First responders regularly deal with intense and emotional situations where the people they are serving may be angry or in crisis. Law enforcement professional and adjunct professor Ben Iobst joins us to discuss effective techniques for verbal de-escalation and the significance of having an effective psychological and experienced based skillset for responding to others in a crisis situation. Ben Iobst teaches Verbal De-Escalation for First Responders at Northampton Community College. Visit the N...
Jan 17, 2022•10 min•Season 21Ep. 24
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 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....
Dec 28, 2021•14 min•Season 21Ep. 25
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 vehicl...
Dec 14, 2021•9 min•Season 22Ep. 1
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,...
Nov 30, 2021•8 min•Season 22Ep. 1
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 a...
Nov 16, 2021•25 min•Season 21Ep. 23
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 .
Nov 02, 2021•13 min•Season 21Ep. 22
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.
Oct 19, 2021•22 min•Season 21Ep. 21
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.
Oct 05, 2021•11 min•Season 21Ep. 20
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.
Sep 21, 2021•14 min•Season 21Ep. 19
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.
Sep 07, 2021•8 min•Season 21Ep. 18
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.
Aug 24, 2021•14 min•Season 21Ep. 17
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.
Aug 10, 2021•10 min•Season 21Ep. 16
Critical incident stress can have a lasting effect on emergency responders; yet, the stigma surrounding mental illness often interferes with seeking help. Dr. Kathy Jansen discusses potential solutions to help manage traumatic situations when they arise and tools to consider when integrating a critical incident stress management program into your organization. Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website. Download the Risk Bulletin: https://hubs.la/H0TT...
Jul 27, 2021•18 min•Season 21Ep. 15
ResponderHelp.com is a valuable resource for emergency personnel, developed and administered by VFIS and offering content sourced from a broad variety of industry specialists. The website offers a robust variety of safety-related resources in response to the needs and questions of emergency responders everywhere. ETC Technical Writer and Site Administrator Rick Gurba talks with us about some of the site's features and the sign up process.
Jul 13, 2021•6 min•Season 21Ep. 8
Patient handling is a complex task that emergency service organizations (ESOs) undertake every day. However, the basics of patient handling are often taken for granted and associated incidents can result in injury and damage to the responder, the patient and the organization. Sr. Risk Control Representative Dave Bradley joins the program to discuss how poor patient handling impacts organizations and some potential solutions to help control this exposure. Download the Risk Bulletin: https://hubs....
Jun 29, 2021•10 min•Season 21Ep. 7
Is your emergency service organization getting the most out of your current driver monitoring program? In this episode, we join VFIS Client Risk Solutions Director Mike Baker to discuss how driver monitoring systems can help improve your organization’s fleet safety and impact overall maintenance costs. We’ll explore how the data generated by these systems can provide timely alerts of risky driving behaviors to fleet managers so they can proactively address them before they lead to an accident....
Jun 15, 2021•8 min•Season 21Ep. 6
When’s the last time your department updated its severe weather plan? This week on Don’t Risk It! we sit down with Chief Woody Sullivan from Pender EMS & Fire of North Carolina to discuss the importance of being proactive, not reactive, in storm response.
Jun 01, 2021•33 min•Season 21Ep. 11
Fatigue impacts personal health as well as a responder’s ability to perform key functions including patient care, incident command and vehicle operations. In this episode we revisit the discussion of fatigue management in EMS operations with Fire Chief Loy Senter and Battalion Chief Kevin Moran from Chesterfield Fire & EMS. Chief Senter and Chief Moran join us to talk about the details of an internal fatigue management study they’ve recently conducted within their department. To learn more a...
May 18, 2021•30 min•Season 21Ep. 3
Theft of emergency vehicles, including the specialized medical equipment and medications onboard, can be costly; and in some cases, losses of this nature have resulted in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, vehicle and equipment theft can occur anywhere. VFIS Industry Specialist Blair Tyndall provides some considerations for securing vehicles while away from and at the station.
May 04, 2021•10 min•Season 21Ep. 9
Sexual harassment continues to be a hot topic for business and organizations. What can EMS and fire departments do differently now to address and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace? How can ESOs protect personnel from unwanted attention? Mike McCall, President of MJ Consulting, sits down to discuss what departments can do to foster safe and positive work environments. Join us for a special two-part series exploring this topic.
Apr 20, 2021•25 min•Season 21Ep. 12
Sexual harassment continues to be a hot topic for business and organizations. What can EMS and fire departments do differently now to address and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace? How can ESOs protect personnel from unwanted attention? Mike McCall, President of MJ Consulting, sits down to discuss what departments can do to foster safe and positive work environments. Join us for a special two-part series exploring this topic.
Apr 06, 2021•22 min•Season 21Ep. 11
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, have become favored tools among emergency service organizations (ESOs) for a variety of tasks. A UAS program can be a vital asset to an ESO. It’s recommended that ESOs develop a UAS protocols before purchasing a UAS platform, as the intended use for the drone may impact selection. Chris Rodgers discusses some things to consider when looking to adopt a UAS program.
Mar 23, 2021•11 min•Season 21Ep. 5
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 provide...
Mar 09, 2021•9 min•Season 21Ep. 3
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.
Feb 23, 2021•8 min•Season 21Ep. 2
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) works to honor firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty, as well as support their surviving families, communities and crews. We sit down with NFFF's executive director, Chief Ronald Siarnicki to discuss the organization's history, mission and outreach initiatives.
Feb 09, 2021•32 min•Season 21Ep. 3
Emergency responders are utilizing social media at a rapid pace. EMS employees’ usage, written content, images and videos on social media platforms can create a multitude of problems for them and the entities they work for. Mike McCall joins Don’t Risk It! in this two-part program to highlight some of the potential challenges facing ESOs with regard to electronic devices and social media use.
Jan 26, 2021•22 min•Season 21Ep. 1
Emergency responders are utilizing social media at a rapid pace. EMS employees’ usage, written content, images and videos on social media platforms can create a multitude of problems for them and the entities they work for. Mike McCall joins Don’t Risk It! in this two-part program to highlight some of the potential challenges facing ESOs with regard to electronic devices and social media use.
Jan 12, 2021•20 min•Season 20Ep. 4
Sr. Vice President of VFIS Client Risk Solutions Scott Harkins joins the program to discuss firefighting foam concerns associated with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS pose a hazard to the environment and to the people that use them. Scott will discuss steps to help mitigate these exposures while helping protect emergency responders and the environment.
Dec 29, 2020•6 min•Season 21Ep. 4
Risk Control for Mid-Level Managers is a program developed by John Kottmyer, Director of VFIS Training Programs, and designed to re-introduce the emergency services officer (supervisor, FTO, etc.) to risk control and how it plays an integral part in safety as well as overall operations. We visit with John Kottmyer to review some of the program details including risk management, roles, responsibilities and potential pitfalls.
Dec 15, 2020•11 min•Season 20Ep. 3
Fatigue impacts personal health as well as a responder’s ability to perform key functions including patient care, incident command and vehicle operations. Efforts to move to shorter shifts continue to face significant resistance while the number of EMS agencies using 24- and 48-hour shifts continues to rise. Dave Bradley details the potential hazards associated with fatigued drivers and provides some potential solutions.
Dec 01, 2020•8 min•Season 20Ep. 2
