In this episode of the Firefighters Podcast, we dive deep into the role of pressurised staircases in UK high-rise buildings. These engineered systems are designed to keep smoke out of escape routes, protecting residents during evacuation and giving firefighters a safe access path to the fire floor. We explore how they work, why they matter, and the fire science behind pressure differences, flow paths, and smoke movement.

We also break down the challenges for crews on the ground from over-pressurisation and door discipline to wind-driven conditions and system failures. With practical takeaways, real-world case studies, and a strong focus on firefighter safety, this episode gives you the knowledge to protect the stairwell as your lifeline on the fireground.

The Firefighting Foundations mini-series is a focused collection of episodes designed to lay down the essential building blocks of our craft. It’s not a complete manual, and it doesn’t claim to be.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE

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Today I’m speaking with Brad Dicks, firefighter, father, and the current world record holder in FireFit, the ultimate test of speed, strength, and resilience in the fire service.

Brad opens up about the mindset and discipline it takes to compete at the highest level, from relentless training and visualization, to the resilience that keeps him going when others burn out. He shares stories of community, mentorship, loss, and the balance between chasing excellence and staying grounded at home.

This conversation goes beyond competition. It’s about grit, humility, mental health, and what it means to keep pushing your limits while still living a full, balanced life. And with the 2025 FireFit Canadian National and World Championships (Sept 10–15, St. Catharines, Ontario) on the horizon, Brad is once again stepping up to prove that the champion mindset is about more than winning.....it’s about how you play the game.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

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• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
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• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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Every firefighter knows the feeling: sweating through a call in full structural PPE gear when it wasn’t needed. Fatigue, heat stress, restricted movement. These things cost us on the job.

That’s why I sat down with Vicki Jackson from MSA Bristol, leaders in firefighter PPE, to talk about what “PPE Fit for a Changing World” really means.

In this episode, we cover:
✅ The philosophy behind right kit for the right call
✅ Why hybrid & modular gear is changing the game
✅ How stretch technology boosts performance & comfort
✅ The two-helmet approach and smarter head protection
✅ Inclusive PPE that actually fits all firefighters
✅ Procurement frameworks and their impact on innovation

This isn’t about ticking boxes on safety it’s about designing gear that keeps us safe, sharp, and ready for every type of call.

Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on the future of firefighting kit and why your next set of PPE could change how you work on the fireground.

find out more about MSA HERE

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE

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 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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This episode is a reflection on the Firefighters Memorial Trust’s Annual Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum for those unable to attend. Surrounded by colleagues, families, and supporters, the day carried immense weight through silence, poetry, and the laying of wreaths, every moment honoured the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service. 

The Arboretum, a landscape shaped by memory, reminded us that remembrance is not abstract it is about real people, real stories, and the lasting bonds of the fire service family.

Alongside the history of the Trust and its role in preserving memory, this episode also acknowledges the names of firefighters recently lost, including Firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler of Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue, among others. Speaking their names aloud ensures they are never forgotten. Remembrance is not only about the past. It challenges us today: to train harder, lead with integrity, support our families, and carry forward the courage of those who came before. This episode is both a tribute and a promise.....we remember them

find out more about The Firefighters Memorial Trust HERE

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

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PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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If you’ve followed this show for a while, you’ll know how much of a personal interest I have in leadership. And part of the reason for that is because, like many of you, I carry a fear with me: the fear that I might go through my career having an unintended impact on people. That the way I lead, or fail to lead, could leave a mark I never meant to.

I think very few people really study leadership. Too often, we assume we can just pull it out of our back pocket, lean on a few inspirational quotes, or stick some words up on a wall and call it leadership. But it’s not that simple. Leadership is complex, it’s human, and it shapes the culture of our organisations more than anything else.

And if we want an optimistic future for the UK Fire and Rescue Service, we have to give leadership the attention it deserves. Because whether it’s at station level, on-call, or at chief officer rank, the decisions our leaders make affect trust, confidence, and the very fabric of how we work together.

That’s why I was so keen to sit down with Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue. Together, we explored not just leadership and personal growth, but also the vital role of community engagement through fire cadets, the opportunities and challenges within on-call firefighting, and how apprenticeships can open pathways for the next generation. We talked about the importance of qualifications and standardisation in the sector, the role of Local Resilience Forums in major incidents, and how supporting neurodiversity and different learning styles can strengthen the fire service as a whole.

connect with Mark HERE

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE

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• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
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• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
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• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sug

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The second instalment in our Challenge debrief series. Last time, we kicked things off with the Welsh Firefighter Challenge, Today we’re keeping that momentum going as we head south to shine a light on another incredible event the South Coast Challenge.

