In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, we sit down with Captain Rob Ramirez, a veteran firefighter and lead instructor of Mayday Mindset. With over 20 years in the fire service Captain Ramirez shares invaluable insights into Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations, Mayday prevention, and firefighter survival.

The conversation covers everything from his journey into the fire service to the critical role of realistic, data-driven training in preventing Mayday situations. Captain Ramirez also discusses the challenges of traditional RIT assignments, the effectiveness of stress-inoculation training, and the need for a cultural shift in fireground operations.

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

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Timestamps & Key Segments

Introduction & Guest Background (0:00 - 1:08)

- Host welcomes listeners to the Hazard Class Podcast.

- Introduction to guest Captain Rob Ramirez.

- Rob’s extensive background in fire service and rescue operations.

The Wheel of Stupid Questions! (1:08 - 3:11)

- Would you rather fight a man-sized chicken or 20 chicken-sized men?

- Hilarious debate about strategy, intellect, and whether small attackers could outsmart a firefighter.

Rob's Journey into the Fire Service (3:11 - 5:55)

- How a visit to a Miami-Dade firehouse during high school changed everything.

- The camaraderie and team dynamic that drew him in.

- The first fire he ever fought and how that moment solidified his passion.

Cuban Coffee vs. Crystal Meth? (4:32 - 4:59)

- Rob’s take on Cuban coffee: "It’s the reason crystal meth never took off in South Florida."

- The host’s first-time excitement about trying it.

Becoming an Instructor & Finding a Niche in RIT (6:05 - 8:53)

- Transitioning from firefighter to instructor.

- The frustration with outdated and ineffective training.

- Why he gravitated toward Mayday Mindset and firefighter self-rescue.

Maydays by the Numbers: When & Why They Happen (11:16 - 13:19)

- Why most Maydays are predictable.

- Key risk factors: disorientation, building failure, unexpected fire behavior.

- Importance of identifying these risks early through training.

Two-In, Two-Out: Does It Work? (15:19 - 18:06)

- The inefficiencies of holding firefighters back for "RIT standby."

- The reality that most rescues happen from within the structure, not outside.

- "If you only have six people on scene, you’re better off putting all six inside than leaving half outside."

The Future of RIT Operations (18:06 - 19:48)

- Will fireground strategies change based on real-world data?

- How resistance to change is one of the fire service’s biggest hurdles.

The Perfect Incident Commander Response to a Mayday (30:53 - 34:30)

- "Make it personal. Don’t be robotic."

- Why location matters more than anything in an initial Mayday call.

- Common failures in radio communication.

Firefighter Rescue vs. Civilian Rescue (37:24 - 38:57)

- "Firefighter rescue is actually easier—Mrs. Smith feels suction-cupped to the floor!"

- The importance of prioritizing quick and efficient drags.

Training for the Real Thing (35:00 - 36:46)

- Why stress inoculation must be ongoing, not a one-time drill.

- How training in zero visibility and working with SCBAs under pressure is essential.

How Company Officers Can Make Their Crew Mayday-Ready (39:32 - 41:56)

- Mastering SCBA operations as the foundation.

- Regular training in zero-visibility conditions.

- Developing muscle memory for firefighter rescue techniques.