen to her beautiful story so now your life will also be defined by BA and AA.

So what, now what?!?

Although we may lose our way sometimes, as Arati says, 'A life dedicated to serving others is truly a gift."

Sincere thanks to Captain Hoham of Manlius fire for making this introduction.

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In this Spotlight episode, my dear friend Jorge Carvajal talks about burnout. He recognized the signs in me and was able to convey messages that no one else was able (or willing) to convey. Hear the original episode here.

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Meet Taylor Goodman. She's a tiny dynamo on a mission to bring wellness to firefighters.

Formally trained as a strength conditioning coach, Taylor Goodman considers herself a wellness educator more than anything. Over the last eight years she’s held roles in the wellness and fitness industry. From an adjunct instructor for anatomy and physiology to health educator for the Army and currently working with Loudoun County fire and rescue for the last five years. Her passion for the tactical community is driven by the career service of her father in the Navy and many friends and loved ones in the community. 

So what, now what?!?

Volume matters. For gymnasts and firefighters. 

Connect with Taylor on IG 

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Today's Spotlight episode features my advisor, Dr. Jay Dawes. We explored topics such as fit for duty, the validation of fitness standards, and the occasional arbitrariness that can exist within public safety standards. Listen to the original episode here.

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South Metro Fire is making significant strides in human performance optimization, and today’s episode features Dr. Carrie Burns and PA Jeremy Gage. This dedicated medical team is identifying hidden heart disease and saving lives.

Tune in to learn about the CCTA and AI-assisted scanning process used at SMFR.

Dr. Burns joined South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) in 2022 as their full-time Wellness and Occupational Physician. Her career began in emergency medicine, training at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, one of the nation's oldest emergency medicine residencies. Her interest in EMS led to a multi-year position as Medical Director for Northern Arizona, where she oversaw more than ten ground and air agencies covering a vast area including the Navajo Reservation, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and the Verde Valley. Recently, she received the 2024 Nancy C. Burke Innovation in Public Safety Athletic Training award for her work using Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) as a screening tool for firefighters. Dr. Burns is honored to serve the line members and staff at SMFR and proud to lead their exceptional Wellness Bureau.

 Jeremy Gage has worked at SMFR Wellness since January 2024. A graduate of the  University of Colorado CHA/PA Program, he worked in Family Medicine before joining SMFR Wellness. His professional interests include preventative care, chronic disease management, and medical education. He is also a guest lecturer at the University of Colorado CHA/PA program’s Cardiovascular-Pulmonary block. 

So what, now what?!?

Risk stratification, EKG, and a calcium score might not be enough for diagnosing  cardiovascular disease in firefighters!

Check out the other episodes from SMFR (linked below)!

Chris Macklin, Tommy Gayfield, Kelsey Bailey and Chief Baker

[email protected]

[email protected]

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This week's spotlight features Nate Palin, former Tactical Manager at the NSCA and current owner of AGD-Any Given Day. Nate talks about hiring professionals, using personnel as force multipliers and recognizing the value of mental health interventions. Listen to the original episode here. 

*****
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Register for the Women's Tactical Summit! <-- that's a clickable link!

Zig Markowski is married to Jennifer, a line-of-duty disabled police officer. He is the father of Ziggy and Aubrey and stepdad to Anthony.

He joined the Navy at 17 and trained as an Aviation Electronics Technician in Millington, TN, followed by additional schooling at Cecil Field, FL. He was then stationed at NAS North Island in San Diego and deployed in 1998–99 with VS-29 on the USS Carl Vinson.

After leaving the Navy, Zig pursued a career in emergency services. He completed EMT-B school at the College of DuPage in 2000, followed by the fire academy and paramedic school at Christ Hospital in 2001. During this time, he worked at Lemont FPD before joining his current department on March 19, 2002. He was promoted to Lieutenant in November 2022.

Injury Resume

• 1999: Lower back sprain (per Navy medical records)
• 2006: Knee arthroscopy
• 2016: Neck injury in January, fusion surgery in August
• 2019: Left shoulder surgery in the fall
• 2020: Neck injury shortly after clearance from shoulder surgery, resulting in herniation above and below the fusion (approximately February)
• 2022: Second shoulder surgery in the summer after falling into a river during a class in April
• Countless other tweaks and strains

So What, Now What?!?

Injuries in the fire service aren’t inevitable, but they are likely. Staying fit and healthy reduces risk and potentially speeds up recovery and return to work. A strong mental outlook is crucial in the process, helping firefighters push through setbacks and come back stronger.

*****
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In this Spotlight, Lt. Andy Scott talks about the evolution of the health and wellness program at the Plainfield (IL) fire district. Here about some of the wins and lessons during Andy's tenure as the director of the program. Listen to the original episode here.

*****
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This week’s episode didn’t exactly go as planned… let’s just say the audio was a total mess.

So, here’s the emergency episode—recorded in a quick 15 minutes before bedtime! 😅

In this one, I explain the power of making connections, how to do it effectively, and the best way to phrase your question when seeking help from subject matter experts.

So what, now what?!?

If you need help, ask for it! But remember, expertise has value—so be ready to compensate subject matter experts for their time and knowledge.

Shout out to my previous podcast guest, Kenny Mitchell Jr for a great commute conversation this morning.

Listen to Kenny's episode here.

*****
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FRW20 at Fluid Nutrition

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