I’m joined by two people I’m proud to call good friends, Alan Smith and Gareth Smith, the organizers who pour their heart and energy into making this event such a powerful celebration of firefighter fitness, resilience, and community.

In this conversation we talk about what makes the South Coast Challenge so unique from its one-of-a-kind venue to the camaraderie and teamwork created through tandem events. We highlight competitors who truly embody the spirit of the challenge, the role of community engagement and sponsorship in keeping these events alive, and the impact competitions like this have on morale, recruitment, and inspiring the next generation of firefighters.

We’ll also get into some of the nuts and bolts of firefighter fitness, mental toughness, daily movement, essential exercises, recovery, and even how innovations in firefighting gear are changing the way athletes perform. You’ll hear stories of resilience, growth, and why events like this are about so much more than competition they’re about celebrating the fire service family.

So, whether you’re thinking about stepping up to a challenge yourself, or you just want to hear what it takes to prepare, perform, and thrive in this environment, this episode is packed with insights, motivation, and community spirit.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE

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PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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If you’ve been with us over the past couple of years, you’ll know we’ve done firefighter challenge debriefs before and the feedback has always been "do more of these"…so here we are, kicking off the first debrief of 2025.

Welsh Firefighter Challenge has become a true highlight in the firefighter calendar, an incredible mix of competition, fitness, community, and celebration of everything that makes our sector so special.

Joining me today are Dominic Norcross and Tim Frost, some of the organizers behind the Welsh Firefighter Challenge. Together, we dive into the story of how this competition has grown over the past four years, the athletes who inspire us, the importance of sponsorship and community engagement, and why firefighter fitness is about so much more than just performance, it’s about family, resilience, leadership, and pushing ourselves to be better, inside and outside of the job.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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This episode of the Firefighter Podcast dives into the critical concept of flow paths—the routes that heat, smoke, and fire gases take through a structure, driven by pressure differences, wind, and firefighter actions. Understanding flow paths is essential because every door opened, window vented, or tactic applied can either control the fire or accelerate its spread. Modern fire environments, filled with synthetic materials, produce fuel-rich smoke that behaves like a hidden accelerant, making ventilation timing and coordination more important than ever. Recognizing signs such as bidirectional flow, neutral planes, and wind-driven fire behaviour helps crews anticipate danger before stepping into a deadly path.

The episode also highlights tactical applications to manage flow paths safely and effectively. These include isolating fires with doors or smoke blockers, controlling inlets, cooling hot gases, and synchronizing ventilation with attack. Special attention is given to flow-path reversals, wind-impacted fires, and high-rise smoke-control systems—scenarios where poor decisions can quickly turn lethal. Ultimately, managing air is managing fire: when firefighters deliberately control flow paths, they increase victim survivability, protect escape routes, and keep themselves out of harm’s way. Failure to do so, however, risks letting the fire dictate the outcome

The Firefighting Foundations mini-series is a focused collection of episodes designed to lay down the essential building blocks of our craft. It’s not a complete manual, and it doesn’t claim to be.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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John Kelly is a former professional MMA fighter and Miami-Dade County firefighter who has become a holistic health coach. With over twenty years of experience in fitness, performance, and recovery, John now dedicates his life to helping first responders overcome burnout, hormone dysfunction, stress-related illness, and chronic fatigue.

He holds a degree in Exercise Physiology from Florida International University, where he also walked onto the football team at age 23. After stepping away from the fire service due to health complications, including adrenal fatigue, a heart arrhythmia, and hormonal breakdown, John created the Holistic First Responders system, a comprehensive wellness initiative explicitly designed for the physical and psychological demands of firefighting.

He founded Beyond The Job, an educational platform focused on mindset, sleep, nutrition, and innovative training. He is currently leading a wellness revolution to help first responders "outlive the job" by reversing the damage caused by shift work, trauma, and toxic exposure.

FIND JOHN HERE

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us a text

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

The Firefighting Foundations mini-series is a focused collection of episodes designed to lay down the essential building blocks of our craft. It’s not a complete manual, and it doesn’t claim to be — instead, it delivers a powerful, practical base of knowledge built on science, tactics, and mindset. Whether you’re stepping onto the drill yard for the first time or you’ve been on the job for decades, this series is packed with tools, truths, and takeaways you can apply immediately to the fireground and your overall career.

Across these episodes, we’ll explore the “why” behind our decisions, the science behind our tactics, and the mindset that drives high-performance teams. From understanding heat transfer and fire behaviour to sharpening observation skills and decision-making under pressure, each module reinforces what matters most: working smarter, staying safer, and never stopping the pursuit of mastery. Because the best firefighters keep learning and the strongest teams keep improving these foundations aren’t just for recruits they’re for anyone committed to excellence in the job we get to do.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us a text

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew